Creative Woodworks & crafts 2004-09, страница 55

Creative Woodworks S Crafts September 2004 • 55

Using the wheel is as simple as lining up the numbers on its outside ring. In this case we line up the "3" that was the original size of the pattern with the '1-3/8," tlie size to which we want to change it. That points to 46% in the window.

Place the original on a copy machine set for 46%. Make the copy and measure it. Some copiers may not give you the exact size, so you may want to change the reduction figure and try another copy. On projects like this clock, exact size is not all lhat important. As long as the overall proportion of the new size is OK. all you need is a mark for die center of the hole.

Even though we now have our thickness, the question that remains is: What material will we decide to make the clock from? There are hardwoods besides walnut that might look good for the project, but what are we looking for in our choice? Color would be the first issue to deal with. We know that walnut is dark, oak is medium-toned, and maple would be close to white, and there are many other woods that fall somewhere in between.

OK—now let's say we have picked the species of wood we want to use. That means it is time to find the right piece to fit the project. Many times we can find wood with color variations on the same piccc. These color blends can be used to enhance a project. Notice, in the mini clock on the right (above), how the lighter sapwood of the walnut can be used lo blend into the oak base. There are many variations in wood that can transform a plain project into a true one-of-a^:kind masterpiece. Sure the original pattern called for walnut, but there are still even non-wood options to consider, such as Plexiglas, Corian, or metals that comc in a wide variety of colors and thickness. Some projects look good in mirrored Plexiglas. Just how many choices do we need to look at? Let's consider some more options for wood selection.

With the new pattern in hand, it becomes obvious that the 1/4"-thick wood is going to look out of proportion on the smaller clock. So, we will chose 1/8" stock because the proportion of the overall size lo the material thickness will be more appealing to ihc eye.

If the project leaves just a skeleton of wood, the grain structure will not be that noticeable on the finished project. For example, there is so little wood left on the wheels and handlebars of this tricycle that a beautiful burl grain or exotic wood just wouldn't show up. You wouldn't be able to see the flowing grain on llicsc narrow parts. continued on page 56