I haven’t done a very good job with this blog so here’s an update on my urn-building journey.
For several months I did not work on the urn as I was doing some equipment setup, shop reorganization, and other life events, plus was avoiding the cold temps in my shop. When I finally got back to working on the urn, I decided to try Dominos for the mitered corners. Unfortunately, I relied on my memory for an important setup step and ended up punching through the side (big sigh…I did avoid actual tears, although I felt like it).
I attempted a repair with black CA glue to make it look like a knot which wasn’t very good.
I glued it up without using Dominoes even though I had cut all the holes (which weren't perfect) and moved forward with splines. Figure it will be strong enough even with a two slots cut on each miter.
Yesterday I used my Dremel to clean out the black CA glue I had used and instead used clear CA with sawdust mixed into the glue. This took quite a bit of “redoing” before I was satisfied. Not a perfect outcome, but I’m OK with it. This will be an urn for me someday, and the mistake (and somewhat recovery) is a bit of a life metaphor. I really like this walnut and the grain wrap, so moving forward.
For the lid, I have it within a grove in the sides and I just glued a small area in the center, with some of the space balls (cut in half) along the sides to allow for wood movement without the top shifting in the groove. I cannot wait to put some finish on the top as the grain on that piece of walnut looks amazing.
I added some chamfers on the edges using my handheld router and a wide base I bought during the holiday sales. I still need a bit more work on the base to add a chamfer on the bottom. The bottom will be the part that will allow for the plastic box with the ashes to be placed in the box. I made some “guide pins” from oak dowels so it will be easy to center the based and then screw the bottom into place (I laughed to myself that I cannot trust anyone to not screw through the side of my urn!). I have the pilot holes and countersinks in place. Plan to just have black cabinet screws to secure the bottom.
I am pretty sure I have the dimensions so that the plastic box (the bag with ashes is placed in that typically) will be able to slide into this wooden box. I like that idea rather than just the bag within the wooden box. I plan to go to a crematorium locally to pick up what I understand to be a rather standard size box.
So, still need some fine tuning and sanding, but I’m happy with the current progress. Some current pictures.
My next one will be for my husband – he wants some inlay work so will have opportunity to learn new techniques. Then a friend has asked I build one for her. No one has any known “issues” – guess we just are planners.
I think your work is looking fantastic! I also am eager to see it with a finish, that walnut and the exposed end grain in the chamfers will really shine.
Appreciate your comments Splintergroup. The finish step on walnut is always a highlight. The grain on the top, and the sides as well, is already pretty so hopeful it pops as much I anticipate.
Nice update! For your sanding questions you're likely to get a range of answers. The professional refinisher I know never sands past 150. They are also interested in productivity. I usually sand to 220 - sometimes higher for highly figured woods.
Steve - thanks. I typically sand to 180, sometimes 220. I'm trying to be more disciplined in my sanding as I often get in a finish line rush (whether a deadline or not!).
I just had a thought about your domino blowout. That's a good location for some kind of decoration - a coin, monogram, medallion or similar. I'm imagining something not much bigger than the current size.
Steve - haha, yep racing to the finish at several levels.
I had thought of trying something along those lines with a small carved flower or a cross. Haven't pursued any decoration yet as my plan from the start has been a simple design without embellishments. Will see how it looks once the finish is on - I can always go back and add something...or start over. I have several other knot holes (real ones!) filled with the black CA. The boards I picked had some "character" that I probably would avoid for a project otherwise. I liked the grain though so went with this board. The top was from another source but hopefully the slightly different walnut color will blend ok.
I thought about Steve's idea with coins. One could be the year of birth, the second would be the year of death. Of course I then thought about whoever gets to place the death coin would either pocket it or totally biff the install 🤔
Splintergroup - that's a neat idea. But...I'm not wanting anyone to have to do anything more than line up the bottom on the pegs and screw the board in place! The KISS principle (keep it so simple) is my guide.
This is looking pretty nice. I will say that the grain wrapping looks really nice, as well. I clicked on the link Splint posted, and Norton froze it out. I'll have to go the long way around to it, I guess.
