Pine Cones

[rogerwaskow]

We have a pine tree which drops millions (or so it seems) of pine cones. I was wondering if anybody has attempted turning the cones into bottle stoppers. I would assume one would have to stabalize them first. I unfortunately have no and am in no possition to aquire one, pressure pot etc. Would one be able to do something without the expensive gear. I once saw turned pine cones but can't remmember where. Any advice and help would be appreciated.

 

[Craftdiggity]

You can go ahead and cast without pressure, but you will probably have air bubbles that you'll have to deal with when turning them down.

 

[Drstrangefart]

Without a pressure pot, a vibrating surface to set it on during the curing process is the best bet from what I've read so far.

 

[rogerwaskow]

Thanks guys. Will post here as to what happens. The fun starts today.

 

[PaulDoug]

If you go to Ruth Niles website and check the gallery, there is a real nice pine cone bottle stopper.

http://www.torne-lignum.com/Finished_Designs.htm

Second row of pictures, right side. Very nice, I've been drying some pine cones to give it a try, one of these days.

 

[clapiana]

Wow those pinecone stoppers are fantastic

 

[workinforwood]

I used to make pine cone stoppers and they sold pretty good at shows. I did them with colors, but also did clear cast ones with the entire cone trapped inside clear resin. Those were really cool. I'd start off by gluing the cone to a small thin piece of wood dowel to suspend the cone and center the cone, and then the dowel would be drilled away to insert the stopper screw.