My father requested I make these for his mining company so they are able to display the core samples from his mining companies latest property. They are constructed out of Red Oak and the corners are joined using a box joint to resemble the old dynamite boxes. The hardest part of the project was cutting the stopped dados for the deviders in the ends. This picture does not show it well, but they are still in need of several more coats of the poly/oil finish. Had to rush it a bit to get them to a show in Reno on time. Like my dad says “looks good to the man in the airplane”. I’ll complete the finish after the show!

Well, it’s that time of the year to start cranking out those projects which can be made in relatively short order and make the recipients ooh and awe, even though they may not have a clue just what it is!
I made these for one of my wifes cousins so she can give them out. They are made of a Tulip wood, with White Oak and Black Walnut laminated in the center while the others are the same old Black Walnut and Maple configured to yield the checkered pattern. She chose not to have any coins placed these and I think it wise as it helps to show off the woods natural beauty better. Get those gifts started folks!

Here are a few pics of some of the wine stoppers I made for family last Christmas. They are shown on top of some sliding trivets. All are made from hard maple and black walnut. The trivets are made as gifts also and frequently are mistaken as cutting boards. Tipically they are kept on the kitchen table and used as a center piece, with the smaller trivet being stacked upon the larger.

Several years ago my wife put ina request for some mission oak furniture, specificaly a Morris Chair. We purchased the White Oak and then the project went on hold while working on the house. One thing lead to another and then, finally 5 years later, I got right after it and went on an Arts and Crafts consruction frenzy. The rocker and the Morris chair were from plans out of Wood Magazine, the side table is my own design.