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This is my entry for the winter woodworking contest. I was trying to think of something to give to my wife, and do something I havent attempted before. I steam bent the wood then did a Abalone inlay, which i think turned out pretty good.

The picture is of the path we take when we are traveling from where we live now, to where she grew up (9 hours away). I did a elevation profile of the route to get an idea for the inlay.

I am not sure of the wood, I was told ribbon mahogany, but I have heard other opinions on it. It is finished with shellac and wax.

Gallery

Comments

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I would have to disagree with you…I think your inlay turned out much better than pretty good! That is an awesome looking bracelet. Looks like it would be very comfortable to wear.
 

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Wow! I really like the inlay too! Do you use the sheets of shell, or in rough form?
 

· In Loving Memory
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Beautifully done and I like the idea that is behind the inlay. I definitely looks like mahogany to me.
 

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Wow, that looks great, I have to try one of these. Did you bend it all around a form at once or around several forms to creep up on the shape?
 

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Thanks all!

The first couple times I tried the full thickness, but I just made some real good firewood from those attempts. I ended up taking thin strips individually steaming and bending, then gluing after they dried.

On the inlay I used a Dewalt plunge trim router, rotating the wood. I want to try the Larry Robinson inlaying technique. I think it would be easier on the curves not rotating the material.
 

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Great work and cool project!
 

· In Loving Memory
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Looks awesome, Great work!
Where do you get the Abalone Shell?, if you don't mind me asking?
 

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That is awesome! What patient and beautiful work! :)

Sheila
 

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WoodenFrog, I don't mind! I bought it a couple years ago off eBay actually. It was right when I started woodworking and didn't know of any shell or even luthier supply stores. I like the thick full pieces, but I know a couple guys who buy the sheets that seem to work good, and are much more manageable.
 

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259 Posts
That bracelet is gorgeous! Beautiful wood looks great with the inlay. A winner!

-www.sawblade.com
 

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This is very kool. I know all my Daughters would wear this. Good luck in the contest
 

· In Loving Memory
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229 Posts
Thanks Joshuah, I went to Ebay and bid on some but I missed out! I'll find some. Thanks for the info!!
And Great Project!!
 

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Absolutely Wonderfully Beautiful!

Nice Theme too!

Great JOB!

Thank you!
 

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Beautifully done! I'm sure she'll cherish this forever!
 

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Very, very nice. I'm sure your wife will appreciate it for the thought alone.
 
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