Tree to tribute

It was very sad... my partner's son died unexpectedly. I won't get into those details, and we held a ceremony last weekend so that part of grieving is over.

For my part, I created an urn to house his remains. After viewing hundreds of images and discussing what we might do to pay tribute to him, I settled on a piece of this tree. It fell in the woods behind his grandparents house. These woods were a well loved place for him as he was growing up.

Another part of this tribute piece was a bit of heartwood from a Live Oak tree that fell on their vacation property in Hilton Head SC.

To start, I had to locate my lathe tools. The lathe itself has been sitting in a corner of the shop languishing. Awaiting my urge to turn again. I located the tools, sharpened them and was ready to begin.

My calculation for capacity was 200 cubic inches. Roughly 6 inches in diameter and 7 inches tall. That is the inside.

The lathe is capable of a 12 inch diameter outside but a piece this size is heavy and initially the center of gravity isn't lined up. Heavy vibration and high torque are a pretty scary condition with a spinning piece. It was nerve wracking to start the piece and get it trued up to the centers.

Ultimately, I was able to work through it and hollow out the cavity, I kept the top live edge with bark attached and turned a separate top. The top decoration styled as an eternal flame was carved from the heart Oak.

I have to say, I think it is a fitting tribute to him.