Function follows form
John K Jordan
I finished this stunningly beautiful piece of artwork the other day. The wood spoke to me as I turned a premium blank of exotic carya ovata wood. The emerging blend of graceful curves and strong lines suggested a higher purpose beyond its obvious artistic value. I'm sure galleries everywhere would compete to host this piece if they simply were aware of it.
Too bad for them, it is already spoken for. I drilled two holes and bolted it to the steel parts of my favorite shuffle hoe. Coincidentally, the old handle had disintegrated just before I started on this piece! This priceless photo shows how the work is integrated seamlessly with nature...
The wood (sometimes called shagbark hickory) has been drying in my barn loft for 8 to 10 years after a session with the sawmill. Its associates wait their turns to discover their place in the world. Some have gone before.
The turning was a pain in the neck. Stretching the PM3520 with bed extension to the limit allowed a 53" handle. The hickory was hard as rock, as expected. I really need to get a steady rest if I'm going to make stuff like this!
JKJ
