I’d always wanted to make a segmented turning. I read books, articles and poked around the internet. I followed the consensus of instructions. This was my first effort.
Form was not a thought. The only objective was completion of an open segmented turning. What I learned during the process, is that it wasn’t worth it! I look at all the beautiful pieces made by true artisans and I halt in awe now knowing how much time goes into each piece… there has got to be a better way!
A 24 segment ring times 5 layers plus a rim and base = 122 pieces. Depending on the glue used each piece sits on the lathe for at least 5 minutes before moving to the next segment. That’s over 10 hours just to glue up! Ridiculous!
To reduce glue up time substantially, my first effort to reduce the time necessary was a hand-cut template for locating the segments. For each layer I would turn the template 6 degrees.
(ugly or what?)
Glue up was 70 minutes for the segments! Consider that this piece was 20 segments times 7 layers with a rim and bottom for a total of 142 pieces. That’s 20 segments more than my first form in about one-tenth the time!!!
Again form was not the objective, proof of concept was. Cutting each segment of the template proved a challenge. This approach worked but accuracy was a problem. To address this (now that I have 9 extra hours) I built a jig to make the templates. If you notice the segment cut out is a removable insert. The insert can now be customized for any possible segment size or quantity.
Accuracy of 30 segment ring made with the jig is much greater but not perfect. I find I still am better off to index the template ring to each level of the glue up.
The concept is proven, now comes the hard work of making something that has nice form!
I like your innovation. Designing and building tools and fixtures is creative and interesting.
Neil
Thank you for the comment… the inventive side of woodworking can provide the greatest satisfaction.