Box Elder Goblet

[Bill Grumbine]

Since I'm posting pictures...

We have to go to a wedding tomorrow. Actually it is more like I have to go. SWMBO is actually looking forward to it. I have to wear a tie and a suit jacket. I don't even do that when I preach in church! I prefer the traditional Mennonite garb of black pants with black suspenders and an white shirt - very plain. Anyway...

So SWMBO asked me to make a wedding goblet for the happy couple, one of whom just happens to be her boss at work. So, I obliged, figuring I will be able to collect on this one later on.

<img src ="http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/boxeldergoblet.jpg">

This goblet is made from a piece of boxelder which I got several years ago, and from which I made a number of "pegs". It is nice and dry, and has some nice color to it. Finish is Bartley's Gel Varnish. There is no buffing on something like this with those rings flopping around like that! Overall size is 7" tall and 2" in diameter. As far as I am concerned, it is nonfunctional. There are bug holes in the bowl, but they do not go all the way through, so conceivably they could drink from it.

Thanks for taking a look.

Bill

[Tyler Howell]

To cool Bill! How'd you do that.:confused:
Very Nice.

[Robert Ducharme]

CAREFUL TYLER the dark side is seductive :eek:

[Fred Voorhees]

Bill you are definitely THE MAN when it comes to the spinny stuff! Nice job. Sooner or later, I will be getting around to trying the lathe thing. When I do, I'll have to talk Jim Becker into some lessons. OR, I'll have to come out to your place and get some lessons. That box elder is awesome!

[John Miliunas]

As usual, Bill, simply gorgeous! :cool:

[Jim Becker]

Awesome, Bill! I bet the happy couple will love it. You're going to have to tell us how you got the intertwined rings, too...nice feature.

And I understand about the suit and tie...I was forced to do that "a number of times" on my recent trip to the UK. They are a bit more formal over there. Heck, all my clients in Manhattan (financials) are business casual. Go figure.

[Jim Ketron]

Nice job Bill love that wood !!

How did you do the conected rings on that thing? WOW!!!:eek:
Jim

[Waymon Campbell]

Very nice Bill. Colorful wood and beautifully executed.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Bill, your work is always amazing! I will lose some sleep until I figure out how you turned those entwined rings.....or if you turned those rings in place......or if you turned the rings and there's some kind of a joint........or.....spinny things come from the dark side................The world is flat............you can resist.........the world is flat...........you can resist......the world.... ... .. . :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Robert Ducharme]

Remember Ken, new shop first! Which, of course, is ONLY DONE WITH THE FLAT stuff :rolleyes: After you grow up maybe do some of the evil vices. :p

[Jason Roehl]

Very nice, Bill. "Some color," my foot! So, how much is it worth to you that I don't reveal the "secret of the rings"?? :D Actually, I'd just be happy to know how to turn a goblet. My first attempt was unsuccessful by a long shot (okay, it didn't go that far when it came off the lathe :rolleyes: ), and I haven't tried again, yet.

[Dennis Peacock]

I would just <b>LOVE</b> to see you make one of those.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :confused:

[Bill Grumbine]

Good evening men. Thank you all for your very nice comments. The secret to the rings? I used an electronic reciprocating gouge set to a frequency compatible with the rpm of the lathe, and clamped it to the tool rest. Turn the thing on and let it run for a while, and presto, it is done.

Now you don't really believe that, do you? ;)

The process is simple and straightforward - well, straightforward anyway. The goblet itself is turned in the regular manner. Two captive rings are turned on the stem. The secret to getting two captive rings is to turn three or four, in case you blow one or two up in the parting off process. I use a beading tool, combined with what I call the "git around b'hind" tool, which sort of looks like a crooked finger and is designed to part off the ring while cutting a round backside to it. I tape the rings to either the bowl or the base while I finish off the stem, sand everything, and then part it off the lathe. Once everything is finished with varnish in this case, I carefully break one of the rings, and glue it back together after intertwining it with the other. Once this is done, it is not readily apparent where the break is or how it was done.

So there you have my secret. Use it in good faith. I will expect to see some more of these shortly. :p

Bill

[Jim Becker]

Thanks, Bill! "Simple" is often a very good technique. (And I see you survived your close encounter with a suit and tie...)

[Jim Ketron]

Thanks Bill for the tips!

Not that Im even ready to do something like that!
Im just getting started! that is if my chisels ever come!:mad:
maybe one of these days I can do something like that.
Jim

[Charles McKinley]

Hi Bill,


Yet another awesome piece. I need to find someone around here for some starter spinney guidance. Then I can come see you for a couple of days of advanced learning.

[Dan Mages]

I am stunned! :o :o That is absolutely gorgeous! I am not worthy!! :o I don't think I will ever have enough skill to do that type of work.

Dan