Petite Ornaments

[Scott Hackler]

I dug out a 3x3x8' chunk of burr oak and began using it for bulbs. The pendants are various, wierd, mystery african pen blanks. I bought an assortment of "African Pen Blanks" and only 4 of the 20 were interesting to look at, so This is a good way to use them up. The dark pendant is sharpie-ized and all are coated 3 times with lacquer. I think this is about as small as I can forsee making this type of ornament. I also didnt hollow the bulbs other than a 1/2" hole to accept the tenon of the pendant and topper. At this size, I don't see the point, they dont weight anything.

I included a picture of my hand for size reference. 1 5/8" wide and 4 1/2" tall.

...sure wish my african blackwood would hurry up and get here!:D

http://members.cox.net/cabletech/tiny1.jpghttp://members.cox.net/cabletech/tiny2.jpg

[Steve Schlumpf]

I really like these - especially the size! Nice work on the icicles!

[Dennis Ford]

Very well done!

[David DeCristoforo]

More really nice ornaments, Scott. I really like the small ones. They have a jewel like quality.

[David E Keller]

Nicely done. I like the smaller sized ornaments.

[Jon Lanier]

How do you get those icicles so cool and small?

Oh, nice ornaments.

[Scott Lux]

Nice job on those. I've never wanted to try an ornament because they seemed so big. Now I do want to try.

"sharpie-zed"? At a machine shop that's called an anodizing pen. :p

Lux

[James Combs]

Really nice, something I have been wanting to do. I agree an there not being a need to hollow them. They are not boxes and they aren't going to be opened. Very nice icicles.

Do you have in dimensions for the cicle diameters?

[John Keeton]

Scott, you sure are in Christmas mode!! Gettin' an early start! Very nice on these and excellent work on the icicles - you are going to enjoy the Blackwood.

[Tim Rinehart]

The ornaments look great, I think your work with the icicles and finials is right up there...beyond anything I can do...I need more practice.

Super job...now I need to start getting to work on some Christmas pieces I roughed a couple months ago.

Again, very nice all around.

[Matt Ranum]

These are nice!


What do you find is the best tool, homemade or otherwise thats best for turning those little dainty finials?

[Chris Colman]

Question on how you make your superfine finials...

I am sure you are supporting them with your hand? Are you using a skew, or spindle gouge when it gets that thin?

[Roger Chandler]

these are really nice! Good work!

[Scott Hackler]

The tools I use for the thin work are mostly a 3/8" spindle gouge with a pretty radical angle for the grind and the wings are swept back. The other tool is a 1/8" bowl gouge with a fingernail grind (mostly). I have tried to use the skew but with little success (except for using it as a scraper!). I also go real slow once its thinner than 1/4" and work on 1" at a time. Oh and yes I am suporting it from the back, with my left hand. I also hold the various gouges on the metal part and have the handle tucked up under my right forearm for a little support.

The only other thing I swear by is touching up the tool with a 600 grit diamond sharpened. Super sharp tools is really important at this diameter.

Thanks for the comments everyone.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Scott I really like those. They are great looking ornaments. If you are like me I need to start now or Christmas will be here and I won't be done.

[gary Zimmel]

Very nice Scott. These little guys I really like.

[Rob Cunningham]

Wow, very delicate looking work Scott. Nice job.

[Christopher K. Hartley]

Super work Steve!! Keep it up.:)

[Curt Fuller]

Awwww, those are really pretty. I like the small size too. The spindle work is awesome!

[Paul Douglass]

Yes those are very nicely done. Got to give that a try.

[William Hutchinson]

Very delicate and with fine detail that will make these collectibles to the folks lucky enough to obtain one.

[Baxter Smith]

Very nice work!

[Jenn Hill]

Amazing!! Beautiful!!

[Matt Ranum]

Scott you inspired me to try turning an icicle sorta thing last night. I now have a stronger admiration for those who can do this sorta thing. :p Lets just say I needed more chips on my floor anyway. :p But I can see where its fun to do once you have it down, I'll be doing some more sometime this weekend.