Pair of Supported Spindles

Just in time for Mother’s day I have finished a pair of supported spindles. I will put a hook in the fat end of the spindle so she can spin light fibers such as silk.

The lighter redder one is made of purpleheart, and unfortunately the first coat of tung oil completely wiped out the purple. I need to experiment with turning purrpleheart. After I turn it the wood is very light, and any time I hit it with a finish, the wood darkens and browns.

The darker ribbed spindle is made of east Indian rosewood. It was neat looking and on sale at woodcraft. The first attempt had a funky run in the grain and snapped half way through the turning session. The second one turned out OK, but the wood seemed to want to tear out a lot, and is a little rough in places. Sanding helped a bit, but I wouldn’t recommend the wood to anyone interested in turning. Then again I am pretty new and inexperienced, so that is most likely part of it. The bee’s wax and orange oil finish helped a bit. Not my idea, Lisa Chan inspired me on that one. In fact if you want to see really good spindles, look at her work.

Thanks for peeking, and HOORAY for moms!

-Chase

-- Every neighborhood has an eccentric neighbor. I wondered for years "who was ours?" Then I realized it was me.