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Please note: Woodworking is an inherently dangerous activity. The non-woodworking techniques described here aren't all that safe, either. Sharp tools, powerful motors, big lumps of wood, chemicals, fumes, etc. can cause you serious bodily injury or even death. These pages are NOT meant as a substitute for instruction by a qualified teacher, just as an illustration of how I do certain things. I take no responsibility for any mishaps you may experience during a fit of inspiration. You've been warned.
Photo 5
Since dowels are not readily available in either bubinga or padauk, I turn my own to make the portholes.
If you look closely, you can see that I took a bit of square stock in the chuck and turned it to a cylinder, then tapered the end of the cylinder. The taper helps me to size the dowel properly to the hole. After sizing the dowel for one porthole, I cut off what I need, make another taper and do the next porthole.
Photo 6
Here’s the rocket with the three portholes in place, finish turned to its final shape and sanded. I sand through progressive grits, ending up at P800.
Page last updated 15 June 2007