Just in time for the Ides of March, Dennis will demonstrate turning a canteen for the Pikes Peak Woodturners on March 7th. Vessels for water are usually called canteens, while those for other spirits may be known as flasks. When made from white oak, the wooden canteen is capable of either function.
Dennis learned the canteen form from Chris Stott. Chris makes a vessel about 3 1/2″ tall, which is illustrated in his book of Turned Boxes. It is considered a box by woodturner standards because it is turned in the spindle (or end grain) orientation. This form, however, also requires turning on the other axis, so it is technically a multi-axis turning. Canteens do not appear very often in exhibits and club galleries, although both Dennis and Nick Cook teach the canteen in demonstrations and classes.
Dennis turns the canteens with contrast wood inserts, threaded lids, and lids of various shapes. There are many opportunities for decorating the inserts, which gives the canteen project many opportunities for experimentation and decoration. The steps for making the canteen are listed on the ‘Project’ tab on this site.