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The latest wood turnings. ~SNAKEWOOD~ *Nicest* wood I've ever worked with [PICS]

AceByTerror

AceByTerror

A couple weeks ago while browsing the wood shop, I found a simply gorgeous piece of Snakewood. I've always wanted to try some, but it's been hard to find in turning blank sizes that were not insanely high in price. Well... they had a nice piece sized just right - probably enough for FIVE handles and it was still over $100, but it was just too gorgeous to pass up.

Well - snakewood was EASILY one of the nicest turning pieces of wood I've ever worked with. As dense and heavy as ebony, but with amazing grain patterns. It also finishes nicer - I've never had a piece come off the lathe after sanding that literally already looked like it had a layer or two finish on it. Just amazing!

Also did a Banksia pod handle this time too. It's the second one of these I've done, but the first was more or less a learning exercise and my daughter liked it so much she claimed that brush straight away :) The Bankia is just beautiful when finished, but you have to resin fill all those little dark spots you see as they are completely hollow. It takes a few times to get it right, but the results are worth it I think.

Well, with no further yapping, here's the latest finished. From Left to right:

1. Mystery wood with scorching. I posted this one in the early stages last week.
2. Banksia pod.
3. Snakewood #1
4. Snakewood #2
5. Bloodwood. I think I may have posted this one in progress as well.

Enjoy the brush porn folks! Happy crafting!

$05-31-2013.jpg

A banksia pod on the lathe (not my photo)
$banksia_pod.jpg
 
GDCarrington

GDCarrington

Nice, very nice indeed.

The snakewood has some dark grain that seems to dance in and out of the rest of the wood.

Where did you get the Banksia pod?
 
AceByTerror

AceByTerror

GDCarrington said:
Nice, very nice indeed.

The snakewood has some dark grain that seems to dance in and out of the rest of the wood.

Where did you get the Banksia pod?
Click to expand...

The snakewood is just beyond words gorgeous. I've always had a thing for it, but it's so incredibly rare and expensive. Strangely enough - out of all these handles and brushes I've made it might surprise you that I've kept and use only ONE - and it was one of my very first ones. I enjoy making them and sending them off around the globe more than using them it seems :)

BUT .... I ***will*** be keeping one of the five snakewood brushes. Don't know which one yet - I'l have to line them all up and think about it :)

The banksia pods are relatively common at the exotic wood stores I've been to. There are only two good stores within an hour drive from me, and both have always had them in stock. They are pretty cheap - I think because they have limited use and are kind of difficult to work with. Usually around $6 or $7 a pod.
 
blzrfn

blzrfn

AceByTerror said:
The snakewood is just beyond words gorgeous. I've always had a thing for it, but it's so incredibly rare and expensive. Strangely enough - out of all these handles and brushes I've made it might surprise you that I've kept and use only ONE - and it was one of my very first ones. I enjoy making them and sending them off around the globe more than using them it seems :)

BUT .... I ***will*** be keeping one of the five snakewood brushes. Don't know which one yet - I'l have to line them all up and think about it :)

The banksia pods are relatively common at the exotic wood stores I've been to. There are only two good stores within an hour drive from me, and both have always had them in stock. They are pretty cheap - I think because they have limited use and are kind of difficult to work with. Usually around $6 or $7 a pod.
Click to expand...

This is the one! Beautiful (although they all are truly).
View attachment 338714
 
dushea

dushea

These have been some of my favorite posts on B&B, you do great work. That banksia pod is probably my favorite, I love the look and the finish makes it pop. It'd be awesome to see some pics during the process; this is fascinating.
 
R

ras120

Rob, I love clicking on your posts because I know I'm going to see something special. Your work is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
 
AceByTerror

AceByTerror

Once again, you guys encourage and humble me with your kind words! I really do appreciate it all!

I think I will shoot some video in the near future of a brush in the making!

Cheers all!
 
malocchio

malocchio

Love 'em all ,but the banksia is real treat to look at. You must have had to really saturate that handle to seal it up,what a beauty !
 
fast14riot

fast14riot

I, too, love snakewood! I have a slab stashed away in my wood cabinet for something special. Be careful with it though, many people have developed allergies to it, myself included. 3 seconds on the disc grinder and I can barely beath for 3 days! Also I have had it combust on the lathe using a skew at fine angles. It does turn nicely though! I think a nice vase shaped handle without the knurling would really show off that wood! Just gorgeous!


-Xander
 
coolbus18

coolbus18

Absolutely gorgeous! To those that work with exotic woods or any wood--be careful and make sure you are wearing appropriate filter masks!! Not only can they cause irritation but if you're allergic can be fatal! I have many exotics and always wear a filter when working with them.
and now for the wood workers word 'o the day---chatoyance---go ahead and google it. :thumbup:
 
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