First Box

[Bernie Weishapl]

Well here it is. My first box. It is made from some spalted poplar from John Hart. I need to do some work on my finales on top but didn't think it was to bad using a skew. It has Mylands friction polish and a couple of coats of lacquer on it. It is 4" tall and 2 1/2" across.

[Corey Hallagan]

Bernie, you did wonderful on this. This is my favorite project you have done with the most recent bowl right behind. Very very nice! Love the wood and shape. Great looking wood!

Corey

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Great first box Bernie! I love that spalted poplar....beautiful stuff!

[John Hart]

Wow Bernie...That looks pretty nice! Is that the same stuff that was giving you fits?

[George Conklin]

That's great, Bernie. I don't have the guts to try doing boxes yet. That poplar sure is interesting. I've never seen spalted poplar before.

So was it hard to do? Did you say many bad words?

George

[Mike Ramsey]

Great first box Bernie! Especially by using the skew!...

[Jim Dunn]

Maybe we should grade projects by a degree of difficulty. Bernie gets an A+ because he used a skew. A file would have gotten him a C-:)
You did good Bernie, pretty wood too.

Jim

[Bernie Weishapl]

Yea John it is. It is the only one of the 3 poplar blanks that I could turn. It turned so nice. My wife just loves it. I may try the spalted maple tomorrow.

George actually boxes to me after doing this first one is a lot more fun than turning bowls. I also think it is easier. You just need to have a plan in mind. I would recommend getting a book on making boxes.

Jim, really the skew made for very little sanding. The more I use it the easier it is to work with. I am even thinking of getting one of Alan Lacer's skews.

[Chris Barton]

Very good work Bernie! Keep it happening.

[Corey Hallagan]

Bernie, is just becoming a turning machine! I haven't heard him talk about flat work, his new router etc. for months now...LOL. You doing great Bernie!

Corey

[Jim Dunn]

They've even got names?? I thought most of were referred to as @#$%*&& cutters. Live and learn

[John Hart]

...Jim, really the skew made for very little sanding. The more I use it the easier it is to work with. I am even thinking of getting one of Alan Lacer's skews.

All Right Bernie!!! Another skew guy!!! Oh...sorry...got carried away. I was so lonely.:o

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Bernie.....the HF tools I have need to be sharpened. The smaller spindle gouge was sharper on one side than the other. It worked well turning with the sharp side but the dull side was ridiculous! I was surprised after all the anti-skew comments made here, how well the skew worked for me! Only after it too became dull did I have any problems with it. The trick when smoothing with it was pointed out in the Raffan videos ........make sure you rub the grind on the wood....at least that's what worked for me. Once it got dull however it seemed to catch when it wasn't earlier?:confused:

[Corey Hallagan]

Out of the box, I hated the skew. In my practice I have concentrated on the skew. Once you figure it out, it is a wondeful tool. I have lots to learn, but I don't hate it any more. I have practiced making beads and coves with nothing but the skew and it is alot of fun. And it leaves a silky smooth finish that requires little sanding.
Corey

[Andy Hoyt]

Bernie, you are indeed one prodigious dude. Your enthusiasm for trying the whole range of forms is both exemplary and ambitious.

Your first box is far and away better than my twelfth.

Your challenge to is make each successive box still better.

Keep it up.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Ken I am getting to where I love the skew. I made the finale on top of this box with the skew like Raffan does. I just need more practice making them. I have watched the Raffan video at least 4 times now and see something new every time I do. Another video that I was put onto by Bob Noles is the one by Alan Lacer called The Skew Chisel. Excellent DVD. If you like the skew and want to learn more this is one DVD I would definately recommend.

Thanks to all for your kind comments. I had a ball doing this box.

[Dick Parr]

Great job Bernie, you are having fun.:D

[Michael Stafford]

Way to go Bernie. I am so glad to see someone else post a turned box. I told everyone that they were fun. I am glad you are finding it that way also. Nice job!;)

[Keith Burns]

Great box Bernie, nice wood, nice form, nice finish:) :)

[Mike Forsman]

Bernie, very nice box. I really like the look. I'm going to have to try turning a box some day.

[Chris DiCiaccio]

That is a very good looking box. I think you did great on it.

[Ernie Nyvall]

Bernie, wow, that's a nice box... and with a skew...cool.

Ernie

[Bruce Shiverdecker]

Very NICE, Bernie!

Bruce

[Bob Noles]

Great work Bernie. Looks like you have mastered the dreaded skew :)