Wooden chain question

[Cutting Cathy]

I really want to make the wooden chain that is in the Spring issue but like Carole Rothman I don't have a table saw. I wondered if it would be possible to prepare the cross blank on the jointer?? I was watching a video on you tube on creating rabbets on the jointer and wondered if this could be done. The video I'm referring to is here. I have the same jointer. I thought it might be too dangerous working with a small blank??? Any thoughts on this?? Thanks so much for your help!!!

[wood-n-things]

Watch the video several times so you know how to do the setup and it looks fairly safe to me. I'm going to see if my jointer will allow this. Great tip.

[DaveVanEss]

Kathy

If you like a will cut out some chain blanks abd send them to you. If charge would be mareials and shipping.

I would use bass wood if it was up to me but walnut wold look cool

Flat rate box ship for about 10.50 and are 23 11/16" x 11 3/4" x 3" in size.

That would be a lot of blanks


Dave

[DaveVanEss]

A router would also do the job!


Dave

[Rolf]

GREAT link and tip, thanks Cathy!
I will have to look at my Jet Jointer to see if it can do that.
The only thing that might be a bit challenging will be keeping things square since you are making a cross

[Cutting Cathy]

That's what I thought too Rolf. Not sure how to accomplish that. If you try it will you let me know what you think?? Also Mike if you try it let me know how it goes.

Dave thank you so much for the offer!!! I tell you what if I can't figure out how to do it on my own I will definitely take you up on that!!!

[Wood Dog]

That video looks cool Cathy, my jointer doesn't have that capability. I was going to use the table saw, but challenged myself to find an alternative way to cut the blank. For those who don't have a table saw, jointer, or router, you can accomplish the cut using a Multi Max tool if you have one of those. Here's a couple of photos of how I cut mine.
IMG_6088 (Small).JPG IMG_6089 (Small).JPG IMG_6090 (Small).JPG IMG_6091 (Small).JPG

[Cutting Cathy]

You are a genius Wood Dog!! Actually this is really cool learning how you can work around problems!! Carole I hope you check out this thread!! I know she was wondering about different ways to create the blank. I don't have dremel multi-max, but I do have the rockwell sonicrafter. Did you use a blade like this? I have to see if we have a vise and I might try this out tomorrow..... unless I get bold enough to try the jointer!!

[Rolf]

WD another great solution , with the right wood it probably went fast.

[Wood Dog]

Yep that's the type of blade Cathy.....if you do go that route, just make sure you line up your wood level and clamp good. I took a small chunk off to see if I was going along level, that is the small piece you see in the photo. It took a while to do with this method Rolf, because I'm using oak, but very doable.

[JimSawyer]

I've been a carver for some time...
If you have the patience and a sharp knife, you can also cut it, chip by chip.
I made one long ago. It hangs off of my drafting lamp. Did the whole thing with a knife.....

[handibunny]

What if you didn't cut the blank into a cross, and used it just as a 1-1/2" square piece, like Steve Good does in his video. I haven't tried the project, but is it different from Steve's, and if so, in what way?

[Wood Dog]

Did the whole thing with a knife.....

Now that would be an awesome photo to see......hint, hint, Jim.

Carole having done Steve Good's chain pattern, and starting on this latest issue's chain pattern, all I can say is both ways can be done somewhat easily. Both patterns require you to free the chains by hand using whatever you so choose to cut them apart. Patience here is needed. I will say though that making the cross first is a bit more challenging to scroll, for me at least, because you have to twist and turn to see what ya doing because of the different height levels.
In no way am I criticizing the pattern maker, Lord knows I sure appreciate the time and effort all pattern makers take to give us some sweeeeeet projects.
I think I can see a chain bowl, or box in Carole's future.....do you agree with me guys/gals?
With your ability, it will be a piece of cake.....and freeing the chain links from each other you will be getting a bit of carving experience to boot.
Sorry Cathy didn't mean to hijack your thread......
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[Jim Finn]

something to do with a chain I had made.

[handibunny]

Now that is really cool! Your own design?