How to make a Rattle

[colincott]

This is one for Jason ( T3 )

I said I would do this a long time ago but I have now uploaded the pics to post

I seem to have missed one or two at the start but it will not be a problem ( I hope , just let me know if you need them ).

You need a block of wood about 120mm x 50 but you can make them smaller or bigger if you want ( I will post a the smallest one I have done at the end )

Turn it round , mark the middle and then turn steps on each end, so you can mount each half in the lathe when you have parted them.


This is the first half in the lathe.
I have drilled a hole in the middle so that it is easier to hollow out the inside.


When you have hollowed out the first half ( you can leave about 3-4mm on the side walls ), you must make sure you leave a step on the inside or outside to join the two pieces.

[colincott]

When that is done, you will need to start on the other side.


If you have put the step on the inside of the first half, you will need to be careful you make sure that the step on the outside of the other side fits ( I do this slowly and keep on checking it to make sure that they can be pushed together )

[colincott]

Your next step is to glue the two part together and when dry, to get them back on the lathe to level the joint and hide it with a small bead.


Now you need to turn off one of the the steps at the end so that you can fit the handle.

[colincott]

When you have that done and fingers crossed that you have not had a whoops with one of your turning tool ( never done that before , pic to come later )

You can now get on with the handle ( at this point I can get out Treading kit), my one is 1/2in )

[colincott]

If you have understood my how to and got this far

You dont need a Treading kit but can make you dowel from 9-13mm will do and a hole to match.

You can now put in what you want for the rattle to make a noise ( I use rice or split peas, as long as it is hard ) and join to two pieces together.



When the glue is dry, you can get it all back on the lathe and turn off the last step on both ends, making sure you have given the whole lot a good sanding ( to get real smooth, you can turn it a round and sand it the other way, that is before turning off the ends )


You should now have one complete rattle ready for finishing.
I use water base varnish for this as that it is child safe, if they are aload to use it ;D

[jfc]

Cheers Colin , something to practice . I would have put the rice in before i joined the two parts and sat the baby in front of the lathe ;D

[engineerone]

didn't you know it is colin's attempt at being green,
the lack of noise helps the environment ;D

paul

[dom]

I can't hear anything, even with the volume up high

[engineerone]

but where is your ear trumpet plugged in?? ;D

paul

[jimw]

Very nice Colin.

How about a "how to do it" for one of those captive ring type rattles.

[colincott]

jimw said:

Very nice Colin.

How about a "how to do it" for one of those captive ring type rattles.

Hi Jim

I can do but I would have to make or buy the tools to do the rings as I dont have any yet

[jimw]

I was hoping you ( or someone else) could advise me on the overall sizes of such a rattle.
And the size of the ring cutting tool I need to buy.

Can anyone point me to somewhere on the internet that describes this??

[colincott]

Jim

You can buy the tools at Craft Supplies or Axminster.

I would get a 3/8in one as I think 1/4in would be a bit small if use by a baby but I could be wrong on that ( I am not that big a turner ).

I would also go for about 7in/175mm in length and work it from there.

I hope that helps

Regards Colin

[paulchapman]

Great stuff, Colin I've seen a couple of the rattles you've made and they are really beautiful.

Cheers

Paul

[colincott]

Here is the small one I was talking about ;D