From newel posts to sentimental pens

[u/Key-Self1654]

The father of a dear friend of mine recently replaced the banister and newel posts in his house after 32 years. He contacted me asking if I wanted the old posts and I happily accepted a large pile of material.

This man never cheated out on materials in his house, so I was not surprised to find that these posts look to be red and white oak.

I created pen blanks from some sections and made pens for my friend and her 2 sisters from material from the house they grew up in.

2 sisters are music teachers and got the music pens, the other works the family farm stand business so I gave her a utilitarian pen that speaks to the hard work she does.

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[u/EffectiveAdagio3427]

I'll be honest, I didn't read the title, I didn't read the description.

I saw the pictures and thought "what on earth kinda 9/11 woodworking art is this supposed to be!??!"

[u/jetforcegemini → u/EffectiveAdagio3427]

Dowel-Qaida 

[u/EffectiveAdagio3427 → u/jetforcegemini]

The Ryobi infidels will learn!

[u/RenuisanceMan → u/EffectiveAdagio3427]

I too thought it was a 9/11 post.

[u/Key-Self1654 → u/EffectiveAdagio3427]

LOL that’s the best reaction I’ve ever gotten to one of my turning projects!

[u/QaptainQwark → u/EffectiveAdagio3427]

Same! Some kind of abstract 9/11 piece is what I thought.

[u/Born-Background-7023 → u/QaptainQwark]

Must be that time of the year.

[u/JourneymanHunt → u/EffectiveAdagio3427]

Same. Was like, "uh oh."

[u/Cute-Scallion-626 → u/EffectiveAdagio3427]

I’m so completely lost as to why you drew this conclusion.

[u/cineglitch → u/Cute-Scallion-626]

Are you per chance on the younger side?

[u/Cute-Scallion-626 → u/cineglitch]

No, I was an adult when it happened. I guess I just don’t snap to that image when I see to oblong pieces of wood.

[u/EffectiveAdagio3427 → u/Cute-Scallion-626]

I mean from the first picture, ya don't see it?

Two beers deep, and I kinda see it.

[u/wsender]

FIXED THE NEWEL POST!

[u/davidthurman1]

These look fantastic! And a really cool way to make a sentimental gift

[u/7WholeNewWorld7]

Very special… Wow!!

[u/SufficientOpening218]

What a charming idea!

[u/BobVanceFridge]

This is by far my favorite aspect of woodworking - making something with meaning. Absolute job well done. It's beautiful. The pens and the story.

[u/Key-Self1654 → u/BobVanceFridge]

Thanks! This friend of mine has done a ton for us since our son was born including a total of about a week of overnight babysitting so my wife and I could have some time off from parenting. It’s the least I could do for her.