No.5 All Maple

I can't say enough abut this piece.

But, for your sake, I'll try to limit myself.

I am a bit mystified that it even exists, it was such a bitch to make!

From the beginning of this project I'd intentionally experimented, trying to accomplish more technically difficult things all along the way. But with this plaque I took leaps of faith beyond my understanding, and, quite possibly, good judgement.

I spent more time looking through my stocks to find just the right wood for

this plaque than for anything else.

White curly, dark curly, birds eye, freckled, speckled and figured.

Alas, if nothing else, I am stubborn.

Twice I rejected this plaque, and twice I rescued it from the boneyard

in an attempt to breath new life into it.

Yes, twice.

At one point I gave it to my brother as a keepsake...

only to later beg him to not make me honor the offer.

Only once though, so...

Build-up, modeling, texturing, fluting...more build-up...more machining...

even while assembling I fought with it!

Then I finished it with many coats of Danish Oil.

Phew!

And, as it turns out...with a little trickery,

it makes a nice logo, doesn't it?

Here it is, my favorite...Notorious No.5