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A natural, durable finish with minimal coats and fuss popular among woodworkers, flooring professionals, and furniture makers

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Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998

A natural, durable finish with minimal coats and fuss popular among woodworkers, flooring professionals, and furniture makers

Urns

Posts

Urns

#1

Urns

Dale Gillaspy

A few weeks ago, my dad called to say he had quit his dialysis and the Dr.'s gave him 1-3 weeks. So far, he has defied the odds, but we were able to have some serious conversations. He is going to be cremated and interred in the Veteran's cemetery in Riverside, CA. He said he just wanted his ashes to stay in the cardboard box they came in from the crematory and not spend any money.

Backstory... My dad got me started in woodturning when I was in college about 30 years ago. He bought me a small pen turning lathe from Penn State. I taught myself on 2 milk crates on the balcony of my studio apartment. I didn't know a thing about classes or the AWA.

Fast forward to today. I thought it only appropriate that I do this for him. I handed him a large chunk of Mesquite and asked if he would allow me to turn his urn. He thought it was really great and in a way, I guess it has come full circle.

Please forgive the busy background, I didn't have time to set up my photo booth.

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#2

can't see a photo

john lucas

Having just gone through that I know how you are feeling. Glad you got an Urn turned. Looking forward to seeing it. Your dad sounds like a great guy.

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#3

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Dale Gillaspy

I had trouble uploading it. Just did it John. Thanks. I thought of you when doing this.

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#4

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George Guadiane

It's nice that you could have the conversation with him and that you get to do this for you both.

NICE urn.

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#5

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john lucas

It's beautiful. My dad never got to see the actual Urn but he did see a photo and my sister said he smiled. It's 2 feet underground now so only an Archaeologist in the future will ever get to see it. :)

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#6

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David Walser

Dale -- You've made your father proud. Not just, or even mostly, as a turner, but it must have been nice for you two to have had this passion to share. The Urn is beautiful and a fitting tribute to your turning mentor and father.

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#7

Very nice

Jeff Willaford

Terrific job, Dale. Very good that you could do this and he would agree to it.

I have to ask about what looks to me like fire in what looks like a bark inclusion. Could it be inlace or something of that sort or just my eyes?

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#8

Re: Very nice

Dale Gillaspy

It is copper leaf to match the top of the lid. He worked in a copper mine while he was going to college, and being from Arizona, I thought it would be a nice touch.

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#9

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Don Orr

A wonderful tribute to a life well lived. My condolences when the time comes. I'm glad you had some extra time with him.

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#10

Re: Very nice

Jeff Willaford

Thanks Dale. Amazing thing to do for your dad and what a great memory to create at such a difficult time.

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#11

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Greg Haugen

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. The urn is beautiful. I love the personal touches, like the copper and how it's linked to his past. Well done.

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#12

Brad Vietje

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Brad Vietje

Sorry to read that you're going through this, but glad you could make a beautiful tribute to your dad, and especially while he was still alive. He now knows his ashes will be in a beautiful urn turned by his son and student.

I lost my dad 12 years ago, and like you I learned to turn from him, and we spent a lot of time in the shop over his last 4 years of life. I wanted to turn an urn for him, but he and his wife had already chosen a burial urn made of stone. Since that time, I was able to turn an urn for my mom's ashes, and one for those of a friend's son, so I can really appreciate what a solemn honor it is.

Best wishes during a rough transition.

Safe spinning,

Brad Vietje

Newbury, VT