Finally, I make something...instead of just playing with tools

After spending the last few months rebuilding several old Shopsmiths & placing them in the hands of new owners, I finally actually made something with one of mine.

I call it a “rings & things” box. It started out as what I believe to be was a foot for a large leg of some big wood thing. (How’s that for being vague???) A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to Charlotte NC to visit my son & while there, I checked out the Yellow Pages for woodworking stores, and found one. (can’t remember the name, sorry)
While there I ran into a guy who was buying a whole box of the wood pieces pictured & he said they were originally for feet for something…I really should pay better attention when people talk…I think my wife tells me that, too. He said he makes little jewelry boxes by sawing them in two, on the lathe and turning these things. He had all the pieces that were for sale, but was kind enough to ask if I might like a couple as they were only 50 cents each. I said yes to 2, and here’s the first try.

I stained the outside with a cabernet stain and wiped on a water based poly varnish. The inside is amber shellac wiped over unstained wood for contrast. The little post, turned from a piece of maple kindling in the wood pile, is to keep rings or ear rings.

Not complicated, but fun. It’s good to get back at it. -SST

-- Accuracy is not in your power tool, it's in you