chrisj8221
Member
I am interested in trying to turn some segmented pen blanks, but first need to make them. Somewhere on this forum I saw a post that included the idea of a jig that used a press screw and decided to try to build something myself out of stuff around the shop. (sorry, I can not remember who the post was done by)
The majority of the project is made from 1/2 baltic birch. I used that to create the cradle spines and then added some hobby popular i had left over from one of my kids projects for the sides. I had a short piece of 1/2" threaded rod and decided to turn a handle from some oak i had and then used epoxy to glue the handle to the threaded rod. I also expoxied a 1/2" nut to put the threaded rod though as i did not think "wooden threads" would give me the tension i think i need to press the glue out and make a seamless blank. I also added a "push block" and drilled a 1/2 hole to guide the rod and keep the tension.
If you look closely, I left a small gap at the bottom of the v-cradle so that glue has a place to escape instead of soaking into the wood - leaving me a mess when i try to turn. I am also planning on using either parchment paper or alluminum foil to minimize clean up. I will just need to remember to press a little extra into the bottom slot so the glue has a place to pool.
Oh course, all of this is speculation, as I have yet to try it - just wanted to share my idea. Will let you all know how it works.
chris
The majority of the project is made from 1/2 baltic birch. I used that to create the cradle spines and then added some hobby popular i had left over from one of my kids projects for the sides. I had a short piece of 1/2" threaded rod and decided to turn a handle from some oak i had and then used epoxy to glue the handle to the threaded rod. I also expoxied a 1/2" nut to put the threaded rod though as i did not think "wooden threads" would give me the tension i think i need to press the glue out and make a seamless blank. I also added a "push block" and drilled a 1/2 hole to guide the rod and keep the tension.
If you look closely, I left a small gap at the bottom of the v-cradle so that glue has a place to escape instead of soaking into the wood - leaving me a mess when i try to turn. I am also planning on using either parchment paper or alluminum foil to minimize clean up. I will just need to remember to press a little extra into the bottom slot so the glue has a place to pool.
Oh course, all of this is speculation, as I have yet to try it - just wanted to share my idea. Will let you all know how it works.
chris