| Project by Bob Babcock | posted 955 days ago | 3431 views | 4 times favorited | 62 comments | ![]() |
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Hello All,
I built these gates for my brothers vacation home on Maui. He lets me use it pretty much whenever I want so I figured I needed to show my appreciation. I really liked working with the Lyptus, easy to machine and a beautiful wood.
Regards,
-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org































62 comments so far
scottb
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3391 posts in 1205 days
posted 955 days ago
I like your profile picture, and I love those gates…. What a nice thank you to your brother.
-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/
Chip
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1058 posts in 970 days
posted 955 days ago
Just beautiful Bob. And the little lizard detail is terrific. These are wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.
BassBully
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253 posts in 975 days
posted 955 days ago
That’s very clever. Looks great too. I like how it doesn’t block off the path completely because you can see through the gate.
-- There are three types of people in the world, those who can count and those who can't!
CharlieM1958
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7459 posts in 1096 days
posted 955 days ago
Great design and well executed! I think I need to see them in person though. ROAD TRIP!
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
Todd A. Clippinger
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5588 posts in 977 days
posted 955 days ago
WOW! Love the design!
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 955 days ago
they are WONDERFUL… \now.. where can I put some gates../?? hmmm
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Dick, & Barb Cain
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6989 posts in 1177 days
posted 955 days ago
Beautiful, & all the above comments.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
Branden
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320 posts in 1014 days
posted 955 days ago
Very sharp! Thanks for sharing!
-- Branden - Sacramento, California - www.ShopDogUSA.com
BassBully
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253 posts in 975 days
posted 955 days ago
I’m with Charlie, I think they’d look better in person.
-- There are three types of people in the world, those who can count and those who can't!
dennis mitchell
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3785 posts in 1192 days
posted 955 days ago
Those twigs are all crooked…I’m pretty good with twigs…Take me a couple of weeks to fix…no problem..whats the address?
I really like the design. Good work.
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
Sawdust
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56 posts in 1285 days
posted 955 days ago
Great looking gates. What kind of finish did you put on them?
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 955 days ago
yup.. just had another look—I have no walls outside to attach a gate to but I’ll think of something!!! :D
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Karson
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25271 posts in 1278 days
posted 955 days ago
Debbie how about to the basement stairs.
Great looking gates.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
Bob Babcock
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1808 posts in 964 days
posted 955 days ago
Thanks for the kind comments all. The finish is Cabot’s Australian timber oil. I built the 1st gate (the smaller one) about a year before the main gate. After shipping the main gates my brother asked if I would fly out and install them (tough duty I know). While I was out there I wiped down the 1st gate with the timber oil and it looked better than when I 1st completed it. Take a look at http://www.ponohouse.com/ and you’ll see where I got the inspiration for the raw cedar and copper. The house columns are all raw Ohia and all the gutters are copper.
-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org
Bob Babcock
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1808 posts in 964 days
posted 955 days ago
See the additional photo. You can see where the idea for the lizard detail came from…lots of these little guys roaming around.
-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org
scottb
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3391 posts in 1205 days
posted 955 days ago
Saw a little guy like that in Bermuda. Nice touch!
When’s the open house tour?
-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/
Muzhik
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128 posts in 1016 days
posted 955 days ago
Love the gates, and that house is awesome, too! I was stationed in Hawai’i for 3 years and managed to get over to Maui only once. Sure would love to go back!
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 954 days ago
basement stairs – good idea (except that we put a gate on it to keep toddlers safe and I’m not sure if this would be as effective)...
but you got me thinking—- I never considered INSIDE before!! Wheels are turning..
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Cathy Krumrei
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344 posts in 1064 days
posted 954 days ago
Beautiful gates! The design is elegant and rustic how neat!
-- Cathy Krumrei
Dartaniel
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16 posts in 955 days
posted 954 days ago
Absolutely gorgeous, very professional.
-- Russell W. Hupp
oscorner
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4572 posts in 1189 days
posted 953 days ago
Very nice. They go well with the house.
-- Jesus is Lord!
Obi
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2191 posts in 1115 days
posted 953 days ago
Very nice… and the Gecko in the third picture looks life-like what color of green paint is that?
-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/
Don
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2590 posts in 1055 days
posted 938 days ago
Lovely work, Bob.
I was unfamiliar with the term “Lyptus”. It sounds like a contraction of Eucalyptus, and being from Australia where Eucalyptus is the dominant native species, I had to look it up. According to this site, it’s a marketing trade name – a wood made from a hybrid of two species of Eucalyptus tree, Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus urophylla.
I was particularly interested in the paragraph entitled “Criticism” and bring it to the attention of LJ’s.
-- CanuckDon "I just love small wooden boxes!" http://www.hilsbiblechurch.org/
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 937 days ago
very interesting Don!
“too limiting” haaa I wonder what that really means.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Bob Babcock
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1808 posts in 964 days
posted 937 days ago
Very interesting indeed. I hadn’t heard of Aracruz’s questionable practices before. Part of why I like working with Lyptus is the supposedly eco-friendly forest stewardship they promote. Makes you wonder how much of it is simply marketing BS.
-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 937 days ago
It’s scary to think of all the “facts’ out there are are phoooey. It sure makes it worth the while to do a little research.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Napaman
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3409 posts in 955 days
posted 854 days ago
just saw these bob on the new format—-great!!!! I really love these…
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
mot
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4901 posts in 914 days
posted 854 days ago
That’s one of the nicest projects I’ve seen. Very unique and as I tend to find pieces labeled as “unique,” a bit of a strain to find a positive comment, I find myself staring at this one. It is very pleasing to the eye. I’m glad it made it back around.
-- You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. (Plato)
Bob Babcock
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1808 posts in 964 days
posted 853 days ago
Thanks guys. I enjoyed making these.
Hehe….most of my work gets categorized as somewhat unigue Tom. I’m not sure if thats good or not. I’m not one for making exact reproductions. Everything usually has a twist to it. It’s usually what ever comes out of my head. I really like marrying finished pieces with raw wood and my brother’s house does that very well. The inspiration for these was the house itself and the beautiful raw koa columns.
-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org
Bob #2
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2987 posts in 899 days
posted 853 days ago
That’s really nice stuff Bob.
The design just jumps out at me.
Did you build them in MA or on the island?
Bob
-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner
Bob Babcock
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1808 posts in 964 days
posted 853 days ago
I built them both in MA and shipped them. I had to build the shipping cases as well. Everything went very smooth. I rebuilt the frame on the front gate. During the install we found the beginnings of some termite damage. The original gates had been put on in a hurry and the frame was just KD fir. Termite food in Maui.
We put up some new PT framing, painted it to match the wall and installed the gate. It was fun to get a chance to do some work with my brother. My sister-n-law just found some hardware she liked (she’s been looking for awhile) so he still needs to install that.
I did the small one 1st so they knew somewhat what to expect but I think my sister-in-law was nervous until she saw the big ones. I was really happy with how it came out. It’s a big gate and looks heavy but it functions smoothly and fit perfectly. She used to leave the previous gates open because they were solid. Now she leaves them closed for effect.
-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org
DAN
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6396 posts in 861 days
posted 852 days ago
these are awesome !!
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever
Dick, & Barb Cain
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6989 posts in 1177 days
posted 830 days ago
You picked a good one with this project. Good Luck Bob
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
RobS
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1231 posts in 1184 days
posted 829 days ago
Awesome Gates, Best of Luck.
-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX
Mark A. DeCou
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1533 posts in 1283 days
posted 828 days ago
These are great gates. I missed them somehow when they were posted, but spotted them while looking at who to vote for.
Good work. That house is gorgeous.
Mark
-- Mark DeCou - American Contemporary Craft Artisan - www.decoustudio.com
PanamaJack
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4447 posts in 955 days
posted 828 days ago
I’d let you stay in my house here in Columbus Indiana if you build me some gates like this!
Great job!
-- Carpe Lignum - Seize The Wood,
Don
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2590 posts in 1055 days
posted 822 days ago
Well deserved, Bob. Congratulations!
-- CanuckDon "I just love small wooden boxes!" http://www.hilsbiblechurch.org/
CedarFreakCarl
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562 posts in 931 days
posted 822 days ago
Great job Bob! You really deserved it and congratulations!
-- Carl Rast, Pelion, SC
Chip
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1058 posts in 970 days
posted 822 days ago
I knew when I first saw the photos that this work was a standout. Wonderful creativity and great creaftsmanship. Congrats Bob!
-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.
WayneC
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5854 posts in 975 days
posted 822 days ago
Well done Bob. Congratulations.
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
Bob Babcock
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1808 posts in 964 days
posted 822 days ago
Thanks so much for the kind words all. I’m still surprised. The competition was so good. I thought I might have a shot at 3rd at best. Here is a picture with a little better detail pre-installation.
I wish i had matched the center posts instead of contrasting them. I matched the tops and bottoms so that the grains would be continuous and thought the contrast would look better. I think it would have been better if they both looked like the one on the right. The grain was interesting on the left but got kind of busy looking when I finished it.
And of the side gate pre shipping. The raw cedar glows when finished.

-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 822 days ago
yup.. definitely a winner! :)
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
furnitologist
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189 posts in 891 days
posted 821 days ago
Hi Bob:
Congrats on another fine project…......as MsD states…...”yup.. definitely a winner!”
Neil
Lee A. Jesberger
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3709 posts in 857 days
posted 821 days ago
Bob,
Great job! Congratulations on the first place you’ve earned.
Just a beautiful piece! (that’s not really a drawing in sketch up, is it? (LOL)
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
Douglas Bordner
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3415 posts in 942 days
posted 821 days ago
Wife ought let you buy more stuff now that you are an international wood star! Again, congrats Bob.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
Bob Babcock
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1808 posts in 964 days
posted 820 days ago
I tell you…it feels strange having such accomplished woodworkers praising my work. Thank you all so much!
LOL…It did start out there Lee.
Hehe….Douglas . I told the wife I was famous and she said “When your 15 minutes are up don’t forget to take out the trash”.
-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org
jembo
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105 posts in 891 days
posted 820 days ago
Well, these other J’s stole all the good lines, or maybe I’m late. Hot stuff Bob – very well done!
Thank goodness your brother paid for the shipping…...............................oops!
-- James - Geneva, Switzerland
woodspar
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705 posts in 977 days
posted 820 days ago
Beautiful gates Bob, Congrats!
-- John
Douglas Bordner
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3415 posts in 942 days
posted 820 days ago
Bob- Had to laugh, my wife would say the same, except she would be trying to see how I could change it into a paying gig.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 820 days ago
that’s funny Bob. “one for the missus” :)
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Aubster
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121 posts in 906 days
posted 820 days ago
congrats Bob! You derserved it.
-- A man who moves mountains starts one stone at a time.
koopmaun
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28 posts in 1076 days
posted 817 days ago
Stunning work. Deserved win. Cheers.
-- Koopmaun, Canada, www.screekpaddleco.com
Mark A. DeCou
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1533 posts in 1283 days
posted 815 days ago
Congrats Bob: These were beautiful gates. The combination of contrasting woods, and the rustic sticks in contrast to the smooth frame. A unique and good looking art-gate. What a garden it protects!
-- Mark DeCou - American Contemporary Craft Artisan - www.decoustudio.com
Karson
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25271 posts in 1278 days
posted 815 days ago
Bob Congratulations on your first place win. The gates are great.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
Bob Babcock
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1808 posts in 964 days
posted 809 days ago
Thanks again all. This is one of my favorite projects. It was the 1st thing I ever built that I really tried to build something fine. Before this is was simpler projects, much cheaper woods, fun stuff but basic. The inspiration for this was easy. I knew what I wanted to do almost immediately. It had to match the house with a combination of raw wood and fine finishes. I’ve had some great times at the house with family and friends and a piece of my soul has been stolen by the island of Maui. I’d love to live there for a few years in the future.
When I built our gate and arbor I married the finished with the raw but it was no where near this project. It was a serious challenge for me and it had to be perfect. I was so happy to see my sister-in-law as excited as she was when we opened the crate. When we installed it the entrance was transformed. I was surprised how much it changed the look.
Thank you all again for the honor. You have no idea how much it means to me.
-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org
MsDebbieP
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14089 posts in 1038 days
posted 807 days ago
the gate is magnificent—the Award honour is just validates this.
Maui is the one place on earth that I’d like to visit (other than going across Canada). I just think of it as magical in its beauty. I don’t think I’ll ever get there in this life time but I can always dream.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Bob Babcock
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1808 posts in 964 days
posted 803 days ago
You have to go for it Deb. It really is a magical place. It doesn’t have to be expensive either. The air far and lodging is the big part. You CAN eat reasonably there, and there is so much to do and see that costs nothing.
-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org
Woodn88s
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52 posts in 419 days
posted 391 days ago
Great job Bob, very creative and functional for sure.
Gregg
-- I want to know Gods thoughts....rest are details "A. Einstein"
DaveR
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1468 posts in 598 days
posted 391 days ago
Bob, I have just see this thread. Lovely gates. I’ve wondered about the rot resistance of Lyptus but have been unable to find any information. I tried contacting the “manufacturer” but they never responded. Have you seen any information about that?
-- Until you spread your wings, you'll have no idea how far you can walk.
Grumpy
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14852 posts in 729 days
posted 391 days ago
Very original Bob. Well suited to the location.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
Blake
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2715 posts in 752 days
posted 252 days ago
These are really cool. Just noticed them in “roll the dice.”
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
Arnold
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98 posts in 440 days
posted 57 days ago
stunning