Ring-turning...something for Eugene?

[Burkhardt]

I am not sure if this technique is even known in the US. But there is this region in Eastern Germany where wood craftsmen developed a kind of pre-industrial mass production method for toys and Christmas decorations. I find it fascinating. If I would try to turn these big hunks on what I believe is a jam chuck (never mind face shield or safety glasses) I would kill myself in minutes. But these folks have been doing it a long time for a living.

Never mind the tone of German commentary and the "what is that for?" challenges. This program was indeed made for a children's TV show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoRJT9L-kf8

[genek]

That is neat. My lathe will not do that big a piece of wood... would love to try to do that.

[chiloquinruss]

Great post, thanks. What wood is that and did you notice for the finish on one of the pieces he rattle canned it! Russ

[scottp55]

That was neat G. , didn't get what he was doing until he'd done it. Wonder what his caramel dipping finish was? Thanks:)

[Burkhardt]

Great post, thanks. What wood is that and did you notice for the finish on one of the pieces he rattle canned it! Russ

I believe the rattle can job was just for the fun thinking challenges with the tire, the Christmas decoration or the mirror. Kind of "what is that guy making?" for the kids. The final product is hand painted or dipped.

They did not mention the wood species but for such carving jobs Linde (Basswood) is a common choice. Also interesting how they boil the pieces in water to make them soft for hand carving.

But I am wondering how long somebody needs to practice to free-hand turn the surface of the ring correctly. They don't see the result until they split it.

This is actually the same area (town of Seiffen) where they made the wooden Christmas tree that was posted here a while ago as video.

[myxpykalix]

I was fascinated by the "strings" of wood coming off the turning in the beginning. Thats the sign of a sharp tool and a good turner:D

[genek]

I was fascinated by the "strings" of wood coming off the turning in the beginning. Thats the sign of a sharp tool and a good turner:D
Actually Jack to get the long slivers of wood from a chisel the wood has to be wet.. They are turning the wood wet and that is a very soft wood. Yes the chisel is sharp.. but the long strands are from wood that is wet.

[mikeacg]

I enjoyed the movie! There is no reason you couldn't do that in a straight piece of wood. It would involve flipping but it could be done using a 2-Rail Sweep. Since they are painted anyway, you could actually use two pieces glued in the middle to get rid of the flip. I'm wondering how much of an issue grain is. Using end grain certainly allows for easier hand carving.

Any thoughts?

Mike

[chiloquinruss]

My dad was a professional wood carver and when he toured Europe he visited several wood academies. At these schools he said they spend more than a year learning about sharpening! Also most of the schooling was in wood species and their properties. He always came back with great stories about their workshops and the combining of old world skills with modern machinery and duplicators and the like. His favorite place to visit was the coocoo clock schools in Germany. Russ

[genek]

actually if you could draw the profile it would be easy to flip. Use line up pins or slots for the board to fit on.