The demo this month was hollow globe Christmas ornaments by Jim McTavish. The stage provided a open area with video cameras, projectors and screens. When turning ornaments to hang on a tree, weight is an important concern. The best method to make a globe type ornament as light as possible is to hollow the globe. But first, the outside of the globe is shaped. Here a piece of box elder is shaped into a globe using a 3/8 inch spindle gouge. Once the globe is shaped, a 3/8" drill bit is used to drill a hole thru the globe. This hole is then used to begin hollowing. Here the globe is hollowed. Once the globe hollow, it is then parted off. If you are left with a rough surface on the end, turn a tenon
on the remaining piece in the chuck to the diameter of the hole you hollowed through. Place the globe on the tenon, and use masking tape to hold it in place while you clean up the globe. Now the long
finial (icicle) that hangs from the bottom of the globe is turned. With one end of the workpiece held in a chuck (or other method), bring the tailstock up to support the other end. Rough turn the
workpiece to round. Now begin making the diameter smaller on the lower end, 3/8 inch is good. Turn the details you wish on the finial, I like to turn a teardrop shape at the bottom (but leave some stock so you can continue using the tailstock for support) and a small bead above this. I then turn another bead and teardrop shape. Now a cove is turned to give a transition or contrast to the globe. Complete all needed sanding at this point.
Now step back for a minute and pick up the globe you just turned. Determine which side of the globe looks best for the top part of the ornament. Then measure the hole in the bottom part.
You will need to turn a tenon on the finial you have on the lathe to match this diameter. Carefully measure the tenon as you bring the diameter down. A snug fit is important! Once you get the tenon to the correct diameter, go to the tailstock end and clean up the lowest bead and remove the tailstock. Now the piece can be parted off above the tenon.
For the top of the globe, I turn a simple cap, or button shape. Then measure the remaining hole in the globe (top hole), and turn a tenon to fit. Now drill a hole 1/16" in diameter for the
small screw eye into the cap. The cap can now be parted off. The ornament can now be assembled, I use a medium super glue. Ornaments look best on a tree with a nice glossy finish that will
reflect the lights on the tree. I use Minwax Antique Oil. Four or five coats are necessary, and I don't wipe it off. Buffing isn't necessary, besides, I'm afraid that the buffing wheel will
grab my ornament and thow it onto the floor! Now hang your ornament on the tree and stand back and admire your work! |
