Any tips for oval windows?

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sorcerertd

sorcerertd

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I didn't see anything obvious in the resources section for this. I know the basic method of adding oval windows in a blank, but does anyone have any tips to help my first attempts to not be too awful? I'm basically looking to take some simple segmented design and insert it onto a plain blank. Is there any suggested diameter. Anything to consider for when it comes to Kerf thickness or adjustments to the cut to minimize the kerf width? It would be great to get away with just a mm or so. How about suggestions for measuring and matching the pieces such as jigs, braces, stops, etc? Anything else that I'm probably not even thinking about that might help?
 
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I am sure there is some library info and if not just do a search for inserting oval windows . There is some great photos and explanations by a few members here if my memory serves me well. It is done with hole saws.
 
Todd, there may be some photographs in my Media section showing how I do 'Windows'
Drill press jig and good quality hole saw are essential.....I use a Lenox..... diameter is down to personal preference...though not too big.
Draw a centre line on the blank secure it to the jig.
Fill the kerf... I find that 3 layers of 0.6mm veneer does the job.
Cut out the corresponding piece using the same hole saw, glue and clamp.

Gabe Castro has an excellent video showing his technique, and Mark @mark james has some quality photographs here somewhere.
I will try to find links.
This is a short video....he has more in-depth videos on his web site.

Gabe Castro - Segmented Pens and Jigs - YouTube

Excellent series of YouTube Pen Making Videos. Click on the image below to access Website. Author: Gabe Castro
www.penturners.org
 
Alan Morrison said:
Todd, there may be some photographs in my Media section showing how I do 'Windows'
Drill press jig and good quality hole saw are essential.....I use a Lenox..... diameter is down to personal preference...though not too big.
Draw a centre line on the blank secure it to the jig.
Fill the kerf... I find that 3 layers of 0.6mm veneer does the job.
Cut out the corresponding piece using the same hole saw, glue and clamp.

Gabe Castro has an excellent video showing his technique, and Mark @mark james has some quality photographs here somewhere.
I will try to find links.
This is a short video....he has more in-depth videos on his web site.

Gabe Castro - Segmented Pens and Jigs - YouTube

Excellent series of YouTube Pen Making Videos. Click on the image below to access Website. Author: Gabe Castro
www.penturners.org
Click to expand...
I'm currently going through Gabes videos. Amazing detail on the longer videos, well worth watching.
 
That jig is also how I make these.
 

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Here is a link for some more process photos; there are many buried down in the thread. I will note, since then, others have refined (Dale, Ken, Alan, Steve) and improved the jigs and process - and subsequent precision. However, for a moment, I was pleased with the precision I got.

Picture Frame Inlay - #1

The basic design of the oval and inner element has a long history on IAP, so I take no credit. Searches will find examples from rherrell, Skiprat, ldb2000 and more recently Dale Parrott. They referred to their designs as "Windows", "Ellipses, and Window Style respectively. My design is a...
www.penturners.org
 
Jigs. I really need to work on some jigs. Jigs for so many things. I feel like jigs would give me the precision I want, but that I don't have the precision to make good jigs.
@KenB259, maybe you should sell jigs in the Etsy store.
 
sorcerertd said:
Jigs. I really need to work on some jigs. Jigs for so many things. I feel like jigs would give me the precision I want, but that I don't have the precision to make good jigs.
@KenB259, maybe you should sell jigs in the Etsy store.
Click to expand...
I believe jigs are not an option for building precise blanks. You probably have the tools to make them and they are enjoyable to make. It would be very difficult to make a jig for someone else's saw.
 
Jigs is just one part of making segmented blanks and other woodworking projects. Your equipment needs to be good quality and run true. The blades and bits used need to be sharp and good quality. Most jigs always start with a platform so you need flat material to build off and a way to make runners for the miter slots on the tools. This can be done with premade metal runners and good old fashion hardwood runners. It is always nice to get tracks that can be attached to the platform so that you can slide devices for stops or clamping. depending on the operation, the placement and amount vary. But Rockler is always a great place to buy tracks and clamps and stops but even so making lots of this can be done also. You do need a mechanical mind though and that goes for all types of projects. You can build alot of jigs with just scraps you have around the shop. here is an example of jigs I made for routing key holes in my hand made shelves that I use to build an sell. Just scraps around the shop. The jigs are designed to be clamped to the shelf and accept a small trim router with a key hole bit. Not pretty but worked for every instance needed. I can show you so many scrap piece jigs. Ken makes beautiful furniture type jigs and they work well. I am a down and dirty type make it work type guy. But bottom line is precision is key and makes a job so much easier. I made so many different jigs when I was making that billiard table pen box because each move needed it. Making jigs means thinking outside the box too. It is all a part of woodworking. But there again are so many jigs on the market that easily be adapted for your needs too so check around. It is another $$ part of the hobby.


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