Latest Endeavour

Latest Endeavour · 09-10-2007, 08:22 PM

Lately, I've been trying a few of the travel mug kits from Woodcraft as something different for turning.

The mugs take a bit of time to get just right because of the need to match the interior wood void with the exterior of the stainless insert, but they sure are fun too.

This latest is Mediterranean Myrtle with Walnut. Actually the Walnut was something of an after thought because the piece of Myrtle I had was just a wee bit too short. The resulting contrast in the woods just set it all off, IMO.

See what you think.

Jim

cskipper · 09-10-2007, 08:34 PM

I like that a lot!

skeeter · 09-10-2007, 08:51 PM

Wow! Now that's a cool project.

DaveO · 09-10-2007, 08:52 PM

That is outstanding

. How thick are the walls, and can you remove the wood so you can wash the metal insert? I tend to leave coffee mugs in my truck until they are about to sprout legs, and then the only way to get them clean is the dish washer on a very hot wash cycle

Dave

JRD · 09-10-2007, 08:58 PM

Dave,

The wood is actually glued to the stainless insert.

On mugs, I use an epoxy finish to make sure the wood is as waterproof as I can make it. I always mix up enough finish to insure some will be left over for coating the interior wood surfaces and to act as a glue to hold everything together.

These are certainly hand washable, but I'd not put one in the dishwasher.

Jim

MikeL · 09-10-2007, 09:43 PM

That looks great Jim! I also like the end result of 2 contrasting woods. Does this mean I have to buy another mandrel?

J/K

JRD · 09-10-2007, 10:00 PM

No, just a good chuck, and I highly recommend the Termite Tool. It makes end grain turning a snap.

Jim

Travis Porter · 09-14-2007, 10:48 PM

That is VERY COOL! I expect it is not dishwasher safe though.

What kind of finish do you have on it? The shine is outstanding.

lwhughes149 · 09-14-2007, 10:53 PM

Beautiful work Jim. I love the color.

Big Mike · 09-15-2007, 06:56 AM

Yep, that is the cat's meow. I like the contrast in woods. Nicely done, Jim!

toolferone · 09-15-2007, 09:10 AM

I have seen several of these when I was at the store, but that is the nicest one I have seen yet. Well done.

toolferone · 09-15-2007, 09:13 AM

Jim, I would love to get together and have you help me turn one. Do you have any extra mugs I can buy from you or do I need to order one?

Eaglesc · 09-15-2007, 09:57 AM

Great job, I also like the "OOps" rings though I realize they were a "design opportunity" and it worked out great.
I have a concern about these mugs.
I caution anyone buying a pen from me not to leave it in a vehicle due to the heat build up.
My concern is the same in this case.
I like a cup of coffee on the way to work, but when I get to my destination I leave the travel cup in my truck.
I would think the walls on this are rather thin and 130* plus heat would cause a lot of movement in the wood.
Any feedback?

DaveO · 09-15-2007, 10:04 AM

Eagle I would agree with your concerns. But I have been leaving several daily use turned pens in my truck daily over the last few years. My truck is never parked in the shade. I have had no problem with any cracking in my little unscientific experiement. I do agree that there is the possibility that it could happen very easily, but I think that if the wood is dried properly in a kiln, where temperatures run around 130º, that there should be no moisture loss and resulting shrinkage in a car left in the sun.
Dave

Big Mike · 09-15-2007, 10:21 AM

I thought the wood cracked not because it got too hot in the car but because the brass tube got too hot and expanded causing the wood to crack. I have also always told people who have my pens to keep them out of the sun and don't leave them in cars.

I dunno.....