Yew Lamps with splits??....Now with shades!!!

[Paul.J]

Sorted some of my logs out that are indoors and came across some of the Yew i have,and found that it has split more since been indoors. :roll:
So thinking of what to do with em thought i would do a couple of lamps that would show the splits off.
Now i'm not sure about them and neither is swmbo but others that have seen them like them with the splits. :?
So was just wondering what do you all think :?:
320 mm high 160mm at the base.Finished with Danish oil.

 

[wizer]

hmm no I don't think so, personally. Tho I do think that if you went further by charring them and maybe adding some carving then you'll get a good effect.

Can I ask how you bored out the middle? I cheated on my one and laminated the timber with a routed channel.

 

[CHJ]

Sorry they don't work for me as is Paul, perhaps with the splits filled with brass or similar just to get rid of what to me is an unfinished look.
Having said that fitted with sympathetic shades masking the top third they may give a totaly different impression. But Shades of that size ain't going to be cheap just to check out effect even if you get the girls into creative mode.

 

[Paul.J]

Thanks for the honest comments

Wizer wrote

Can I ask how you bored out the middle? I cheated on my one and laminated the timber with a routed channel.

Tom i used a 5/16" shell Auger to bore down the middle.

CHJ wrote

perhaps with the splits filled with brass or similar just to get rid of what to me is an unfinished look.

Yes Chas i thought about doing that while i was turning them,but thought i would see what the reaction would be as they are.
I would like to have put a black filler/resin in the splits.
Any ideas as to what i could use for others :?:

 

[duncanh]

I actually quite like them as they are. If the cracks weren't there I think they would look quite boring to be honest. The cracks give them interest.
Filling with coloured resin or metal is an option but would you treat every tiny crack - if not it might look a little strange.


Do you often keep your logs indoors? And do you mean actually in the house? This seems to be asking for trouble and you'll possibly end up with more splits in other logs.

 

[miles_hot]

As they stand they see, somehow fat, sort of middle aged spread hanging off the top. However with shades they might look a lot better.... I have to say that lamp stands always seem to me to be very hard without going into the "looks like a vase" type look.

In terms of the cracks I'd probably leave them alone - it;s a natural product. Also if it is still in the process of moving / cracking there could be a risk of other cracks opening of the existing ones attempting to open / close which could make any filling of cracks look incomplete...maybe!

Miles

 

[user 5053]

I think they are beautiful, elegant, organic and a popular, pratical, contemporary product. I've sold lots of similar style lamps, possibly a bit more rustic and think the splits can add character. You need to advise the customer about finding the right shade. Well done, great work.

 

[big soft moose]

I'm shocked to find i agree with soulfly :shock: - one point though if you do sell lamps at craftfairs what are the ramifications for electrical safety checks, kite marks etc - ive never gone down the lamp route for that reason.

 

[wizer]

I don't think that's anything to be scared of. The fittings are really quite simple to wire up. It'd take real incompetence to bugger it up.

 

[big soft moose]

I don't think that's anything to be scared of. The fittings are really quite simple to wire up. It'd take real incompetence to bugger it up.

yeah i get that - i expressed myself poorly (probably the shock of agreeing with trollfly ) what i meant to say was that ive made them for my own use but not sold them - when you sell mains electrical items (as soulfly claims to do regularly) dont they have to be electrically inspected and approved as per kite mark under EU H&S legislation.

Its the faff of getting that done that puts me off (and the posible litigation if something goes pearshaped after purchase) not the dificulty of wiring up the fitting.

similiarly with toy sales - when i make " toy" type items i also ways include a disclaimer that "this item is not a toy and is intended for adult use only" as the toy H&S legislation is strict and dificult to comply with.

 

[CHJ]

The fact that metal fittings have been used makes it essential that they are wired with 3 core flex and fitted with a 3 pin earthed plug, be they for home use or sale.

If they are to be offered for sale to general public I would have thought that such an item must at the very least carry a warning that the appliance must be fitted and used with an earthed supply, and termination carried out to current good practice standards, crimped ferrules to tails etc.

I also think I have read somewhere of a need to keep records of having done a safety check (earth continuity and short detection) supply source of wire and components and the certification standards on those items, as a means of showing responsible quality control as well as traceability if defective.

 

[johnny.t.]

I'm not sure about those Paul, I don't think I'm very keen on the shape you've made them. Still lamps always look totally different with a shade on and they may well look good then? Be nice to see a pic with shades added

JT

 

[Paul.J]

Thanks for the comments they do seem to be divided.
The splits have been more opened up by me trying to smooth them off so there is no loose splinters that will catch.
I also have the shades for them but they don't seem to go with this shape.
When i have fitted the cable etc i will post another piccy showing the shades and see what you think.

DuncanH wrote

Do you often keep your logs indoors? And do you mean actually in the house? This seems to be asking for trouble and you'll possibly end up with more splits in other logs.

No,sorry Duncan i meant inside my drying shed.
I have three stages for my logs etc.
1-kept out in the open in log form but under some shading.
2-they are moved into the shed part when i feel they are ready to be cut up.
3-moved into the workshop for turning.

Soulfly.I am shocked,amazed at your comments.But glad you like em

Here is a link to what was covered before about table lamp safety by JPT.
It explains the safety issues.
These lamps will be fitted with three core cable.If needed. :?:

 

[Paul.J]

Here are teh two lamps now with shades,and wired up.
Do you think they look any better :?:

 

[johnny.t.]

Do you think they look any better :?:

Not really Paul sorry mate, I just don't think they work.

JT

 

[wizer]

They'd look good if the bases were charred black.

Actually I think the lampshades are such a subjective thing. In selling lamps, the shades must be the hardest part to 'dress' the lamp. I'd be inclined to sell them without if I was in that position.

Don't get too attached to them Paul. If you and missus don't like them, then you don't like them. It's only firewood and I hear you have one or two bits in storage ?

 

[Paul.J]

I know what you are saying Tom,but the Yew wood is still a lovely looking timber and i just can't bring meself to chucking it let alone burn it :shock:

 

[DaveL]

I know what you are saying Tom,but the Yew wood is still a lovely looking timber and i just can't bring meself to chucking it let alone burn it :shock:

And at that size could be cut into a number of pen blanks and the odd bits used for light pulls, but finally the trimmings and shavings go in the sack for heating the shop in the cold (remember that :shock: ) of winter. 8)

Not made any yew cuff links, yet, so there's another use for the little bits.

 

[miles_hot]

sadly now they look like mushrooms...

 

[Paul.J]

DaveL wrote

And at that size could be cut into a number of pen blanks and the odd bits used for light pulls, but finally the trimmings and shavings go in the sack for heating the shop in the cold (remember that ) of winter.

Not made any yew cuff links, yet, so there's another use for the little bits

Dave i have pen blanks coming out me ears now,and haven't tried light pulls. :shock:
I do remember you doing some cuff links in the past. :?
Any chance of seeing how they were made :?:

Mileso-Hot wrote

sadly now they look like mushrooms...

Swmbo says they look like trees now :roll: