"Kevin" wrote in message
...
I was turning a top for a box/bowl the other day and thought a bit of
decoration would be nice. I had a piece of hard maple which was turned to
somewhat decorative shape. It could be used as a top of the lid of the
box/bowl. I got to wondering if it just might be easier to make the lid
with the decorative little geegaw on top all of a single piece. I've seen
some where the turner made the box, made the lid, and then glued a little
finial on top. Come to think of it, I guess that way to do it is the way
that seems right at the time.



An integral finial, as already mentioned, will make for tough work on a
cross-grained project. It makes for a lot of wasted big wood on a long
grain orientation. I'd plan on an added finial, preferably in contrasting
wood, if you're going that route.

Remember, to increase you chances of success, turn a bit oversize, make sure
things are dry with either time or a microwave -can't dry things by soaking
them - then turn to fit.