How to Turn Christmas Tree Ornaments on a Wood Lathe
The lathe in its simplest form has existed for centuries and relied on a hand bow for the power needed to revolve the work piece. The lathe of today relies on electricity to turn the material being shaped. A lathe can be used to make Christmas tree ornaments, thanks to the popularity of decorations that are circular or oblong. These shapes are relatively easy to make with a lathe.
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Things You'll Need
- Lathe
- 3-inch by 6-inch wood block
- 100-grit sandpaper
- 220-grit sandpaper
- Drill
- Hook
- Stain, paint or oil
- Brush
Instructions
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1
Place the block of wood between the pins of the lathe. Lower the chisel on the lathe so that it touches the wood at an oblique angle. Turn the wood until you have made a cylinder, moving the chisel the length of the wood to give it a smooth profile. Remove the cylinder from the lathe.
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2
Plot on paper how you wish to shape the ornament. The shape of the ornament can be oblong, with ends pointed, or circular.
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3
Turn the ornament on the lathe until you achieve the shape you drew in Step 2. Do this by moving the chisel to the parts of the wood you wish to shape.
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4
Sand the ornament with 100-grit sandpaper, removing the marks of the lathe. Smooth the surface still further with 220-grit sandpaper.
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5
Finish the ornament in the style you choose; you may want to coat the ornament with stain, paint or linseed oil. Any of these coats will still allow the grain of the wood to show through.
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6
Drill a hole to insert a hook to hang your ornament. Hang the ornament and let dry.
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