Hi People<
Thanks again for all your praise. I'm really flattered as I really do rely on you all as the experts.
The wooden dishes are indeed Zebra. Nice wood although this ins one I had trouble with the end grain "roughness" with.
I finished all the bits in various things (my Dad had loads of stuff). Some with Crystaline wax, some in a hard wax likle sealing wax and others in friction polish. Personally I like the hard wax finish best although it does dull if you handle the work too much.
Just before I left (In Moscow on business) I made a bowl with a lid! Took me nearly all day but I'm happy with the result and it looks great. Its made from a piece of wood given to me (same as first picture) by a mate (from Radius) which is nicely sported too. I dont want to "show off" anymore but I'll post a picture if anyone is interested.
Cheers again,
Mick