patheslip - 5-27-2008 at 07:25 AM
I'm no cabinet maker, my carpentry is confined to joinery on the large scale, roofs and such, so I'm asking for advice about something really basic.
I'm making an oud stand and need to shape and smooth a concave surface. I can't justify spending much money on a special piece of kit. Any ideas
anyone?
The curved surface is for the oud to rest on after I've covered it in cork or something similar.
I can't use a router as I would have the same problem making a guide.
carpenter - 5-27-2008 at 08:00 AM
Try those sanding drums with replaceable abrasive sleeves; they come in different diameters, 1/4" shaft, and there's a nut and washer that expand the
drum inside the sleeve. I've used them in my drill press with pretty good results, and in a portable drill. Lots of freehanding and eyeballing there,
but not bad. With the drill press, I locked the quill down with the drum in the table hole, and moved the workpiece over the table against the drum;
got a nice right angled surface. Where the drum is bigger than the table hole, I used a piece of 1/2" ply with a bigger hole as an auxiliary table
top/jack.
I'd first come close to the finished curve with a bandsaw or coping saw or =, and sand to the finish. I wouldn't hog off all the waste with the
sanding drum. I'm sure there are other ways, but those drums are fairly inexpensive. You could also make your own from a wood cylinder and a bolt, and
glue on the sandpaper (or use sticky-back paper). I've made some that way, and I true up the bolt-and-cylinder assembly on the lathe; otherwise wobble
is pretty much guaranteed.
patheslip - 5-27-2008 at 08:31 AM
Thanks for the guidance. I've no idea what either a drill press or quill look like, and would regard a table hole as a disaster. Told you I know
nothing about this. But deep in ignorance as I am I still find your information useful, so thanks.
I'll cut close with a jigsaw and then shape it with the sanding drum, assuming I can find one. I could clamp a drill under a workmate, with the drum
above the working surface, and hold the work piece against it. Lots of dust and noise so I'll wear my face mask and earplugs.
Tomorrow's due to be really wet, so I'll have time to give it a go. Thanks again.
carpenter - 5-27-2008 at 09:06 AM
<< I've no idea what either a drill press or quill look like, and would regard a table hole as a disaster. >>
Oh. Yeah ... I think "pillar drill" is what you guys say over there for "drill press"; the quill is the piece that has the chuck on the end and goes
up and down, and there's usually a circular hole in the table where the drill bit can go through. Language aside, best of luck; you'll do just
fine.
<< I could clamp a drill under a workmate, with the drum above the working surface, and hold the work piece against it. >>
That would work great! I have my router set up like that with an adjustable fence.
<< Lots of dust and noise so I'll wear my face mask and earplugs. >>
Always a good idea. I wear ear protectors/earmuffs when I vacuum the rugs; I'll save my hearing for playing music.
Sazi - 5-27-2008 at 05:31 PM
Could you post a pic of the stand when it's finished, please. Thanx
patheslip - 5-28-2008 at 03:51 AM
two caveats: finishing the stand and learning how to post a pic
charlie oud - 5-28-2008 at 07:41 AM
I cant make an oud stand but I can make an oud lie down
carpenter - 6-8-2008 at 06:54 AM
How's that oud stand coming along, then?
patheslip - 6-9-2008 at 04:03 AM
It's nearly done. I've been held up by all the good weather as I only work on it when it's raining and I can't do my gardening day job.
The stand has been cut from a piece of 19mm marine ply, a high grade plywood. It is made in two pieces with a hinge on the top and a cord stopping it
splaying out at the bottom. I've only got sanding and fitting the padding to do and then it's done.
I'll try to post a pic if I can. Not because of its beauty but because it's so easy to do. If I can do it anyone can.