Easy to make and store bowl holder.

Hello to everyone.   Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.
With all the hub-bub of late it is time for a quick and easy, I mean really easy, project that can be used around the house or given as a gift.   Today we are going to make a small but useful project.  And, it can be made in less than an hour.  
 
 Let's start at the beginning, which is generally a good idea.
Mine started with a broken bamboo cutting board.   😠→

I like the bamboo, but it's not working for a cutting board any more.
Let's make something out of the ruins.


Here is the story.   We make gourd décor as a hobby and small business.   Gourds are very versatile, but have one problem.   Round bottom.   Set them on the table as is and they will tip over.   I wanted to make a simple stand.   I know most of you will never have a gourd problem, but I realized this pattern makes an awesome bowl stand and or, pot holder.   And since it is made in 2 flat pieces it can be stored in your cooking accessory drawer.

Supplies and equipment

 1/4" to 1/2" wood of your choice

Proxxon mini bandsaw

Proxxon OZI/E delta sander

Drill with hole cutter  (optional)

Paint, stain, or décor of your choice

I first made the pattern that I was going to use.   To customize this you can change the height, and or the curve that the bowl will sit in.   I used the pattern below.

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This is the pattern I used.  Note the slit in the middle on the bottom.  On the second cut out the slit will be in the middle on the top.   this needs to be 1/2 the distance of the width so that the two pieces will slip together.   Be mindful of the thickness of your wood so that the slits will be the appropriate size to slip together firmly but not overly tight.  

I first used a hole cutting attachment on my big drill to cut the holes I wanted.   This is an optional step and you can cut any design you want, or none at all.  

Next

I used the Proxxon mini bandsaw to cut my 2 pieces out. 

If you don't have a bandsaw and scroll saw works just as well!

Proxxon makes a good one!

Sanding my pieces using Proxxon's OZI/E delta sander.   It gets into all the curves easily.

Now, it is up to you as to how you want to finish it.  Mine, I left plain as I couldn't decide what I wanted to do with it.  I may eventually paint it Christmasy.

upside down as a pot holder, cake display etc

bowl (or gourd holder)

 That sure was easy!   Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.  I love to take trash and make something from it.   Catch ya next time. Carol    Thank you Proxxon.

How to Create a Decorative Candle with Proxxon Tools

Hi everyone, Steph Ackerman here today using Proxxon tools to create a decorative candle.

Drawing the design on a of plywood, I used the Micro Bandsaw to cut the straight edges.

I also used the Scroll Saw to cut around the candle.

Once fully cut, I used the Delta Sander to sand down the candle.  The angled head allowed me to get into the tiny edges.

Using masking tape, I taped off the candle so I could paint the flame with gold metallic paint and the candle base with black metallic paint.

Once dry, I used glitter paint to paint the candle.

I wanted to add some decorative elements, so I went through my stash of flowers and pulled out a rose as well as leaves that would coordinate well with the candle.

Next, I used intricate die cut words with Rinea Gold Foiled Paper to add words to the base.

It now looks wonderful amongst my holiday decorations.

Hoping you are getting in the holiday mood.

Thanks for stopping by.

Steph

How to Make a Scottish Spurtle

So, what is a spurtle, you ask. Let me tell you. A spurtle is a wooden Scottish kitchen utensil used to stir porridge. It dates from the fifteenth century—before the days of instant oatmeal—when porridge needed to be cooked for long periods. The tradition rod-shaped spurtle helped to eliminate lumps. And, to insure the magic the porridge was stirred in a clockwise motion with the right hand.

While the tradition rod-shaped spurtle is still going strong, in America the shape of the spurtle morphed into a flat wooden tool that is a cross between a spoon and a spatula. Spurtles are wonderful to cook with, and they are easy to make.

Supplies and Equipment for Making a Spurtle

• hardwood blank approximately 12"x1½"x1/8"
• Proxxon MICRO Bandsaw MBS/E
• Proxxon Disc Sander TSG 250/E
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E

Instructions for Making a Spurtle

1. Cut the basic shape of the spurtle handle on the bandsaw. The handle area is approximately 4" long.
   
2. Adjust the angle of the disc sander to 45°.
   
   
3. Sand both long edges below the handle area and the end of the spurtle on each side to bevel the edges.
   
4. Round the corners of the end of the spurtle.
5. Sand flat surfaces with the Delta sander.
   
6. Treat with a food grade finishing oil. Oil used to treat butcher blocks is perfect.
7. Haur ye gae! Enjoy using your spurtle!! 
   

Carole

Harvest Acorn

Hi everyone, Steph Ackerman here today with a Harvest Acorn.

Fall is here and Thanksgiving is jsut around the corner.  It's time to start showcasing new Fall and Thanksgiving projects.

I drew an acorn on a piece of plywood then used the Scroll Saw to easily cut it out,

Next, I used the Delta Sander to sand the acorn.  It's angled head allows me to get into the small areas.

I painted the acorn with brown paint, then masked off the top portion.  Using a stencil, I added dimension.

Once dry, I replaced the stencil creating a criss cross pattern.  Then I spritzed the acorn with craft spray to give it a shimmer effect.

Burlap was pleated and adhered, following the contour of the acorn.  Harvest was then placed at the top.

What will you create?

Thanks for stopping by.

How To Make a Latch Tool for Machine Knitting

After a hiatus of over twenty-five years, I've resurrected and refurbished my knitting machine.But, as I unpacked the equipment and tools from attic storage, I found I was missing one essential accessory—a latch tool. It is used for casting on, binding off, moving stitches, rescuing a dropped stitch. It is my go-to tool. I can't work without it. So, with my Proxxon tools I made my own.

Supplies and Equipment for Making the Latch Tool

• One knitting machine needle
• Dowel rod or wooden handle 2½–3" long
• DAP Rapidfuse wood adhesive
• Hacksaw
• Proxxon MICRO Bandsaw MBS/E
• Proxxon Disc Sander TSG 250/E
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TBM 115

Instructions for Making the Latch Tool

1. With a hacksaw cut the shank end from the machine needle.
   
2. I used a lace bobbin as the base for my latch tool handle, but a dowel rod would work.
   
3. Cut the neck off the bobbin with the bandsaw.
   
4. Sand on the disc sander.
   
5. Measure and mark the center of the handle.
   
6. Using the bench drill press, drill a hole for the needle.
   
7. Use DAP Rapidfuse wood adhesive to glue the needle into the handle.
   

Now I'm ready to ski hats, scarves, and sweaters just in time for the coming winter season.

Carole

Proxxon mini bandsaw MBS/E

Hi everybody.   It’s Carol here.   I’m back, (sorta) following a unexpected medical issue which has had me sidelined for a little while.   I’m not quite cleared for the shop yet, but I am getting better every day and hopefully it won’t be long before I can get to making again.    Today though, I want to talk to you about one of my favorite tools.   Let’s talk about Proxxon’s mini bandsaw.    Size and power are what makes this bandsaw a standout!

At 12" long, 8 1/2" wide 18 3/4" high and only 15 1/2 pounds  this is an awesome little workhorse.

This is the perfect tool for the crafter/maker in your life.    It is NOT grandpa's let's go make a fence,
build a barn, or construct a deck tool.   But it is the perfect tool for crafting somewhat smaller projects.  For instance, let's make a bird feeder, planter, some jewelry, etc.   How about making your own picture frames?  

Proxxon offers an assortment of various 42" blades that can be used to cut wood, plastic, stainless steel, regular steel and non-ferrous metals.   With the special diamond blade you can cut glass, stone, ceramic, and pc cards.    They also make an extra narrow blade that will function similar to a scroll saw for making tight curves in your workpieces.  

  This is also my go-to tool for all kinds of repair jobs around the house.  This wonderful Proxxon tool has a   7 7/8"  x    7 21/32" worktable and 5 29/32" throat. This powerful little machine can cut materials up to 2 5/32" in height.   It has a variable speed dial to adjust to the material being used, with a chart on the side for easy reference.  A miter gauge which is included adjusts up to a 45 degree angle.  Additionally the table can tilt to a 45 degree angle and complex angles are easily accomplished.

Here are just a few of the projects I have made using Proxxon's mini bandsaw.  

Now it is your turn!    If "it" needs cutting, likely Proxxon's mini bandsaw will do the trick!

And it is fun.   

Thanks for visiting.   Check out Proxxon's webpage to see other remarkable tools.   

Catch ya next time   Carol