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Wood you like some wine?

Chess, I wood love some.

Often times when playing around on the lathe I'll let the wood (cracks or voids and/or errant chisel marks) dictate what a piece wants to be. For this stopper - Holly, the first time I've ever used it, I was more focused on what I didn't want it to be. I didn't want this almost pure white wood to look like a snowman or a chefs hat… then it started taking on the form of a rook.

Rather than fight it, I went with it. and it came together surprisingly easy. A nice wood to work. I normally like medium to darker woods with interesting grains. This cut very well, and surprisingly cleanly. It chipped a bit when I was squaring up the bottom to drill and tap for the mandrel, so I was worried, but there were no issues at all - just lots of almost pure white ribbons. I did use clean sandpaper to avoid discoloration from the dust from other woods. I sanded up to 600 grit as the 220 and even 320 left marks in the wood. Now it's smooth as glass, only finished with bowling alley wax to try to maintain the pureness of the wood.

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Go with the force Scott :))
 

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Scott: that's a great piece.

I've got 20 or so fireplace logs of Holly. It might have some blue stain but if you want some let me know
 

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ooh, now you've really got me thinking "chess set" - Merry Christmas 2012 to my (less and less) little one.
Thanks Karson, even your firewood is quality stuff!
 

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Scott, It looks good. Love working with the Holly, I did use it for my snowmen ornaments, was just so nice. Hopefully I will be picking up some more in the coming months, still have some of the first log to process.

CtL
 

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Holly Cow! That is nice…
 

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Great Project!!

Thanks for sharing
 
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