So I have this old beam (pictured) from an 18th century house in which an aquaintance grew up. I’d love to turn it into a gift for him and his new bride. I believe that the beam is red oak. It is 6”w x 3”d x 36”l (39” if you count the tenon). I was thinking of cutting off a slab, turning five 4” bowls/vessels from the rest, and displaying them on the slab. But I thought I’d post it and solicit suggestions. What would you do with this piece?
-- Andrew, Orange County, CA - www.TransitionTurning.com
6 comments so far
NBeener
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4805 posts in 1371 days
#1 posted 712 days ago
My first reaction (apart from “beautiful !”) was that you’d almost HAVE TO turn it, unless you felt like chopping it up to make something like a gift box.
The alternative would be to make a larger project (any of 100 different kinds), and use this beautiful board for accent/inlay/marquetry.
Cool find !
-- -- Neil
DaddyZ
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2036 posts in 1238 days
#2 posted 712 days ago
Resaw it & turn it into a end table to be cherished for generations.
No Matter what it turns into, they will love it.
-- Pat - Worker of Wood, Collector of Tools, Father of one
ratchet
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1202 posts in 1984 days
#3 posted 712 days ago
Resaw it and make a nce jewelry box for him to give to his girl.
Thats my choice anyway.
BobTheFish
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362 posts in 749 days
#4 posted 712 days ago
resawn and made into a table top. anything less wouldn’t be appreciative of the wood. Use the tenon to fill the mortise in the same slab of wood with some wedges to keep it tight. :D
SCOTSMAN
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4334 posts in 1782 days
#5 posted 712 days ago
Turn it! I have exaxctly the same size of wood three pieces my cousin gave me. One is a bit rotten I plan on turning away the rot and see if I can make 4 bowls anyway I suggest turning it what else could you use it for better? Alistair
-- excuse my typing as I have a form of parkinsons disease
Roger
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9482 posts in 1001 days
#6 posted 712 days ago
I think the bowls on a slab are a great idea. whatever you decide, I know it will be very good, and greatly appreciated from your friend and his new bride. I look forward to seeing the finished product/s
-- Roger from KY. Work/Play/Travel Safe. Kentuk55@bellsouth.net
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