Dear Newsgroup Folk,I would like to know what my options are in making the kind of carvingson wood panneling like you see on antique medicine cabinets, bookshelves, etc. I first thought I needed a lathe, but found out thatlathes turn pieces around, and are good for making things like the legsof chairs. I just want a machine that I can bring down to a piece ofwood and do my design work. What machines allow me to make the types ofcarvings seen in the follwing images? you,RaffoAspiring woodworker

RaffoAspiring woodworkerSeems you want the machine to do all the work, ie., instant results.Everyone has ideas. If you don't know what a lathe is, then I suspectyou are, what, 7-8 yrs old? Just how old are you?

How do I make this? (Machined carvings and etchings)

Feb 08, 2006 23 Replies

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ljaques 20 years ago

On Wed, 08 Feb 2006 14:56:42 -0600, with neither quill nor qualm, Dave Balderstone quickly quoth:

Wrong approach for US, maybe, but perhaps not for him.

Judging by his link I think he's after a dead mechanical look rather than a custom, handmade item. While this may gag us with a spoon, he apparently likes it.

Raffo, the first link (headboard) could be done with a router duplicator but you'd have to make one first to use as a pattern.

The second (mirror) could be done with a rosette cutter on a drill press, a table saw, a router and some bits, some glue, and a (IMHO, lousy) stain job.

G'luck!

- Ever wonder what the speed of lightning would be if it didn't zigzag? -

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Australopithecus scobis 20 years ago

Given the existence of "chainsaw carving," I imagine that somewhere there is someone using a rosette cutter on a hand-held drill to carve wood. I'm not endorsing the idea, mind you, just extrapolating. (shudder)

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charlie b 20 years ago

Oh the possibilities

Person stationary - holding drill stationary - bit spinning - wood flying!

Wood held stationary - bit spinning - drill spinning - person spinning - OR - wrist winding - ouch

Wood held stationary - bit spinning - drill spinning - person running for their life!

I keep a 1/2 forstner bit - with the 15 degree angle in the shank - hanging on the front of my drill press. Only want to have that 'learning experience' ONCE.

charlie b

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Australopithecus scobis 20 years ago

Yes, indeed. I keep a piece of piston rod in my toolbox. It was jammed in the radiator. Remember Alien? Like that.

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