So, to the delight of my heart, my grandson called and asked me to make him a mallet that he needs for his job. He gave me a rough idea of what he wanted and a YouTube link so I could make one for him. He had brought me a large fallen branch from his home a few years ago, so I knew it would be a perfect choice because it was Red Oak, a hard wood. The turning happened without too much drama. (it was very cold in the garage and I could've used mittens to keep my hands warm but I didn't want them filled with wood chips! lol)
And since the wood was very dry, there were a lot of dusty sawdust that made a right good mess!
After sanding and a good rub with oil, I left it until the next day.
I took it off the lathe and sanded down the ends, signed it and oiled the ends for the big ta-da moment.
When I was getting ready to wrap and box it up to mail to him,
I noticed someone peeking out at me! I almost asked Bill to remove it but decided I needed to be brave and pull it out myself! I was very afraid it would break in half--it didn't!
He came out in one piece, I wrapped him in a tissue and squished him. Ughhhhh! I then dropped some CA glue down the hole to be sure there wasn't another one! lol
And here is the first of its kind from my lathe,
a 10 1/4" oak mallet!
I was very excited to be asked to make this for #1 grandson,
but also to be able to fill the request!
Love does stretch your abilities!
Very cool! And I'm giggling about that grub!
ReplyDeleteWonderful... I've never tried woodturning before... I loved working on projects at school, especially with all the machines like saws, presses, and the like... I ended up being a desk jockey, even though I would have been excellent as a craftsman!!!
ReplyDeleteBut now that I have time, I tinker as often as I can, currently on the sewing machine... it's so wonderful to create beautiful things. And it's especially lovely to make them for loved ones.
Your grandson will be delighted. Great job... well done!
And a hug for you.
Very cool!!! -Marsel
ReplyDeleteYou could have a career making custom baseball bats! What a beauty.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful and what an amazing gift for your grandson. For him to know you had the ability to make this for him and to ask you to do it is so precious. I keep thinking of that grub spinning round and round on the lathe and wondering what it the world was happening!!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs,
Betsy
What an awesome gift for your grandson!! He will treasure that forever!! Ewwww on that whatever it was (magot, larvae?). Ick. You are the boss, my friend!! xo
ReplyDelete