I made 5 of these shaker oval boxes.  They’re #3s and are made from Curley maple.  I’ve made about 30 of different sizes before and we’re all cherry, but I wanted to try some maple to see how well it bends...and it was great.  Sanded to 220 and still need to add a finish.  I think I’ll use some watch danish oil...wait three days and apply some poly.  I’m actually going to try and sell these, but not sure how much to ask.  I was thinking 20 buck a piece.

 

Can't help you with the pricing but they sure are beautiful!

19 minutes ago, lew said:

Can't help you with the pricing but they sure are beautiful!

Thanks Lew...

Great looking!!!!  

1 minute ago, Woodbutcherbynight said:

Great looking!!!!  

Thank you...

Nice work,....I love those things. 

7 minutes ago, aaronc said:

Nice work,....I love those things. 

Thanks.  I really enjoy making this the same way they did a hundred years ago...

3 minutes ago, Pauley said:

Thanks.  I really enjoy making this the same way they did a hundred years ago...

  I'm all about a hundred years ago,.....or 2,....or 3. 

23 minutes ago, aaronc said:

  I'm all about a hundred years ago,.....or 2,....or 3. 

Ha ha ha...I hear that!

Paul, I'm living my woodworking dreams through you! This is a craft I have always wanted to do, I have the supplies, the tools, the instructions, just haven't got around to doing it! I did it the easy way, got the starter kit from John Wilson, now all I gotta do is do it! I too was thinking about selling mine once I get the hang of it, thanks Paul for giving me that extra push.

 

28 minutes ago, John Morris said:

Paul, I'm living my woodworking dreams through you! This is a craft I have always wanted to do, I have the supplies, the tools, the instructions, just haven't got around to doing it! I did it the easy way, got the starter kit from John Wilson, now all I gotta do is do it! I too was thinking about selling mine once I get the hang of it, thanks Paul for giving me that extra push.

 

John Wilson is kind of a mentor for me.  In his latest book, he actually put a photo of me in it (probably will loose sales on the book now...ha ha ha). I get most of my supplies from him, such as the tacks, cores and dryers.  I try to re-saw my cherry, and in this case, Curley maple, myself.  I’m not very good at it, but I keep trying to make corrections to make it better.  You can steam bend the stock or, like me, I use a pan and a hot plate under it.  I tell my wife I’m making soup.  Bring the water to a boil, place the stock in there and in about 15 minutes or so, I pick’em and wrap around the core.  I have a hard time making the number 5 box...don’t know why...but all the ones below that size are easier for me.  Here’s a couple of photos to show what I’ve done...oh, if I can help, please don’t hesitate to ask...I’d be more than happy....

 

first photo is a #5. Far from perfect, but not to bad.

second photo is a #3 (I think) that is a music box that plays “a simple gift” which is a tune the Shakers had.

third photo was a #5 that I wasn’t happy with.  My wife suggested I make it into a split tray, which is something the shakers had. 

 

 

 

Beautiful work, Pauley! I'd be very happy with either of them. Can't see any flaws at all.

38 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

Can't see any flaws at all

Ditto!

We price our turnings based on the market and what sells for 20 here in the deep south may sell for 50 out there where John lives with all those million dollar houses. Point being do not overprice your work but DO NOT sell yourself short either. 

 

Now to answer your price more directly yes I would pay 20 but could probably get 35 to 45 depending on size and finish.I like what you are doing and maybe John will settle down enough some day to do his.

Those are really nice Pauley.  You must have a pretty large pan to put in a piece long enough for that #5.  Does it take longer to boil the larger sizes?  They look like they would be a fun project to do.

16 hours ago, Pauley said:

.oh, if I can help, please don’t hesitate to ask...I’d be more than happy....

Do doubt I will!! Thanks Pauley

1 minute ago, Cal said:

You must have a pretty large pan to put in a piece long enough for that #5.

Not hijack Pauly's topic here Cal, but you can see my linked topic above in my reply to Pauley, click on it and you'll see the pan on the left side of the bench, that John Wilson sent me when I purchased his learners kit.

Those are fantastic! I have no ideas in pricing, but I gotta think that $20 is pretty low.

18 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

Beautiful work, Pauley! I'd be very happy with either of them. Can't see any flaws at all.

Thank you.

15 hours ago, Gerald said:

We price our turnings based on the market and what sells for 20 here in the deep south may sell for 50 out there where John lives with all those million dollar houses. Point being do not overprice your work but DO NOT sell yourself short either. 

 

Now to answer your price more directly yes I would pay 20 but could probably get 35 to 45 depending on size and finish.I like what you are doing and maybe John will settle down enough some day to do his.

Thanks Gerald.  I’m sure John can, and will do some of these boxes and they’ll probably be much better than what I’ve done.  I’ve seen his work on the rocking chair...wow!