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I was helping a friend move an old shed to the bottom corner of his garden. Much to his wifes chagrin we had to 'prune' a couple of lower branches of one of the trees. So I thought I would make her something
from the prunings. Wood is Totara.
I was a bit unsure about the wood and if it would be suitable, the branch was less than 3inches thick. I carved it very green (1 day old). Rough carved to shape then microwaved it over a couple of days then finished and sanded. Tung oil gave it a lovely transluscent shimmer.
Tools used - Totara Branch - chisel - rasp - microwave - lots of sanding to 600 grit - tung oil. Wood has lovely silky finish.

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Comments

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Lots of character in those branches. Very nicely done ! Very kind of you to do such a kind thing for a friend ! "goodon'ya".

don schneider havana fl.
 

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429 Posts
Lovely spoons. You got a great finish on them.
 

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Nice work and a unusual wood.
 

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His wife made out like a bandit! You turned her chagrin into a 'grin'. Never heard of Totara.. so I looked it up and there are actually songs written about it. Nice work…. beautiful finish!
 

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Thanks guys. Murch, the finish is entirely in the wood - no real skill or effort here. Totara looks vaguely like a large Yew.
The spoons seem to be holding up well with use.
 
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