How to Make an Hourglass Shape in Wood
Round shapes in wood, like the shape of an hourglass, are usually made on a wood lathe. The wood block is locked intro the lathe horizontally and spun at high speed. Special chisels and knives are then used to shape the wood as it spins. Some basic knowledge of how to operate a lathe is very helpful in completing the task of carving an hour-glass shaped piece of wood. The main thing is to securely lock in the piece of wood on the lathe.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the center using a measuring tape on both ends of the wood block. Attach the wood block on the lathe. Attach it to the chuck on one end and use the point on the other end to keep it centered. Both the chuck and the point have to be in the exact center.
-
2
Position the supporting bar in front of the wood. Turn the wood with your hand to make sure the support is just outside the widest point. Check that everything is screwed tight so the wood and chisel-support bar stay in place while you are working. You will be carving side-ways, as the wood is positioned horizontally in the lathe.
-
-
3
Turn on the lathe. Use a large chisel and place it on the support bar. Hold it firmly as you push it slightly into the wood. Slide it along the bar in a smooth motion, taking off only thin layers at a time. Work the entire length of the block until it is completely round.
-
4
Mark the middle of the wood block with a marker as a guideline. This will be the thinnest point, in the middle of the hour-glass shape. Mark the top and bottom of the hourglass as well. You will cut off the ends at a later stage.
-
5
Refer to the reference image as you begin to shape the wood to look like an hourglass. Gradually push in as you work from the ends. Use more pointed chisels as you get deeper into the wood. Work gradually and carefully, especially as the center becomes thin.
-
6
Keep enough thickness in the thinnest region (middle) to keep the wood stable. If it is too thin, it will either break on the lathe, or later during handling. Shave rough areas with the chisels as best as you can.
-
7
Create a smooth surface by using sandpaper. Use a rough grit, such as 150, and then go to a higher grit for extra smoothness. Sand while it is on the lathe, or remove it first, depending on your preference. Sanding on the lathe is effective, but can create a lot of dust.
-
8
Cut off the ends with a saw and sand the top and bottom with more sandpaper to finish the hourglass shape.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
