Whirley - Pinwheel Jig

[Erwin Nistler]

I would like to make a jig for cutting parts for a whirley.
The parts must be interchangable and glue up to 360 degrees.
Any help will be appreciated.

 

[GeorgeH]

I'm not sure if I fully understand what you're looking for and how you intend to use it. Is this anywhere close?

http://dugnorth.com/blog/labels/plans.html

http://www.associatedcontent.com/image/45630/index.html?cat=6

 

[Erwin Nistler]

GeorgeH; No that is not what I have in mind.
I am going to make some "drop spindles" and would like to prety them up a bit.
I want the whorl part to be made of contrasting woods glued together with curved, pie shaped pieces. That is not a very good explanitation but the best I can do without drawing a picture. Like curved spokes on a wheel.😕

 

[MichaelMouse]

Drop spindles? Distaffs?

The boys over here have some innovative ways of gluing up blanks. http://www.penturners.org/

This would give you a swirl if you parted sections. http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_dwtn/episode/0,2046,DIY_15317_27835,00.html

Other than that, there are threads on the Aussie forum that went through quite a number of options.

 

[GeorgeH]

OK, Erwin; drop spindles. I'm real familiar with those. As far as the whorl is concerned, any method you select to achieve the pattern you're looking for will work just fine. I don't use a jig, bit I imagine you could create something for your router to follow. Only thing is it wastes a lot of wood.

 

[Joe Greiner]

Google both increased and then decreased my understanding of what you're seeking. A router compass, like this: http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?t=50372 used on a stack of flat wood, could be used to cut accurate segments, but even with a small veining bit the wide kerfs would discourage accurate mating by swapping layers for each buildup.

A scroll saw, also used on a stack of flat wood, would have thinner kerfs for better mating of the parts (again by swapping layers), and the cutting lines could each be almost any shape as long as you keep track of segment numbers for assembly. The kerfs could be filled with veneer the same thickness as the kerf for nigh-perfect fit. Bend the veneer across-grain along the kerf for less agony. The only (Oh, really?) drawback to this plan is that the parent wood grain would vary all over the place, and some joints might be weak. But if you use a four-layer stack (say), brickwork segment assembly would have some side-grain overlap for integrity. (Two layers for each assembly)

[Belay that; two offset layers would be sufficient. I think. Maybe. Or something like that.]😱

{Heartfelt apologies. The link has again instituted limited access to pictures. The text may be sufficient for understanding, along with this pic.}

Joe

 

[rjones]

you can take your lay out to someone that has a laser engraver they can laser cut just about any thing you can draw. I do not know how thick you want to glue up but the lazer can cut up to 1/2" and thicker. At the Richman IG had several pieces that were cut with one.

 

[GeorgeH]

Google both increased and then decreased my understanding of what you're seeking.
Joe

Must say thanks, Joe. Between your image and your description of possibilities for solving Erwin's problems I've come up the solution to a problem I've been working on myself for several weeks.

 

[Erwin Nistler]

Jig

I come up with a jig for the bandsaw that turns curved, pie shaped pieces, that fit together. Trouble is, I don't know how to post a picture here and it is realy hard to explain. The piece to be cut rotates through the saw blade from behind the blade. ??????? sorry, best I can do.😕

 

[Joe Greiner]

I come up with a jig for the bandsaw that turns curved, pie shaped pieces, that fit together. Trouble is, I don't know how to post a picture here and it is realy hard to explain. The piece to be cut rotates through the saw blade from behind the blade. ??????? sorry, best I can do.😕

From the menu bar at the top of any page, boink "Help, Rules, & FAQ" and then select "Tips on How to Post Photos," etc. To reduce the need for screen regeneration, right click the above boink and select "Open in a New Window" or the like. Before posting a reply or new thread, select "Manage Attachments" to incorporate pictures from your computer. Management of picture files on your computer is anything that works. For pictures destined only for upload, I've found it convenient to shoot the pictures at my camera's lowest resolution, thus avoiding file size reduction. YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary)

Joe

 

[jimbob91577]

So here is my stab at the question...

... and the way I would proceed in attempting it. Im assuming you want X number of different colored regions. In my attachment, I describe a disc with 4 regions (and also the idea behind an 8 regioned disc) - with blue and white shades.

The principle behind it is as follows: Take two square pieces of wood slightly larger than the diameter you want your pinwheel to be. Divide the square into equal quadrants. Using the "crosshairs" as your center, draw a circle slightly larger than your pinwheel diameter. Where your crosshairs meet the circle will be the center for your arcs. The arcs will be the same diameter as your circle, thus you simply draw your arc from the center of the circle until it meets the outside edge of said circle. Repeat this for each of the new center marks. Now glue only the 4 corners of your two pieces of wood together in a sandwich fashion. Using a circle cutting jig on the bandsaw and the 4 center marks on your wood sandwich, cut the arcs out - you should end up with a shape that looks like a shark fin. Now separate and mix-match your wood segments. Glue up and turn to your specifications and you should have a pair of pinwheel style disks.

If you decide you want more than 4 regions, divide your quadrants in half for 8 (i.e. your original 4 quadrants, plus lines from corner to corner)

Oh and I chose to stack the wood as a sandwich - this way any imperfections caused by the bansaw will be telegraphed into both pieces of wood.

But I could be completely off.