The key to off cuts

[Chippygeoff]

I found another use for the many off cuts I create while making other things and thought I would share with you all. They are made from 20mm thick oak with the dges rounded over using my smallest rounding over bit. They only have an oil finish, which I think is good enough. I got two types of chains from e-bay and the silver charms from one of the stall holders at the craft fair.

 

[Claymore]

I like them Geoff! when you route them do you use your table for such small pieces and if so how do you hold the wood without taking your fingers off? I have been using push sticks but still feels bit dodgy to use 8-(
Brian

 

[rob39]

Nice work Geoff! as usual I'm liking the font style what is it??? Haven't done much scrolling recently, broken wrist from collecting some wood. Slipped on a rotten piece of birch and snap.

 

[Chippygeoff]

Hi Brian. Yes, I use the router table to round over everything. I hold the wood free hand with both hands, very similar as if you were using a planer/thicknesser. It's quite easy and very safe. The aperture on the router table is just a little bigger that the router bit but even if it was bigger it still would not be a problem as the piece I am routing is supported at either end so has a solid base to slide across. At the end of each session I sit down and count my fingers, seriously though. I am very safety conscious. The only problem I get from time to time is when the wood slips, the cutter can throw it a long way and do some serious damage to the work piece.

Rob. I am sorry to hear about your accident and hope your wrist heals soon, I to was out collecting wood last week for some other key fob designs I have in mind, thin branches about an inch in diameter. The problem is the wood is very green and although I have cut the branches to length it will be a while before they are dry enough to work on. The font I used is loved by many people, especially my customers, it's called Hobo font.

 

[gilljc]

I like these how big are they?
I have always wondered how do you decide what names to make for 'samples' for your craft fairs for things like these and name signs?

 

[Chippygeoff]

Hi Gill. They are 4 inches long. Some ladies like this sort of thing to put on their handbags, others just love a chunky key ring. The key fobs in the photo will go on display on my craft fair tables and people can either buy one, if their name is on it, or I take orders for them. I have half a dozen of each name sign design on display. I choose the names on the orders I get and choose the most popular ones I get asked to make.

 

[Claymore]

what about some keyrings with Motorbike/classic car logo's...... also some of the guys on the Classic Bike scene put plaques next to their bikes at shows and I think a Oak/brass or similar scrolled plaque would look pretty cool and look a bit more classy than a inkjet printed sign? worth checking out as could be an extra earner for ya Geoff
Cheers
Brian
ps counted my fingers and got to 15 so far! 9-) lol

 

[nadnerb]

Hi Geoff
Great idea, I make key rings of different dog breeds and volkswagen logos batman and super man logos are a great seller as well. Mine are 2 inches x 2 inches x 1/2 inch thick, it never ceases to amaze me, I am getting €5 .99 for pieces that a while ago I was lighting the fire with!!!!!!
Regards
Brendan

 

[gilljc]

At the couple of craft fairs I have been to, I have always sold a few keyrings, recently I had an order for the dogs keyrings, got my first craft fairs of this year coming up next month, so have been cutting a few keyrings again, dogs and lots of random stuff - anything that takes my fancy, it is amazing what I grudge throwing away to the kindling pile, that is the joy of scrolling. What 'proper' woodworkers consider to be offcuts, I think of as a major piece of wood :lol:
that reminds me must harass my builder/joiner mate for some offcuts of skirting............