Gonçalo Alves is a remarkably beautiful South American wood. I have written about it at length in a previous post.
While I was at West Penn Hardwoods, at their North Carolina location, I picked up a discount piece of dimensional Gonçalo Alves lumber. While it only measured 8″ x 1″, and I forget how long but at least 16″ since I was able to cut two platter blanks from it, I thought I could use it to make a couple of platters. I have finally gotten around to trying it and I am quite pleased with the results.
Gonçalo Alves Platter Front
Gonçalo Alves cuts so smooth that sanding is almost redundant. It has a beautiful natural luster as well. Making this piece was an easy joy and it took me all of 30 minutes to do. The finished dimensions are 8″ x 1 15/16″.
Gonçalo Alves Platter Rear
All cuts to the Gonçalo Alves were made with my Easy Wood Tools on my Robust American Beauty lathe. The blank was held in Nova Chucks, 35mm and Cole Jaws. Minimal sanding was done with Green Wave paper discs from Packard Woodworks. And the stunning finish is courtesy of ShellaWax.
Gonçalo Alves Platter Slant View Front
While I have written about Gonçalo Alves in the past, I do want to update availability. Gonçalo Alves in various sizes and for differing prices remains available from these fine vendors:
Gonçalo Alves Platter Slant View Rear
Whatever your wood working interests might be, have a great turn today.