Details on the DVD Making Candlesticks - Seeing the Curves

$32.99 for the two-disc set

Making Candlesticks – Seeing the Curves
Running Time: 2 Hours 16 Minutes

Making Candlesticks-Seeing the Curves picks up where I left off in my DVD Making Peppermills-Focus on Design. It delves deeper into form and speaks about the volume of curves and how to achieve them. The techniques necessary in how to turn better, more sensuous curves are covered in great detail. If you like to get right up close to the action, you’ll love this DVD. While it’s always entertaining to watch someone turn, it’s not always the best way to learn something new. I like “in-your-face” photography, and you’ll see plenty of it. (It just won’t be my face you’ll be seeing most of the time.) Instead, it will be close-ups on the developing form, the details of pulling out the curves, and the subtle cuts with several variations on the different types of cuts involved. Plus, I’ve illustrated key areas with graphics, illustrations and animations to drive these points home.

Chapter 1 Designing

We all like to ad-lib on the lathe, and I do that myself on occasion. It’s a great way to learn and get fluid in tool technique. But more often than not, the final piece ends up in my wood stove. Something I’ve come to appreciate more over time is planning. I enjoy all forms of woodworking, and I wouldn’t dream of building a piece of furniture without detailed drawings.The same holds true for woodturning, and my approach starts by creating a loose road map with a destination in mind.

Chapter 2 Prototyping the Stem

In chapter 2, I immediately move into turning a prototype stem based on a design I created in the first chapter. Details on how I mount the blank are covered, so that I end up with a perfectly centered pilot hole when the stem is completed. In close-up detail, I unleash all the tricks and tips on how to better see the countours while turning and control every nuance of the curve. With special effects I illustrate the thought process on how to control the volume and life of the piece. A new grind I developed on an old tool is featured, and I explain how it’s used.

Chapter 3 Prototyping the Cup & Base

In chapter 3, I turn prototypes of the cup and base so I can see how they relate to the stem. Sometimes, when you draw something in a 2-D view and then make it as a 3-D object, the relationships of the details take on a whole new dimension. I show how to mount the parts on the lathe, and how to modify your design on the fly if necessary. The underlying design structure in the candlestick is discussed, revealing how good composition can give your piece a cohesive look.

Chapter 4 The Final Stem

Chapter 4 turns the prototype into a final turned piece. It starts by making a template using a contour gauge, which is much different than the template making approach I used in Making a Peppermill. A contour gauge is so simple, they rarely come with instructions. It’s just like using a caliper or a ratchet tie-down, you have to figure out how it works or have someone show you, and that’s exactly what I do here. Templates are invaluable tools when making matching sets.

Chapter 5 Spinning Prep

Metal spinning! I love it. It’s immediate, fun and opens up a whole new world of creativity. It can be done on the same lathe as your woodturning. I cover all the modifications necessary to turn your wood lathe into a metal spinning lathe. Anything from a mini to a monstrous lathe can be adapted. You’ll not only learn how to make the mandrels and follower blocks for spinning a candle cup and base, but also learn all the details on how to approach these tasks in a methodical order so you end up with square and accurate tooling. I cover more on design issues relating to the mandrels themselves.

Chapter 6 Metal Spinning the Base

The properties of aluminum and pewter are covered in this chapter, as well as how to prep them for use. Centering discs on the lathe is like centering clay on a potter’s wheel. With a little finess, the disc seems to center itself. I’ll show you how to accomplish this basic first step and avoid common pitfalls. Posture and tool handling for metalspinning is then covered. Now you’re ready to start spinning the base. All the details are shown in close-ups, slow motion, and instant replay so you can learn subtle metal spinning tool control. Both the combination tool and the trim tool are demonstrated for proper use so you can proceed and learn quickly without incident. I spin the base several times from different angles to give you a clear view of each step. Finally, I show you how to apply a brushed finish for a breathtaking final base.

Chapter 7 Metal Spinning the Cup

Chapter 8 Assembly

“C’mon Ted, a chapter to assemble 2 screws to a stem with a base and cup?” I know, but I’d hate for you to discover that you can’t assemble this because the stem keeps splitting no matter how large of a pilot hole you drill. I love to solve problems, and you’ll learn a neat trick here that will make assembly a lot less stressful. You’ll also learn how to make a neat, clean assembled base for a real classy presentation. I’ll show you a jig you can easily make now that you’ve started to metal spin for consistently cutting cork discs for your bases, and another jig for punching out center holes. Detailing your project with these tips will make for a truely professional looking finished set of candlesticks.

The DVD set wouldn't be complete without

Ted’s Goody Box includes supportive clips that re-affirm the techniques and procedures throughout the video with a more detailed, closer view that would otherwise break the flow of the main DVD. You’ll find a great deal of information in the Goody Box on Disc 2. You can view these after watching the video to help you better understand the concept of The “Perfect” Egg as it relates to seeing curves with volume, and to make the tools and lathe modifications Ted uses for metal spinning. Clips include: Make a Combo Tool, Make a Trim Tool, Make a T-Rest, Make metal spinning grease and a dolly, Make tool handles, and finally, The “Perfect” Egg.