A pod jam-fits better onto a waste
block than onto another piece of the
pod.
Using a waste block of soft Maple, Alder,
Mahogany or other compressible wood gives a
better and more secure jam chuck than a piece
of Banksia Pod. If the delicate, thin-walled pod
piece is jam-fit into a recess instead of over a
tenon it will reduce the risk of cracking it. Use
tape for insurance when finishing the bottom
without the tailstock. Jam-fits with thin-walled
pod pieces are never very strongly gripped. It is
easy to break the piece or knock it off the jam
chuck.
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Use CA glue to strengthen thin walled
pieces.
When hollowing to the maximum diameter of the
pod, the “eyes” can tend to fall out. CA (“Super
Glue”) soaked over the outside of the piece
before hollowing will glue in the eyes, and will
not stain the finished piece. Be sure to let the CA
dry completely before turning on the lathe. And
wear your safety glasses!
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Finishing off the lathe works best.
For best results plan to sand to at least 600 grit.
Some finishes that I like are: General Salad
Bowl Finish or any thin-bodied oil that
penetrates well (to minimize wiping finish off
from inside the eyes), Spray on film finishes
such as lacquer, polyurethane, shellac, etc. It is
very tedious to scrape wax or French polish out
of the eyes! That is why I finish off the lathe.
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Signing your work.
The “Gelly Roll” Metallic gel ink pens write on
the sanded surface of a pod and show up well.
Be careful that your finish will not cause the ink
to run. I usually use a Dremel vibrating engraver
to sign my pod pieces. Filling the engraving with
the “Gold Stick” wax stick gives a gold engraved
look. For best results with the Gold Stick, do the
engraving after the finish is dry.
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If you have any questions, or just want to talk
about Banksia Pods, please contact me by email
any time!
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