Long Spindle

[Richard Findley]

Had an interesting job recently....

An email came through from a client that wanted some stair spindles turning to match a set, the only problem is that these are quite long and so kept breaking... any thoughts?

I suggested using hardwood instead of the usual softwood and asked her to send over a sample for me to copy, here's what I got:

Along with this drawing:

And this photo:

I was a little surprised that I only got these couple of bits of spindle, I'm used to receiving a full one, if a bit broken, to copy but after having seen this, I realised just how long they were and the problems she had been having!! A few sums allowed me to work out where everything went.

Now, I can handle 1500mm (5ft) between centrs so potentially I could have done one of them but a 1500 spindle at 35mm would whip around like mad!!! I suggested that I make them in sections and add a steel supporting rod to add strength. My client liked the idea so here are the results:

They were made in 3 pieces, making the longest about 800mm, with the central detail having 3" tenons, 18mm in diameter, which fitted into the ends of the longer sections. These tenons had 4" of M8 threaded rod fixed into them for extra strength.

To show how long they are, here is me holding them. Bear in mind that I am 6ft tall and both spindles were touching the floor!!!!

The customer was very pleased with the result. I have asked her for some pictures of the end result, so I will post if I hear back.

Questions and comments welcome as always.

Cheers

Richard

 

[Richard Findley]

Hmm... that's weird. I seem to have an extra picture on the end of that post of me looking a little sinister with the spindles. Can't seem to get rid of it though. Ah well, you'll just have to ignore/put up with that last one!!

Cheers

Richard

Mod edit: Now you see it now you don't :wink: CHJ

 

[skeetoids]

Hi Richard,

I mean this most sincerely; your craft, creativity, ingenuity and skill simply amaze me.

I can't say anymore to applaud your contribution to the art and craft of woodturning other than to say that the photo of you holding the spindles is imperial, majestic and very cool! 8)

Aw the best mate,

Lee.

 

[CHJ]

Not too long a problem for you Richard, wonder what bright individual specified softwood for that design in the first place.

 

[stevebuk]

way to go Richard, you never fail to amaze me, well done..

 

[miles_hot]

oooooh Richard you have got a big one :wink: ! (well actually two but that doesn't sound anything like as "carry on")

Impressive as always and a good idea for the spindle that I have which is bust and I keep promising myself Ill get around to

Miles

 

[jumps]

lovely curves... nice to leave someone else the issue of colour matching though!

 

[Lightweeder]

Brilliant! I was working on a 2' spindle yesterday, and that was bad enough!

 

[Richard Findley]

Thanks for all of your kind words (and for the Mod Edit Chas )

I guess this could be a regular but hopefully I've made these well enough to last. Hang on a minute.... D'oh!! (homer) :lol: :lol: :lol:

Jobs like this, that make me think and challenge me are the reason I love my work. There is a good bit of repetition but only for relativly short periods of time, then the next challenge presents itself.

Cheers

Richard