Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Help on small hollow objects...
BubbaBob
>...like small boxes, Christmas ornaments, etc.
So far all I've turned is platters, bowls, shallow hollow forms, pens, keychains, bottle stoppers, etc., point being I've never done anything small that needed hollowing like a Christmas ornament, or anything where I needed to part off something very fine, like a slender pointed finial.
HELP!!!
BubbaBob
Re: Help on small hollow objects...
Tony Reynolds
>Hi Bob,
Great article in this issue of American Woodturner on making ornaments. Or look at some of the galleries for examples. Basically 3 parts, cap, globe and icicle. Best way I learn is just jump in there and screw a few up.
Tony
Re: Help on small hollow objects...
Phil Joines, Krum, Tx
>I'll be doing a ornament demo monday. I'll see if I can get you a copy of the tape.
Re: Help on small hollow objects...
BubbaBob
>Much appreciated, Phil.
BubbaBob
Re: Help on small hollow objects... *LINK*
Andrew Hilton
>The article below shows the steps involved in making a Globe Ornament. It might not be as detailed as what you're needing though.
You've got to be careful parting off small, thin things like finials (as you mentioned wanting to know about). It's not always like parting off a bowl or weedpot. I tend to part down until I get nervous about tearing it apart and then use the skew the rest of the way. Or just stop and use a fine-toothed saw to cut it the rest of the way off.
Making a Globe Ornament
Re: Help on small hollow objects...
Edward
>Andrew: great article and photos. do you sell these ornaments and approx. how much do they go for in your area? Thank you, Ed.
Re: Help on small hollow objects...
Joe Fleming
>BubbaBob,
I personally like the Packard mini hollowing set. They have 1/4" square shanks. I use them up to about 3" round forms. Kelton also makes a 5/16" mini set which is good for this size.
For up to 4-5", I like the Kelton 1/2" small set.
All of these are good value for the money.
Joe Fleming - San Diego
Re: Help on small hollow objects...
Andrew Hilton
>Thanks for the compliment on the article.
Yes, I do sell these in the Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas areas. I get in the $30-ish range for most of these. Takes me well under an hour to make them so that's not bad. This is the time of year (October - December) when they sell best. "Best" is a relative term. This area isn't exactly known for it's appreciation of "art" or even "moderate craft" (which is what I'd classify these ornaments of mine). High art is defined as those chainsawn cedar bears you see all along the roads or barnwood pictureframes and birdhouses.
Re: Help on small hollow objects...
Edward
>Thanks, Andrew. Sounds like my neighbourhood, Canadian prairies. When I show these to other people, they are interested in them but not for $30 US ($45 to $50 can). I started making these hollow globe ornaments just about a week ago and now I can't stop myself; they are so much fun.
Edward
Re: Help on small hollow objects...
Andrew Hilton
>"I started making these hollow globe ornaments just about a week ago and now I can't stop myself; they are so much fun."
Resist, Edward, RESIST ! Fight the force ... oh, go ahead then, eh?
Marketing ornaments
Fred in NC
>Same here. This is a low income area. I cannot afford to spend an hour in an ornament. I am making some ornaments, but they will be smaller and made of lighter woods, so I can make them in one piece. I can make these in a few minutes.
Re: Marketing ornaments
Edward
>Exactly, Fred. I make a one piece ornament, too. It is made in a lot less time than the globe ornaments and would sell for less money but it is not nearly as much fun as hollowing out those little globes. For now my hollow globe ornaments will be gifts for special friends and relatives.
This must be some basic rule of business. That is: If this object is too expensive for you then I will change the design and/or materials in order to make one that will fit your budget. I guess there would be some lower limit dollar value at which it is not worth while for me to make this item for you in any form. It seems to me we see this effect all the time when dealers sell cheaper and cheaper lathes and chucks. Some are so awful the manufacurer should have just not bothered.
Enough ranting I am going to make more globes.
Ed.
