Ironwood Box w/Finial

 

This 3.25 inch diameter by 4.25 tall box is made from a Eucalyptus variety some call Iron Bark, and sometimes, Ironwood. The bark is very rough and somewhat 'rusty' looking. The wood is very hard and heavy, and warps and splits and twists. So it's not a good lumber for most wood workers. But it is a beautiful wood. Turns nicely but it's hard on tools, dulling them quickly. This box was finished my usually way, wet sanding with mineral oil up to 320 grit, then buffing with beeswax and orange oil. The finial was made from a scrap of, I think, Teak or maybe Oak.