Hollow Vessel – Segmented For Safety
Hollow vessels (Hollow Forms) are fascinating. How do you go about removing all that wood through that tiny hole in the top. Once you understand how, then you also begin to understand the risks involved especially for larger projects. They then require specialized tools such as bent scrapers. Even then a high skill level is required to avoid serious catches that could destroy the project. A catch could also do physical damage to the woodturner’s elbow or shoulder.
I also like segmented vessels, they have a different look and appeal. So why not combine segmented and hollow vessels. Using segmentation, the vessel can be constructed as two bowls then glued together before a little more touch up.
Sounds like a marriage made in heaven.
This vessel has 5 rings with 8 segments each for 40 segments plus a small plug in the bottom — total 41 segments. It is joined between the 3rd and 4th rings. It is finished with walnut oil.
Enjoy!
Easy Woodturning Project – Mini Kaleidoscope
My brother returned from a vacation at Sedona Arizona with a kaleidoscope and pictures of kaleidoscope. He challenged me to do something similar.
However, before going all out, I decided to complete a couple of “Mini Kaleidoscope” kits that I’ve had on hand for quite a while.
My kits originally came from Craft Supplies USA.
I made two: one from walnut; the other from padauk. They are about 1.5″ in diameter and 2.25″ in the wood body plus the brass ends. They are finished with my mix of beeswax and mineral oil.
With the mini kaleidoscopes completed, I can move on to larger ones.
Saguaro Cactus Necklace Holder
I chose to turn this cactus shaped necklace holder as I’m “on-location” in Arizona. To me, it is an exercise in slicing a woodturning and re-gluing it for a different effect. At the same time, since I don’t have access to a drill press, I used my lathe to drill holes in the side for the cactus arms.
Despite all this, it still will serve nicely as a necklace holder.
At least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Segmented Valentine’s Candy Heart Box
How do I turn a heart on a lathe? I need one for Valentine’s Day. Everything around Valentine’s day seems to require some form of a heart. I wonder why!
This candy box is segmented red oak. It has a 104 segments: 2 lids with 24 segments each; the body has 56 segments. After adding the 2 finials, 106 pieces of wood make up this heart shaped candy box. Because it holds editable items, I finished it with beeswax and mineral oil.
So – a heart shaped box – no problem. I’m ready for Valentine’s Day.
Woodturning Jewelry-Segmented Bolo Tie With Wood Tips
For an beautiful jewelry item, how about this segmented wood bolo tie? The medallion is made from 24 segments of walnut and maple with a walnut center and walnut bolo finial tips. The renewable finish is beeswax and mineral oil. The design symbolizes a old west wagon wheel.
The metal clasp and cord is available at Tandy Leather Factory and other sources.
Segmented Candy Bowl With Lid
With Valentine’s day approaching, I made a segmented candy jar. This jar is cherry with accents in walnut. It uses 66 pieces of wood including the top and bottom finials. Since I want it to hold candy, it is finished with food safe mineral oil and beeswax.
A bonus, I get to enjoy a chocolate kiss.
Segmented Beveled Mirror Holder
A viewer, Johnny, asked me to demonstrate how to incorporate a beveled mirror into a woodturning project. This segmented turning accepts a 4 inch mirror beveled or non-beveled. It has 16 segments and a faceted faux jewel at the center. The wood is cherry finished with shellac friction polish.
This is only one of many possible designs: solid or segmented wood; handled or non-handled; large or small; bowl shaped or platter shaped; etc. The possibilities are endless.
Woodturning Green Wood – A Natural Edge Bowl
After a storm broke a large limb from a gum tree in my yard, I decided to get some benefit from my misfortune. A friend had helped clean up the mess so I decided to turn a natural edge bowl to give him in recognition for his help.
This green wood bowl is turned from gum. The bark edge is toward the upper side of the bowl for a natural edge. This bowl is about 8″ across and 4″ tall. It is finished with beeswax and mineral oil. I’m leaving a small spigot on the bottom until it has had a chance to dry and warp. After that I’ll remount it and re-flatten the bottom to make it sit flat. I’m always fortunate with all the bark stays on my natural edge bowl.
Making A Pinewood Derby Car – Turned On A Lathe?
When my son came over with his children to make their pinewood derby cars, he also challenged me to turn one on the lathe. I did not have a clue how to turn one — until the light dawned.
So, I did not one but two. How do you turn a car on a lathe, you ask?
It “turns” out that if you turn two pinewood derby cars at once, you can.
- Prepare two blanks at least regulation size
- Glue them together bottom of car to bottom of car with craft paper between the blanks.
- Turn your cars but leave the wheel area square to support the axles and maintain the wheel spacing. Be careful because your dual car blank is not a round turning — it has flat portions. So, you’d be cutting a lot of air at the same time.
Star Of Bethlehem Laser Cut Christmas Ornament
We’re celebrating Christmas with a Christmas Ornament Woodturning Challenge. This is my last entry for this year.
This star is not a woodturning. But I think it is cool enough to enter the challenge. It is cut with a laser from 1/8 inch Baltic birch plywood.
Depending on how it is hung, it takes a variety of dynamic, springy shapes.
Merry Christmas.
View the complete challenge playlist.