A Northshore synagogue needed someone to do some custom millwork. They had two wooden Torah scroll end covers to be replaced with an improved design. Hiring a CNC machine operator was too expensive an option, so a member of the congregation "commissioned" me to do the special woodworking project.
After a prolonged period of time trying to acquire genuine Israeli olivewood, we had to start construction without it in order to meet the deadline and use bubinga, a mohagany-like exotic wood, instead. Again, Owl Lumber supplied the wood, but this time, the customer, not I, picked up the materials. Pictured below is one form in which you may buy this kind of wood.
After a prolonged period of time trying to acquire genuine Israeli olivewood, we had to start construction without it in order to meet the deadline and use bubinga, a mohagany-like exotic wood, instead. Again, Owl Lumber supplied the wood, but this time, the customer, not I, picked up the materials. Pictured below is one form in which you may buy this kind of wood.
Here is part of the job involving a jig to assist in the "milling." Eleven different power tools were implemented to complete this little project.
The customer finished the covers with tung oil and then applied a topcoat of bowling alley wax. Although I did eventually see the fully assembled mantle covering the Torah (which is beautiful!), I was not able to get a picture of it. Perhaps a shot of it will be posted some day....
Shown on the far right is one of the original end covers made of oak. The new covers are significantly lighter with more surface area for attaching the fabric that together makes the mantle.