I noticed an interesting plywood vessel while flipping through a buddy's Fine Woodworking magazine back in the summer. I had been thinking I would like to make a non-round vessel and was inspired to do this one by the work of Kerry Vesper that was the subject of the magazine article.
I called it an irregular vessel, but technically it is at least nominally regular - just not round. It is made from Baltic Birch plywood and is capped top and bottom with Bloodwood - a very hard and heavy wood. The thing about making a round vessel is that it is actually pretty quick - it usually takes only a few hours on the lathe. This one? Not so much. It would have helped if I had the correct specialized tools and bits but I made do with more conventional ones. As a result this was started back in December and took over three months to complete. I have to admit I did a number of other minor projects in the meantime, partially because I wanted them done and partially to break up lengthy sessions of the arm-busting grinding and sanding required for this vessel.
The
construction process was to cut out plywood outlines that were the appropriate size and shape for each layer, glue them together, and then grind and sand to shape; pretty straightforward, but time-consuming. However, I'm happy with how it turned out so I guess that makes it worthwhile.
| Material: | Baltic Birch plywood, Bloodwood |
| Construction: | Laminated and carved |
| Finish: | 3 coats Miniwax Wipe-on Poly, clear Satin |
| Size: | 12" max dia x 10.5" tall |
| Done: | March 24, 2017 |
