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Reader's Gallery

Casket

comments (3) November 11th, 2012 in Reader's Gallery

Troutrx, member

3 users recommend

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I was asked by a close friend to build him a casket. He was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and had 2-6 months to live. I was honored to build it. As a woodworker, it was a very enjoyable project, as a close friend is was very difficult. He wanted a "pine box". He got a casket that was made with birch, walnut, maple, redwood, and poplar. It turned out wonderful. He lived only 6 weeks. I finished in time for him to see it. He really liked it. I really enjoyed making it and love the final outcome. I plan on making a few more just in case someone wants to have one. It took me about 3 weeks to make. I finished it with mineral oil and a final coat of mineral oil/bees wax mixture.

Design or Plan used: My own design

posted in: Reader's Gallery, box, walnut, maple, poplar, birch, casket, coffin

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Round picnic table

Comments (3)

mnwoodworker writes: First off I am sorry for your loss, that is a rough road. The casket you built is beautiful. I made the urns for my Grandparents and like John and Dan already said it is a very humbling experience that is quite an honor. God bless.
Posted: 6:05 am on February 5th

danmosheim writes: i agree you and john. you did a beautiful job. i made caskets for my mother and for my father a few years back. while difficult, it was one of the most 'connecting' things i have done in my 40 year woodworking career. i've also made several urns for ashes for friends and their families, and i always think of it as an honor and a privilege. it is, as john says, therapuetic' and gives one a real pause, a consideration, and a closure. i'm sorry for the loss of your friend, though you did well by him ... dan
Posted: 10:08 pm on November 14th

John_Schaalje writes: Beautiful casket. I made one for my father-in-law when he unexpectedly died a few years ago. I was talking to one of the owners at the wood supply store who sold us the material and she said "I bet making the casket has been therapeutic..." I couldn't have agreed more.
Posted: 1:07 pm on November 12th

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