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Author Topic: Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project  (Read 5610 times)

Jeromy K.

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Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project
« on: July 20, 2011, 02:23:07 AM »
I decided to spend a few hours and make my own top. This was my first try at this next time I know a few tricks to making it better.
I started with a rough round of poplar I found at the ranch I am working at. I put it on the lathe and went to town. I decided a simple Duncan tip would work well enough for this top. I am working on getting the right string length. After spending an hour or two throwing it is now covered in grass stains but it was fun and fairly easy to make.




« Last Edit: July 20, 2011, 09:33:26 AM by ta0 »
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Trevor

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Re: Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project
« Reply #1 on: July 20, 2011, 04:08:10 AM »
the raw finish look is very nice!
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the Earl of Whirl

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Re: Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project
« Reply #2 on: July 20, 2011, 05:33:22 AM »
Good work, Jeromy K.
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Larry D.

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Re: Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project
« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2011, 07:45:51 AM »
Very nice looking top Jeromy!
Really nice first try!  8)
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ta0

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Re: Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project
« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2011, 09:35:34 AM »
On the last pic it looks like you hollowed it out: did you?
Great job!
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poptop

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Re: Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project
« Reply #5 on: July 20, 2011, 12:43:06 PM »
Nice work,  welcome to the sawdust and shavings club...
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Erratic Wobbler

Spinningray

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Re: Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project
« Reply #6 on: July 20, 2011, 12:56:41 PM »
Very cool. My first tops were turned from a branches. The price of the wood is just right. If you can find wood with very circular and centered growth rings, they make the best balanced one piece tops. That top looks quite large. What is the diameter?
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Jeromy K.

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Re: Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project
« Reply #7 on: July 20, 2011, 08:06:35 PM »
Ta0 I tried to drill it out just to cut the weight down but it didn't work as I had hoped.
Alan it is 5 1/2 inches high and 4 inches across.
A side not the wood was not totally dry and I used nails to try to balance the vibe it has. Now it has cracked in tow places. I think I will fill them and paint it to cover the cracks up.
I have a few ideas on the next project. I want to do a bearing tipped top but I need to figure out a way to make one with out having an "jaw chuck".
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Spinningray

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Re: Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project
« Reply #8 on: July 21, 2011, 10:40:03 AM »
Some of my first branch tops cracked too. The wood was still too wet.
I needed a fast way to dry the wood so that it wouldn't crack. The microwave oven worked very well. It heats up the wood all the way through and drives the water from the inside at the same time as the outside. Some woods work better than others. One minute is the longest you ever want to cook without checking for dryness. If my glasses fog up when held above the wood, it is still too wet. The wood will start on fire from the inside if you microwave too long. Just trust me on this one. You don't want to find out for yourself.

Jamb chucking is a way to turn without a jaw chuck. It does not work so well with softer woods though.
Screw chuck is another option. Drill and tap the wood, then screw it onto a threaded rod driven by the headstock.
You will find yourself making all kinds of special tools for you lathe. If there is a will, there is a way.
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Eric

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Re: Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project
« Reply #9 on: July 21, 2011, 11:47:28 AM »
Nice top Jeromy!
« Last Edit: July 21, 2011, 11:52:01 AM by Eric »
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To everything turn, turn, turn..................

Jeromy K.

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Re: Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project
« Reply #10 on: July 21, 2011, 07:44:03 PM »
Thanks to all of you, to hear i did well from such expert top makers feels good  ;D
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tonysauce

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Re: Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project
« Reply #11 on: July 22, 2011, 03:54:01 AM »
nice work man
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Watts' Tops

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Re: Since I could not be part of the INEPTT project
« Reply #12 on: July 25, 2011, 04:29:25 PM »
A congratulations is in order.  You did well.  I suggest laminating your next project.  I use wood that has been dry for years for the most part.  Bass wood is my all time favorite but other woods work well too.  Boards removed from old buildings that have been dry work well.
Plain and glue together to make blocks.
 I have three plains--which make the plainning job easy.  (I am considering selling one nearly new 10 inch for a side note.)
Practice, practice and practice some more.  Don't be afraid to throw out some of your learning projects.
 
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Watts' Tops
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