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Segmented urn help

Don C Davis

Don C Davis

Joined
Feb 15, 2018
Messages
256
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Location
Canton, GA
I am wanting to make some segmented urns, specifically I am looking for help on what dimensions of rings I need to make. I am thinking I want an urn that is 14" tall and say 5-6" at the largest diameter-the middle section of the urn. I downloaded a software package called Segmented Project Planner, but my computer skills won't make it happen with that. I know the rings I would want to be like 1 1/2" long, but I'm open one that as well as other aspects of them.

Any advice/input is appreciated--Thanks-Don
 
Don I'm not a computer person so I do my segmented drawings by hand using old school geometry techniques. Or maybe it's drafting. Anyway nothing fancy. I just draw a circle the size I want. Divide it into the number of segments using either drafting techniques or simply stepping it off with dividers sort of trial and error like. Then I draw straight lines on the outside of the circle with a little extra for waste. Draw another circle for the thickness of the vessel and draw another straight line parallel to the first one. Now I have a drawing of my segment and can measure any dimension I want off of it. For smaller rings I simply draw more circles on the first one and draw other segment lines. Goes pretty fast really.
 
Don, I find the Segmented Project Planner to be very user friendly. Your Urn sounds like a simple build. Did you look at the "SPP Usage Videos" under the Help Menu? If that don't work for you, then, there are videos on YouTube that show the way to do it like John does. Search "Segmented Woodturning Design". Good luck with your project.
 
Don,
I also want to do some segmented urns. My reason for considering "segmented" is the luxury of using kiln-dried material. My thinking is to use a plank of 8/4 or even 12/4 and cut into staves. A wide board cut into staves would yield two urns: side-A would be one urn, side-B the other. Here is a six-sided approach: https://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-tips/techniques/intermediate/staves-and-segments. In my minds eye I can see a vase shape with the larger diameter showing facets

My plan is to use West G-flex epoxy tinted dark and a formica-covered angled glue fixture well waxed - glue up half at a time and then glue the two halves together. Then mount on the lathe and turn to whatever design the stave thickness allows.

Maybe you or another forum member will attempt, find the flaws, perfect, get on the cover of AAW Woodturner Magazine, become one of the demo-gods and get rich....nah. But maybe.
 
You also want to consider what thickness and color of veneer stock you plan to use to outline your segments with. This process takes more time but really makes the design and segment pieces stand out compared to a piece that is glued segment to segment without any border accents. There are other materials that can work for accent borders and rings on segmented pieces (Corian, Formica, soft metals, polymers mixed with various components)
 
The width of the face of the segment will determine how wide the ring will be. Get some thin cardboard and cut out some segments so you can visualize the rings. You can then adjust accordingly to make the ring smaller or larger.
 
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