Post #360596 by Robin on Mon, Feb 11, 2008 6:05 PM

Hey there, not much to post, wanted to say thanks for checking in....worked on the little guy some more...whittling away at it...probably to much. It's much better to start with a plan. Pics tomorrow I hope.

Hi Benz, thanks so much I'm really enjoying this work. Thanks for the advice,and compliments. I really appreciate it...being picky is what makes stuff good. I appreciate you taking the time to share your expertise. I knew it was risky, but not how risky as per Paipo's post. It was a purely aesthetic decision, and also wanting it to hang as a pendant. I'm not planning for those holes ahead of time unfortunately.

Hi Paipo...thank you for the great advice and compliments. It's so helpful. I thought that lashing would be good on an actual blade too for a grip. Maybe they didn't do it because it was easier to clean the blood off without it!

Really interesting about the stress fractures popping up...The Stone of Heaven, so tough, and apparently finicky. I was wondering if I was spinning the wheels to fast as well..if slower would also make a difference.

That's interesting about the grain too, and it makes sense. I positioned it to use the slab economically, and for aesthetic reasons. I'll be sure to keep the grain in mind next time.

I really thought if I got that hole in there that I'd be home free. As above, I haven't really been planning for the holes in the design, will definitely plan ahead from now on.

"Anyway, on with the show - I'm really enjoying these pieces. We seem to have lost momentum with the TC stoner movement, so it's up to you to carry the torch now!'

Now that is quite an assignment! Where are the stoners anyway? So glad you're enjoying them, and thank you again for your help...couldn't ask for a better teacher.

"PS Have you got the "Maori Weapons" book? "

I looked on Amazon for Maori Weapons. Is it the book by Jeff Evans? Pre-European Maori Weapons? I mostly look online and TC for pictures and information. I have only three books now. Mana Pounamu/Russell Beck, Jade Country/T. Schoon and The Decorative Arts of the NZ Maori/T. Barrow.

pdrake...Thanks for stopping in. Aren't those blades cool. Pounamu seems to lend itself so well to these shapes. Yours are very nice, and you got the holes going the right way! Really sorry about your fingers...Glad you're working again though. I remember that interesting MoKo design you started...is it going to be resurrected? Hope so.

Carrying the torch in Florida!

R.