Last minute gift - Woodworking Talk

firehawkmph · 12-24-2008, 06:41 PM

Me and the dog went out in the shop today to make a last minute gift. So I decided to make something out of a banksia pod I had in the wood stash and some canary wood scraps. Here's what I made for the guitar player in the band I am in. Actually he will automatically give it to his girlfriend, she likes homemade items.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.....

Mike Hawkins

jwcole · 12-26-2008, 09:21 PM

Those are beautiful firehawk. But what is banksia pod...? Looks like the dogs is reday for some rubbin.

The woodsman · 12-26-2008, 11:33 PM

Beautifull work Mike,you done good

firehawkmph · 12-27-2008, 10:43 AM

Thanks guys,
The dog's always wanting some rubbin. That's an older photo. She used to sleep that way at times.
JW, a banksia pod is a seed pod from an Australian tree. They have a core that is very hard like wood. The outer covering once you start turning is like a red fuzzy fur. Then you have all the oval shaped holes in it, that actually contain the seeds. They are available from most suppliers like woodcraft, rocklers, etc. Depending on the size, they are about 7.00-10.00 each. They are a lot of fun and people look at them and wonder how you got all the holes in there.
Mike Hawkins

http://www.woodcraft.com/product.asp...FamilyID=20918

john lucas · 12-27-2008, 08:55 PM

Those are really cool. Good job. I'm doing a BAnksia pod demo in Birmingham on the 10th of January. I won't turn any because they are too messy for that facility but I will have demo pieces and discuss the pros and cons of Banksia pods. I'll mention your candlesticks.

thekctermite · 12-28-2008, 01:42 AM

I've never seen canary wood look so nice finished. What did you finish that with???

firehawkmph · 12-28-2008, 12:53 PM

Termite,
I put 3-4 coats of lacquer on while its on the lathe. I use a small piece of an old bath towel. I cut off 4" x 4" squares and use them and throw them away. The lacquer dries in less than a minute. After I take it off the lathe, I buff it using the three beale wheel system, brown tripoli compound, white diamond, and lastly pure carnuaba wax.
Mike Hawkins

jdixon · 12-28-2008, 03:13 PM

Mike, Those are some great looking candlesticks! By the way, I always love to see the pictures of lounging pooches.

John

firehawkmph · 12-28-2008, 06:39 PM

John,
She's getting ready to turn ten in a couple of days. She gets mad if I don't take her out to the shop. She will normally stay out there for 2-3 hours. When she wants to go back in the house, she lets me know. She is definitely a lounge hound.
Mike Hawkins