I was feeling a bit predictable so I set myself a challenge. I had three boards that, on the surface, looks less than pretty. So, I decided I would make “something” with them. Here are the three boards:
The two on the right are Ash with some rather interesting discoloration. The one on the left was “I know not what” when I started.
I started by cutting the left board in half, and then cutting it again at the split. I flattened on side and glued the two pieces together.
Once the glue was dry, I cleaned it up a bit and put it on the lathe to make a nice little cylinder. As it turned out, the board on the left was Sycamore.
From there I milled up the other half, but because it twisted, I had to slice it into four boards to get anything flat and workable. When I had four flat square boards, I glued them back together to make a reasonable piece of lumber.
Next I turned my attention to the Ash boards. After working with them to get them flat and square, I ended up with seven smaller, but usable boards. From these I started to make a base.
Then, I took the Sycamore column and turned a simple post. And, cut a circle from the other half of the Sycamore board.
The next step was to assemble the base. I also glued up the remaining Ash boards and cut a circle from them as well.
Finally, I took the base and set the Ash circle on top of it, then took the post and set it on that, and then put the Sycamore circle on top of the post. This is what I ended up with.
I put a little finish on it and showed it to the wife who said, “I don’t like it”. Then my daughter looked at it and said, “I don’t hate it”. Eventually, my father saw it and said, “I kinda like it”. My dad has a good eye.
I wasn’t sure what I was going to get when I started, and now that it’s done, I’m not sure what I got, but it is interesting.
-- Working at Woodworking http://www.VillageLaneFurniture.com
14 comments so far
brianP
home | projects | blog
20 posts in 938 days
#1 posted 932 days ago
The important thing is, did you have fun making it?
-- --Brian, Brooklyn, New York
Zuki
home | projects | blog
1402 posts in 2242 days
#2 posted 932 days ago
Um . . . I’m not really sure what it is either.
It looks like something that a cake would be placed on.
I like the joinery. Very tight and clean.
Did your dad get his new glasses yet? LOLOLOLOL
-- BLOG - http://www.colorfulcanary.com/search/label/Zuki
jcwalleye
home | projects | blog
267 posts in 1238 days
#3 posted 932 days ago
It is interesting. I think it’s neat that you worked on a project where you just let it take you where it wanted to go. I’m not sure how big the stand is, but it might make a nice place for an large overflowing plant. I like it.
-- Trees, a wonderful gift --Joe--
sras
home | projects | blog
3222 posts in 1294 days
#4 posted 932 days ago
Good for dad! Depending on the size, it looks like a display stand or plant stand.
-- Steve - Impatience is Expensive
HallTree
home | projects | blog
5662 posts in 1933 days
#5 posted 932 days ago
I don’t know for sure, but I think you are on to something big in the future.
-- "Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life" Solomon
ellen35
home | projects | blog
2438 posts in 1598 days
#6 posted 932 days ago
It is the journey, not the destination, that counts.
Your journey was most interesting… your destination, the same!
-- Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Jamie Speirs
home | projects | blog
3668 posts in 1022 days
#7 posted 932 days ago
Reminds me of a table that you find in old Pubs. Great Project.
http://www.bdjoinery.com/photo03052009060131/1241371275.jpg
jamie
-- Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though 'twere his own. --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Kristoffer
home | projects | blog
617 posts in 1381 days
#8 posted 932 days ago
I love it. It’s amazing how a few boards that appear to be “less than pretty” can become a beautiful piece of furniture.
-- Cheers and God Bless
jack1
home | projects | blog
1803 posts in 2192 days
#9 posted 931 days ago
Nice stuff with these “bizarre” boards. I like to put them aside for special things also. Neat.
-- jack -- ...measure once, curse twice!
Russel
home | projects | blog
2199 posts in 2104 days
#10 posted 931 days ago
Thanks for lookin’ people, I appreciate it. I did forget to mention that it stands approximately 26 inches tall. The top disc is 12 inches in diameter and the bottom is 15 inches. The center post is about 17 inches.
It was a learning experience and one I will try again at some time.
And, Zuki, Dad’s eye are just fine …. he hasn’t run into any buildings lately. ;-)
Jamie, I really like that Pub Table and may add something like that to my list of things to do.
-- Working at Woodworking http://www.VillageLaneFurniture.com
a1Jim
home | projects | blog
86927 posts in 1742 days
#11 posted 931 days ago
Unique, good job and fun too.
-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/
Gregn
home | projects | blog
1643 posts in 1149 days
#12 posted 931 days ago
Nice knick knack stand. I sometimes get confronted with a board or 2 as what to do with it or make from them. Its one of the things I like about scrap wood projects it gives you a chance to play. While these boards were far from scrap lumber you certainly found a way to work around the defects and bring out the natural characteristic beauty of the wood into a interesting project. Take 2 Attaboys from the Attaboy jar and know you’ve conquered your challenge with satisfaction and pride. Great Job.
-- I don't make mistakes, I have great learning lessons, Greg
Rustic
home | projects | blog
2981 posts in 1761 days
#13 posted 930 days ago
nicely done
-- www.carvingandturningsbyrick.com, Rick Kruse, Grand Rapids, MI
Quixote
home | projects | blog
196 posts in 1803 days
#14 posted 930 days ago
This just looks like too much fun.
Q
-- I don't make sawdust...I produce vast quantities of "Micro Mulch."
Have your say...