I decided this weekend, that I wanted to do a carving project, so off to the wood store I go. After looking though all of the books, I decide I want to learn to do a caricature carving.
So I pick out a book. I go over to the carving section and pick out a new detail carving knife, I have a couple of knifes already but a new project should have a new knife. I also pick up a block of basswood. Now I'm ready. I have competed several carvings of birds and animals but never cared a caricature before.
The book I picked out is called: Caricature carving from Head to Toe. A complete step by step guide to capturing expression and humor in wood. The author is Dave Steton. Published by Fox Chapel Publishing.
I picked this book because it has step by step pictures of how to carve. It has information on carving knives. How to make models in clay, how to carve faces with expression and goes into painting.
After reading the book, I found it teaches both composition and technique. It also teaches you much more than just he projects in this book. I will start the project today, starting with a rough out.
Randy Please visit my web site.
http://nokeswoodworks.com/
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Box Making as a woodworking craft business
BOX MAKING AS A HOBBY OR BUSINESS
Here is the question: Can box making become a profitable woodworking craft business?
Boxes have always held a fascination for me even when I was a small kid. From the pirate treasure to my treasure chest which held all my valuable stuff.
I still have a wood wood that I keep my so called treasures in. I have build boxes for both of my boys to store there treasures and they both use them.
So I think there is a market for boxes. A box needs to be something special for it to sell. By special I mean it has to either be decorative or it needs to be build to hold something special and needs to be marketed that way.
Decorative may mean use of a beautiful wood grain or combination of woods. Now special means it needs to cater to a need , such as i have listed below. These are just a few of the special box needs out there.
1. Wedding Box : to hold wedding cards, pictures or memories from a wedding, can be marketed through wedding shops.
2. Tea Box : To hold those special teas. Can be marketed as a gift box or direct to hotels and restaurants.
3. Toy box : Every Child need a toy box.
4. Jewelry box.
5. Keepsake box.
6. Bible box.
7. Men's Valet box.
8. Spice box.
9. Wine bottle boxes for special gifts.
10.Treasure chest, of course.
A box can be built for almost any hobby or collection out there. So built and market products to customers for a reason. Even my wife uses a box to store her sewing and quilting stuff in.
I have pen boxes, salt boxes, and candle boxes all over the house.
So the answer to the question is yes, if one puts there mind to it and builds something beautiful or something useful, there can be a market for it.
I will be doing articles on how to market on my web site. Please visit often : http://nokeswoodworks.com/
Here is the question: Can box making become a profitable woodworking craft business?
Boxes have always held a fascination for me even when I was a small kid. From the pirate treasure to my treasure chest which held all my valuable stuff.
I still have a wood wood that I keep my so called treasures in. I have build boxes for both of my boys to store there treasures and they both use them.
So I think there is a market for boxes. A box needs to be something special for it to sell. By special I mean it has to either be decorative or it needs to be build to hold something special and needs to be marketed that way.
Decorative may mean use of a beautiful wood grain or combination of woods. Now special means it needs to cater to a need , such as i have listed below. These are just a few of the special box needs out there.
1. Wedding Box : to hold wedding cards, pictures or memories from a wedding, can be marketed through wedding shops.
2. Tea Box : To hold those special teas. Can be marketed as a gift box or direct to hotels and restaurants.
3. Toy box : Every Child need a toy box.
4. Jewelry box.
5. Keepsake box.
6. Bible box.
7. Men's Valet box.
8. Spice box.
9. Wine bottle boxes for special gifts.
10.Treasure chest, of course.
A box can be built for almost any hobby or collection out there. So built and market products to customers for a reason. Even my wife uses a box to store her sewing and quilting stuff in.
I have pen boxes, salt boxes, and candle boxes all over the house.
So the answer to the question is yes, if one puts there mind to it and builds something beautiful or something useful, there can be a market for it.
I will be doing articles on how to market on my web site. Please visit often : http://nokeswoodworks.com/
Monday, March 24, 2008
Tips for buying a Mini Lathe for wood turning
The use of a mini lathe to turn wood projects has become an extremely popular hobby for both money making and enjoyment. If you are looking to purchase a mini lathe, here are a few points to consider.
Decide what projects, you will want to make, this will help determine if a mini lathe is right for you. Mini lathes are great for pen making, wine stopper making, small bowls or plates, tool handles. Christmas decorations, small table legs, small turned boxes.
There are a lot of brands of mini lathes out here which will do a good job. My lathe is a JET which I am very happy with. I have had it for a number of years and it has been put to good use and worked well.
The things I would look for in a wood lathe are as follows:
a. Good speed range from 500 to at least 3000 RPM's.
b. MT-2 headstock and tail stock taper, there are more add-ons that fit this size.
c. Spindle nose of 1X8 TPI.
d. Cast iron bed.
e. 1/2 HP or better.
One thing that is a must when buying a lathe is make sure the head stock and tail stock line up perfectly. Check it the store if you can, or as soon as you get it home. If it does not line up take it back. You can check alignment buy putting a center in the head stock and tail stock. Pull the tail stock up close to the head stock and make sure they align.
Variable speed is nice but not necessary. Changing speed on the belt drive is not hard and there is one less electronic thing to go wrong.
Indexing head is a nice feature which can be used to enhance lathe projects but again is not necessary feature for a lathe.
Make sure to have sturdy place to mount the lathe. You will want as little vibration as possible. Make sure you buy a face shield when you buy the lathe. Buy the best tools you can afford to buy. Visit my web site for more information.
http://nokeswoodworks.com/
Decide what projects, you will want to make, this will help determine if a mini lathe is right for you. Mini lathes are great for pen making, wine stopper making, small bowls or plates, tool handles. Christmas decorations, small table legs, small turned boxes.
There are a lot of brands of mini lathes out here which will do a good job. My lathe is a JET which I am very happy with. I have had it for a number of years and it has been put to good use and worked well.
The things I would look for in a wood lathe are as follows:
a. Good speed range from 500 to at least 3000 RPM's.
b. MT-2 headstock and tail stock taper, there are more add-ons that fit this size.
c. Spindle nose of 1X8 TPI.
d. Cast iron bed.
e. 1/2 HP or better.
One thing that is a must when buying a lathe is make sure the head stock and tail stock line up perfectly. Check it the store if you can, or as soon as you get it home. If it does not line up take it back. You can check alignment buy putting a center in the head stock and tail stock. Pull the tail stock up close to the head stock and make sure they align.
Variable speed is nice but not necessary. Changing speed on the belt drive is not hard and there is one less electronic thing to go wrong.
Indexing head is a nice feature which can be used to enhance lathe projects but again is not necessary feature for a lathe.
Make sure to have sturdy place to mount the lathe. You will want as little vibration as possible. Make sure you buy a face shield when you buy the lathe. Buy the best tools you can afford to buy. Visit my web site for more information.
http://nokeswoodworks.com/
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Wine Stopper or Bottle Stopper
Turning a wine or bottle stopper is similar to turning a pen. Use the same lathe, same turning tools.
Start with a blank of wood 1 1/2" X 1 1/2" X 2".
This will be placed in a drill press vise ready to drill, you may want to start with a Foster 3/4" drill bit to recess
the hole depending on type bottle stopper you are using. If you do recess the hole, then center Fostner bit on
the blank and drill down 3/8 of an inch.
Next insert a 6mm drill bit and drill down 1". This will be the first step if you decide not to recess the hole.
You will need a bottle stopper mandrel, attach the mandrel to the head stock. Then screw the stopper onto the
mandrel using the 6 mm hole just drilled. Now pull up the tail stock and tighten to secure.
Using a skew and spindle gouge turn the stopper to desired shape. Sizes and shapes may vary.
Remove tail stock and finish turning. I use a spindle master for most of my turning work.
Now sand using progressive grits of sand paper to 600 grit. Apply finish, this can be wax, sanding sealer, wood
turners wax or a CA finish.
Remove the turned piece and glue the head to the stopper with thick CA glue. I always use epoxy
There are a couple of different types of stainless steel stopper. Some people use a dowel in the hole and glue a
cork to the other end. See my web site for more on turning.
Randy
http://nokeswoodworks.com
Start with a blank of wood 1 1/2" X 1 1/2" X 2".
This will be placed in a drill press vise ready to drill, you may want to start with a Foster 3/4" drill bit to recess
the hole depending on type bottle stopper you are using. If you do recess the hole, then center Fostner bit on
the blank and drill down 3/8 of an inch.
Next insert a 6mm drill bit and drill down 1". This will be the first step if you decide not to recess the hole.
You will need a bottle stopper mandrel, attach the mandrel to the head stock. Then screw the stopper onto the
mandrel using the 6 mm hole just drilled. Now pull up the tail stock and tighten to secure.
Using a skew and spindle gouge turn the stopper to desired shape. Sizes and shapes may vary.
Remove tail stock and finish turning. I use a spindle master for most of my turning work.
Now sand using progressive grits of sand paper to 600 grit. Apply finish, this can be wax, sanding sealer, wood
turners wax or a CA finish.
Remove the turned piece and glue the head to the stopper with thick CA glue. I always use epoxy
There are a couple of different types of stainless steel stopper. Some people use a dowel in the hole and glue a
cork to the other end. See my web site for more on turning.
Randy
http://nokeswoodworks.com
Saturday, March 8, 2008
The most used hand plane in my shop.
In my shop , there is no doubt which hand plane is used the most. I collect hand planes an have over 100 panes in my shop. The most used is the Lie Nielsen 103 standard angle block plane. I use it daily to trim , make things fit and to make my projects look good. It has a small body, only 5 1/4" long. Which makes it fit easily in my hand. It is simply amazing the amount of uses I find for it. It is made of bronze and the blade is 1 1/4" wide. It fits in my apron pocket and does everything I ask it to do. The plane most people think of when asked what is the most popular hand plane is the Stanley number 4 plane, but I have many more uses for this little block plane than I do a number 4. If you can only afford one plane, get this plane. I have at least 5 or 6 other brands of block planes in my shop but none compare to this little baby.
Randy
http://nokeswoodworks.com
Randy
http://nokeswoodworks.com
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Chisels used on the mini lathe to make pens
Which lathe tools do you use to turn pens on your mini lathe? There are four main chisels I use when turning pens.
1. A parting tool 1/8"
2. A roughing gouge 3/8"
3. A. Skew 1/2"
The 4th tool is more a choice than something you really need.
4. A spindlemaster by Robert Sorby tools.
All tools should be made of (HSS) high speed steel, they will stay sharp longer and will have less heat build up. I use a Delta slow speed grinder to sharpen my tools.
And you will need sharp tols if you every turn plastic pen blanks.
Let's go back to the spindlemaster, I have both the 1/2" version and the micro version. The micro version has become one of my favorite tool for turning pens and other small projects. The advantages over the skew are: easy of use, no sharp corners to dig in, it will plane, cut coves and beads and it is easy to sharpen.
Randy
http://www.nokeswoodworks.com
1. A parting tool 1/8"
2. A roughing gouge 3/8"
3. A. Skew 1/2"
The 4th tool is more a choice than something you really need.
4. A spindlemaster by Robert Sorby tools.
All tools should be made of (HSS) high speed steel, they will stay sharp longer and will have less heat build up. I use a Delta slow speed grinder to sharpen my tools.
And you will need sharp tols if you every turn plastic pen blanks.
Let's go back to the spindlemaster, I have both the 1/2" version and the micro version. The micro version has become one of my favorite tool for turning pens and other small projects. The advantages over the skew are: easy of use, no sharp corners to dig in, it will plane, cut coves and beads and it is easy to sharpen.
Randy
http://www.nokeswoodworks.com
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Glue for Outdoor Projects and Furniture
Now for the sticky stuff.
When building outdoor projects that need to be glued. It is best to use a glue suited to the outdoors and moisture.
The following glues can be used on outdoor projects:
1. Titebond II Premium glue, It passes ANSI type 2 water specs. Use above 55 degrees, assembly time is 10-15 minutes, designed for outdoor use. It is unaffected by finishes , has excellent sand ability and cleans up with water.
2.Titebond polyurethane glue has 20 minute working time and a 45 minute clamp time Dries yellow, use above 50 degrees, Passes type 1 and type 2 ANSI spec for water resistance. Bonds to virtually anything. Has epoxy like strength with no mixing.
3.Titebond III dries to light brown, use above 47 degrees has a 10 minute working time. Water clean up and passes type 1 ANSI std for water resistance.
4. Gorilla Glue , 100% water proof passes ANSI test for type 1 1nd 2 std for water Resistance. Unaffected by extreme heat or cold. It is sandable, paintable and stainable working time is 10-15 minutes with 1-2 hour clamp time.
There are others but these I have used and they all work. For more information on outdoor projects or furniture , please visit my web site.
htt://nokeswoodworks.com
When building outdoor projects that need to be glued. It is best to use a glue suited to the outdoors and moisture.
The following glues can be used on outdoor projects:
1. Titebond II Premium glue, It passes ANSI type 2 water specs. Use above 55 degrees, assembly time is 10-15 minutes, designed for outdoor use. It is unaffected by finishes , has excellent sand ability and cleans up with water.
2.Titebond polyurethane glue has 20 minute working time and a 45 minute clamp time Dries yellow, use above 50 degrees, Passes type 1 and type 2 ANSI spec for water resistance. Bonds to virtually anything. Has epoxy like strength with no mixing.
3.Titebond III dries to light brown, use above 47 degrees has a 10 minute working time. Water clean up and passes type 1 ANSI std for water resistance.
4. Gorilla Glue , 100% water proof passes ANSI test for type 1 1nd 2 std for water Resistance. Unaffected by extreme heat or cold. It is sandable, paintable and stainable working time is 10-15 minutes with 1-2 hour clamp time.
There are others but these I have used and they all work. For more information on outdoor projects or furniture , please visit my web site.
htt://nokeswoodworks.com
Monday, March 3, 2008
Wood Type for Outdoor Furniture and Projects.
What type wood should you use for your outdoor furniture or wood projects. There are several types of wood you can use. Here are some of your choices.
1. Pressure treated Lumber ( Use only ACQ treated lumber) It is moisture and insect resistant. It is available in most home stores. Can be painted after the wood has dried well. Used mostly for fences, decks and landscaping. May warp or twist.
2. Western Red Cedar which is naturally durable. It has good dimensional stability.
It has a natural beauty and will turn silver grey with time. With proper care this can last a lifetime.It has natural oils that act as a preservative. It is light weight and easy to work.
3. Teak is one of the best woods for building out door furniture. It is also the most expensive. It is resistant to bad weather and insects. It is capable of holding up to wet weather and sunshine. The natural wood color is a beautiful honey brown.
4. Cypress has a natural preservative oil which makes the wood resistance to insects and decay. Very durable and stable does not warp. Easy to paint and holds paint longer than other woods.
5. White Oak heavy hard wood which is resistant to moisture and insect. Takes stain well. May check is left untreated.
6.Northern white cedar is a softwood and is naturally rot resistant and insect proof. Weathers to a silver grey. Light weight and easy to use.
7. Southern Yellow Pine is a softwood which is highly wear resistant. This wood requires a good finish and must be reapplied yearly.
All wood furniture except Teak, Cedar and Treated Wood needed to be stored in doors for the winter months. Always use either stainless steel,hot dipped galvanized or aluminum fasteners. See my web site for more information on finishing, plans and care of outdoor furniture. http://www.nokeswoodworks.com
1. Pressure treated Lumber ( Use only ACQ treated lumber) It is moisture and insect resistant. It is available in most home stores. Can be painted after the wood has dried well. Used mostly for fences, decks and landscaping. May warp or twist.
2. Western Red Cedar which is naturally durable. It has good dimensional stability.
It has a natural beauty and will turn silver grey with time. With proper care this can last a lifetime.It has natural oils that act as a preservative. It is light weight and easy to work.
3. Teak is one of the best woods for building out door furniture. It is also the most expensive. It is resistant to bad weather and insects. It is capable of holding up to wet weather and sunshine. The natural wood color is a beautiful honey brown.
4. Cypress has a natural preservative oil which makes the wood resistance to insects and decay. Very durable and stable does not warp. Easy to paint and holds paint longer than other woods.
5. White Oak heavy hard wood which is resistant to moisture and insect. Takes stain well. May check is left untreated.
6.Northern white cedar is a softwood and is naturally rot resistant and insect proof. Weathers to a silver grey. Light weight and easy to use.
7. Southern Yellow Pine is a softwood which is highly wear resistant. This wood requires a good finish and must be reapplied yearly.
All wood furniture except Teak, Cedar and Treated Wood needed to be stored in doors for the winter months. Always use either stainless steel,hot dipped galvanized or aluminum fasteners. See my web site for more information on finishing, plans and care of outdoor furniture. http://www.nokeswoodworks.com
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Woodworking and Crafts, sell on line at Etsy.com
Ae you looking for a place online to sell your woodworking, pens or other crafts without actually setting up a web page? Well the anwser might me a web site called http://www.etsy.com/ . Etsy has been around since 2005 and is an online make place for buying and selling all things hand made. Over 100,000 sellers worldwide have opened shop. Etsy really is a cool place to sell your crafts and it's easy to use. There are lots of categories to sell your goods. A few are candles, jewelry needlecrafts, quilts, pets, toys, supplies and woodworking.
Make sure you read and follow there terms of use.
http://www.nokeswoodworks.com
Make sure you read and follow there terms of use.
http://www.nokeswoodworks.com
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Lathe Speed, Pen Making and Bowl Turning
What speed should you set your lathe to when turning different projects.
I have guidelines that I use when selecting what lathe speed to use. The speed you use should allow the blanks to turn with little or no vibration. So if you turn the lathe on and there is vibration, shut it down and lower the speed.
I always wear a face shield, which is a good safety practice.
My guidelines for turning wood are as follows:
Pen Turning 3000 RPM or higher
Stock smaller than 2" can turn at 3000 RPM
Stock which is 3" can turn at 2000 to 2800 RPM
Stock which is 5" can turn at 1200 to 1800 RPM
Anything over 6" should be turned at less than 1000 RPM
When sanding I always slow my lathe down to 500-600 RPM
When applying finish, I set it to it's lowest speed. Which for me is 500 RPM
These guidelines are for wood, if you turn other material, these may not be right for you.
These are only guides, try different things and see what works best for you.
Always wear a face shield or at least safety glasses when turning. And if it doesn't feel right shut it down. Do not turn wood with defects, cracks or knots.
http://nokeswoodworks.com/
I have guidelines that I use when selecting what lathe speed to use. The speed you use should allow the blanks to turn with little or no vibration. So if you turn the lathe on and there is vibration, shut it down and lower the speed.
I always wear a face shield, which is a good safety practice.
My guidelines for turning wood are as follows:
Pen Turning 3000 RPM or higher
Stock smaller than 2" can turn at 3000 RPM
Stock which is 3" can turn at 2000 to 2800 RPM
Stock which is 5" can turn at 1200 to 1800 RPM
Anything over 6" should be turned at less than 1000 RPM
When sanding I always slow my lathe down to 500-600 RPM
When applying finish, I set it to it's lowest speed. Which for me is 500 RPM
These guidelines are for wood, if you turn other material, these may not be right for you.
These are only guides, try different things and see what works best for you.
Always wear a face shield or at least safety glasses when turning. And if it doesn't feel right shut it down. Do not turn wood with defects, cracks or knots.
http://nokeswoodworks.com/
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