2" Block name project Purpleheart !!!

[preprius]

I finally decided to use one of my 2" Purpleheart turners block.  

This one took a long time just to cut.  I tried many many different blades.  

I had to do what everyone says not to do.  I had to push pretty hard for the blade to start cutting.  

To give an idea of how hard it was, it took an hour for the space between each character.   Over 10 hours of cutting. 

Yep I found other issues along the way. 

I forgot to check my cutting angle.  I had my last project set at 0.8 deg.  I figured that out too late, half way done. 

The biggest super skip I had was #3 was but it was not stiff enough.  I used a Polar #7 ,  and it did not turn corners. Pegas #5 mgtr has some reverse teeth that popped the wood off the table (purple heart is strong).  Pegas skip is similar to polar #7.  I even tried Pegas #3 mgt.  Oh a #4 spiral blade does not do well either.

Overall I stuck with #5mgt Pegas.  I had to use alot of strength to hold the wood down during turns.  

I will be ordering bigger super skips, Lots of them.

Other issues , when turning corners and pushing, the bottom of the blade is not directly cutting under the top of the blade  (not vertical). So the bottom blade cuts the corner and angles sideways at the same time.  So I had to re-cut all corners with a stiffer blade. 

I am not showing the back because it sucks. 

For a few years I wanted to add gemstones to one of my projects.  I got an oval opal that fits inside the 2 hearts. I used a small diamond rotary tools and dug out the oval deep enough for the opal. 

This opal is just beautiful in the purpleheart wood.  I love opals. 

The table spoon is for size comparison. 

Before sealing the wood, I let it sit for 2to 3 days to darken the purple. 

I applied "Arm R Seal" on the wood before gluing the opal. I taped off the oval dig out.  3 coats of seal.  I used Devcon 330 epoxy for setting the opal.  I used acetone on both opal and purple heart before epoxy. 

 

Edited January 11 by preprius

[barb.j.enders]

You are a braver person than I.  It looks great.  Love the Opal in the piece.

[daveww1]

awesome job

[jerry walters]

WOW Mark, one thing I learned from this is that I am never to try purple heart.  From the front, really looks nice and the Opal is a very nice touch.  I purchased some 2 inch blocks 3 or 4 years ago.  Poplar, Red Oak, Cherry, Mahogony, Maple, and Walnut and as of yet have not put a blade to any of them.  Afraid to give it a try.  Have cut several inch and half blocks with no issue, but that extra half inch scares me.  Guess I'm chicken.  Again, nice cutting.

Jerry

[preprius]

Jerry,  Barb

The only thing that was holding back of trying was what project deserves this wood? 

I have (4) 2" blocks left.  another purpleheart $13,  olivewood $31, redheart, and canarywood. 

Why did I choose to do name block, because these 2 girls lost their roommate to cancer. They needed  something special.

A cowgirlhat is not their style. 

It takes me 20 hours for a hat,  10 hours for this. 

I look forward to another special project for the other blocks.   But it has to be be very special.

1 down 4 to go. 

 

Edited January 11 by preprius

[rjweb]

Very nice, RJ

[Scrolling Steve]

Purple heart is a Bear, I cut a project from 3/4 thickness .....You did a great job and worked very hard, well done! I cut a Fiona Kingdon pattern using Flying Dutchman blades and it was tough...Can not imagine 2 inch!

[wombatie]

Oh wow.  Your poor arms, neck and shoulders.  You did an amazing job and I love the opal.  I was given an opal necklace for my 21st and then about a month later was told that they were bad luck. 

Marg