Emma Cook:
The tiny turner
25 November 2018
The pumpkin shaped box was made from a 5” cube of
Lime which was turned round with chucking points
added at each end. The spindle was then split 3/5 and
2/5 with the lid section worked on first, hollowd out and
sanded and put to one side.
The base section was then hollowed far enough to use it
as a jam chuck for the lid and the outside of the lid was
then shaped and the stalk was formed with a collar for
authenticity. Once the lid was shaped Emma then
continued to shape the base outer section as far as
possible. To separate the lid from the base Emma used a
knife and mallet tapping gently as the piece was turned
by hand on the lathe until it separated. Once the lid was
removed the base was then hollowed out using both
spindle and bowl gouges then to finish of Emma
changed to a Simon Hope carbide tool. After the base hollowing was complete the lid was placed back onto the base to do the carving.
This was done on the lathe as it made a sound platform and the indexing system helped get the position right. The tail stock was used for added support
when carving. The first carving tool used was U shaped gouge. The eyes and mouth were marked and used a drill bit used to cut away the bulk before
finishing off each with various carving tools. Once the carving was complete the top was removed and the base reversed on the chuck to remove the
spigot and shape the bottom of the base using fine cuts.
To finish off, oil both parts and leave them apart for two to three days. Then check that the lid fits then place onto the base and display.