A fun afternoon project. It wasn't that difficult, though I would certainly do many things differently. Mainly the cutting away of the windows section...
Start with a four billets. Since I didn't have that I needed to make some cuts. I ripped a 2x4 in half, then crosscut it to equal lengths.
Next I jointed the edges with the table saw, a straight edge and some double sided tape. A very effective and simple method.
Next I taped all four sides together and took it to the lathe.
Mounted between centers I turned out the windows. I measured 4 inches from the outside and turned a teardrop shape (a bit larger than needed). I then sanded and finished with friction polish.
Next I separated the billets, flipped them all inside out and glued it together. Once dried I planed the ends, though looking back this might be an unneeded step. Either way it's nice to bring out the #5.
Mounted and turned to shape.
I then drilled out the end with a 1/2 bit and shaped and lips.
Sanded. Sanded, Sanded. Sanded. Friction polished, parted off and called it "good enough" and stuck a weed in it for its photo op!
There it is. A few hours and a pretty cool vase. For next time, I would make the windows smaller, use a more workable wood and a steady rest would be a HUGE assets!
Start with a four billets. Since I didn't have that I needed to make some cuts. I ripped a 2x4 in half, then crosscut it to equal lengths.
Next I jointed the edges with the table saw, a straight edge and some double sided tape. A very effective and simple method.
Next I taped all four sides together and took it to the lathe.
Mounted between centers I turned out the windows. I measured 4 inches from the outside and turned a teardrop shape (a bit larger than needed). I then sanded and finished with friction polish.
Next I separated the billets, flipped them all inside out and glued it together. Once dried I planed the ends, though looking back this might be an unneeded step. Either way it's nice to bring out the #5.
Mounted and turned to shape.
I then drilled out the end with a 1/2 bit and shaped and lips.
Sanded. Sanded, Sanded. Sanded. Friction polished, parted off and called it "good enough" and stuck a weed in it for its photo op!
There it is. A few hours and a pretty cool vase. For next time, I would make the windows smaller, use a more workable wood and a steady rest would be a HUGE assets!
You should make a large Rapa Nui head and set it in your yard. It would be the coolest thing in the neighborhood. You're wife might disown you, but all the guys would practically worship you-sort of like the leg vase in 'A Christmas Story.'
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