Hi everyone,
A few days ago, I had decided on a theme for February's challenge. Then, by coincidence, I ran into Mike Hunter at the Tennessee Woodturning Symposium and he suggested a similar idea. Then it clicked--why not both (plus a third option)? What I mean is:
This month's turning challenge is to turn a box. Not just any box--one of the following three. Boxes require a varied skillset, and are, in my opinion, one of the best pieces of functional art out there. There are myriad box designs out there, but for this challenge I wanted to pick three different design that also had accompanying process videos. Each of these boxes requires different techniques, but all are beautiful and interesting in their own ways. Here they are, in alphabetical order of the turner that developed the design.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNU7FOBBmYw
Neil Turner's urchin box is characterized by an internal stem that also serves as a plunger fit for the lid. It is unique in that there is no lip between the lid and body. Neil embellishes the box post-lathe, but for this challenge that step is optional. Prioritize the form, not the carving.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwNNsFEUsCw
Ray Key's final box is characterized by a seamless transition between the body and the lid with an integrated finial. The finial lid fits into the recess of body like a plug, and the flowing curves from base to tip produce a quite beautiful and dreamy form.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzYPNe8pTU4
Richard Raffan's crossgrain box is characterized by a loose-fitting lid with integrated knob, a tapered body, and distinct transitions between design features. The loose lid facilitates being able to turn a box from crossgrain material (as opposed to end grain).
I hope this is a fun challenge that appeals to a broad group of folks. Boxes are special, so do your best work. Here are the rules, as determined by AAW Forum legal counsel Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe:
A few days ago, I had decided on a theme for February's challenge. Then, by coincidence, I ran into Mike Hunter at the Tennessee Woodturning Symposium and he suggested a similar idea. Then it clicked--why not both (plus a third option)? What I mean is:
This month's turning challenge is to turn a box. Not just any box--one of the following three. Boxes require a varied skillset, and are, in my opinion, one of the best pieces of functional art out there. There are myriad box designs out there, but for this challenge I wanted to pick three different design that also had accompanying process videos. Each of these boxes requires different techniques, but all are beautiful and interesting in their own ways. Here they are, in alphabetical order of the turner that developed the design.
Neil Turner's urchin box is characterized by an internal stem that also serves as a plunger fit for the lid. It is unique in that there is no lip between the lid and body. Neil embellishes the box post-lathe, but for this challenge that step is optional. Prioritize the form, not the carving.
Ray Key's final box is characterized by a seamless transition between the body and the lid with an integrated finial. The finial lid fits into the recess of body like a plug, and the flowing curves from base to tip produce a quite beautiful and dreamy form.
Richard Raffan's crossgrain box is characterized by a loose-fitting lid with integrated knob, a tapered body, and distinct transitions between design features. The loose lid facilitates being able to turn a box from crossgrain material (as opposed to end grain).
I hope this is a fun challenge that appeals to a broad group of folks. Boxes are special, so do your best work. Here are the rules, as determined by AAW Forum legal counsel Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe:
- Entries must shadow one of these three forms. Feel free to add your own flair, but be sure you stick to the roadmap.
- Boxes may be embellished as desired, or left natural.
- Entries must include two photographs: one of the box closed, and one of the box open (lid still included in shot).
- Entries must be posted in this thread by ~11:59 pm Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on February 24, 2025.
- As always, this is a turning contest, not a "moldy oldie" photo contest, so in fairness to everybody, make sure your work is something you have made since this challenge was issued on February 2, 2025.
- You may not post any photos of your entry in this month’s challenge in any other thread or in the gallery until the voting has ended and a winner has been declared.
- Voting will take place from February 25, 2025, through 11:59 pm UTC on February 28, 2025.
- Solicitation of votes will result in disqualification.
- The winner might have to pass a lie detector test before collecting the grand prize of a dogleg high-carbon continental gouge. Good luck, have fun, make shavings, and let the chips fall where they may!!
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