I am a bit delinquent with my posting. This was done a while ago, but I didn't get to it as quickly as I should. With the basic frame assembled, I set my mind to the prongs. I need to refine both the shape and determine how to tie the various elements together. In the mock-up, I had focused on the joinery rather than the shape itself. After exploring a few different shapes I determined it should continue to sweep out a bit and be faceted rather than rounded. I also wanted a bit of emphasis ...
With the router blow-out, I needed to reconsider how to get my legs uniform so they will fit in the dados. I could get a different trim bit and try again. I could sand to the line (ugh!). Or I could use a spokeshave or compass plane. Since I am a hybrid woodworker - tailed and non-tailed tools, I decided to use the spokeshave (but it could have been an excuse for a compass plane since I do so much curved work). I have a cheap Spokeshave that isn't very good but I can get a very sharp edge and make ...
Anyone who knows me recognizes that the router is my least favorite tool. It can be the right tool for the right job, but I will go a long way to avoid using them. Because of the nature of the piece and the joinery required, I was going to use the router to trim all of the legs to the template I created. This would allow me to cut the dados on the arc ahead of time and still be assured that they would form a tight joint. Because I was doing two pieces at the same time, I wanted to make the pieces ...
After I posted the last Blog entry I worked on the prong end. The prototype had left me with corrections to the sequence of operations but I couldn't (or shouldn't) go further without determining how I was going to fabricate the prong ends. They needed to be removable and of a tight tolerance given the nature of the design intent. I drew many different joints out at full scale but ultimately decided on a sliding dovetail connection. I mocked this up in poplar as well taking notes along the way. ...
I learn something new from each project. Usually, it is how not to do something. In this case, I didn't label my pieces as well as I might have, so I ended up with a bit of a mess-up in one joint. Luckily, this is when to do it. In any case here are the two concepts: Here are the completed views of the arc / leg assembly. First, slightly proud back, proud front. DSCN1027.jpgDSCN1029.jpgDSCN1030.jpg Second, ...