[Herb Stoops]

I am really scratching my head on this one. I was given a box of wood,and told to see what I could build out of this.

It is a real challenge. Apparently the owner Had cut down an ornamental shrub, maybe a Holly bush, and cut it in firewood length,then decided to resaw it into boards some time ago. He cut it green and sprayed/ painted it with paraffin wax and stored it away in his shop dark corner and forgot about it. When he passed away awhile back, his widow gave it to me and asked for me to please makes something out of Al's wood for her.

What do you think Guys?
Herb

 

[TwoSkies57]

First thing that comes to mind is a live edge plant stand. Minimal milling required, keeps an attractive natural look, functional conversation piece...

 

[JOAT]

I think it is totally worthless, except for firewood. So, you had better box it up and send it to me. I'm in a good mood today, so I'll even pay shipping. PM me for my address if you agree.

 

[difalkner]

A box of some sort, maybe...?

David

 

[Stick486]

how about some insight to the owner...

 

[Knothead47]

stick has a good idea, for a change. lol What were the interests of the gentleman? Hobbies? Profession or craft?

 

[DesertRatTom]

some kind of small box as a gift to the spouse of the gentleman.

 

[Herb Stoops]

Those are all good ideas.
He was a Stress Eng. MIT Grad. with a Master Degree in Business Management from another College on the East Coast, and his hobby was wood working. He was one of the passed pres. of our WW club an the only thing he ever showed were these complicated jigs,and vacuum venturas for vacuum veneering, that I can remember, his woodworking knowledge was low to mid level in my book. Nothing like I see from you members.
His wife is a Structural Engr. and a Masters in Material Stress Engr. ,They lived in an upper middle class neighborhood, raise 10 kids, they each had 4 and they adopted 2 more. She has very high tastes and I am not sure I could meet her level of approval, but will do my best.

I am thinking along the same lines as you are. A box sounds good, I like the planter idea,I will definitely use the live edges and try to maximize the grain. It is going to be a lot of hand work as the warpage of the boards is extreme, but I plan to use that as a feature too.

Thanks for the input, now back to the shop,I am on a mission.

Herb

 

[Cherryville Chuck]

Maybe cut some of the better pieces into veneer? You’d have more options that way. Veneer both sides and cap the edges with thin strips of it and it would almost look like solid wood.

 

[Stick486]

a planter that looks like a bridge...

 

[Herb Stoops]

a planter that looks like a bridge...

:grin: I don't want to get into her area of expertise. But the planter is looking like a good way ,the plants and the live edge,HMMMMM.......... they kind of go together.

The slabs are all length grain,with lots of knots. I sanded some today with an ROS and I think I am on to something.

Herb

 

[Stick486]

mantle clock...

 

[MEBCWD]

:grin: I don't want to get into her area of expertise. But the planter is looking like a good way ,the plants and the live edge,HMMMMM.......... they kind of go together.

The slabs are all length grain,with lots of knots. I sanded some today with an ROS and I think I am on to something.

Herb

The wood is looking better and better now that you are sanding it. I vote for a box to store memories, or mantle clock to remind of happy times or maybe a live edge vase to bring a little beauty into her life.

 

[Stick486]

pedestal skeleton clock...
miniature GF skeleton clock..

 

[Cherryville Chuck]

:grin: I don't want to get into her area of expertise. But the planter is looking like a good way ,the plants and the live edge,HMMMMM.......... they kind of go together.

The slabs are all length grain,with lots of knots. I sanded some today with an ROS and I think I am on to something.

Herb

George Nakashima believed that it was the defects that gave pieces character.

 

[DaninVan]

If it's Holly, might I suggest using some for a Chess set (The White ones obviously) and an endgrain chessboard. Or veneered as Charles suggested?
Maybe used with Purpleheart or Walnut for the Black pieces. There'd still be lots of wood left over afterwards...or conversely, use the offcuts for the White chess pieces.

 

[honesttjohn]

I see a few wall shelves there. Either individual or married together someway in some sort of functional art piece.

 

[woodknots]

Herb - you could use one of those pieces as a memorial plaque with her husband's name, DOB and Date of Death, etc. I was going to suggest some sort of serving tray as well, but if it's holly, I've read where it has some level of toxicity, at least in the leaves and berries. Not sure about the actual wood.

 

[roxanne562001]

I am not sure what she might like or what her interests might be. What do you think about a jewelry box / recipe box. I am letting my other interests filter in :smile: Thinking outside of the box :wink:maybe some kind of photo frame for family photos. That was just a couple ideas for the short pieces you have to work with. You will have to let us know what you decide on. Sounds like a nice project.

 

[Roy Drake]

Please post picture(s) of your completed project. Looking forward to it.