Segmented Blanks, No Power Tools

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RunnerVince

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Dec 18, 2019
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All,

I've been interested in doing some segmented blanks, but I've been hesitant because I'm unsure if I can get results I'd be happy with using just hand tools. Does anyone do segmented blanks without a bandsaw? Do you need to have jointers/planers/table saws to ensure square stock to start with?

What hand tools would I need if I were to go at this the "manual" way? I have a few saws and a cheap miter box, which works fine for cross-cutting blanks for simple one- and two-barrel pens, but not a lot more. Do I need to invest in a hand plane or block plane? Better miter box? Better hand saw?

I have neither the money nor the space at the moment to add any expensive power tools to my workshop (i.e., apartment balcony). I'm just wondering if doing anything other than the most basic of segmenting without some of these tools is a fool's errand, and I don't want to waste money learning when the precision required for doing this by hand is not practical without master-level experience.
 
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Hi Vince, I copied your post to answer a bit more specifically.

These are MY thoughts only - you will get different opinions, and that is good!

I've been interested in doing some segmented blanks, but I've been hesitant because I'm unsure if I can get results I'd be happy with using just hand tools. Does anyone do segmented blanks without a bandsaw? I personally do not. Do you need to have jointers/planers/table saws to ensure square stock to start with? No, but it would be helpful to have some edges that are accurate.

What hand tools would I need if I were to go at this the "manual" way? A good Miter Box and saw would be a good start. Jigs for straight and precise angled cuts in a good miter box is also helpful. I have a few saws and a cheap miter box, which works fine for cross-cutting blanks for simple one- and two-barrel pens, but not a lot more. Do I need to invest in a hand plane or block plane? Better miter box? Better hand saw? I'd suggest a good Miter Box and a good Saw. But it also depends on the type of segmenting you wish to do.

I have neither the money nor the space at the moment to add any expensive power tools to my workshop (i.e., apartment balcony). I'm just wondering if doing anything other than the most basic of segmenting without some of these tools is a fool's errand, and I don't want to waste money learning when the precision required for doing this by hand is not practical without master-level experience. Play with what you have! Screw up a few trial blanks and you will learn a lot. Refine what you can do with what you have, and when you can invest a bit more you will be better prepared for the journey. HAVE FUN!

Some resources: I'll be back...

Segmenting

www.penturners.org

No Comments Just post new segmented pens and Likes

Please post only your segmented pens in here and don't comment on anyones work just Like it then we can keep a record of works. Hope you all like the idea. Purple Heart and Black Ash Burl on a Jr. Gent 2 Fountain in Gold
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I'm not doing segmenting like a lot of people here are but am an advocate of hand tools and use them whenever possible. I think it's possible to do anything you want with hand tools. It really wasn't that long ago when all wood working was done by hand.
That said, good hand tools are expensive and the time to master their use may be a factor. You would also need to be able to sharpen these tools.
take a look at Lee Valley's line of hand tools to get an idea of costs. They make very nice tools, at a price that is reasonable.
 

Byrnes Model Machines - Thickness Sander

Byrnes Model Machines produces precision-engineered miniature Table Saws and Thickness Sanders for Ship Modelers, Dollhouse Makers and Model Railroad Builders; every machine has an accuracy measured in thousandths of an inch.
www.byrnesmodelmachines.com

That may be much more expensive than you would want to invest in at this time, but the Byrnes model table saw is a precision machine. I think Mark has one, as do several people here.

I would probably have invested in one if I had not made my own small model saw about 12 to 13 years ago. I was located overseas where I could get some very thin carbide circular saw blades, so I made my own saw.

• Saw table made with 6 1/2 inch circular saw - This is the basic table:
www.penturners.org

Imported Photo from leehljp

Imported Photo from leehljp. Please edit title and description.
www.penturners.org
This strips are slide/glide strips that make the sliding miter table easy

• Basic slide table top. I have adjustable slides on the side to keep it tight enough to prevent wobble.
www.penturners.org

Imported Photo from leehljp

Imported Photo from leehljp. Please edit title and description.
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• Another jig for precision adjustment:
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Imported Photo from leehljp

Imported Photo from leehljp. Please edit title and description.
www.penturners.org

This is not a safe saw and it hurts some people's eyes just to look at it without safety covers over the blade, but I am obsessive about where my hands are when cutting. It gets the job done - for me.
 
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I personally could not have made most of the segmented blanks I have made, to the precision I strive for, with hand tools. That doesn't mean it can't be done. I have watched videos of master woodworkers cutting dovetails by hand that are precise as any modern dovetail jig. That being said, it took them a very long time to master their craft. A lot depends on your own perception of what is precise enough. All you can do is try, see what happens. Your tools will let you know if they are good enough to achieve. As Mark said a lot depends on what type of segmenting you want to do.
 
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