How to Make the Perfect Chopstick Rests

 These chopstick rests are perfect when using chopsticks. Their elegant, minimalist design enhance any table.

Supplies and Equipment:

• 5½" x 2" hardwood blank (I used zebra wood.)
• Chopstick Rest Template
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E or Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• MICROMOT Flexishaft 110/BF
• Proxxon Delta Sander 
• Chopstick Rest Template

Instructions:

1. Mount the pattern 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.
   
2. 
   The Chopstick Rest Template has pattern options for cutting three rests at a time or cutting individual rests. I chose the three-up pattern. Cut the shape using the bandsaw or scroll saw.
   
3. Then, cut apart the individual rests.
   
4. Sand the curved edges using the flexishaft fitted with a sanding drum bit. Sand flat surfaces with the Delta sander.
   
5. The chopstick rests can be finished and maintained with mineral oil, butcher block oil, or high quality olive oil.
   

Carole

How to Make a Rocking Horse Needlework Frame

 This needlework frame was inspired by a piece that my sister stitched for my son over 40 years ago. I replicated the frame to make a similar one for my niece's baby boy.

Supplies and Equipment:

• 8" x 6" hardwood or plywood blank
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E or Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• MICROMOT Flexishaft 110/BF
• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Proxxon Delta Sander
• FolkArt Antique Wax
• Rocking Horse Template

Instructions:

1. Use the table saw to cut an 8" x 6" blank from your chosen wood.
   
   
   
2. If necessary, sand the surfaces of the blank using the Delta sander.
   
3. Mount the pattern 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.
   
4. Cut the rocking horse shape using the bandsaw or scroll saw.
   
5. Sand the curves using the flexishaft fitted with a sanding drum. Do any final surface sanding with the Delta sander.
   
6. Cut a 2½" circle in the center of the frame. This can be done on the scroll saw, but I raided my husband's tool chest and used his 2½" forstner bit. Either way, save the plug for mounting the needlework.
7. Finish the rocking horse with your desired finish. I used FolkArt's Antique Wax.
   
8. Add hanging hardware, then mount the needlework.
   
9. Enjoy!!

   

   
   

Carole

How to Make a Dual Cell Phone Holder with Proxxon MICROMOT Tools

 We have a variety of cell phones in our home, and it seems as though a favorite place for surfing the web is at the breakfast bar in our kitchen. This dual cell phone holder is great because it accommodates two different cell phone profiles, and leaves a small footprint when not it use.

Here are the supplies and tools that you'll need:

• 4" x 3" x 1/4" or 3/8" hardwood blank
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E or Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• Proxxon Pensander PS 13
• MICROMOT Flexishaft 110/BF
• Dual Cell Phone Holder Template
• Felt polishing tip

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Use calipers to measure the thickness of the cell phones—with cases, if appropriate—you plan to use the dual cell phone holder with. Print the Dual Cell Phone Holder Template as a guide, making measurement adjustments as indicated.
   
   
   
2. Mount the pattern 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 pattern using the bandsaw or scroll saw.
   
   
   
4. Use the pensander to sand the edges of the cell phone holder. The pensander is the perfect tool for sanding narrow spaces.
   
   
   
5. Apply the finish of your choice to the cell phone holder. I used a wax finish and buffed the surface using the flexishaft and felt polishing tips.
   
   
   
6. Enjoy!!
   

Carole

How to Make a Pumpkin Decoration Using an Old Book and Proxxon Tools

 This fun and easy project is perfect for autumn home decorating. 

Supplies and Equipment that you'll need:

• Old book
• Hot glue and glue gun
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E or Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• Orange acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Jute twine to make tendrils
• Artificial leaves
• 2" to 3" twig for the stem

Let's make a book pumpkin:

1. Remove the cover from your book.
   
   
   
2. Draw half a pumpkin shape (similar to the one below) as a pattern.
   
   
   
3. Trace your pattern onto the first page of the book.
   
   
   
4. Cut the pumpkin pattern using the bansdaw or scroll saw.
   
   
   
5. Manipulate and fan the pages to soften the spine.
6. Hot glue the edges of the spine together.
   
   
   
7. Next, glue the first and last pages together. You'll have something that looks like this.
   
   
   
8. Now, working with small sections of the book, paint the edges of the pages. I watered down my paint to about 2 parts paint :: 1 part water. As the pages absorb the water, they take on a nice rippled form.
   
   
   
9. Separate each of the pages to achieve a full pumpkin. Set aside to dry.
   
   
   
10. Make tendrils by wrapping the twine around ¼" dowel or large knitting needle. Secure the ends with pinch clothespins, Liberally mist the twine with water. Bake in a 250°F oven for 20 minutes. When the twine is cool, slide it from the rod and cut into lengths for tendrils.
11. Hot glue the twig, leaves, and tendrils in place on top of the pumpkin.
    
    
    
12. Display your book pumpkin with pride!!
    

Carole

How to Make the Perfect Hard Wood Tatting Shuttle with Proxxon Tools

I remember my grandmother sitting on our front porch swing, and tatting. When I was old enough to learn, her eyesight was too poor to teach me. So, as a young adult I taught myself to tat. My tatting has taken a back burner to other fiber arts that I enjoy, but I recently resurrected my tatting supplies. And, I decided to make a tatting shuttle. My Proxxon tools were perfect for the task.

Here are the supplies and equipment that you'll need to make your own tatting shuttle:

• 3" x 1" x ¼" close grain hard wood blank
• Tatting Shuttle Template
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E or Proxxon Scroll Saw DS 460
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TBM 115
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E

Let's make a tatting shuttle:

1. Print the Tatting Shuttle Template. Mount the pattern pieces on the wood blanks. Cover one side of the blanks 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. Drill the holes using the bench drill press fitted with a ¼" bit.
   
   
   
3. Cut the shuttle shape using either the bandsaw or scroll saw.
   
   
   
4. Sand the surfaces using the Delta sander and progressively finer grits of sandpaper. I use the Delta sander mounted in the Precision Vice FMZ so both hands are free to manipulate the piece I'm sanding. You want to sand the shuttle until it is smooth as glass, so the fine threads used in tatting don't snag on any part of the shuttle.
   
   
   
5. Wrap a skewer or thin dowel rod with sandpaper, and sand the interior of the holes. 
   
   
   
6. There you go!! You have a tatting shuttle. If  you don't already tat, I encourage you to learn. There are many good how-to videos online.
   

Carole

How to make a flying bird mobile

 Hi again.  Time for another easy but impressive little project I think you will get a kick out of.   We are going to start with a ratty old piece of cedar board and turn it into an elegant decorative piece.  Or it could be a cute little mobile for the child's room.
Let's get started.   

                    First let's collect our supplies.

• 1/4" cedar board- wide enough for your pattern.
• Proxxon mini scroll saw- Proxxon mini band saw could also be used (your choice)
• Proxxon OZI/E delta sander
• Proxxon Cordless mini belt sander
• Finishing solution of your choice.  (I used 2 part resin- I wanted shiny)
• Proxxon Mini drill press
• Fishing line 10-20 lb test

I started by making a pattern of small birds.  I might hang this in a window.

 

Next, I transferred the pattern 4 times onto my cedar board.   Pay attention here to wood grain.  Cedar board with a wide grain likes to crack along the grain if the area cut is thin.  I did not want the bird's wings chipping off so I oriented them to follow the grain.  (We still need to be careful of the bird's tail and his beak)

First to the Proxxon mini drill press to drill holes where we will string up the birds.  Check that the balance will be right so they dont hang sideways or something.  😤

Over to the Proxxon mini scroll saw,  I carefully cut out the little birds.

The next part is very important.   I hate sanding as much as you do.  But with the Proxxon tools it really isnt that much of a chore.   I started with the Proxxon mini cordless belt sander and basically took off the edges all around the birds perimeter.  

Next I picked up the Proxxon OZI/E delta sander, and using 80 grit sand paper I sanded the birds all over.  I want everything as smooth as possible.  Cedar really polishes up nice if it is sanded really well.  A glossy coat will show every scratch or rough area so it is worth really being fastidious here.  

 

   

Now, just when you think you are done,  you're not.

Change the sanding paper on your Proxxon OZI/E delta sander to 240 grit and go over everything lightly.  Now you are done sanding.

*helpful hint*  If you want to preview your final result take a wet paintbrush and lightly patint the surface with clean water.   This will show any defects that will also show up in the finsh.  Sand those rough spots once again.  Now let the pieces dry really well.

Finish with the product of your choice.  I am using 2 part resin because I am after a very shiny look.

When everything is dry and looking good, string the pieces with the fishing line.  The other ends can be attached to a small board or to a cross made with 2 board for a more 3-D look.    Hang it up and be proud.  You made that beautiful showpiece.

Hey its been fun.  I hope to see you next time.  Till then play safe, play nice.

Thanks for coming.     Thank you Proxxon for the nifty tools that are so much fun to use!