RetiredJake
Member
Had to try something new, so I cut up a few blanks and tried my first herring bone. Picture 1 shows the result, rather ugly. You can see the tube in several places, and I had a gluing issue that prevented rotating the levels to vary the pattern.
Picture 2 shows my second attempt. Worked through the gluing issue, and could rotate the levels. However, I tried a new way of cutting the blanks that resulted in exposing only end grain. You can still see the tube in a few places.
Pictures 3 and 4 show the third attempt. Made a new jig to cut the pieces so they didn't expose the end grain. Paid a little more attention to positioning while gluing and even sanded a few pieces after they were glued. While it is not perfect, and there are a few small gaps, you can not see the tube anywhere, so I'm calling this one a success.
I now understand why these sell for $90 online. A real PIA and time consumming. People who have completely mastered this have my full appreciation.
Picture 2 shows my second attempt. Worked through the gluing issue, and could rotate the levels. However, I tried a new way of cutting the blanks that resulted in exposing only end grain. You can still see the tube in a few places.
Pictures 3 and 4 show the third attempt. Made a new jig to cut the pieces so they didn't expose the end grain. Paid a little more attention to positioning while gluing and even sanded a few pieces after they were glued. While it is not perfect, and there are a few small gaps, you can not see the tube anywhere, so I'm calling this one a success.
I now understand why these sell for $90 online. A real PIA and time consumming. People who have completely mastered this have my full appreciation.