Wood FrontierI wanted to make hollow vessels and other hollowforms in my woodturning. I needed to make a tool that would extend through the narrow opening and into the interior of my piece.
This woodturning tool will allow the creation of wooden hollow forms such as ornaments, vases, vessels, urns, and other interesting designs. The technique for making a hollowing tool is adapted from master woodturner David Ellsworth's book, "Ellsworth on Woodturning: How a Master Creates Bowls, Pots, and Vessels"
The book can be found here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1565...
Materials needed for this project: - Steel Rod for tool shank - M2 High Speed Steel for cutting edge - Hardwood for Handle - (Optional) Pipe or cord for feral - Epoxy - CA Glue
Do you have a link to where you can buy the HSS tip? I purchased mine in a small pack at harbor freight for around $5. It had a mixture of 5 different M2 steel pieces. You can also pick them up on Amazon for a couple bucks.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D...
Would a square piece of steel stock would work better than the round?
No, essentially the tool is used as a scraper. The cut is made slightly below center with the cutting edge tilted down (somewhere around 30 degrees from horizontal). While a square stock it might be easier to drill and make, but the tool would be more difficult to use.
Make Woodturning Hollowing Tools & Fantastic VesselsWood Frontier2016-02-29 | I wanted to make hollow vessels and other hollowforms in my woodturning. I needed to make a tool that would extend through the narrow opening and into the interior of my piece.
This woodturning tool will allow the creation of wooden hollow forms such as ornaments, vases, vessels, urns, and other interesting designs. The technique for making a hollowing tool is adapted from master woodturner David Ellsworth's book, "Ellsworth on Woodturning: How a Master Creates Bowls, Pots, and Vessels"
The book can be found here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1565...
Materials needed for this project: - Steel Rod for tool shank - M2 High Speed Steel for cutting edge - Hardwood for Handle - (Optional) Pipe or cord for feral - Epoxy - CA Glue
Do you have a link to where you can buy the HSS tip? I purchased mine in a small pack at harbor freight for around $5. It had a mixture of 5 different M2 steel pieces. You can also pick them up on Amazon for a couple bucks.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D...
Would a square piece of steel stock would work better than the round?
No, essentially the tool is used as a scraper. The cut is made slightly below center with the cutting edge tilted down (somewhere around 30 degrees from horizontal). While a square stock it might be easier to drill and make, but the tool would be more difficult to use.Woodturning Sphere DemoWood Frontier2021-03-02 | Thanks for watchingMaking a Strawberry Spinning Top with skew chisel WoodturningWood Frontier2018-06-30 | In this video, I show you how to make a spinning top on the lathe using primarily the skew chisel. Making spinning tops is a basic woodturning project and skill builder.
It's fun to make different and whimsical tops. I enjoy turning my tops into fun and unexpected shapes. Toy tops are quick to make and have very little expense, both in time and material. Another cool thing about spinning tops is how many different ways there are to make them. As long as they spin - you win.
Many people fear the skew chisel because of the catches you get from it. The feedback can be quite dramatic! I talk about the placement of the blade for the planing cut - the foundational cut when using a skew chisel.
Music: Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions http://www.sessions.blueDIY Vacuum Repair - How to fix a Shopvac WheelWood Frontier2018-06-13 | The vacuum is broken, and I need to fix it. Really it's the molded plastic mount that holds the wheel that is broken. The castor no longer fits into the damaged mount. In this video I make a tool repair.
I didn't want to go out and spend a hundred dollars or so on a new wet-dry vac, and the limited mobility of this one was starting to get to me.
Running Waters by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0) Artist: http://audionautix.comPreparing Tool Carts for a Nice Clean WorkshopWood Frontier2018-05-30 | I'm working on cleaning and organizing my workshop. I purchased a spindle sander recently and it came with this tool cart. I wanted to clean up the cart and attach both the spindle sander and my belt sander to it. Inside I can keep additional sanding belts, the orbital sander, random sandpaper, and other odds and ends.
I had to move the spindle sander to the other side so the power cables and the dust ports would line up.
I used to have to lift the planer off of a cart to move the belt sander onto the cart in order to use the belt sander. Then when I wanted to use the planer, I had to lift the belt sander off and lift the planer on. It got old pretty fast. Now I have a cart dedicated to the sanders and can keep the planer on the other one full time. Yay.
http://www.woodfrontier.comRouter Carving By Hand - Makers Rock - New plunge router and carving bitWood Frontier2018-03-22 | This project is a router carving that I did freehand. I used a new router bit with a 60 degree point on it. I also used a new plunge router for the carving. I also experimented with watercolor paint on this wood carving.
The carving is an homage to the band Garbage as it is the cover of their 1998 album 'Version 2.0' The carving was part of the Maker's Rock collaboration. See how different woodworkers on Youtube approached the challenge to recreate a cover of a 90s album.
One of the requirements of Maker's Rock is that it is a giveaway - so if you want to win this, leave a comment below then sign up here. http://eepurl.com/b_irUX I send out woodworking tips, tricks, and musings about once per month.
http://www.woodfrontier.com90s Music Makers Rock Album Collaboration and GiveawayWood Frontier2018-03-17 | Some of the top makers on youtube are creating album cover art for their favorite albums from the 90s. In this collaboration all of the items are being given away to loyal fans. Check out all of the channels to find out how you might win some of the rock and roll albums... as rendered by woodworkers on YouTube... If you love music and fun, then get ready to rock.
Want to know what albums are being made? Here's the list...
Type O Negative - Bloody Kisses The Offspring - Smash Blink-182 - Enema RUSH - Roll The Bones Foo Fighters - The Colour and the Shape Robert Plant - Fate of Nations Aerosmith - Get a grip Jars of Clay - Jars of Clay/Flood Guns n Roses - Appetite for destruction The Offspring - Americana Judas Priest - Painkiller Frank Zappa - Frank Zappa Plays The Music of Frank Zappa - A Memorial Tribute The Exies - A Modern Way of Living with the Truth Guns N' Roses - Use Your Illusion II Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells 2 Rage Against the Machine - Renegades Green Day - Dookie Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication Garbage - Version 2.0 Foo Fighters - Foo Fighters Queen - innuendo Eloy - Ocean 2 The Answer Iron Maiden - Invasion of Rarities Blink-182 - Dude Ranch Heart - Brigade Red Hot Chili Peppers - Blood Sugar Sex Magik Eric Clapton - Unplugged System of a Down - System of a down Metallica - The Black Album ZZ Top - Recycler Queensryche - Empire Pink Floyd - Pulse Beastie Boys - Hello Nasty Barenaked Ladies - Gordon Motorhead - Iron FistWood Storage - Making progress organizing the workshopWood Frontier2018-01-31 | A major goal for this year is cleaning up the workshop. The first big step is to assemble these garage shelves. In the corner, I have a messy pile of logs and wood that needs to be processed and put on the lathe. Most of it has been around for at least a year, so I really need to get through and rough turn as much as possible.
I assembled the rack and proceeded to load up the logs. It's nice that I can actually see the raw material that I have available. It's been really cold in the garage, so it was nice to get a warm day where I could go out and get this done.
The next piece I will be organizing will probably be the workbench. I need to get that cleared up so I can actually use it for like... working on.
I'm planning on making some more shelves on the opposite corner of the garage once I get the opportunity.
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http://www.woodfrontier.com 👍👍Making Router Templates for Cart Handles and Workshop OrganizationWood Frontier2018-01-12 | In an effort to clean up my disastrously dirty workshop, I made this rolling cart. At this point though... it's missing two key features The wheels that provide the rolling and the handles that provide the handles. =P
I made a quick router template for the handles. That way I can easily make two uniform and perfectly centered handles on this cart. In addition to this cart, I'll be able to add identical handles anytime in the future now that I have this template. Making templates and one of those woodworking router tricks that comes in extremely handy.
As you can see I drilled out four holes with a Forstner bit. Drew out my straight lines before connecting them with a jigsaw, and glued a fence to it.
When the glue was dry I marked the center of the template so I could line it up on the cart.
I did clean up the edges with some sandpaper, but that is the entirety of the template.
It's just a matter of clamping the template onto the workpiece and following along with a guide bushing on your router. I traced the cutout portion directly onto the template so I'll have the exact pattern it makes with that particular bit and bushing. Speaking of bits - after doing both handles I changed over to a round over bit to break the sharp edge on the handles and the top edge of the cart.
I further refined the edge with a quick sanding before bringing it inside for priming and painting.
I've decided that this is the year of the controlled organized workshop. I've got a long way to go and honestly I'm quite overwhelmed by the immensity of this goal. The space is cluttered and often feels claustrophobic. I don’t know if I spend more time looking for tools or tripping over them. The current workshop has a lack of cabinets and nothing really has a designated home. That said, each time I find a home for a tool I don’t have to worry about where to put it anymore.
When I finally got the chance to get the casters on this, it was the middle of the night. In an effort to keep the noise level low I busted out the old bit and brace to drill the holes. I got the wheels on there and could soon get it back out to the shop to start cleaning up.
I'm Glad I have it done, but I have a lot more to organize. What is the most effective thing you have done to organize your workshop? I’ll probably have to make some kind of lumber rack or a tool wall soon.
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http://www.woodfrontier.comMini Christmas tree Christmas Tree Ornament - making ornamentsWood Frontier2017-12-01 | I woodturned a Christmas tree Christmas tree ornament. This wooden ornament was turned for the 2017 Ornament Challenge hosted by Allan Stratton and Carl Jacobson. Thanks for running it guys.
Right at the beginning of the project I had some lathe malfunction issues that I had to clean up. It really sapped the morale out of things. Finally, by the end I was just focused and in the zone to really get on with the project.
The wooden santa hat is turned much like a wooden box is made on a lathe. Essentially it is a woodturned box. I used a variety of tools including my skew chisel, spindle gouge, bedan tool, and a scraper. The ornament held into a four jaw scroll chuck and later with a friction fit "jam chuck" as I finished it off.
The friction fit when woodturning can be a little fiddly to get right sometimes, but it is a nice way to hold pieces onto the lathe. It is a basic skill of wood turned box making.
I really love using the skew chisel as you can get a tremendously smooth cut when planing with it.
When I was a kid we had reindeer ornaments that hid a chocolate. It was always exciting to find them, but a let down when they were empty inside!
I wanted to try out this ornament as a prototype. It was fun and turned out okay. I think I could improve my process quite a bit next time.
The video was made specifically for the wooden ornament challenge by Carl and Alan. Thanks for hosting!
Hip Hop Christmas by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0) Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.orgSmashing into the 2x4 Challenge With a Wooden ClubWood Frontier2016-10-16 | I made a mallet/club/mace for the 2x4 challenge. I needed some help dealing with the local bottle kids. ;)
This fun little video was made for the 2016 Summers Woodworking Challenge. The goal is to take a 2x4 and make something interesting out of it. I decided to make a mallet, mace, or bat. I'm not quite sure what to call it.
Also I don't know what I'm going to do with it... but now I have it.
I used my miter saw to cut the board to length. A tablesaw helped me to rip the pieces at an angle to make the basic mallet shape. I used a jigsaw to relieve some of the waste off of the handle before putting it on the lathe. On the lathe I shaped the entire mallet.
http://www.woodfrontier.comVirtual MeetingWood Frontier2016-09-21 | Virtual MeetingMaking Wood Signs With a RouterWood Frontier2016-09-01 | You don't need a cnc to carve a sign. I carved this out using a handheld router. I painted the interior of the sign and sanded off the excess.
My friend wanted me to make a carved wooden sign for her place. The process was a lot easier this time around as it wasn't my first rodeo. I wanted to share some of the additional tricks that made this sign easier to put together.
The primary tools used for this project includes a router with plunge base and table mount, random orbit sander, and a tablesaw to trim down the board.
Let me know in the comments any sign making tips or tricks that you like.
Carbon Paper : http://amzn.to/293ghwWMake Handles for Small tools on a lathe - Easy!Wood Frontier2016-06-28 | Making handles for tools is fun and easy on the lathe. I show you how to make file handles out of wood in this video.
In this short video, I show you two different ways to make small tool handles on your wood lathe. In the first method, I show how I used a scroll chuck without smaller jaws. The second method shows how you can make a taper template jig that allows you to fit your turning piece directly into the headstock.
I decided to make some better handles for these cheap files. I bought the set for around $7 and expected their lifespan to be limited to the immediate project. However they proved to be useful and stuck around.
I wanted to keep my mind off of something so a simple project like this was ideal. I started out by removing the plastic handles. They came off easily with a twist of my locking pliers. There are a number of ways to mount and drill small spindle pieces on your lathe. I’ll show you two of them.
The first way is using a scroll chuck. If you don’t have small pen jaws, you can turn a very small tenon that is captured in the center where the woodworm screw usually attaches. You don’t get the benefit of the dovetailed chuck jaws, but it does hold. You have to be sure to keep your knuckles away from the jaws as there is not a lot of clearance. They stick out further than the piece you are working on and if you let them, they will bite you. ouch! The second way doesn’t require a chuck at all. I’ll show you that in just a minute.
To drill out the handle, I first made a small recess in the center to help guide the bit. Using locking pliers, I slowly worked the bit in. It is important to back out the bit to clear out the waste. For this depth wasn’t critical, but when it is a piece of masking tape on the bit lets you know when to stop.
Using the roughing gouge and then my skew chisel, I brought the piece down into roughly a teardrop shape. I like using a skew for spindle pieces when I can. Using a planing cut and rolling out beads will give you fantastic surfaces right off the tool. The sandpaper equivalent to a well executed planing cut with a sharp skew chisel can easily be 400 grit. The payoff of learning this tool is tremendous, but it can be frightening to the uninitiated. Find a mentor, take a skew skills class, study the tool, practice, and most importantly don’t give up.
I had made three shallow v-cuts with the skew for decoration and used wire burner.
The second way to mount small spindle pieces like this is to turn part of the wood to match the taper on your lathe. The easiest way to match the taper is to make a small taper template jig using 3 pieces of scrap wood. Lay a drive center onto one piece of scrap and sandwich either side with smaller pieces of scrap. Glue these pieces on and you can now turn a piece of wood to match the spindle’s taper without having to constantly take it off and re-mount it or mess around with calipers.
Using a wooden mallet, tap the taper in and you are all set. Be mindful of any cuts that push directly out from the headstock, but if the fit is nice and snug you will have few problems. I like this method because you don’t have to worry about clearance from chuck jaws and it is very quick to set up once you have your taper template made. The only real downside is the wood inside the taper isn’t usable for this project, so it might not be ideal for exotic and expensive woods. But it is a rather elegant solution.
I used some fine grit sandpaper just to make sure things were cleaned up where I had parted the handles off of the lathe. After wiping off the dust I simply used a coat of mineral oil. These are working tools, so an elaborate finish is not necessary. The oil gives this alder wood a nice feel and emphasises the grain patterns.
After letting the oil soak in I put the files into the handles. They have a decent pressure fit, but if they wiggle to much during use I’ll think about using CA glue or epoxy to secure them.
Once you start making tool handles on a lathe, it is easy to start looking for other things that “need” their handles replaced. Files, chisels, awls, screwdrivers, lathe tools, power tool levers and knobs, are all begging for the upgrade. Serving spoons, whisks, and other kitchen implements are also great candidates.
Thanks for watching wood frontier. I’ve got a new woodworking video each month so hit that subscribe button to make sure you see it. Also feel free to let me know in the comments if there are any specific builds you want to see or questions you have.
I came across a box of old woodworking tools from an old cattle ranch. The treasures included two old hand planes, two bit and brace sets, one Cummins drill from 1949, some old spade bits, two large files, and of course an essential for every woodworking shop... meat hooks.
The planes are a Stanley Number 4 and a small block plane.
Some of it is in good shape, some needs a significant cleanup job done. I would love to hear from you what I should focus on first.
http://www.woodfrontier.comHow we made a Leprechaun trap for Saint Patricks DayWood Frontier2016-03-16 | We made a leprechaun trap for Saint Patrick's Day. If you a leprechaun, he will grant you three wishes in exchange for his freedom. You will probably be duped and look like a fool. But if you ask the leprechaun straight up, "Where is your pot of gold?" He is bound by Leprechaun Law to tell you. Also apparently you have to watch him constantly. If you blink or look away he will disappear. Trixie little fella.
This is a fun and simple woodworking project for kids. The top is made of pine and the bars are poplar dowels cut to length. I drilled through the top and bottom to be sure the bars would line up. Painting and decorating the project is a craft all on its own.
http://www.woodfrontier.comSlimline Pen Turning Workshop - Making Freedom Pens on a LatheWood Frontier2016-01-20 | Making Slimline pens on a lathe as part of the Freedom Pen Project.
Our local wood turning group, the Dakota Woodturners, recently held a free pen turning workshop. The goal was to teach newer wood turners the process of making a slimline pen on a lathe. Soon after, over 100 pens were made to be donated to the Freedom Pen project.
The process of making a pen from this kit involves drilling out a 7mm hole to place a brass tube which will hold pen components. After gluing the tube in place the pen is held on the lathe using a pen mandrel. The pen is brought to shape, sanded, and finished all on the lathe. Lastly a pen press is used to press fit all pieces together.
Making a pen is a very fun project for a beginner woodturner.
http://www.woodfrontier.comMake a Wooden Sign - Router ProjectWood Frontier2016-01-09 | Learn how to make a custom wooden sign using a woodworking router without using a cnc machine.
In looking for a supply of beeswax to make some food-safe finishes I met with a beekeeper who needed a custom sign made. We made a deal and I set to work on the sign.
I carved out material on a maple board using a woodworking router, filled the recess with paint, and then cleaned up the surface of the board. The project is fairly straightforward and would be an easy one for newer woodworkers.
The tools needed are a saw, a router, and a sander.
Materials needed are carbon paper to transfer the design onto wood, paint to fill the recesses, and any wood finish.
The Icicle Snowman was popularized by production turner Nick Cook. He did one at a demonstration in April and it looked like a lot of fun. I added a middle section to the snowmen for more of a traditional look.
This is a nice project as you get practice with the skew chisel and rolling beads. Plus you get to burn in the hat rim and burning on the lathe is always fun.