Wood Turning Definition
These colorful Salt and Pepper Shaker are handmade on the wood lathe. The woods are Sycamore and Mahogany. This offers a contrast in colors to represent the white color of salt and black for pepper. Sycamore is often underrated. Many people compare Sycamore to Maple. I find the grain patterns much more interesting. Mahogany is a beautiful hardwood that is always appealing. The rich color and durability make both of these species highly sought after.
History of the Wood Lathe
Here is a great reference from Wikipedia explaining everything you need to know about a Woodturning lathe. I didn’t realize that they go back to the ancient Egyptians. These early cultures made use of the lathe for utility proposes to prepare and eat. Later they made toys for the boys to learn to hunt and girls to play with dolls.
Gift Ideas
In my store you will find similar items to Salt and Pepper Shaker that are for sale.
Studio
I design all of my items in my studio in Montvale, NJ USA. Should you purchase from AATurning I guarantee it is an Alan Adler original. I do not sell any third party items. The lathe is my primary machine. I will spend additional time at the workbench refining the product. After the form is shape is complete I will take it to the studio bench for secondary operations. These may include carving, piercing, pyrography which is a wood burning process. Then comes to final sanding, applying a protective finish and polishing.
Care for Wood Items
Keep out of direct sunlight and minimize exposure to high humidity
Do not wash with water, use only a damp cloth
Wax lightly with a quality food safe wax or oil and buff to restore luster. I like beeswax or walnut oil. Mineral Oil is also good.