A lucet fork is a traditional cord‑making tool used since Viking times. It creates a sturdy, square length of cord. Once you learn the rhythm, it’s a relaxing, almost meditative craft.
Lucets are believed to date back to Viking and Medieval periods, where they were used to make cords for clothing, belt attachments, and everyday fastening needs. Early examples of lucets are double‑pronged bones, sometimes with a center hole for drawing the cord through.
Today—and historically—lucet cords served a variety uses:
Drawstrings for bags and garments
Shoelaces and clothing laces
Belt hangings
Decorative trims
Couchwork and embroidery accents
Lucet forks are simple, satisfying tools to make—perfect for scrap wood and a great beginner‑friendly woodworking project. With Proxxon MICROMOT tools you can create smooth, ergonomic lucets that feel wonderful in the hand and look beautiful in photos.
Supplies and Equipment:
Hardwood scraps (¼”–⅜” thick works best)
- Proxxon Flexishaft 110/P with sanding drum
Sandpaper (120–400 grit)
Let's Make a Lucet:
Step 1: Prepare and Attach the Template
Print the lucet template and mount on the hardwood blank. Cover one side of the blank with painter's tape. Mist the back side of the patterns with spray adhesive, and mount on the taped blank. The painter's tape makes removal of the pattern easy without leaving any sticky residue. Make sure the prongs and handle are aligned with the grain for strength.
Step 2: Cut the Shape on the Bandsaw
Use your Proxxon bandsaw mounted with the scroll saw band to cut around the outline of the lucet. This particular band is specially made to give clean, controlled cuts on the tightest curves.
Step 3: Drill the Center Hole
Use the bench drill press mounted with a ¼” blade to drill the cord‑exit hole at the base of the prongs. A piece of waste wood under the lucet helps minimize tear-out.
Step 4: Refine the Shape with the Flexishaft
Attach a sanding drum to the flexishaft and begin smoothing the curves. The flexishaft gives you precision control—ideal for the tight curves around the prongs.You can also mount a sanding drum in the bench drill press to simulate a spindle sander. This sanding step is essential for a smooth, comfortable, ergonomic tool. Focus on: rounding the prong tips, softening the inside notch, smoothing the handle edges, and blending any saw marks.
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| Flexishaft mounted with sanding drum |
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| Sanding drum mounted on bench drill press |
Step 5: Sand for a Silky Finish
Move through grits from 120 to 400, using the Delta sander as well as sanding by hand to remove any remaining scratches. Pay special attention to the areas where yarn will glide: the prong tops and the inner notch. A smooth surface prevents snagging.
Step 6: Apply a Natural Finish
Wipe away dust and apply a food‑safe oil. Buff until the lucet is free of any residual surface oils. Hardwoods like maple, cherry, or walnut look especially beautiful with a simple hand oiled finish.
You can find excellent instructions for using your lucet at https://hearthookhome.com/lucet-fork-tutorial.
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| Carole |
