Then, a few sheepish "I hate to bother you" emails and I figured that I need to clarify. I pointed out the search box because I thought that it would be helpful. Please feel free to contact me, but be patient for my reply, as lately I've been overbooked!
Here is some of what has been taking my time. The class in Atlanta was small, but a great success. I've been using this simple drilling aid to help students drill the bow.
I know, I know, it's better to teach skills then jigs, but coming in at the end of a 65 hour work week and asking students to drill their bows by eye (which is a very achievable skill, by the way) proves to be a bit inhumane. Some visual guidance is helpful, such as placing a spindle near the hole and against the bow, but I figured, why not take a minute and make the aid more focused.
The jig is basically a tuning fork shaped block of wood with a dowel drilled into it that fits in an aluminum tube that sits in the mortise in the deck. The aluminum tube make the jig adjustable for height. The rubberband around the dowel locks the height.
Here you can see that pointing the top of the "tuning fork" helps find the center. Notice that the spring clamp is place so as to not affect the position of the "fork".
I've used this in a couple of classes now, and the chairs come out great and the meltdowns have stopped! There are plenty of hurdles in this race and I think that this fits fine within the goals of learning, having fun and building a great chair.
Plus, the result speak for themselves.
Here is another student from last week. Jack has made about 30 chairs, so he was ready to tackle my most complex style.
We had fun making this one and I got to bone up on teaching it, which is good because it's one of the classes I'll be teaching soon on my travels.
Jack really befriended Rocket, I had to tear him away from the poor dog just to get some work done! So Jack, this one's for you.
Pete is this better than Using a target and a dowel glued to the back of your drill or just easier to teach to a class?
ReplyDeleteHarry,
ReplyDeletethis is just another way to skin the cat. Like I said, by the last day of class, most folks are cross eyed and this is the easiest and most likely to succeed method that I've come across. For my work, I still eyeball it, which works great. If it works, use it, thanks for asking
Pete
I left some breath mints for Rocket. Hope he uses them.
ReplyDeletegreat week , fun chair, with plenty of challenges to make it interesting. Thanks, Pete.
Pete,
ReplyDeleteLove the tuning fork deal. Effective and simple. Relieved to see that the oak appeared to bend good. Sorry to miss the fun.
Greg
Awwww, look at that sweet Rocket. I would be distracted by the animals as well.
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure meeting you at Highland Hardware.
Hey Pete - Robert from Stow Oh. Everyone needs to relax and take a deep breath. Wondering if you can post a simple drawing of the fork design. Also what openings do you have for 2012. Hope you and yours had a great Holiday.
ReplyDeleteRobert Stow Ohio
I am happy that there are people willing to share their knowledge in making furniture.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you shown it. I want to know how to make garden furniture easy way for beginners.
ReplyDelete