Wmcullen
Member
I'm not sure if this process is right or wrong; unique or common. But it works for me and I want to share in case it's interesting. |
03-Miter Cut Blank Laminates
last post: 02-Wood Center Bands
Summarylast post: 02-Wood Center Bands
Using a compound miter saw presents easy opportunities to make a row of blanks with interesting laminates.
The Problem (Figure A)
The first time I made a batch of angled segmented pen blanks I decided to stack two pieces of wood and cut a wavy line on the bandsaw. The top of one piece (dark wood) was glued to the bottom of the other piece (light wood). I was fairly happy with the results but quickly realized there was an easier way to get almost the same effect.
Simplified Process (Figure B)
(Not rocket surgery, just how I do it.)
Using a compound miter saw I bevel cut two pieces of lumber and glue them together. It's a lot easier and, frankly, produced a cleaner result.
Both ways create "two-dimensional" change. It just took me a cycle to realize which two dimensions were easier to cut along.
The Problem (Figure A)
The first time I made a batch of angled segmented pen blanks I decided to stack two pieces of wood and cut a wavy line on the bandsaw. The top of one piece (dark wood) was glued to the bottom of the other piece (light wood). I was fairly happy with the results but quickly realized there was an easier way to get almost the same effect.
Simplified Process (Figure B)
(Not rocket surgery, just how I do it.)
Using a compound miter saw I bevel cut two pieces of lumber and glue them together. It's a lot easier and, frankly, produced a cleaner result.
Both ways create "two-dimensional" change. It just took me a cycle to realize which two dimensions were easier to cut along.
Favorite Designs
I know it's basic, but I love the way these harsh angles convert into sloping curves. It never gets old.
Turning a wood center band from the same wood used elsewhere in the pen is a great way to introduce the principle of repetition into your designs.
I know it's basic, but I love the way these harsh angles convert into sloping curves. It never gets old.
Turning a wood center band from the same wood used elsewhere in the pen is a great way to introduce the principle of repetition into your designs.
Arranging light-colored wood to have a "wide" side increases legibility of laser engraved names which might otherwise be difficult to read on darker wood.
Making batches of angled segments, for me, came down to the the gluing surfaces. The ones I made on a band saw always seemed to have a little gaps, which could be filled with veneer and glue. But clean miter cuts always ensure a perfect fit between segments.