Another mixed selection of projects have been through the workshop in the last few weeks. First up I’m continuing to carve parts for the two chimneypiece’s we’re building. You can see in the first three photos below some acanthus leaves and cherubs. Much more to carve this month and hopefully the build proper will start in January.
Secondly I worked on an unusual design to create a standing lamp from a de-activated AK-47 (actually a Chinese Type 56 but essentially the same thing). I designed a walnut stand that you can see cut and assembled in the first two images below. The gun stock nestled in between three M12 bolts that went through the stand to clamp it in place. The bulb holder was screwed onto a thread I mounted on the part that steadies the bayonet and holds the cleaning rod. The wire was threaded through the cleaning rod hole into the front of the magazine and then through the main body and stock to come out the hole where the cleaning kit goes. The finished light can be seen in the third image below. The overall effect is very striking, showcasing the iconic shape of the gun but thankfully for a much more peaceful use than it was designed. As a piece of interior design it would certainly be a talking point.
Finally the work on the light inspired another client to ask me if I could make a solid wooden replica of an AK-47. This can be seen in the first picture below and is made in three pieces of oak. The main body, handle, trigger, barrel and stock are all one piece with the magazine holder and magazine as separate parts. I’d guess this will be the end of my foray into weapons making… Interesting to replicate though and these are certainly unusual piece to work on. The second image below couldn’t be further away in subject. These are a pair of Xmas cheese boards made from a nicely grained piece of Ash I had laying around, bad pun definitely intended. Finally for this post, an update on a project from last year, the jigsaw frame we made for Stiffy Art, here you can see it in the third picture below, as it was always intended to be used displaying some of John’s abstract paintings in a really interesting and unique way. Really nice to see it complete. That’s all for now, hopefully one more update before Christmas and a couple of weeks at home out the cold of the workshop… Stay safe, onward and upwards.
