I need to make a spiral groove in a couple of columns. I only have to do it in two columns and I may not do another for a LONG time, so a complex jig that will take room and time to build is not an attractive approach.
An alternative way is to put a grid pattern on the column and join points along the grid to make a spiral groove manually using gouges and chisels. That is a possibility, but I am afraid of how tedious this would be and my ability to make a clean, attractive groove using this method.
I wonder if someone has a BLEND of a simple jig and a manual layout that might use something like a follower groove as a path for a follower arm attached to a router. Has anyone come up with something like this?
If not, and the manual way is the way to go, is there someplace on the web that goes through the steps for doing this that will help me be successful?
Replies
I would start with a paper strip to wrap around the column. Make it, say 1/2" if you want the grooves to be 1/2" apart, and wrap it along the shaft. This will simplify layout and visualization.
As for a hybrid between carving and full on machining, I don't think you will find one. Maybe a Dremel or similar, mounted on a block that can slide along the ways of the lathe, while you rotate the spindle slowly. I would do the carving in the lathe, and then you can even try sanding at the slowest powered rpm available.
If you can easily slow the lathe to 10 rpm or so, then a hand-held or blocked Dremel would do it pretty quickly.
The photo shows newel posts made on a Legacy, with some handwork.
Dave S
Very nice! My lathe will not go less than about 100 RPM. I talked to a fellow woodworker about a legacy. At $1,400, it does not make sense for a two-off. The paper strip idea looks like the way to go to visualize it.
Dave,
Would you happen to have a ballpark idea on what it would cost to have a company mill it for you?
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
The last time I needed to make a spiral around a cylinder I used a length of 1-1/2" or 2" steel banding wrapped around the cylinder. The strapping was from a lumber yard and was originally used to secure bunks of studs to a flatcar.
I'm doing this at the moment. Here's a couple of links that might help:
A Project WIP on a UK Forum:
http://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?p=97659
Charles Neil's Flame Finial video (the concept is the same):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDw_X14W4RI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxTt5wZdl80
This is my WIP thread. I'm a slow worker ;)
http://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=32582
David Mark's uses a large Ball Mill in a die grinder which will hog out the waste for you. Smoothing and finessing the curve with rasps and sandpaper is surprisingly easy.
Good Luck!
Edited 6/17/2009 10:45 am ET by w1zer
Hi Eric Look for a book called Spiral Turning by Stuart Mortimer .He is a world acclaimed spiral turner and details layout and cutting of single and multi start spirals.It will solve all your needs
Have fun and get twisted
Jako
I have it on order through our library. Thanks!
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