[shanghai_sparky]

Here are some pictures of a sample display rack that I am making.
For Chinese New Year, I will be giving one away in a lottery.
Eventually, I will put my tools to work and try making a table.
But for now, I enjoy making these little ones.

After I glue the three pieces together, I will cut the assembly in half to make two racks for six chips each.
I will remove the chips first.

I used a 1-5/8" forsner bit for the large hole and a 1-1/8" hole saw for the smaller opening.
The wood is 1/4" x 2" x 12".
The dark species is African Wenge.
There is a sample of lacewood and zebrawood in the background.
Those are for future projects.






A cute little three chip rack that I threw together.

[TBonesPoker]

Nice work, SS. I've been thinking about taking a run at something like this...if I could just find all my tools!

[noelsarchs]

I think the key to these things looking really good is twofold, one proportions and the other crisp clean edges and or corners. Finish as well is key.

[shanghai_sparky]

Here are a couple pictures from an earlier attempt.
These were the first ones I made, and as with anything, practice makes better.
I have to go shopping for a sanding spindle to make the round edges cleaner.

[links_slayer]

Those pictures don't do that lacewood justice. It's much prettier in person. Can't wait to see the final product!

[shanghai_sparky]

Almost finished.
All I need now is to put some clear finish on them.
Also, I want to make some form of a pedestal for the two so that they will be tiered as in the picture with the back one elevated about 1/2".
As is, they look better than my last ones.
They are remarkable sturdy for being only 3/8" thick, even with the top heavy brass chips.

edit: I doubt that I will use wenge again as it has some natural resins that show up in the bottom picture as white specks.

[shanghai_sparky]

Hopefully, I just put the final coat of finish on these.
I think I sanded them five or six times, with up to 350 grit paper.
The grain really looks nice in person.
They will be ready in time for my lottery in two weeks.
It amazes me after doing this just how difficult it is to get a mirrored finish on humidors and such.
No wonder furniture (non-Ikea) costs so darn much.

[shanghai_sparky]

After putting four more coats of urethane on them, they are ready and finished.
One will be given away in a Chinese New Year lottery drawing. The second, is available to a good home.
New Year is Feb, 7th, so the drawing will be around then. A link will be posted here.

edit, it is -10 outside, so I couldn't get better lighting.

More pron:





Commander Penguin getting dressed for the party.

[Ienick72]

Originally Posted by shanghai_sparky

Hopefully, I just put the final coat of finish on these.
I think I sanded them five or six times, with up to 350 grit paper.
The grain really looks nice in person.
They will be ready in time for my lottery in two weeks.
It amazes me after doing this just how difficult it is to get a mirrored finish on humidors and such.
No wonder furniture (non-Ikea) costs so darn much.

Neat idea, they look great. With open grain wood like yours an easy way to get the nice smooth finish quicker is to use a gel stain(clear if you like) and then put a coat of shellack over that and then poly/lacquer. just something for the future.

[shanghai_sparky]

Originally Posted by Ienick72

Neat idea, they look great. With open grain wood like yours an easy way to get the nice smooth finish quicker is to use a gel stain(clear if you like) and then put a coat of shellack over that and then poly/lacquer. just something for the future.

I'm experimenting with some scraps and fillers.
However, with the cost of the stuff, I can't spend too much without anything coming back in. (Unemployment doesn't pay that well).