How To Turn A Double Eccentric Magic Wand

In this video, I’m going another step beyond in eccentric turning. Building on a viewer suggestion to use masking tape to enable power transmission while backing off the pressure between tailstock and headstock.
Double Eccentric Magic Wand
I made a pair of threaded faceplates in which I drilled holes to provide regular offsets. Corresponding holes would then be drilled into the workpiece. Brass rods, inserted between the workpiece and the faceplate would offset and drive the spindle.

It worked! A double (offset both ends) magic wand. Double the eccentricity, double the magic, and double the power.

This full sized 15″ long wand is made from walnut and red oak. It is finished with mineral oil and beeswax.


2 Responses to “How To Turn A Double Eccentric Magic Wand”

  1. Jon Murphy says:

    Oops, I didn’t see the “leave a comment” under the video so sent my comment through “contact”. I’ll summarize here so it is with the video thread.

    Well done, never thought of that “pin drive” concept. Looks very versatile. On the assumption that the friction for “driving” the work piece comes from tail stock pressure may I suggest that you might glue a piece of rough sandpaper to the face plates to add friction.

    Looks as if there are lots of uses for this jig, looking forward to making one.

    • Alan says:

      Just to clarify, one reason for the pin drive is to eliminate the need for pressure from the tailstock. Therefore each end has two pins – one to index the offset; the other to “drive”. No need for sandpaper.
      On this wand:
      From the work piece perspective, the index pin went to the corner of the work piece; the drive pin went in the original center.
      From the faceplate perspective, the index pin went in the center hole; the drive pin went in the offset hole.