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William Hutchinson
09-11-2010, 7:20 PM
A couple of pieces of this cactus was packed into a box of fine looking mesquite from Mr. Marcantel. I knew a friend would like the natural texture and it will be shipped out for a b-day gift. I though I'd give the little guy a hat to carry some shade.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y66/wlhutch/Turnings/CactuswithHat1.jpg
charlie knighton
09-11-2010, 7:25 PM
very nice....
Allen Neighbors
09-11-2010, 8:49 PM
I like it! Good job on the cactus... nicer job on the 'hat'... :)
David E Keller
09-11-2010, 8:56 PM
That's cool. It reminds me a bit of a lighthouse.

How'd you hold it for turning?
Bernie Weishapl
09-11-2010, 9:44 PM
I like it. That is a cool piece.
John Keeton
09-11-2010, 10:30 PM
It reminds me a bit of a lighthouse.My first impression!! Jerry sent me a couple pieces of this stuff, too. I need to give it some thought!
Baxter Smith
09-11-2010, 10:54 PM
Cool looking piece!
William Hutchinson
09-12-2010, 4:00 AM
How'd you hold it for turning?

I sanded the bottom flat, chucked with spigot jaws in expansion mode and used a cone live center. It doesn't take much force to hold this and over extension of the jaws will crack the cactus.

I wanted the top to overhang the cactus, so the time consuming part was fitting the lid insert into the cactus irregular hole and while maintaining outside symmetry.
alex carey
09-12-2010, 5:26 AM
thatd be cool to make a candler holder with cacti.
William Hutchinson
09-12-2010, 5:32 AM
Thanks for the comments. The cactus is already hollow and is relatively thin so it limits the form options. My friend does live on an island so the light house appearance is fitting. However, my inspiration for the piece was coral and sea sponges.

I think with the other cactus I may cut into smaller sections and do a finial/stem thing ala Drozda sea urchin ornaments.
Steve Schlumpf
09-12-2010, 11:07 AM
Pretty cool textured lighthouse! Your friend will love it!
Allen Neighbors
09-12-2010, 1:50 PM
When I was first looking at it, and even after I've recently turned some of it, I still didn't even think about how hard it was to make the hat fit as well as it does. Doh!! You did have to work at that, didn't you?!!! Nice job on the fitting, William!!