The lid for one of my skillets melted in the oven a few years back. Oops. I had a couple hours yesterday morning, and decided I would make a replacement. I found a scrap of apple from the tree we took down in my front yard four years ago. Cut it to length, then angled all four sides with a small pull saw, then used a spokeshave and block plane to smooth the sides. A little final touch-up with a knife, a coat of oil, then a few coats of shellac, and it’s done.
Picture 5 is the raw wood, 4 is with just the oil on it. The apple wood soaked up a lot of oil, so I’m hoping once everything cures it’ll be fairly stable. If not, I can always make another handle, I guess.
Very neat. It did turn out very well.
The amount of work in that is more than I would have done though.
Thanks. Yeah, it was a lot of work. Would’ve gone quicker with a lathe. But it kept me busy while the guys at the shop down the street were putting new fluids in my truck, so I think it all worked out.
Great idea using the insert Dave. Nicely done.
Mighty Fine, looks good, you did a great job, congratulations.
Thanks, gents. I pondered carving something fancier or spending more time smoothing it before finishing, but I had told myself that when the shop called and said the truck was ready, it was time to down tools. It isn’t as nice as I’d like, but it’s sure a ton better than the lump of molten plastic that used to be the handle. And I learned a few things along the way.
The insert seemed like a must, Dave. There are bits of the apple that would hold a screw, but I’m trying to save most of the really good stuff for saw handles. And the vacuum chamber for stabilizing wood is a “some time this winter” project. So for now, an insert does the trick.
Really slick idea. I have to make a few of these, all matching kitchenware. Might gets a few points with the wife, thanks for the idea.
Thanks. I don’t know if I’ve got my design to the point that I’m ready to make a bunch identical yet. I suspect the next one will be different.
Clever idea. I’ll also bet this is the first lid handle posted on LJ.
I think you’re right Earl. Nice Dave!
I’m impressed that you were able to find something made from wood that hasn’t already been posted as a project. You get top marks for ingenuity AND creativity.
Dave , nice job and congratulations on your ‘Daily Top 3’ award.