CONTINUOUSWAVE

How does Boston Whaler get their steering wheel teak center caps to [have] the circular pattern only found on the Boston Whaler-supplied caps? After studying the details of them, I can't seem to figure out how they do it--definitely a head scratcher.

The circular grain pattern comes from using a smaller diameter branch with a uniform ring pattern and lathing it so the end grain is facing out on the finished peice.

Jeff, I thought that at one time too until I really looked at how the grain ran, especially looking at the back and I could tell they are not cut from end grain.

But, I think I figured it out. They layered several plies of teak, looks like ten of them at about 1/8" thick glued up in some sort of extraordinarily waterproof glue. Then they chucked it up in the lathe and cut the face at the exact angle to make the plies show up as evenly spaced rings. Boston Whaler sure knew how to make every aspect of the boat eye catching.

It's a "glue up" of concentric circles. I have another non Boston Whaler destroyer wheel with a similar center. It's done for strength and to prevent checking in such a small piece of wood. Yes, it looks nice too.

Fishing Magician wrote:It's a "glue up" of concentric circles.

I disagree. If you inspect the edge of one, you will notice the plies of wood. It is the tapered crown that gives it the circle effect.

I disagree. If you inspect the edge of one, you will notice the plies of wood. It is the tapered crown that gives it the circle effect.

Look closely at the grain of each circle. Trees don't grow like that. It's a glue up.

http://s1221.photobucket.com/user/17Mon ... 5.png.html

You gotta look at the edge and the side profile. When you take it out, you will notice all of the thin veneers that are glued up to make it.

I must add that is a nice Montauk you have.