Maple Egg Thingy

[Bob Haverstock]

Hi Folks,

I haven't posted any projects for a while. This is one of my last projects, it stands about 12 inches tall. The maple is from a tree that was in our yard. I'm still learning about box turning. There is a lot of room for improvement and more to learn, so I'll be doing some more of the eggs and bases.



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Bob Haverstock

[Marty Eargle]

Interesting piece. The finish looks flawless, but I believe the form could use some work. I believe a more delicate pedestal and finial would show off the form of the box more. The handle doesn't take away too much, but the foot seems a bit clunky for my taste. Hope it won't be too long before your next post!

[Jim Burr]

As an idea Bob...toss the knob on top, get ride of the base and let it stand on it's own. Could be an idea.

[Eric Holmquist]

Nice work

The major thing I would change is reverse it, so it is not resting on the nose. It looks upside down to me

[Gregory Cowart]

Bob, I like your Maple Egg Thingy. I am not an expert, but as I look at the lines, I can appreciate the time and work that went into the piece. Good job.

[charlie knighton]

I'm still learning about box turning.

Bob, i like your continuous curve on the main form. enjoy the learning process and continue to develop your form as you climb the learning curve, btw, the curve is not all up and takes lots of twists and turns.

[Donny Lawson]

Bob, I think your egg looks very nice. The shine on it is awesome. Is that poly?

[Baxter Smith]

Nice egg thingy Bob. A form I have yet to attempt!

[Jeff Hamilton Jr.]

+1 on the excellent finish. Please reveal your "secret sauce!"

Nice work, nicely done.

[Dan Forman]

Hey I like it! Nice curves, the orientation makes a better box than flipping it would, and the finish looks flawless. I don't mind the knob or the stand, not everything has to be long and skinny.

Dan

[John Keeton]

Bob, I think you did a great job on the form. While I don't particularly care for the base and knob, they are well done, with good contrast, and you are the artist with the vision. If they achieve the vision you had in mind, then this piece is a great success. Excellent finish, as well.

The pic - it needs some help. The image had low resolution, but I took a shot at some improvement. Perhaps this color is closer?

[Bob Haverstock]

Thanks for the comments, it has no finial, it has a plain ol' knob. I don't think in terms of art, I'm a bit too common for that. If it were taller, it wouldn't fit on the shelf.(grin) Oh, without the foot, it fell over on its side and the lid didn't stay on.

For those that ask, the finish is Rust-0leum clear gloss lacquer from a spray can. My method may seem a bit odd. The lacquer and project are stored at room temperature. the lacquer and project are carried to an unheated shed 30 to 50 degrees) and the lacquer is applied. The lacquer sets up more slowly in cooler air and therefore what has been sprayed flows together nicely. As soon as practical it is carried to the heated garage to setup and dry. Four or five coats have been applied and it was wet sanded with 400 grit as needed.

Bob Haverstock

[Mark Hubl]

I like it. It almost looks like a stone piece. The knob and foot could be a bit more delicate. The curve looks pretty good to me, the photo makes it a little hard to tell. One of the challenges with a lidded form such as this is the belt line formed at the mating of top and bottom. Your placement is pretty good. Might have been just a tad lower, where your curve starts turning in. Many of the box builders embellish the belt with something like a bead or groove, helps to add a shadow line and conceal wood movement. But again this is difficult and especially on a lighter wood. Nice work.

[Betty Fox]

Bob I have one word for you Wow. I've been trying to do that for two years. Eggs somehow escape me. Good job.

[Bob Haverstock]

Bob I have one word for you Wow. I've been trying to do that for two years. Eggs somehow escape me. Good job.

Hi Betty,
Eggs are a bit different to turn. I would suggest that you find an egg that has proportions that you like and measure the length and diameter of it. This will give you a ratio, you can apply the ratio to all of you future egg turnings. If you are making an egg shaped container add the parting tool width and material for tendons to the length. I have the foot and knob mounted to small tendons.

I have turned many natural sized eggs out bits of scrap, eggs are my practice pieces. I've given many to elementary teachers for their students.

Have fun.
Bob Haverstock