After machining a slab of rough sawn elm and resawing it to 1/4" thickness, I made 35 handsome crosses 2 3/4" x 1 7/8", 1/2" wide. The grain of elm is brought out by stain, Puritan Pine from MinWax and enhanced by 3 coats of Arm-R-Seal satin urethane from General Finishes.
In September of 2010 in my new workshop, I completed my first "batch" of crosses made from apple. I set a goal to make thousands of crosses and give them away. Having surpassed the goal, I will continue as long as I can. It is a joy! (This blog focuses on the material aspect of making crosses rather than the best part - the spiritual act of giving them away.)
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
From Antique Cypress
Finished crosses, about 2 1/2" high |
From an antique cypress board, rough sawn and previously stained, I resawed and from one of the pieces made about 52 nice crosses. Half of them I stained with Minwax Puritan Pine and the others with Dark Mahogany. I bought a can of General Finishes Arm-R-Seal satin urethane which was recommended to me by Chalon Olivier. Three coats were applied, sanding lightly before each coat. It dried well overnight, and I am very pleased with the result - no pooling or bubbles. Started on 12/20/2021, completed on 1/11/2022.
Layout |
Dadoes cut |
Ready for assembly |
Stained and finished - 3 coats of urethane |