| Project by GaryK | posted 478 days ago | 2856 views | 17 times favorited | 80 comments | ![]() |
![]() |
When this latest contest was first announced I knew that I would be on vacation during the time I should have been working on my projects. So I did the next best thing and thought about what I would build. While I was in Austria I came across a picture of the Faberge coronation egg. It was made for the Czar of Russia in the late 1800’s and it was my inspiration for the design of the field in this tray.
.
.
.
.
Here you can see the technique I used to get the grid pattern. A bunch of spaced out cuts in curly maple filled with peruvian walnut strips. Then after that was all sanded smooth I drilled a hole at every intersection which I later plugged with walnut made using a plug cutter. I could have used a dowel but I didn’t want end grain showing. You can also see the splines I used to strengthen the corners and the mahogany ring around the center medallion.
.
.
.
.
I figured that since I would be walking with the tray, being as clumsy as I am, I would add cup holders in the corners. I got the sizes from copying the cup holder in my car. It will hold a bottle or can and most other size of glasses.
.
.
.
.
Here you can see the handles. The curved parts are made of 3 pieces of wood with the inner part of mahogany at a right angle to the outer Walnut pieces to give it strength. The grip is made from Boxwood that extends through the curved parts also for strength.
.
.
.
.
Lastly is a closeup of the center piece of the entire project. I wasted about 4 pieces of wood (on both sides) trying to figure out how to make this. It took quite a while to figure out what I was doing wrong and had to devise an entirely different method to make it.
If any of you are interested in how I did this, let me know. I will do a blog on it’s construction.
It has a walnut background with inlays of maple, then surrounded by mahogany. It was the first part I made for this project since I new that it would take the most time to figure out. The entire piece was then inlayed into the center of the tray.
.
.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.































80 comments so far
Russel
home | projects | blog
2054 posts in 830 days
posted 478 days ago
Holy Cow !!! The level of detail is astounding. That’s a beautiful piece of work and your step by step description is great.
-- When you give someone a chance it may well be their last.
sIKE
home | projects | blog
1094 posts in 645 days
posted 478 days ago
Sheeetfire that is a beaut, you know there is no granite involved this time right ;)
Heck I was up in Longview this past weekend, I should of thought to see if I could swing by and check out your shop, maybe next time I am up there!
-- //FC - Round Rock, TX - "Experience is what you get just after you need it"
Sac
home | projects | blog
236 posts in 524 days
posted 478 days ago
Very Nice. I am interested in knowing the process.
-- Jerry, Set in the foothills of the Smokey's
Dennis Zongker
home | projects | blog
1014 posts in 483 days
posted 478 days ago
I really like the parquetry. Very nice work. you did a great job!!!
-- Dennis Zongker
Dominic Vanacora
home | projects | blog
504 posts in 760 days
posted 478 days ago
Gary your not that old to have so much talent. Your designs are time comsuming and the end results are alway worth every second you spend thinking up on how to do it.
Your are the man.
-- Dominic, Trinity, Florida...Lets be safe out there.
HokieMojo
home | projects | blog
1138 posts in 619 days
posted 478 days ago
you will need coasters for your serving tray! nice work.
SPalm
home | projects | blog
943 posts in 773 days
posted 478 days ago
Sheeeesh. That is fantastic.
I guess an indexing jig for a router on the center star inlay? I would love to see how you did it.
Very nice,
Steve
-- Stevethepeeve -- I'm no rocket surgeon
trifern
home | projects | blog
7894 posts in 658 days
posted 478 days ago
Simply stunning…
-- My favorite piece is my last one, my best piece is my next one.
Yettiman
home | projects | blog
153 posts in 629 days
posted 478 days ago
Sheeeeesh, says it all.
An unbelievable piece of work!
I feel like so humbled by your work.
The first time we meet, the beers on me.
-- Keep your tools sharp, your mind sharper and the coffee hot
Jeff
home | projects | blog
997 posts in 985 days
posted 478 days ago
Good grief Gary. Are you sure you’re not bionic or something?
Spectacular execution as usual. Thanks for not letting something like a vacation get in the way of your flourishing creativity!
-- Jeff, St. Paul, MN
teenagewoodworker
home | projects | blog
2479 posts in 659 days
posted 478 days ago
we might as well just give up now ;)
jm82435
home | projects | blog
508 posts in 633 days
posted 478 days ago
Fantastic as always.
-- A thing of beauty is a joy forever...
brunob
home | projects | blog
1467 posts in 1060 days
posted 478 days ago
Another wonderful ‘Gary Creation’.
-- Bruce from Central New York
Joe Lyddon
home | projects | blog
480 posts in 943 days
posted 478 days ago
I’m interested in how you cut the pieces to be inlayed into the center of the tray.
I can see a simple circular jig where grooves are routed… but, I guess it’s a sequence thing because some go over other pieces, etc.
Looks like you cut a groove, filled it, rotated the jig, cut another groove, filled it, etc., etc. until done all the way around… with some routed grooves going through previously cut/filled sections.
Would like to see how you did it… fo real…
You sure do good work!!
Thank you…
-- Have Fun! Joe Lyddon - Alta Loma, CA USA - Home: http://www.WoodworkStuff.net ... My Small Gallery: http://www.ncwoodworker.net/pp/showgallery.php?ppuser=1389&cat=500"
Woodhacker
home | projects | blog
1145 posts in 614 days
posted 478 days ago
Gary! That is soooo sweeeeet! I hope your trip went well, but if not, at least you got an incredible design out of it…I love it.
A blog on this would be great, please do so.
Thanks for posting it.
(wowser)
-- Martin, Kansas
romansfivefive
home | projects | blog
258 posts in 664 days
posted 478 days ago
Man, that is amazing. I want to be the first student at the Gary institute of amazing detail. I can’t even start to describe how impressed I am with the body of your work. What a gift.
-- www.robneves.com
Davesfunwoodworking
home | projects | blog
259 posts in 766 days
posted 478 days ago
Wow!!!! Very nice looking tray. Great inlay work as well. You have this down!! What a amazing piece of art.
-- Davesfunwoodworking
relic
home | projects | blog
342 posts in 827 days
posted 478 days ago
Your not really going to use that are you? Its beautiful, the inlay is just…WOW.
-- Andy Stark
brianinpa
home | projects | blog
1365 posts in 614 days
posted 478 days ago
Gary, that is gorgeous!
-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.
John Fry
home | projects | blog
73 posts in 591 days
posted 478 days ago
Fantastic work Gary,
I just love this kinda stuff. You are da Man!
-- John, Chisel and Bit Custom Crafted Furniture, www.chiselandbit.com
itsme_timd
home | projects | blog
676 posts in 722 days
posted 478 days ago
OK, OK, can we vote Gary off the island??? He’s just too good at what he does!
Maybe Martin can start posting something like, ”We were going to have a contest but instead we’re just going to send Gary a new table saw to save time.”
Seriously… this is fantastic, what a true work of art!
-- Tim D. - Woodstock, GA
Al Navas
home | projects | blog
289 posts in 766 days
posted 478 days ago
Gary,
WWWW OOOO WWWW !!!!!!!!!!!!
Terrific, Gary. I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com
Karson
home | projects | blog
25787 posts in 1291 days
posted 478 days ago
Gary. A fantastic work of art, using wood as your medium. A great job. I would also like to see the blog.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
SteveKorz
home | projects | blog
2030 posts in 605 days
posted 478 days ago
Wow Gary, another terrific project! I’m interested in seeing the process of the inlay for the center.
It looks like you made an equal number of marks around the circumference of the circle, then put it on a jig with a center pin on the table saw (or you could use a sled). You could make the cut, then put in an inlay. Turn the circle to the next mark, then put in another inlay. (am I even in the ballpark… lol?)
I really like the center… very meticulous. Great job again!
—Steve
-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) †
Lee A. Jesberger
home | projects | blog
3710 posts in 870 days
posted 478 days ago
Hi Gary;
That’s nice.
Lee
-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com
CharlieM1958
home | projects | blog
7591 posts in 1109 days
posted 478 days ago
Well, just when I was thinking how the tray contest was going to be close….. lots of nice projects…. you come along and blow everyone out of the water with a stunner like this! Of course I’ve come to expect as much… you’ve set an awfully high standard for you rself. But somehow you still manage to keep getting better. :-)
-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"
USCJeff
home | projects | blog
899 posts in 959 days
posted 478 days ago
. . . And we have a winner. . . jaw dropping
-- Jeff, South Carolina
RobS
home | projects | blog
1242 posts in 1197 days
posted 478 days ago
This should be in a museum not our contest. Fantastic work Gary!
-- Rob (A) Waxahachie,TX
bayouman
home | projects | blog
86 posts in 556 days
posted 478 days ago
UNBELIEVABLE!
Douglas Bordner
home | projects | blog
3424 posts in 955 days
posted 478 days ago
To quote The Continental: Wow! Wowie wow-wow-wow!
How do you find time to sleep!
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
Quixote
home | projects | blog
167 posts in 529 days
posted 478 days ago
I’m not sure if I’m inspired or intimidated by the quality of this piece.
Maybe a little of both.
Q
-- I don't make sawdust...I produce vast quantities of "Micro Mulch."
jeanmarc
home | projects | blog
1750 posts in 607 days
posted 478 days ago
I really like the parquetry. Very nice work.Fantastic work Gary!
-- jeanmarc manosque france
Colin
home | projects | blog
186 posts in 811 days
posted 478 days ago
Every now and then along comes a “gem”, this Faberge tray is it, I am truly humbled by your work and your attention to detail.
-- Colin, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. "Every craftsman was once an amateur"
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
14152 posts in 1051 days
posted 477 days ago
fantastic job!
I like the statement made above – that you raise the bar for the rest of us. And that’s a good thing!
Brilliant as always. I like the cup holders on the side. Carrying beverages on a tray is scary. This will help.
I didn’t have time to make a tray for this but I did have one from a long time ago – so now I’m going to enter it. Why? Because you have challenged me to go beyond my abilities and my tray will remind me that I have a long way to go :)
Thank you
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
cobbler
home | projects | blog
242 posts in 681 days
posted 477 days ago
Gary, Man what a nice piece. The thought and planning that went into
this tray must have been great.
The serving tray has gone to a new dimension.
Thanks for posting.
-- ''Carry on my wayward son''
Texasgaloot
home | projects | blog
467 posts in 591 days
posted 477 days ago
Worthy of the Czar, to be sure!
-- There's no tool like an old tool...
Scott Bryan
home | projects | blog
20518 posts in 713 days
posted 477 days ago
Gary,
In Kentucky vernacular: “You dun good”.
I know you were on vacation but was wondering if you were busy with something else besides being here. Now I can see what was taking up time (besides playing with your daughter, of course).
Well done. You are an inspiration to us all.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Bob #2
home | projects | blog
3031 posts in 912 days
posted 477 days ago
Way too much talent! <g>
Good on you Gary!
Bob
-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner
Alan Young
home | projects | blog
57 posts in 611 days
posted 477 days ago
Gary,
Beautiful design.
Some questions-The maple appears to be a veneer. Yes? How are the cup holder attached?
I’d enjoy a blog about the construction process…
Great thought and imagination.
Alan
DAN
home | projects | blog
6435 posts in 874 days
posted 477 days ago
Gary
Another awesome accomplishment ! Beautiful work with great precision and detail
Regards
DAN
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever
rtb
home | projects | blog
678 posts in 604 days
posted 477 days ago
Well mentor you’ve done it again,(as expected). I doubt that I can find words to describe this tray that have not already been used and while I will never live long enough to master the skills needed to this type of detail I would love to have you blog this. Thank you for sharing this with us.
-- RTB. "dumb animals are not stupid they simply can't talk "
ChicoWoodnut
home | projects | blog
895 posts in 706 days
posted 477 days ago
Off the wall again. Martin should just make a bunch of pre-postmarked boxes for your future schwag.
-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net
Jimthecarver
home | projects | blog
426 posts in 676 days
posted 477 days ago
And the winner is Gary!....lol…Awesome work Gary!
-- Can't never could do anything, to try is to advance.
Kevin
home | projects | blog
294 posts in 849 days
posted 477 days ago
Gary, I must say, you do tend to impress us each time you let us into your world.
Great job and good luck to you and to all the trays.
I would also love to see a blog and maybe a Lumberjock by Lumberjock shop tour in which you spend a couple years living with us teaching us the craft. Just a thought. Might take you awhile, but boy it’d be fun.
-- Kevin, Wichita, Kansas
dennis mitchell
home | projects | blog
3791 posts in 1205 days
posted 477 days ago
I think if the contest was to build a toothpick you would find a way to turn it into a work of art.
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
stanley2
home | projects | blog
278 posts in 686 days
posted 477 days ago
Gary, your mind must work in mysterious ways which coupled with your excellent skills produce such spectacular results. You are gifted.
-- Phil in British Columbia
TedM
home | projects | blog
1840 posts in 623 days
posted 477 days ago
Awe…..........some!
-- I'm a wood magician... I can turn fine lumber into firewood before your very eyes! - http://www.woodworkersguide.com
GaryK
home | projects | blog
9518 posts in 879 days
posted 477 days ago
Thanks everyone for your very kind comments. I really means something coming from my fellow woodworkers.
I will start working on a blog on how I did the center medallion. Steve Korz is the closest to describing how I did it.
Thanks again.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
motthunter
home | projects | blog
2079 posts in 690 days
posted 477 days ago
Gary, ever consider writing a book on inlay technique?
-- making sawdust....
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
14152 posts in 1051 days
posted 477 days ago
oh I like the idea of a world tour. Put me on the list!!
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Chardt
home | projects | blog
142 posts in 492 days
posted 477 days ago
Keep practicing man, you’ll get there.
Sheesh.
Thats so far beyond what I’m capable of that I have a hard time even visualizing how it was done.
-- When my wife ask's what I have to show for my wood working hobby, I just show her the splinters.
Grumpy
home | projects | blog
14914 posts in 742 days
posted 477 days ago
Speechless Gary, speechless.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
Marco Cecala
home | projects | blog
91 posts in 924 days
posted 477 days ago
Tough to add anything to the comments about your great work. Thanks for sharing it with us. Excuse me, I need to go to the shop and hide any trace of inlay materials and tell everyone I don’t do work like that.
Waiting to see the blog on the center insert.
Dusty56
home | projects | blog
3455 posts in 579 days
posted 477 days ago
Yet another Masterpiece created : ) Will this be for sale , or will you be using it poolside at home ? Looking forward to the blog and a lot more pictures please : )
-- You know you're getting old when you know the difference between you're (you are) and your (belonging to you) AND how to use them in a sentence .
Dick, & Barb Cain
home | projects | blog
7034 posts in 1190 days
posted 477 days ago
Just beautiful Gary!
When do you sleep?
You must have some fantastic dreams when you do sleep.
-- -** 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
ND2ELK
home | projects | blog
6134 posts in 665 days
posted 477 days ago
What can’t you do with a piece of wood.
God Bless
tom
-- Mc Bridge Cabinets, Iowa
YorkshireStewart
home | projects | blog
782 posts in 792 days
posted 475 days ago
Gary, I’ve only just caught up with this. What an amazing piece of work. And those cup-holders are sheer genius! Wonderful.
-- Res severa verum gaudium - True pleasure is a serious business. http://www.folksy.com/shops/TreeGems
darryl
home | projects | blog
1392 posts in 1217 days
posted 475 days ago
wow Gary, that is amazing!
your work is always inspiring. thanks for pushing the envelope.
-- www.darrylmasterson.com ~ www.darrylmasterson.etsy.com
Eric
home | projects | blog
784 posts in 675 days
posted 475 days ago
Not bad, nice try.
;^)
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
jcees
home | projects | blog
553 posts in 690 days
posted 474 days ago
Wicked cool tea toter, mon ami. Beautiful as always too. Bravisimo!
always,
J.C.
-- "Imagination is more important than knowledge" -- Albert Einstein
DAN
home | projects | blog
6435 posts in 874 days
posted 474 days ago
another special one
-- work from your heart and your spirit will live forever
PineMan
home | projects | blog
57 posts in 485 days
posted 474 days ago
Fantastic job! Looks great!
-- I never started a project I couldn't screw up.
Damian Penney
home | projects | blog
1030 posts in 882 days
posted 473 days ago
Not bad I suppose :)
-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso
Grumpy
home | projects | blog
14914 posts in 742 days
posted 473 days ago
Good luck in the contest Gary.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
manilaboy
home | projects | blog
121 posts in 826 days
posted 472 days ago
I am sorry Grumpy. With this much talent who needs luck?
-- "Real jocks do it on a bench"
Michael Brailsford
home | projects | blog
212 posts in 484 days
posted 472 days ago
Awesome. That is a skill I want to learn.
-- Michael A. Brailsford
YorkshireStewart
home | projects | blog
782 posts in 792 days
posted 469 days ago
Sincere congratulations Gary. Well deserved!
-- Res severa verum gaudium - True pleasure is a serious business. http://www.folksy.com/shops/TreeGems
spaids
home | projects | blog
458 posts in 584 days
posted 469 days ago
Holy Cow Gary! You can just pick what contest you want to win and simply take the prizes can’t you? It’s like you’re just toying with us. You should do a blog featuring all the cool stuff you have won so far. And then lumber jocks should ban you from entering contests or maybe set up a class system or something because I’m no where near your weight class dude! All kidding aside your projects are freakin awesome man. You are at a whole other level.
-- Wipe the blood stains from your blade before coming in.
robbi
home | projects | blog
171 posts in 846 days
posted 469 days ago
AMAZING!!!
-- robbi-Yadahooty!
rikkor
home | projects | blog
11338 posts in 765 days
posted 469 days ago
Congratulations Gary. The tray exceeds your extremely high standard.
CharlieK
home | projects | blog
19 posts in 684 days
posted 468 days ago
Gary, you are an inspiration! Great work!
Rob Drown
home | projects | blog
324 posts in 724 days
posted 467 days ago
WOW!
Now that is, “setting the bar”. And it even has cup holders!!
-- Sharp tools and thin whispy shavings make woodworking a joy.
Grumpy
home | projects | blog
14914 posts in 742 days
posted 466 days ago
Congratulations Gary. A well deserved win.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
woodyone
home | projects | blog
234 posts in 482 days
posted 416 days ago
Amazing eye for detail, Well done.
Woody.
-- Woody, UK
AaronSmith
home | projects | blog
5 posts in 367 days
posted 367 days ago
Wow. I just registered for this site so I could get some ideas for a serving tray for my wife; I must say that this goes beyond anything I ever would have imagined. That is seriously a museum-quality piece.
-- Measure once, curse twice.
Treverk
home | projects | blog
20 posts in 371 days
posted 367 days ago
I have been completely put in my place…
-- Matt, Minneapolis, www.treverkdesign.com
majeagle1
home | projects | blog
424 posts in 387 days
posted 361 days ago
After all that has been said…............ I guess all I can say is:
Beeeeeeeeeeeeeee U T Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuulllll !!!!!!! and
Wow, Wow, and Triple WOW !!!
You do amazing work, when I see projects like this it is just awe inspireing…........
-- Gene, Majestic Eagle Woodworks, http://majesticeagleww.etsy.com/, http://www.flickr.com/photos/majesticeagle/
Lloyd Davies
home | projects | blog
83 posts in 217 days
posted 196 days ago
Gary,
Very nice. Did you ever complete that blog on how you did the centerpiece? I’d be interested in reading it.
Lloyd
-- Northern California http://www.lloydus.com
GaryK
home | projects | blog
9518 posts in 879 days
posted 196 days ago
Lloyd – Sorry, no. I got too busy with a new baby. One of these days.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Woodwrecker
home | projects | blog
487 posts in 466 days
posted 116 days ago
Man, your stuff is astounding…..really astounding.
-- Eric