Floreana's Treasure

 When I found out I'll be a Great Uncle I was very happy, and being a woodworker I thought I should make something special for a special little Girl. So I made a little treasure box for my treasured great niece. 

I made it out of one 1 x 10 x 14 ft yellow birch plank, except the bottom of the box and tray were made from 1/4 inch plywood with Cherry veneer applied, to help with stability. The panels are floating with small rubber bumpers inside to keep them from rattling and to allow the panels to move, depending on the humidity at any give time. I first cut the pieces to rough size and let them sit in the heated shop to acclimatize a bit before final milling. I used a spline to attach the sides to the front and back and a rabbit for the bottom. The top I first made square and then hand planed it over for a softer look. I used brass  hinges and hasp, then attached leather straps for handles. It was finished off with a few coats of poly. 

I know she'll like it more when she get a little older but for now it looks like it's perfect, a treasure box for a little treasure.

 

58th John Cowell Curling Bonspiel Fire Truck

 I was asked to donate one of my fire trucks to the annual (59th) John Cowell Curling Bonspiel, as I enjoy working wood and it's been a while since I made one the decision was easy. I used several types of wood such as maple, Birdseye maple, oak, mahogany, walnut, lacewood, and purple heart. Like the other trucks I made, all but a couple of the parts are hand made, either on a small lathe, hand sanded to size, even the little pegs I used to hold the lights in place, about 110 pieces. Here are a couple of pictures of my latest creation.