Classic carving projects make thoughtful gifts
These baby rattles are inspired by the classic linked chain and ball-in-cage. The rattles can be carved with knives, chisels, or rotary carving tools. As long as the rattle has no sharp corners or small pieces to break off and it makes a noise when shaken, you’ve got a baby rattle. When I started having grandchildren, I wanted to give each one a special carving. I decided on carved rattles because they are functional and sentimental. Each rattle is created especially for the individual child. The handcarved toy entertains them while they are little and becomes a family heirloom as the children get older. The exciting part is there are no rules about what a baby rattle must look like as long as you keep the safety of the child in mind. Have fun with the project and let your creativity run wild. Each carving can be as unique as the child for whom it was created.
Finishing the rattle Because these rattles are sure to end up in little mouths, apply a food-safe finish. Some manufacturers consider their varnishes and lacquers food-safe after the solvents have evaporated, but my choice of finish is a combination of food-grade mineral oil and beeswax called spoon oil developed by Wood ‘N Ware. The mineral oil/beeswax combination provides a food-safe penetrating finish. Alternative Designs Use classic chain-carving techniques (see WCI Spring 2007, Issue #38) to create a variety of rattle designs. The smaller rings can be carved separately, broken along the grain, and glued back together when joined with the main ring. POWER CARVING THE RATTLE Gene used power carving techniques to complete his original rattle. Power carve the rattle by using a large tapered carbide-point bit to round the ball and shape the handle. Then use a thin tapered carbide-point bit to remove the wood between the bars. Use a small tapered diamond or ruby bit to free the ball from the bars and round and shape the ball. MATERIALS: • 2" x 2" x 316" butternut or wood ofchoice • Assorted grits of sandpaper • Mineral oil/beeswax finish or food-safe finish ofchoice TOOLS: • Carving knife, chisels, or power carving tools with carbide-point bits of choice • Pin (to align bar pattern) Paragraph. Нажмите, чтобы изменить.
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