I thought the final piece would end up to be a couple inches taller but still tops my tallest previously by about 2”.
The banksia pod I first roughed out was a “whopper” but still had some inclusions limiting the final diameters but was able to dig one out of my stash that would work. Tough finding big whopper size pods, typically need to get on waiting list during the year and usually can’t hand pick them, with possible exception when dealers like Australian burls are at vendor booths during symposiums.
I am happy with the machine ability of the desert Ironwood, first time turning it. The African Blackwood trim ring was a challenge turning dulling high speed steel readily. Was able to use my homemade carbide tools to turn the hard stuff.
As with other banksia peppermills I’ve made, an acrylic sleeve 1-1/4”OD and 1”ID is fitted inside and Crushgrind mechanism used. 14” tall, finished with polymerized tung oil.
The banksia pod I first roughed out was a “whopper” but still had some inclusions limiting the final diameters but was able to dig one out of my stash that would work. Tough finding big whopper size pods, typically need to get on waiting list during the year and usually can’t hand pick them, with possible exception when dealers like Australian burls are at vendor booths during symposiums.
I am happy with the machine ability of the desert Ironwood, first time turning it. The African Blackwood trim ring was a challenge turning dulling high speed steel readily. Was able to use my homemade carbide tools to turn the hard stuff.
As with other banksia peppermills I’ve made, an acrylic sleeve 1-1/4”OD and 1”ID is fitted inside and Crushgrind mechanism used. 14” tall, finished with polymerized tung oil.
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