DIY Network

Wearable Art From "Woodturning Techniques" episode DWTT-108

If you like to wear fashionable wood creations, or give unique, wearable gifts made on the lathe to family and friends, join master turner Dave Hout as he demonstrates how to create one-of-a-kind, wearable works of art. Dave has been working with wood for more than 25 years and student Vince DeWitt is studying with Dave to learn all he can from this master turner. For this project, they are turning bracelets from solid wood and glued-up stock, broaches, both plain and with inlay and half-moon earrings (figure A) (figure B) (figure C).

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

These pieces are made on a smaller lathe, but can be made on a larger lathe just as easily.

advertisement

Tools:

3/8" Spindle gouge
Parting tool
Captive ring tool
Decorating wire
Mandrels
Plywood disc
Variety of dry wood blanks

Steps:

Figure D

1. The bracelets are turned between the head and tail stocks, using just pressure. Abrasive is used to keep the pieces from slipping around on the disc of maple wood (figure D).

Figure E

2. Using a spindle gouge, and moving directly toward the center of the disc, the disc is turned true (figure E).

3. After turning the face, the disc edges are rounded, and a tiny v shape running down the center of the outside of the wood divides the bead on either side of the bracelet (figure F). The v is cut by starting with the tool handle down and the tool point against the disc. Raising the handle pushes the point into the wood. Next, the tool is turned over and comes in from the other side, mimicking the first cut (figure G).

Figure F

Figure G

Figure H

4. A simple wire tool, composed of wire with handles on both ends, is used to embellish the the area dividing the beads (figure H). Held against the disc, as the lathe turns, a sharp, dark line is burned into the bracelet, creating a contrast to the pale wood.

Note: Making the wire decorating tool, the wire should be steel – if copper is used it will transfer heat more. Each end of the wire is wrapped around a short piece of dowel rod to keep fingers from getting hot.

5. A home-made tool, that tapers down to a point with a hook, is used to cut the bracelet loose from the blank (figure I) (figure J).

Figure I

Figure J

6. Once loose from the blank, abrasive is used to smooth the inside edge of the bracelet.