Tap Handle Anyone?

[Cottonwood]

I did something that I have never done before. I agreed to carve some tap handles for the Renaissance Cellars winery located here in Kansas. The handles are meant for taps dispensing their product, Fat Friar's Honey Mead. I had Stadtlander make the special turnings for the handles. Here is a picture of the custom turning and completed first carving ( without paint ). I found that the work was not too different from carving a cane or stick topper, but, has anyone else carved a tap handle before?

[delbert]

That's one nice tap handle I 'm sure.they'll be well pleased with them.good job.
Del

[Tom Ellis]

Nice job Millard, The Friar looks great, and the lettering looks fantastic.

I'll drink to that one, Tom

[carvingbarn]

Great looking carving. They will be proud to have it.

[toycarver]

That is super nice. Do you have to have a special threaded insert to connect it? What wood did you use?

[KeithC]

It's great! Nice job.
KeithC

[Cottonwood]

Thanks for the comments. That being the first one took me what seemed a long time to carve it. Maybe the next few will go faster as they usually do. The winery has their own furrels and will attach them. The wood is bass wood. The reason it looks so dark is that I had just applied a wood conditioner to it and it wasn't dry yet. This morning it is almost white again.

[johncarves]

VERY NICE! I liked the color while it was still wet.

I've quoted on doing several, my prices were to high! They want custom designed, one of a kind & hand carved at Chinese plastic casting prices.

[carverken]

It looks good enough to drink from. Too bad its such a long commute. Maybe next time. Keep up th excellent work.
K

[draft51@aol.com]

Millard, just a great job. Will be well received by the ones wanting this. fred k