How to Alter Paper Mache Pumpkins

Hi everyone, Steph Ackerman here today showing you how to use Proxxon Tools to alter paper mache pumpkins.

I found these paper mache pumpkins and thought they would look amazing amongst the real pumpkins this holiday season.

Using the Proxxon Jig Saw, I cut around each pumpkin.  It certainly did not take long to cut them apart.  At approximately 1 pound, I love how light weight the Jig Saw is and how easy it is to maneuver.

In this time of social distancing, I wanted to create a reusable container that the kids would enjoy taking candy from this year.

Since the pumpkins would be sitting outside all Halloween day, I painted them with Plaid Outdoor Acrylic Paint in Geranium.  Once dry, I added touches of Raw Umber.

Don't they look great amongst the real pumpkins?

Thanks for stopping by.

Steph

How to Make a Climbing Bear Toy

 This classic child's toy is the perfect project for Proxxon tools.

Supplies and Equipment

• 6" x 7" x ½" MDF or hardwood
• 56" length of cord 
• 2 ¾" wooden beads or candle cups
• Climbing Bear Pattern
• Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• Proxxon Professional Rotary Tool IBS/E
• Proxxon Drill Stand MB 200
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E

Instructions

1. Mount the climbing bear pattern on the MDF. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the pattern with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue.
   
   
   
2. Cut the bear on the scroll saw.
   
   
   
3. The hash marks on the bear's paw indicate the channel for the cord. Mark the center between the hash marks on the edge of the paw.
   
   
   
4. Adjust the angle of the drill stand to 55°.
   
   
   
5. Drill a hole in each paw to follow the direction of the hash marks.
   
   
   
6. Cut hanging rod 7" long x ¾" wide. Measure and mark holes for cord.
   
   
   
7. Drill holes in the hanging rod using a piece of waste wood under the rod to minimize tear out.
   

   

   
   
   
   
8. If necessary, sand edges with Delta sander.
   
   
   
9. Paint with FolkArt acrylic paints. Optionally, add facial features.
10. Cut cord into two 25" lengths and on 6" length. Thread the 25" cords through the end holes of the hanging rod, bear's paws, and candle cups, tying knots to secure them in place. Thread the 6" cord through the center hole of the hanging rod and make a loop for hanging. Secure in place with knots.
11. Make the bear climb—hang by the center loop and alternately pull one cord then the other. Continue until the bear has "climbed" to reach the hanging rod. Release the cords, and the bear slides back down.
    
    

Carole

Using Proxxon Hand Tools For The Smallest Jobs

Hello everyone, hope this post finds you well, this is Candy Rosenberg, "a vintage girl," with a quick drop in on how I am using my Proxxon hand tools for the tiny projects that are sitting on my counter.

My Proxxon sander is so immensely versatile.  I am loving using it on all the different types of projects I am working on to complete my dollhouse.  I have been working putting mostly "hardwood" floors made from popsicle sticks.  They are not made for this purpose, so when you start to glue them down you quickly realize how much they can be slightly warped, etc.  

With the Proxxon sander not only does it get in those small places. It has an amazing triangular corner that makes it easy to get into the tight spots.  What an incredible time and hand saver!

We are getting real close for some big reveals as a result of all these little projects.  A dollhouse is a huge undertaking!

How to Make a 3D Wooden Bird Mobile

This is a great project to use Proxxon's special bandsaw scroll blade. This blade makes cutting tight corners with the bandsaw a breeze.

Supplies and Equipment

• 4" x 6" piece of 1/8" hardwood
• Pattern for 3D bird mobile
• Proxxon MICRO Bandsaw MBS/E
• Proxxon Bandsaw Scroll Saw Blade
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E
• Wood finishing polish
• Fish line

Instructions

1. Install the bandsaw scroll saw blade. Here you can see a comparison of blades.
   
2. Print the bird mobile pattern, and mount on the wood blank. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the pattern with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape made removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue.
   
3. Cut the shapes on the the bandsaw.
   
4. Sand surfaces and edges with the Delta sander.
   
5. Buff the finished pieces with wood oil or paste wax.
   
6. Before sliding the two pieces together, add a length of fish line for hanging.
   

I think if would be interesting to make a flock of these birds, each in a different wood!!

Note: If you resize this pattern, be certain that the notch on the body and on the wings is as wide as the wood is thick.

Carole

How to make a simple but attractive napkin holder

Hi again!    Hey, today I have a really, really, simple project.   But I think it came out looking good and it's functional.   I think it could also be a nice gift.   You know,, Christmas is less than 6 months away. 

Taa Daa.... Napkin holder.

Supplies

1" x 6" x 12" piece of wood

wood glue

6 small wood screws

paint or stain

  Equipment

Proxxon mini scroll saw

Proxxon mini table saw (optional)

Proxxon OZI/E delta sander

Proxxon mini drill press with small drill bit

wood clamps

screwdriver

The first thing I did was to cut my pieces to size.   Using the Proxxon mini table saw I simply cut my piece of wood in half making (2)5 1/2" x  6" pieces.   Then I used the proxxon mini table saw to rip one of the pieces lengthwise so as to have a 2"x 5 1/2"piece and a 3 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece    (6" lumber is actually only 5 1/2"  wide-Crazy but it is just how they do it  )

I drew some simple designs on my front and back pieces that I want to cut out. 

  Now, if you are making a gift for someone you can personalize it.  A fish for a fisherman, or perhaps their last name for a family.  

I cut my designs out using the Proxxon mini scroll saw.

With my cutting complete, I sanded everything smooth using the Proxxon OZI/E delta sander.   I just love this little tool.  It gets into every nook and cranny.  

Next I used some good wood glue and glued it together. I used 2 wood clamps to hold it tight.   Note that the front and back are on the outside of the middle bottom piece.   It just looks better and gives more room for the  napkins. 

After the glue dried, I took it over to the Proxxon mini drill press and drilled some pilot holes so that I could add some screws to strengthen the joints.   3 in the front and 3 in the back;

Using Plaid paints I painted the inside edge of by birds, clouds and sun.   Just to add a little color.

Of course paint went where it shouldn't, but all it took was a little bit of sanding using the Proxxon OZI/E delta sander after it was good and dry to freshen up the edges.

Then I sealed it with some water based poly urethane.   Now if it gets dirty at the table it can be wiped off without affecting the wood or paint. 

All done...   Hey look it can also function as a small book holder.  

Wasn't that easy?    I think it looks good, and I needed a napkin holder.   Project took about 1 1/2 hrs.   I bet you could get it done in an hour.   (I had to take pictures as I went  📸😊)

I thank you so much for visiting.  Thanks Proxxon... love your tools.   Carol

How To Make A Whirligig Phase 2

Hi Friends!  Last month I showed you all how to make a wood sculpture using Proxxon tools.  That was phase 1 of this project.  Today I'll show you how I added to it, turning it into a whirligig.

Supplies:

 Proxxon Micro Band Saw

 Proxxon Longneck Angle Grinder

 Proxxon Delta Sander

 Fan Blade Hub (Ebay)

1/2" poplar

 Scrap 3/4' pine

 Wire Coat Hanger

 Wood Glue

 Plaid Paint

I ordered a fan blade hub from Ebay. I drew out a pattern for the fan blades on the 1/2' poplar and cut out 8 of them. I had to sand down the edges with the Angle Grinder for them to fit in the hub.

I sanded around the edges of each blade.

Next I built the wood bracket that the blade would be mounted to out of scrap 3/4" pine.  Mounted it inside the wave portion of my project.  I then drilled holes in it to accept the wire (coat hanger) that the fan blade would spin on.

The wire had to be bent for the whale to have the  motion action of bobbing up and down. I drilled a hole in the side of the waves and straight through the whale. Another piece of the coat hanger was inserted through. This would enable the whale to move. 

I inserted a screw eye on the end of the tail. Another wire was attached from the screw eye to the bend in the coat hanger. Using a scrap of a large dowel rod and the longneck grinder I made a cap to disguise where the wire stuck out on the end of the blade.

Next I attached everything to see If it worked correctly.  It was suggested by a friend that I add another row of waves which I did. I also added a tiny boat that I cut out with the Micro Bandsaw and carved with the Longneck Angle Grinder.

I painted it with Plaid Paint. My project is complete. I love how it turned out. All that's needed is a little wind to see it in action! Thanks for following along with me...Colleen