Advice for beginner

[Lordgert]

Hi,

Sorry if this is not the right forum but I was looking for some honest advice.

My father recently passed away and he was a keen woodturner. I thought it would be a nice idea if I were to make a simple urn for his ashes, which are then to be buried in woodland.

The only experience I have is in making a simple bowl, under his guidance, last year.

My question is - do you think I am over-reaching here? Is this too hard a job for a beginner?
If not - does any one know a good tutorial for a complete beginner on how to make this?

Thanks in advance,

LG

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Firstly, my condolences on your loss.

I would suggest that an urn is in fact far too complex a turning project for a beginner. It involves deep hollowing while going into end grain, a notoriously tricky procedure and also one requiring specialist tools to get access to the undercut rim. You would also need a threaded neck...all of which are just beyond the scope of a beginner in all honesty. Maybe ask your local turning club if someone wants the job or even ask on here.

 

[CHJ]

As Rob say I would consider an urn of sufficient size to be out of the comfort zone for a beginner.
Think in terms of 240 X 180 mm overall.

Even using simpler construction assembly techniques instead of deep hollow turning in one is not easy.

Rob:- Lid does not have to be threaded or sealed for that matter, contents are sterile and usually in a fabric package placed in the urn.

 

[Blockplane]

If you feel that you want to - have a go. It may take you several attempts, but you will learn as you go ,and you can keep coming back here for advice as you meet problems.
I'm sure your father would be very proud to have you make his urn, and it would be very fitting if you were to use timber from his stock.
As CHJ has just said, the fit of the lid doesn't have to be complicated, you could always seal it with 2 pack epoxy, or even candle wax. You do not need to have an immaculate finish inside, as it will not be on display , a simple hole drilled with large drill bit will get you started and then work outwards from there.
My condolences,
Rob

 

[monkeybiter]

Also consider shape; unless you are particularly determined to have a traditional shape you could perhaps turn what is effectively a deepish lidded bowl, the wider 'opening' would make it much easier to turn, especially as you have turned one bowl already.

 

[Dalboy]

The simplest way is to make the main urn in two parts and then glue them together. It does mean a little changing about of the wood in chucks etc but if done in the correct sequence can be done without having any specialist tools.
It could even be as simple as two bowl shapes which can be stuck together once the ashes are place inside. The shape of the bowls can be as simple as you like or a little more decorative.
The main thing is that it was made by you as a last gift to him. Sorry for your loss

 

[nev]

If you feel you could turn a bowl again without your late fathers guidance, how about two bowls together? similar to this pic but only two pieces.

Flat faces could be glued together rather than a tenon type fit between bowls.

edit: Dalboy beat me to it.

 

[marcros]

or book a day with a pro, and do it as part of a course. that way, you would have guidance where needed, access to tools you require and if necessary, somebody to step in and do a particularly tricky bit.

 

[minilathe22]

What about a segmented solution? You build up your shape in layers of trapezoid shaped wood, turning the inside and outside shape to size at each step. Here is an example of a (much larger) segmented vase:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V31MBxVXosQ


I have done similar ones with only 7 or so pieces per layer.

 

[CHJ]

Does not have to be segmented rings, it can just be Stacked Rings construction A larger version of this assembly method but it will need a good chuck or faceplate support.

 

[finneyb]

Google ' how to turn an urn ' there are a least three videos and a number of articles
And you don't have to get it right first time -

Condolences for your loss

Brian

 

[TopCat 32]

i would second Marcros advise book a days course with a professional , you will get help with the difficult aspects and end up with something you are proud of and who knows you may well enjoy yourself and take it up and end up giving you fathers machinery and tools anew home .
my condolences

 

[Lordgert]

Just want to say thanks for all the advice - I'm going to take a combination of all of it .

I found a 'beginnners' book so I'll have a go of some basics first then I'm getting one of my Dad's woodturning friends to come over and give me a hand with one of the 'two-piece' type suggestions given.

Thanks again,

LG