After several weeks of downtime from shoulder surgery, I found that stepping up to the lathe again was somewhat daunting. Would the shoulder do what it was suppose too? I decided that maybe I should start off with the basics and ease back into it.
Meanwhile, several weeks ago, a friend asked if I could make wooden buttons for a sweater she was knitting. With the caveat of healing time taking precedence, I agreed. This would serve as an outstanding return-to-the-basics project. Spindle turning which transitions to face work would be the perfect project to practice with.
My friend had stated she wanted dark wood about 1.25 inches diameter. Otherwise no specification as to design was indicated. What to do? I decided to just have fun with it and turn a variety of designs for her to choose from.
I found that turning these was a really fun project. In a short period of time, I was able to produce several variations of design. The real challenge, of course, comes with duplicating any particular design. Nevertheless, I found it to be a great back to basics project and a good choice for a little woodshop therapy.
In preparing this project, I looked around the web at various hand made buttons. I was surprised to find there was a decent market for these. I imagine the problem turners would have is trying to stock both the right shape and design to meet the customers need. After all, I came up with a dozen designs just playing around. I don’t plan on trying to stock buttons, but if anyone out there needs some, just send me a note. I’ll be glad to make some to order.
Until next time,
--Kevin