Milo was the smallest, and weakest of the triplets, and sadly passed away a few weeks ago. Dad contacted me and asked if i'd make a remains box for Milo, the ones offered for sale didn't sing to them. absolutely. 'we'll pay you' no you won't, it will be an honor to make this.

minimum volume of 125 cu in.

found a piece with a nice knot, filled it with turquoise dust and poly, that will be the top. red oak all around, will stain to match the table and benches i made for them. have a brass plaque on order that will go on the top too, just under the knot, with Milo's full name and a Latin cross on it..

got it all dry fit, need to final sand, stain, then glue up. then cut the top off and fit up the hinges and latch (brass). then poly.

as many of you know, working with red oak will turn your hands black when your sweat interacts with the tannic acid in the oak. it'll wear off.

Very special project. Nice to use the same wood as the original table project.

I had never heard of the sweat reaction with the red oak. Very interesting.

Doug, that's really a tribute to your craftsmanship and the families trust in you. I know they will love what you make.

sanded, stained, glue tomorrow.

i don't know why it posted multiple pics....said they failed to upload....grrrr....

yes, the grain wraps around the box....duh....

I fixed your posts Dab, don't know why the images came in like that.

What a wonderful tribute to your work, and you to their family. The box is looking wonderful.

I gotta admit, I wasn't aware of the Red Oak and skin either, but I can probably count the times I've worked with Red Oak on 4 fingers, and it's been awhile.

now, some of you more attentive types may recall me posting about my wife passing away in 2022 (aug. 2), and you may also notice my wedding ring still on my left hand. and you wonder, "did he get married again?" fair question. no.

i wear it because, 1) i like it, 2) Linda gave it to me, and 3) i can't get it off.

perhaps i'll remarry down the road, no prospects currently.

Saw that and figured #2

gluing up.....

I've seen the same sweat reaction with mesquite, though it did seem to vary a lot with individuals. I kind of wonder if the extent of it has something to do with iron levels? Or perhaps just the degree to which handling tools and machinery gets iron on your skin?

not much to show today, but got the top cut off, cut edges sanded and stained, hinges and latch fitted up (holes drilled for screws). poly tomorrow. 2 coats planned, then reassemble and attach name plate (on the way) and done.

Never heard of the red oak reaction with sweat before. I work red oak a lot and haven’t had that happen. It must be particular to the individual, like how some peoples skin will turn copper jewelry green.

nameplate arrived early, yay, and mom approves.

got the 2nd coat of poly on this am, let it cure, 3rd coat undecided, stay tuned.

done.

Awesome job, you should be proud. I’m sure they’ll cherish it.