A Ken Wraight Signature Box

**jefferson** · 15th September 2009, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by KenW

I don't remember "fairly robust" being in the instructions. I do remember that the box was to be "something special". Jeff shold know better than to leave the design to me.

Alright, I may not have explicitly said the word "robust". But I did warn that an overly delicate piece might topple over easily if a nurse bumped it (or something like that). Impliedly, I was expecting a "simple" elegant WWW box. But no, that was no challenge for Ken, was it?

The base idea with the three stems gives the box more stability, which is well-suited to the place it's likely to sit for a while. But it's certainly not "base heavy", either in your hands or visually.

Thanks again, Ken. Saturn Rising it is. I have no idea of how many days it took to plan, design and execute. Just finding the wood in your "one-way traffic only" workshop must have taken 4 hours at least.

**TTIT** · 15th September 2009, 11:10 PM

Exceptional piece Ken

As Skew said, "idea pinched".

**Skew ChiDAMN!!** · 15th September 2009, 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by Ozkaban

I disagree with Skew - no way I could copy that one!!!

I think you've got me wrong... I don't "copy" any-one's work.

Nor do I have the skills to successfully copy this 'un.

But I do pinch concepts & ideas, let them stew over in the ol' noggin and then come up with my rustic "two sticks, some wire and a BIG hammer" version.

**jefferson** · 15th September 2009, 11:39 PM

I spoke with the Weird and Wonderful tonight.

The box has a final name. It's Mercury Rising.

I will (reluctantly) re-pack the piece in a box tonight and say farewell to it in the morning. Alas, I will now have only one piece with the W signed on the base in my collection....

But I did get some nice pieces at the auction down at Phillip Island.

And Cath needs it more than I do.

As for copying Ken's work...... I've tried and failed maybe 5 times to do one of his 1/2 hour demo boxes..... I'm still trying.

And for those that have never seen Ken demo, get along to the next one. His work is one thing, but he is also a great educator. The bugger talks and turns at the same time - I don't know how he does it.

Ed - you guys in the States don't know what you are missing out on.

**steck** · 16th September 2009, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by jefferson

And for those that have never seen Ken demo, get along to the next one. His work is one thing, but he is also a great educator. The bugger talks and turns at the same time - I don't know how he does it.

Does anyone know where Ken will be demonstrating?

**Ed Reiss** · 16th September 2009, 12:06 PM

Originally Posted by jefferson

And for those that have never seen Ken demo, get along to the next one. His work is one thing, but he is also a great educator. The bugger talks and turns at the same time - I don't know how he does it.

Ed - you guys in the States don't know what you are missing out on.

With Ken's permission, perhaps someone could record one of his demo's and post it on YouTube

**jefferson** · 16th September 2009, 12:37 PM

I'll talk with Ken about it. (Or he can respond himself!)

I have some of Ken's DVDs on loan from some of his club demos. The Peninsula Woodturning Guild ones are superb. The whole audience-interaction thing sets it apart from the standard voice-over DVDs.

Ken is busy at the moment too, so I'll try not to annoy him too much. He probably has a Cinderalla's Carriage type project lurking somewhere in that strange mind of his.

**Grumpy John** · 16th September 2009, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by steck

Does anyone know where Ken will be demonstrating?

He might be at 's on the 10th October for the next turn thingy

. PM or Ken to find out.

**jefferson** · 16th September 2009, 08:55 PM

I'll answer for Ken W on this one.

He's having some health work done earlier in the week prior to the turn-on at 's on the 10th. So he won't be turning or demonstrating.

I will however be doing a demo with Calm on the esc. chuck. If Ken is there, he can explain where I go wrong! Or I might do the voice-over, as Calm and maybe turn (mostly air).

No doubt by then I will have had a fright or two when I try to use the off-centre chuck for the first time!

For those who passed up on the sharpening weekend down at 's place last time, you missed the Dynamic Duo in action. I reckon it was worth quite a few hundred (each), so all those close to Melbourne should make the most of their generosity next time.

I've forgotten half of it, but last time led the way on the theory and practice of sharpening chisels. And he should know, pro turner that he is. He also showed a few of us how to be truly aggressive (and safe) on a bowl.

Ken did at least two impromtu demos - one a lidded finial box from dead finish, the other a "quickie" on turning a lace bobbin.

Plus a whole lot more......

We are very fortunate down here in Victoria - and the forum get-together is always good, irrespective of the agenda.

**KenW** · 16th September 2009, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by steck

Does anyone know where Ken will be demonstrating?

The next demo that I am doing is the weekend after next, at Griffith.
As Jeff has already said, I don't know if I will be able to demo at Robbos, up to the doctor. After that, the next will be North Queensland followed by the hands on show at Brisbane. Sharpening only at this one.

**KenW** · 16th September 2009, 09:44 PM

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

Ken's work is often too... "delicate" for me to try to copy. I like his ideas, but there's no way they translate into my style of hackishness.

I've finally found an exception... I think. So, finally I can say to Ken: "Idea pinched!"

Originally Posted by TTIT

Exceptional piece Ken

As Skew said, "idea pinched".

I don't mind if you have a go at my designs, just post the end results.

**jefferson** · 16th September 2009, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by KenW

I don't mind if you have a go at my designs, just post the end results.

I've already tried 4 or 5 times to copy one of your "simple" boxes, Ken.

No pictures to post, unless you want pics of some charcoal.

**Gil Jones** · 17th September 2009, 10:11 AM

Wow, that lidded box is a true beauty!!
Your friend is sure to love it.

**jefferson** · 18th September 2009, 12:57 AM

Cath got her little box today. She's out of Peter Mac for a while.

She loved it.

Somehow, I don't think it's leaving their house.

The hubby, Geoff, asked me about the wood. Geez..... Doesn't everyone know about Ancient Kanooka???

Ken W, thank you very much. A very special gift from a very gifted turner.

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