This project started in the grove on my farm.  A few years ago I havested a bunch of walnut and cherry trees that were near the end of their lives and kept a walnut crotch and some cherry for myself.  The slabs were too big for my machinery so most of the work was with hand tools.  The 12/4 slabs distorted a lot during drying so most of the effort was flattening.  Using a scub, a jack with toothing iron, and finally a #8 jointer, the final thickness ended up at about 1-1/2″ (about the same amount my biceps and shoulders grew). 

The butterfly inlays are rosewood.  The finish is garnet shellac, shop-made glaze, and satin Waterlox.

Launch Gallery