[kywoodchopper]

I was asked to make a podium for a veterans group. They wanted it for their Memorial Day celebration.

I made it out of mahogany and finished it with my usual Zar oil-based semi-gloss polyurethane mixed 50/50 with mineral spirits. I put about 6 coats using the blue paper shop towels cut in fourths then folded into fourths. The last two coats I added some Zar gloss polyurethane to this mixture to obtain more shine to the finish. I attached a microphone to it and delivered it yesterday.

For the sign on the front I took some 1/4" tiger maple to the engraver and he burns the lettering on it. It has several coats of the poly mixture.

Malcolm / Kentucky USA

 

[difalkner]

Very nice, Malcolm! Mahogany and Curly Maple make a great combination. That's not going to stay outside, is it?

David

 

[DesertRatTom]

That's a nice open design. More easily moved around than a solid one.

 

[woodknots]

Malcom - nice execution on the podium - I really like the contrast between the mahogany and the tiger maple.

 

[kywoodchopper]

The veterans group said they plan to take the podium outdoors for their speech then take it back in. They had been borrowing a podium from a church, but decided they wanted their own. The one they had been borrowing was much heaver so they wanted this one light enough to move, but sturdy enough to not fall over. I had to design it because I had nothing to go on. Malcolm / Kentucky USA

 

[kywoodchopper]

FORGOT TO MENTION...The mahogany was too light in color when I first started. To darken it I applied a coat of boiled linseed oil. After a few minutes and wiped it off. After an hour or so I wiped it down again. I kept wiping it down for a couple days because if I pressed down with my fingers on the wood oil would appear. After a couple days it appeared dry enough to start applying the polyurethane.

I have made several items lately of mahogany and ran into the same situation. Boiled linseed oil darkens the wood, but I wanted to make sure there was no more oil appearing on the wood before I proceeded with the finish. Malcolm / Kentucky USA

 

[Herb Stoops]

Great job on the podium, Malcolm, You sure do nice work, Now back to the boxes?

Herb

 

[marecat3]

looks great

 

[Knothead47]

Very nice, considering one for our Sunday School class as the one we have is too small. Easier to move than a solid podium. Thanks for sharing the photo.

 

[MEBCWD]

Malcolm that turned out great and I agree the open design was the perfect way to go on this project.

 

[chessnut2]

Beautiful as always, Malcolm. Thanks.

 

[JOAT]

That's nice. Better they have their own podium too.

 

[Barry747]

Beautiful job Malcolm and your finishing technique, which I've adopted, it the best.

 

[TenGees]

Nice job, Malcolm. The grooves in the legs are a nice touch.

 

[Shop guy]

Just flat out nice, Malcolm.

 

[Nickp]

Outstanding piece...nicely done...

They will be very happy with it...