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Seeking Woodworker / Basket Mold Maker My basket mold maker has retired and I am seeking an accomplished production woodworker/wood turner who could work with me to create a selection of custom basket molds for class use and resale to students. Most molds would be small, under 6" in diameter in most cases and including some miniature forms. Here are several photographs of the type of basket molds I am thinking of. Some are very simple turned shapes, others are turned and then reshaped to form molds for weaving baskets with a square base that transitions to a round rim opening. Additional shapes include puzzle molds that are multi-piece allowing the mold to be removed from a finished basket that has a rim opening smaller than any other part of the basket body in shapes such as cat heads, urchin shapes, pot belly/bean pot, pack basket and creels. It would be my expectation to order molds in lots of about one dozen at a time. Although some similar shapes are available commercially, it is my hope to locate a woodworker who could produce some molds and jigs to my specifications. Note: Thanks to the posting by John Hill of the AAW I have gotten responses from several turners. I am presently following up on the early contacts I have gotten. I will be happy to take contact information from all who respond, but I may not be able to get back to everyone immediately.
Puzzle mold for a bean pot shape with "kick-up" base and removal grip. Shown assembled on the weave stand in first shot, then disassembled into the component parts.
Here are additional links that illustrate other molds used for this purpose that may further explain the sort of thing I have in mind. Shaker Molds from Brick House Baskets Nantucket Basket Molds from CT Cane and Reed Solid and Coopered Nantucket Lightship Basket Molds In response to several questions from folks I have spoken to, I have added a couple of pictures that will show some of my baskets along with the molds they are woven over. Most are woven of Black ash woodsplint with sweetgrass, elm bark, birch bark, day lily and other native naturals in the mix. I believe there is a market for this type of wood product and I would be happy to consult with anyone interested in developing a product line of their own.
If you feel you have the skill to produce molds such as these and would like to discuss it with me, please call me at (570) 996-0377 or email me. Thanks for your interest. Susi Nuss |
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