Celtic Knot Pen WIP

[AndyP]

This is how I do it. probably how everyone else does it too Although the clamping jig is 100% my idea.

Each pen is made up of two perfectly square, in cross section, pieces of wood (blanks) each about 2.5 inches long.

Having decided where on the pen the knot should go, in this case near the top, a 45degree angled cut is made across the blank. Note the piece of wood to the right of the the blank. this is there to make sure that each and every subsequent cut is made at exactly the same distance from the end of the pen. The saw cut is stopped just a mm short of cutting right through the blank to make clamping a lot easier

Next small pieces of veneer are cut. If this can be done without slicing off the end of your thumb it makes life a lot easier. This veneer has to be exactly the same thickness as the saw kerf. A drum sander helps with this, or knowing someone who has one

The veneer is then glued into the saw kerf made earlier and clamped up.

When dry the excess veneer is cut flush with the blank. The blank is then rotated 90 degree and a second 45 degree saw cut is made. NB it is critical that this cut is made at EXACTLY the same distance from the end of the blank as the first cut or the knot will not join up evenly when turned.

A piece of veneer is then glued into this saw kerf and clamped up.

After each of the four sides have been cut and the veneers glued in place the blank looks like this.

The two blanks now need a hole drilling along their length to hold the pen mechanisms. This is done on the lathe as it is easier to hold the blank and centre the drill.

Brass tubes are then glued into the holes.

The blanks are then held in a mandrel which is held in the lathe while they are turned to the required shape.

And as if by magic the Celtic Knot appears.

Apply a suitable finish and fit the mechanisms and voila

 

[Malc2098]

Bloomin’ nice!

 

[Lons]

Nicely done Andy. :eusa-clap:

 

[AndyP]

Bloomin’ nice!

Wow Malc, two words! you swallowed a dictionary?

Thank you. I smile to myself every time one of those knot patterns slowly appears from under the gouge. I wish I knew what the light coloured wood was, the knot itself is walnut.

 

[AndyP]

Nicely done Andy. :eusa-clap:

Thank you Bob.

 

[Woodbloke]

I've seen that before somewhere :lol:, good stuff though. The clamping jig is particularly cunning but my issue that's causing a bit of head scratching is the saw. I don't have a mitre saw and only use Japanese saws with a very thin kerf, so I'm wondering how I could make the cuts :eusa-think: - Rob

 

[AndyP]

Rob, I am sure that you could come up with a simple mitre jig to guide any saw you wish to use. The actual angle is not critical repeatability and accuracy are or the knot will not align correctly.

 

[AndyP]

I have a slight bigger version of that clamp for making kitchen roll holders.

Downwards, sideways and longitudinal pressure is required in my experience to stop the pieces sliding under clamping. It is a good reason not to make those angled cuts go right through the wood.

 

[9fingers]

It is a good reason not to make those angled cuts go right through the wood.

An excellent tip. When I made a CK I cut all the way through and clamping was a pain.

ISTR that I cut the angled slots at 30 degrees to make a more compact knot but have given the results away as a gift so cant check on my memory!

Good clear WIP

Bob

 

[AndyP]

Thanks Bob, I prepared that WIP as much for my nephews as for you folks. My previous attempts at a verbal explanation of the process were meant with blank looks from both of them.

The kitchen roll holder that I showed being glued was cut on the Kapex, again with careful attention paid to stopping the cut a mm short. I’ve not turned it yet so I can’t be certain of how accurate it will be.

BTW I’ve just checked the dates on the photos I took for that WIP. I started on the 2nd October. 6 weeks to make a pen :shock:

 

[Dalboy]

A good WIP Andy I have done these in the past and used the same method :text-goodpost:

 

[AndyP]

Thanks Derek. I just need to make the other one now then have a bash at the 8mm click pens and finish the kitchen roll holders (2 of) and finish a wee table. With Christmas only 6 weeks away what chance have I got.

Just as well I’ve nothing else to do.

 

[Dalboy]

Thanks Derek. I just need to make the other one now then have a bash at the 8mm click pens and finish the kitchen roll holders (2 of) and finish a wee table. With Christmas only 6 weeks away what chance have I got.

Just as well I’ve nothing else to do.

I know that feeling I need to make a butter dish and two jewelry boxes as well as finish decorating the bathroom

 

[Phil]

I missed this one ..............

Andy nice WIP, and simple process.
I can see that accuracy is of prime importance.

 

[johnward]

I haven't a clue how to make pens so to me Andy, that is just pure magic.

 

[AndyP]

I missed this one ..............

Andy nice WIP, and simple process.
I can see that accuracy is of prime importance.

Thank you. yes Phil. Accuracy in the squareness of the blanks and the position of each saw cut is very important.

 

[AndyP]

I haven't a clue how to make pens so to me Andy, that is just pure magic.

Thank you John. I must admit that every time that curvy knot appears from under the gouge it brings a smile to my face.

 

[Lons]

Next time you get a chance to play rather than make to order you should try maybe some variations Andy, a laminate of different coloured veneers glued together or aluminium (beer / soft drink cans)or copper (flattened pipe) or old credit cards give a different effect to the knot. Some people use superglue though I prefer epoxy for the laminations.

 

[AndyP]

Indeed Bob, i got close to trying that when I did the ebony pens but chickened out in the end. I need to find a combination of materials to match the thicknesses of the saw kerf. I also have in mind to do a double knot. Ie finish all four cuts then move the blank a few mm and do four more.