Another banksia peppermill - Done!!

[TimR]

This is pretty awesome. The posted video is really cool, and I absolutely love the pictures. I'm curious... What does one of these sell for?

The pod or the mill? Pods go for $15-$20 bucks, but often the big pods I have to use are waitlisted (whoppers they’re called ) due to minimal harvest times and general rarity. I get mine from Australianburls.com. The owner, Jim Syvertsen is a good guy to deal with.
When done, I charge between $175 - $250 depending on various subjective and objective qualities, Crushgrind vs conventional, integrated salt shaker, accent woods...

 

[dfowler13]

The pod or the mill? Pods go for $15-$20 bucks, but often the big pods I have to use are waitlisted (whoppers they’re called ) due to minimal harvest times and general rarity. I get mine from Australianburls.com. The owner, Jim Syvertsen is a good guy to deal with.
When done, I charge between $175 - $250 depending on various subjective and objective qualities, Crushgrind vs conventional, integrated salt shaker, accent woods...

Yes, I was curious about what a finished mill would go for. That's incredible, I had no idea they would got for that high a price. They are quite beautiful. :) I'll take a look at the link when I get some time. I love learning about new suppliers.

 

[Lou Currier]

@TimR humidity is probably not your friend in the curing process either.

 

[Graybeard]

Thanks for sharing your process. Sometimes people are afraid to share process or secrets but something like this requires so much technique and vision I doubt many would be able to copy you. I know I sure never will but it's a hoot to see how you do it. My hats off to you sir.

 

[TimR]

Thanks for sharing your process. Sometimes people are afraid to share process or secrets but something like this requires so much technique and vision I doubt many would be able to copy you. I know I sure never will but it's a hoot to see how you do it. My hats off to you sir.

Thanks, I’ve mostly been exposed to folks that feel likewise about sharing and making the process as fun as possible. I’ve seen a few demos at symposiums and regional meetings who basically go from some step to another “like a miracle occurred” or just did it do fast you got lost and that just bugs me.
I sincerely hope some folks do try playing with banksia pods, they can be quite rewarding.
If I can help someone else in the process, all the better.

 

[Graybeard]

Maybe taking this off topic and if the mods want to delete please do so. When we ran a photography studio I viewed other photographers with a stand off attitude. Then at a conference the speaker pointed out how we were really allies, our competition for discretionary dollars were the jewelers, florists and catering/restaurants etc. Once I heard that the light went on. I made friends with other photography studios and we shared equipment, locations and would refer bookings to each other if we were full that day. Much better for everyone.

 

[TimR]

David...if the mods removed every post that's off topic...they'd have nothing left to add to threads, seeing as they are typically the ring-leader in off topic additions.

 

[Tony]

David...if the mods removed every post that's off topic...they'd have nothing left to add to threads, seeing as they are typically the ring-leader in off topic additions.

HEY! I resemble that remark!!!!

 

[TimR]

I’m waiting for poly to dry on the peppermill, mainly the Blackwood and Walnut , the banksia is drying nicely. I’ve always had this issue with walnut and poly...
The pod I originally roughed down had some bad spots for a long turn, but no problem for short projects. My wife reminded me that our niece has had salt and pepper shakers on her want list ever since I made her mom a set about 7 or so years ago. Here they are. Nice quick project, even with banksia. Drill a 1” hole 2” deep, create a jam chuck to reverse it to clean up bottom and a little epoxy to hold the insert in. I got mine from Craft Supplies.
I’m hoping to finish the Peppermill in the next few days and get it buffed, waxed and posted.

 

[T. Ben]

Those are cool.