Creative Woodworks & crafts 2001-10, страница 31

that the clip was centered within these limits.

Trace the profile of the metal clip onto the stock (see Fig. 3) and cut it out on the band saw (see Fig. 4). Using an oscillating spindle (a drum sander on the drill press will also work), carefully sand down to your line (see Fig. 5). It is important that the curve of the stock conform to the curve of the metal clip. If you try to force the clip to conform to the wood with clamps and glue, it will eventually pop off as the glue ages.

I've discovered through trial and error that each clip is different—each separate barrette clip must be traced on the block individually and that clip must be used with that particular piece of wood. They are generally not interchangeable.

Use a sharp pencil and your thumb and middle finger as a guide to draw a parallel line approximately 1/8" away from the original arc (see Fig. 6). This will become the outside surface of the hair barrette. Cut this line out on the band saw.

Sand this arc to the line with either a disc or belt sander (see Fig 7). It is important at this stage to be careful not to tip the wood while it is being sanded. The wood should be relatively uniform in thickness, so take your time (see Fig. 8).

Position the clip on the curve and determine what the actual final length of the hair barrette will be. I like to measure approximately 1/2" away from the ends of the clip (see Fig. 9).

Cut this line on the band saw and sand it smooth on the sander. I also like to round over the outside corners to eliminate the sharp points that might hurt if you bump into them (see Fig. 10).

The disc or belt sander will leave distinctive marks on the surface of the stock that are sometimes difficult to remove by just hand sanding. I like to start the sanding process with a 3" diameter disc attached to a sanding pad on my handheld electric drill (see Fig. 11). It has a hook and loop system that secures the cloth-backed disc to the pad and comes in different grits from 60 to 400. I use a 180-grit disc to remove the scratches left by the sander. When I'm satisfied that I have removed all of the scratches, I hand sand, starting with 120-grit and ending with 320-grit. Reflecting a good, strong light source off the surface of the barrette will help to see any scratches that might have been missed. Be sure to round over and blend in any sharp edges around the perimeter of the barrette.

Scuff up the top surface of the metal clip prior to applying the adhesive—the rough surface will provide a little more "bite" for the adhesive. I use a craft adhesive and sealant manufactured by

Goop to glue the clip to the wood. I have found that tiny spring clamps work best to clamp the metal clip to the wood so that it won't move while the adhesive cures (see Fig. 12). Even though it dries to the touch in a few hours, I like to leave the assembly in clamps overnight just to be sure.

A coat of boiled linseed oil thinned 2:1 with paint thinner brings out the natural beauty of the wood and helps to rinse away any sanding dust that might be left on the surface of the wood. Be careful not to slop it all over the metal clip.

I use a clear acrylic spray to finish the barrettes (see Fig. 13). It dries quickly and is more waterproof than most other finishes. A clear enamel would be another good choice, but it doesn't dry quite as fast as the acrylic spray. I apply this only to the top surfaces because I don't want to get the spray all over the metal clip.

The barrettes make a good craft show item, or better yet, to give as a gift to that special young lady in your life

and watch her eyes light up! g^

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Creative Woodworks S, Crafts October 2001 • 31

Arrow Fastener Co , Inc.. 271 Moyhill Streel, Saddle Brook. Hew Jersey 07663 Canada: Jarilel Distributors, Inc., 6505 Metropolitan Blvd. East, Montreal. Quebec H1P1X9 _{)s are} sold, united Kingdom: Arrow Fastener (U.K.) Ltd., 14 Barclay Ho<c, Croydon. Surrey CH01JN Wherever www.arrowfastener.com &2001 arrow fastener company. ir*c. Rev./oo

ET100

Different Length Brads

(15mm)

3/4" (20mm)

1" (25mm)