Creative Woodworks & crafts 2000-04, страница 27

SUPPLIES

Tools: table saw with 10" blade (3 tpi); band saw with 1/8" blade (15 tpi); sander; buffing machine; vacuum former; small files; oven; round wooden mold (3-1/2" x 11"-Dia.) 1-1/8" clear square rod* (full length) Colored Acrylic Plexiglas*, one piece 1/8" x 24" x 36"

(for the front, back, side, and bottom pieces) Clear Acrylic Plexiglas", one 8" dome, one piece 1/8" x 1" x 12" (for the handle), two 36" lengths of 1/8" square rod

White Acrylic Plexiglas*, one piece 1/8" x 12" x 12"

(for the horses) Sandpaper, assorted grits Weld-On 4 acrylic cement* Glue syringe

Quick-I-Poxy epoxy glue* Rouge buffing compound* White buffing compound* Two 1" hinges* Small luggage latch* knife

Safety goggles

Two pairs of heavy white cotton gloves *The materials needed to complete this project are available from: Texas Plastics Center 317 Nogalitos, San Antonio, Texas 78204. Phone (210) 225-5278, Fax (210) 225-5281

Purse assembly

Place the side piece on top of the solid circular front; piece and adhere by applying Weld-On 4 with the syringe (see Fig. 2). Adhere the 1/8" square rod along the corners of the front piece of the purse for bracing as shown. This rod can be cut by scoring it and then snapping it. Place the back piece of the purse on the opposite edge of the side piece and apply Weld-On 4 using the syringe.

Make the base as shown in the Base Assembly Drawing. Sand the upper edges to correct any variances which may have occurred so that the base fits with the side of the purse securely. Glue the base to the bottom of the purse (see Assembly View Drawing).

Make the handle

Again, heat the oven to 200 degrees. Sand and polish the edges of the 1/4" x 1" x 12" clear strip of Plexiglas. Place on its edge in the oven until pliable. Remove quickly and arch the piece to form the handle. Sand the ends of this piece at an angle so that they both sit snugly on the rounded top of the purse (see Assembly View Drawing).

INSTRUCTIONS

Note: when using the band saw, if the Plexiglas tends to gum up due to variance of motor speed or an incorrect blade, use masking tape under the piece on the cutting line.

Make the front and back pieces Cut two 11" circles of colored Plexiglas, one for the front piece and one for the back piece. Using the band saw, re-cut one of the circles for the back piece.

Clean up edges with sandpaper or a sharp knife. Buff the edges with the rouge buffing compound, followed by the white buffing compound for a finished look. Note: be sure to work in a well ventilated room.

Using epoxy, glue the hinges in place as shown at right. Glue the latch in place as well.

Add the horses

Transfer the horse patterns to the white Plexiglas and cut them to shape. Cut the flange off the 8" dome and sand the edges so that the dome rests solidly on the front side of the purse, then place the dome over them to make sure they are positioned satisfactorily. Remove the dome and adhere the horses in place using Weld-On 4 and a syringe. Note: other options include adhering an extra piece of Plexiglas between one of the horses and the front piece to elevate it, or adhering one horse on top of the other.

Once the horses are secured in place, cover them with the dome and adhere it with Weld-On 4 and the syringe. Hint: clean the purse with dish detergent and water. Never use glass cleaners, they will leave an irremovable dull film.

Rear view showing the placement of hinges and latch.

continued on page 28

Make the side piece

Cut a strip measuring 3-1/2" x 35-1/2" from the colored Plexiglas. Clean up all edges with sandpaper or a sharp knife. Preheat your oven to about 200 degrees. Place this strip in the oven on its edge on a baking sheet until it begins to bend. Remove quickly wearing two pairs of heavy white cotton gloves. Wrap around the 11" mold until cool, then remove the ring. Next, cut a 1/2" x 3-1/2" strip of colored Plexiglas and adher it over the inside seam of the circle by applying Weld-On 4 with a syringe (see Fig. 1).