Unity Candle

 

The unity candle project has started. 

The model above was done using the Virtual Lathe in "Woodturning with Sketchup". 

Chip Carving with SketchUp

Its nice to be able to add surface treatments to wood turnings. What is even more NICE is not to have to hand draw them.
I recently started up my "chip carving" skills and you will see some highlighted on my up and comming humidors like the last post on "Threaded Vessels".
SketchUp is an ideal tool for chip carving patterns because it is good at repeating geometries, sizing, printing to scale etc. which is what chip carving patterns are all about.
I just open my "Virutal Lathe*" and use the quadrile pad for a 2D drawing space. Then I print it full scale followed by tracing (with grafite paper) it on the surface of the blank.
The initials on the Humidor over at "Turnedoutright" are chip carved on a Basswood medallion then affixed to the humidor.

*The Virtual Lathe is the workspace that comes with teh book "Woodturning with SketchUp".

Here is a challenge for you!

I did this staved vessel model using SketchUp.

Let me know if you figure out how to do it or one beter. I'll post your accomplishment.

SketchUp for Dummies

A couple of users have asked about a starting book on SketchUp to use prior to "Woodturning with SketchUp".

Here is a link to "SketchUp for Dummies".

It is available at most book stores.

Lathe Depth Gauge

Depth gauge for my stubby

Sketchup Model

Music Box Lid: Chip carving

The music box project is progressing along as planned.

I got to the point where the lid was turned.

I was pleased with the lid but realized that some surface treatment would add a nice touch.

So I went back to SketchUp and modeled a pattern to carve on the lid.

IT WAS EASY TO DO:

• Draw out a circle the size of the lid, this also provides a drawing plane
• Add an internal circle that matches the center (not to be carved) of the lid.
• Divide the circle up with the protractor into four quadrants
• Use SketchUp drawing tools to make a pattern in one quadrant
• Then copy and flip it into the other quadrants.
• Print full size
• Lay over lid and trace the pattern with graphite paper
• Carve away!

Soon I will post the completed project on turnedoutright.

Donnie

"The Mothers Day Music Box Model"

Its not to early to start the planning for your Mothers Day turning!
I decided to take on another modeling and turning challenge.
Inspired by the book "Masterful Woodturning" (ISBN 0-8069-8709-X). I decided to combine woodturning and music boxes.

Design goals for the Music Box project:

• Box with a removable lid
• Made from a burl
• Music box hidden inside
• Animation
  
• Wind the music box without opening top
• Pleasing shape
  

This is a unique challenge because I wanted to make the top rotate with the power of the music box as well as using it to wind the mechanism.

This meant that the box would be multiple pieces that would need to fit together with relatively tight tolerances.

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Here is how the entire project was then modeled on the Virtual Lathe in 1-1 scale.

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Step1:
The music box itself was modeled. It became obvious that the center of rotation of the music box was offset. This meant that the bottom would have to be quite a bit larger than the music box.

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Step 2:
Just as if you had sliced the final assembly down the middle, draw the 1/2 cross section of the entire assembly on the grid making sure to interpose all the components like they will fit in the final assembly. In this design there is a music box, base, top, finial and coupler. Notice how the model of the music box is used to get the dimensions correct in 2 and 3D.

HINT:I like to create the cross section first then perform a few trial and error renderings by rendering it then "undoing". After I get the design the way I like it I make a copy of the cross section to the right on the grid. Always keep at least one copy of your 2D cross section "un-rendered" so that you can come back later and make modifications. You will also need the 2D version of the model to make a story stick.

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Step 3:
This project has multiple components so make a copy of the 2D cross section to the right and then separate the components horizontally into individual pieces. Render them as four 3D components.
HINT: An easy way to do this is to select the line segments that belong to each individual component and group them. Then move all that components line segments as a group. Once the components are separated on the grid render and group them as individual 3D items. Then group all the 3D groups before you copy the entire assembly to the right off the lathe.

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Step 4:
Move and copy the entire assembly to the right and then rotate it vertically. Note the music box offset in the bottom so the shaft is on the center line of the top.

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Step 5:
Make yet another copy of the entire assembly. Explode it into separate grouped components. Then assemble the music box using these components to give a final view.

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Step 6:
Using the section tool create a sectional view through the entire piece to check for internal interferences. As you can see the coupler has a problem it seems to long!

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Step 7:
Using the dimensions from the 2D cross section as my guide, I found some redwood burl the right size. I guess its time to go to the shop!

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Enjoy!
Donnie

Go to the Turnedoutright WebShop!
Go and get the "Woodturning with SketchUp" book

Innagural post

This blog will be dedicated to discussions on modeling wood turnings and is affiliated with http://www.turnedoutright.com/.

I have developed methods within Sketchup to model wood turning and the software is free :)
More soon.

Donny

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A book on this is available at http://www.turnedoutright.com/store/modelling-woodturning/.