Creative Woodworks & crafts 1998-07, страница 26

Alabaster Trivet and Cross

by Dirk Boelman

Here are some additional tips for cutting the cross and trivet:

Preparing the workpiece: The alabaster discs usually have fairly rough surfaces on them, as though they were sliced with a circular saw blade. Sand the surfaces smooth with the same tools you regularly use to surface your wood projecls. Thicknesses will vary, so adjust as desired -

Preparing the patterns: Make copies of patterns to save Ihe originals for future use. Suggested thicknesses are listed with the patterns; however, you can use whatever thicknesses you have available. Adjust the patterns as needed, and use temporary-bond spray adhesive to adhere them to the alabaster. Sawing: Please review the accompanying article, which begins on page 24, before you start these projects. You'll need to take a little extra care when boring holes for the interior cuts on the trivet. Assembly: We found Glue Buddy to work excellent to attach upright pieces to the bases. It also works great should you break a piece off! Glue Buddy is available from the Art Factory.

INSTRUCTIONS

Copy the patterns, found in Full Size Pattern Section No. 2, and adhere them to the alabaster with temporary-bond spray adhesive. Bore 1/16"-Dia. blade entry holes in the waste areas of the trivet and in the rectangular mortise in the top base of the cross, then make the interior cuts (see Fig. 1). Next, saw around the perimeters of each pattern.

Sand and polish as desired. Referring to the Exploded View Drawing as well as the main photograph, assemble the cross. Finish as desired with the Watco Danish oil.

Now that you've learned the "ins and outs" of alabaster, try to create some designs of your own! jrj

Continued on page 28 "

SUPPLIES

Materials: alabaster* —one 5"-Dia. disc (for the trivet); two 5"-Dia. discs, and one 4"-Dia. disc (for the cross); bonus patterns: two 4"-Dia. discs (for the Monumental Trail's End): one 4'-Dia. disc (for Ihe coyote) Tools: scroll saw with No. 4 skip tooth blades; drill

press with 1/16"-Dia. bit Temporary-bond spray adhesive Sandpaper, assorted grits Glue Buddy** Watco Danish oil Felt pads

*Available from Crystal Valley Stone and Alabaster, 1308 County Road 129 No. 14, Gtenwood Springs. CO 81601, (970) 947-0006. Prices are as follows: 4"-Dia. blanks—$3.95 each; 5"-Dia. blanks—$4.95 each; 8"-Dia. blanks—$9.95 each (plus shipping, minimum 3 disc order)

"Available from the Art Factory, P.O. Box 701. Platteville', Wl 53818, (800) 566-6394.

26