Report Lidded box demo by Geoff Cronin
Reported by Michael Forde
This was a bitterly cold morning with a forecast of approaching storms as Geoff got behind the lathe and told us of his approach to turning and to demonstrations, and at the same time entertaining all by a couple of appropriate “funny stories”. For the demonstration he selected a yew branch with a very attractive heartwood about 4 inches long which he mounted between centres and turned down to approx. 2 1/2 ins. dia. and formed a spigot at each end to suit his chuck. Using a flush cutting saw the section for the lid and its inclusive knob was sawn off, 40% approx.; the other piece , - the box body- was then mounted in the chuck by the spigot previously formed. Shaping of the outside was then commenced, using a gouge with a 45 degree grind, and final shaping at bottom done with a 30 degree grind which is more suitable for shaping the bottom curve at the rear end. Hollowing the interior was started by clearly defining the opening with a sharp parting tool, and continued, using scrapers and gouge while discussing the pros. and cons. of each method , finishing with the gouge which normally gives a better finish. A strong light shining on the bottom inside is essential to get the best finish. With inside ready for sanding , final shaping of the outside, including clearly defining the bottom was completed. Sanding started using 120 grade and on through the grades finishing with 400 grade, then sealing and polishing before parting off. The outside of the bottom was hand held for sanding against a foam backed sanding pad held in a lathe -driven Jacobs chuck.
The section for the lid was next mounted in the chuck and the outside shaping got under way. The lid overhang was first carefully formed and the insert next, being carefully formed and checked until the desired fit was obtained. Inside of lid was hollowed by a gouge working from outside to centre. A hollowed lid gives a lighter lid which is desirable when the lid is being lifted by its knob. Inside of lid was finished at this stage, sanded as described for the box, sealed and polished. For sealing Geoff used liquid paraffin rubbed in and rubbed off again and then polished with Speedanese friction polish. Outside of lid including the knob, was shaped , working back towards the chuck and finally parted off. Lid was then reversed and held by its insert in the chuck while the knob and outside of lid were refined and shaped for best outline and proportion. Sanding and finishing as before finally carried out.
So ended a demonstration from a very knowledgeable and skilful box maker and a most accomplished funny story teller as well who not alone used his stories to entertain, but the best PUNCH LINE method was used to better illustrate some particular point he was trying to get across. Well done Geoff, and many thanks.