Urn for Woodworking Neighbor

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The first project on the new workbench has been a sad one.  My next door neighbor passed away 3 weeks ago, after a short battle with brain cancer.  Pat was one of those people who are a credit to mankind, a fine woodworker and great neighbor; he will be missed by all who knew him.  

His widow asked me to make an appropriate urn for the ashes.  I saw what the funeral homes provide and they don't measure up.

I kept it as a simple walnut box, with hand cut dovetails, however, it seemed to need a little accent of some sort.  I came up with a simple molding of curly maple to contrast with the dark walnut.    M original intent was to inlay an oval of nickel-silver into the top, and engrave his initials. I got the oval made, but my engraving skills were not up to the task and it went into the trash. 

 M original intent was to inlay an oval of nickel-silver into the top, and engrave his initials. I got the oval made, but my engraving skills were not up to the task and it went into the trash. 

The finish is 5 coats of varnish, wet sanded to 1000 grit, followed by 0000 steel wool.  This was topped off with a coat of Varathane finishing wax and buffed.  

The hardest part will be taking it next door.

Pat, I hope you like it.  

Carey Mitchell

10 Comments

A beautiful way to remember a woodworker and a friend. Well done. 

Ryan/// ~sigh~ I blew up another bowl. Moke told me "I made the inside bigger than the outside".

Good reason to do great work!

Ron

your a damn fine man carey ! i know she will be very happy with the result.  ive done a few and yeah, there no fun ! my hardest was the one for my co worker and best friend of over 35 years !  his wife loved it and that made it all worth while ! i hope i dont have to do another ?

working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.

I'm sure he would be honored to get such a great looking urn. Excellent work 
Difficult project but the urn is beautifully done.  The curly maple is a nice detail that works well with the richness of the walnut.  
Beautiful urn. I’m sorry you had to build it.
Beautiful urn Carey. The walnut with maple trim is a great choice. I'm sure it will be treasured for years.
While indeed a somber moment, I believe this to be one of the highest honors for a woodworker. To use our skills and talents to provide a receptacle as the resting place for a loved one. We then return the honor when we craft something that is sometimes quite simple yet still a statement of respect. You have given the family a treasure.

Some of my most creative moments have been when I've had to cover up an error in my woodworking.

Beautiful work for a solemn occasion.