How to Make a Christmas Tree Ornament Using a SpectraPly Blank

This Instructable is for making a Christmas Tree Ornament using a SpectraPly blank, on a lathe. In addition, the method foe gluing up the blank can be used for any wood Turning project.

Tools:

1. Drill Press
2. Radial Arm saw or Chop Saw
3. 8 mm Drill Bit
4. Bar Clamp

Material

1. 2" x 2" x 11" SpectraPly Blank
2. Wood Glue
3. 1/4" dowel
4. Small Screw Eye
5. Sandpaper, 150, 240, 320, 400 & 600 grit
6. CA Glue, Thin, Medium and Thick
7. Small Screw eye

Start by drilling a hole thru the center of the blank. Using an 8 mm drill bit will ensure that the hole is slightly larger than the 1/4" dowel we will use later. If necessary drill thru both ends of the blank.

Using your Radial Arm or Chop saw, a cut 3/16" slice off the end of the block. Continue cutting these slices until you have about 8 slices. Be Careful not to cut your fingers.

Stack the piece together and measure the overall length of the new blank. Cut a length of the 1/4" dowel approximately 1/9" shorter than the measurement you just took.

Glue and insert the dowel into one of the slices. Continue gluing the remaining slices and inserting them on the dowel. Make sure you rotate each piece as you slide it on the dowel to create a pattern in the finished product,

Using a bar clamp, clamp the pieces together and let them dry. When dry, remove the clamp.

1. Mark the center of each end of the blank, Place the blank on the lathe between the spur center on the head stock and a live center on the tail stock. Insure that the blank is centered and tighten it down,
2. Proceed with turning the blank into a Christmas tree shape,
3. When the turning is complete sand the tree starting with 150 grit and continuing thru to 600 grit.
4. Once you've sanded up to 600 grit you can apply the CA glue.
5. Apply a small amount of CA to a paper towel and quickly move it across the blank, be careful not to stay on one spot.
6. Apply several coats of each viscosity of CA. At a minimum apply 3 coats of the Thin CA; 3 coats of the Medium CA and 5 coats of the Thick CA.
7. Sand lightly with 600 grit sandpaper after applying the Thin coats and the Medium coats of CA
8. Polish the final Tree using the plastic polish.
9. Insert the small Screw eye into the top of the Tree so you can attach a hook on it.
10. Enjoy!