Hippopotamus Christmas Tree Ornament: Edge Sanding

My Ornaments

 After cutting out all the hippopotamus ornaments, the sanding process begins. The first step is to sand the edges. There is usually a slight bump at the beginning of the cut that needs to be smoothed out, and sometimes some shaping is required. I perform this step before removing the labels so that I can maintain the shape while sanding the edges.

While sanding, I closely inspect the edges of the hippo ornaments under bright lights to identify any imperfections. In this batch, I discovered several ornaments I had neglected to cut the tails. I sent them back to the scroll saw for a quick cut. Sometimes, feeling the edges can help me locate imperfections that I can't see with my eyes.

The sander I am using is a Delta 1x42-inch belt sander that I've owned for about 40 years. It operates at a single speed, so I have to be very gentle when using fine-sanding belts; otherwise, it can overheat and burn the wood. Similar to using a scroll saw, mastering this sander requires some practice.

Victorian Style Wooden Fretwork Christmas Tree Ornament Handmade In the USA

My Ornaments 

If you're looking to enhance your holiday decor, consider a handmade Victorian-style wooden Christmas tree ornament. Crafted from reclaimed wood, these ornaments bring a unique touch to your tree.

Each ornament is hand-finished with clear shellac. Since every piece is handmade, no two ornaments are alike. This individuality is part of the charm, as natural variations in wood grain, color, and knots contribute to the overall character of each item.

It's worth mentioning that the item you receive may differ slightly from what you see in the listing photos. This includes potential variations in wood thickness as well. Such differences should be embraced as traits that enhance the ornament's appeal rather than defects.

If you have specific preferences regarding appearance or size, it's best to contact me before placing your order. I am happy to discuss and accommodate your requests as much as possible.

Proudly handmade in Tallahassee, Florida.

 

 

Hippopotamus Christmas Tree Ornament: Uses for Leftover Wood

My Ornaments

There is well over a five-gallon bucket of designer kindling left from cutting out 283 hippopotamus ornaments. Most of my leftover wood gets burned and used as kindling to start backyard fires.

I have thought about composting these materials and adding them to my garden. However, some types of wood can harm garden plants, and I'm uncertain how my plants will react to black limba from Africa. For example, black walnut can kill tomato plants. Therefore, I will be using it as kindling.
 

 

Victorian Style Wooden Fretwork Snowflake Shaped Christmas Tree Ornament

 

My Ornaments

This holiday season, consider adding a touch of elegance to your decor with our Victorian style wooden fretwork snowflake ornament. Handmade from natural wood and finished with clear shellac, this ornament beautifully combines traditional design with artisanal craftsmanship.

Each ornament is unique, created from different pieces of wood, which means that the one you receive may vary slightly from the images in our listing. These natural differences in wood grain, color, and knots are what make each piece special and are not defects but examples of the charm of handmade items.

If you have specific preferences regarding the look or size of your ornament, please reach out before placing your order, and I will do my best to meet your needs.

Proudly handmade in Tallahassee, Florida USA, this ornament is not only a beautiful decoration but also a potential family heirloom for generations to come. Embrace the spirit of the season with a unique, handcrafted ornament that celebrates the artistry of Victorian design.

 

Hippopotamus Christmas Tree Ornament: Mitigating Dust

My Ornaments

I have cut a significant amount of wood on my Excalibur EX-21, which is evident from the wear on the table. Before this project, I had never seen the sawdust accumulate like this. The pile shown is less than half of the total sawdust generated. Some of the sawdust ends up on the floor, while most of it gets collected by the dust collection system under the table.

My dust collection system for most of my shop relies on a Ridgid vacuum and a separator that effectively removes all but the finest dust particles. The vacuum is equipped with a Gore CleanStream Pro HEPA filter, which captures the remaining dust. Additionally, I have a Wen air filter mounted on the ceiling that captures a significant amount of fine dust, although it still doesn't eliminate it all.

Unique Handmade Fretwork Cross Ornament

My Ornaments

Looking for a thoughtful gift for a Christian friend or family member? Consider our Fretwork Cross Ornament, handcrafted from reclaimed hardwood. Each piece is meticulously hand-finished, ensuring it stands out as a unique keepsake.

Dimensions:
- Height: 4 inches
- Width: 3 inches
- Thickness: 1/8 inch

Every ornament is made from natural wood, so no two pieces are exactly alike. You can expect some variations in appearance, grain, color, and knots, all of which contribute to the charm and character of each item.

If you have specific preferences regarding the look or size of your ornament, please reach out before placing your order. I’ll do my best to accommodate your request.

This handcrafted item is made with care in Tallahassee, Florida, USA. It’s not just a decorative piece; it’s a reminder of faith and a beautiful addition to any home.

 

Hippopotamus Christmas Tree Ornament: The Sanding Begins

 My Ornaments 

All the Hippopotamus Ornaments have been cut, and the eyes have been drilled. There are approximately 280 hippos. I spent 14 hours cutting and drilling all of these. Now, the sanding process starts.

There are several steps involved in sanding these pieces. The first step is to sand them with the patterns still attached. Usually, there is a small nub where the saw began cutting, and if I'm lucky, that is all that needs to be sanded. However, some pieces may require slight adjustments to their shape or occasional rough spots that need smoothing.

Every time I pick up a piece, I conduct a quality assurance check to identify any issues. If I come across something I don't like and it can be fixed immediately, I address it right away. I set aside a few pieces for additional work, but so far, I haven't had any rejects. However, I dropped one piece and couldn't locate it, and the shop gremlins seem to have taken it.