Box Elder lidded box

[Curt Fuller]

This box has an eccentric base and finial although the base isn't as eccentric as the finial. The base is also a little too chunky, but once you take it off the lathe, there's no going back. 11" x 5.5".The box is box elder burl, the base and finial are walnut. Oiled, waxed, and buffed.

[Nathan Hawkes]

Very nice! I like the foot fine, though. If it were any thinner, I think it would look unsteady. Nice work!!

[Cary Swoveland]

That is really cool, Curt. You may think the base could be improved, but it's perfect to my eye.

Could you briefly explain the process for making the base and finial? Thanks, Cary

[Ken Fitzgerald]

That's a beauty Curt. We have come to expect that level out of you. I like the whole thing....form...finish....wood and exection.

Nicely done sir!

[Ben Gastfriend]

See above title.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Curt I really like it. It is beautiful.

[Curt Fuller]

That is really cool, Curt. You may think the base could be improved, but it's perfect to my eye.

Could you briefly explain the process for making the base and finial? Thanks, Cary

Thanks everyone!

Cary, I've seen eccentric and off center turning and always wanted to give it a try. But I didn't want to spend the money for an expensive chuck. Then I saw this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW7lG_z2q1U&feature=related and you know what they say about a picture being worth a thousand words. So far I've tried a goblet http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=86862 and finial http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=86468 using the same process. I still haven't figured out how to actually design anything. I just make some cuts and see what I end up with. I've broke a bunch too. I can't think of how to explain it other than to say that you just keep mounting the piece crooked in the jaws and make very light cuts watching the "ghost" image it creates at high speed (2000+ rpms). Work from the end farthest from the chuck, finish and sand each cut as you go, and keep the tool rest and you fingers clear. If you try it with some small pieces of scrap wood the worst that can happen is it will pop loose of the jaws and give you a good scare. I've also found that it makes a big difference with very sharp tools. Give it a try!

[Steve Schlumpf]

Curt - that looks like fun! Great whimsical theme, really nice colors and finish! Have you thought of doing a hollow form to match your finials? Looking forward to your next off-center creation!

[Norm Zax]

very very nice. Another question - do you sand only off the lathe? Seems scary to plunge into the ghost zone armed just with flesh and skin.

[Don Eddard]

Very nice work Curt.