Turning a Conductors Baton on a Wood Lathe

A conductor's baton is usually made of birch or poplar. The handle is bulb shaped to create a balance point in the baton near the handle so the conductor can loosely grip the baton and make graceful, fluid movements. Because the baton is so narrow when finished this project takes a gentle touch and slower speeds on the lathe.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mini wood lathe Chisel Saw 17 inch piece of birch or poplar Sandpaper Measuring tape

1. Select the wood for the project. It should be dry and have no cracks or other flaws. Most conductor's batons are birch or poplar.

2. Cut the wood to 17 inches in length, using the saw. The width should be no greater than 2 inches. Measure wood and mark to indicate the dividing line between the shaft and handle. The shaft should be between 11 and 13 1/2 inches long. The handle should be between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 inches long. Give yourself about 1/2 inch on either side of the wood where it will be mounted on the lathe. Because the tip will be so narrow you do not want to have the wood mounted on such a thin surface. The ends will be cut off later.

3. Mount the wood on the lathe and set up the tool rest. Slowly shape the wood on the lathe with wood chisels. When completed the shaft should have a slightly tapered shape. The tip will be about 1/8 inch in diameter. Where the shaft meets the handle it can be up to 1/4 inch. The handle can range in width from 1/2 to 3/4 inch. Baton handles are usually egg shaped or teardrop shaped.

4. Sand the baton. Use progressively finer grit sandpaper; 2000 grit sandpaper will give the baton a smooth feel and satin finish.

5. Remove the baton from the lathe. Saw off the end pieces. Shape the ends with a file if needed. Sand the ends.

Tips & Warnings

• You can turn the shaft and handle separately using different types of wood.
• Always use caution when using a wood lathe. Wear eye protection and a dusk mask.