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Threads or not?

"All" is a big word Hugh.

Some are sealed after placing the ashes inside, some have threads, and some have a friction fit.

It really depends if you are going to distribute the ashes to others. Threaded would be best then as they are secure, but the ashes are accessable.

From a sales Web site:

Urns typically have either a screw of lid or a screw of plug in the base, allowing you to re-open the urn at a later date and add an additional item (ring, locket, or similar) should you wish to. Your urn can also be permanently sealed with a good quality sealant epoxy resin. Simply apply the epoxy around the screw thread of the lid or plug and then securely tighten on to the urn.
 
Since I have been turning a few hollow forms lately, I've realized that if you use green wood, turned start to finish without drying first, the threads idea may cause a problem. The lid may shrink differently than the vessel; or, the vessel may shrink to an oval shape, and a threaded lid may not work at all!

Does that mean that you have to dry the piece and re-turn to use a threaded lid? Or does it mean that if you want to use green wood you are forced to use a glue on lid only?

All feedback is welcome on these questions.
 
You can true up a hollow form after it's dry to make threads or you can cut threaded inserts out of hardwoods that can be glued in afterwords. In fact you can even buy brass inserts that are threaded to glue in. I believe they come from Packard but I would have to look.
Personally I just hand chase left hand threads to mess with their minds. Just kidding about that. For my Dad I'll probably use a bung hole reamer and put a keg tap in the bottom. He would like that.
 
Short answer - no. Some are not urns, some have slide fits on top, and some have removable bottoms.

The cremains are normally delivered in a plastic bag, so I wouldn't make the neck of the vessel too narrow or you'll be decanting. Leaves out most of the brass type threads you can purchase from turning places. If you want threads, get some 4" PVC pipe fittings, male and female, and glue them in. That way you can open and close often, though why, I do not know.

Just a taper twist fit is fine for a spreading ceremony. You can modify it with a parting tool and hydraulic O ring to get a nice tight fit that way too.
 
Good stuff folks. Thanks for the answers. I had just been seeing more urns being turned and thought I might try it. Then I started to think of how to seal the whole thing. I kind of like the "O" ring idea, but think the threaded lid may be more apealing. I had not thought of an opening on the bottom with screws - that would make hollowing real easy. Thanks everyone.
Hugh
 
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