Scrapwood Reindeer Band Saw Compound Cutting Project: How to

Summary

In this video, a craftsman demonstrates how to create a reindeer sculpture using a bandsaw and salvaged wood. He revisits a classic project from his magazine and book, showing viewers how to glue together various types of wood for different parts of the reindeer, like the body, antlers, and hooves. He shares tips for making the sculpture stronger and how to perform compound cutting on the bandsaw for a 3D effect. Along the way, the video introduces Santa’s reindeer, including the amusing addition of 'Olive,' the supposed tenth reindeer.

Takeaways

• 🦌 You can make reindeer sculptures using a bandsaw and wood, potentially creating all of Santa's reindeer.
• 🎅 There are updated reindeer personnel according to a twist in tradition, referencing new additions since Clement Clarke Moore's poem.
• 🛠️ The reindeer pattern was reworked from the original 'Hands-On' magazine design to be made from scrap wood, especially salvaged lumber like 2x4s.
• 🌳 The sculpture can be made using different types of wood for each part: medium-colored for the body, light-colored for the antlers, and dark-colored for the hooves and nose.
• 🖼️ Creativity is encouraged, with room for playful design like 'alien' or 'teenage' reindeer with dyed antlers and fur.
• 🔨 Compound cutting on a bandsaw requires two series of cuts from different angles, which results in a 3D reindeer sculpture.
• 📏 The wood blanks should measure 3.8 cm by 8.9 cm by 19.1 cm, or 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches by 7.5 inches for those in the U.S.
• 🔧 For extra strength, glue up the parts, ensuring the wood grain runs in the same direction. Apply glue generously and wait for it to be absorbed before clamping.
• 🪚 The reindeer sculpture involves drilling specific holes for legs and antlers, and the rest of the shaping is done on the bandsaw.
• 🎄 Finishing touches like sanding, shaping, and applying oil give the reindeer a polished look, with Tung oil recommended for an elegant hand-rubbed finish.

Q & A

What is the main project discussed in the script?

The main project is creating a reindeer sculpture using a bandsaw and salvaged wood, with instructions on how to make all of Santa's reindeer.

What materials are recommended for making the reindeer sculpture?

The recommended materials are salvaged wood, specifically a 2x4 piece of lumber. Different types of wood can be used for different parts of the reindeer: medium-colored wood for the body, light-colored wood for the antlers, and dark-colored wood for the hooves and nose.

What woodworking technique is highlighted in this project?

The script highlights 'compound cutting,' a technique where two series of cuts are made at 90 degrees to each other on the bandsaw to create a three-dimensional shape.

What tools are required to complete this project?

The tools required include a bandsaw, a drill with multi-spur or Forstner bits, clamps, and sanders (preferably drum sanders for quicker shaping and sanding).

How does the script suggest strengthening weak joints, like the antlers?

To strengthen weak joints, especially those glued end grain to end grain, the script suggests applying a generous amount of glue, allowing the wood to absorb it for 10-15 minutes, and then applying more glue before clamping the pieces together for at least a day.

What are some creative suggestions mentioned for customizing the reindeer?

The script suggests using different woods to distinguish the body, antlers, hooves, and nose. It also encourages creative choices, such as making a reindeer with dyed fur or painted antlers to make it look like an 'alien' or a 'teenage' reindeer.

What is the importance of grain direction when cutting and gluing the wood pieces?

Ensuring that the wood grain runs in the same direction across the body, legs, and neck provides the strongest possible finished reindeer. This prevents weak spots, especially in delicate areas like the antlers.

What finishing method is recommended for the reindeer?

The script recommends applying a hand-rubbed oil finish, such as tung oil, to enhance the wood's appearance. It cautions to be careful around fragile parts like the antlers.

How many reindeer are required to replicate Santa’s full team?

According to the script, Santa's reindeer traditionally include Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen, as per Clement Clarke Moore's poem. The script also mentions Rudolph and a newer reindeer named Olive, based on information from Google.

What humorous details are mentioned regarding Olive, the reindeer?

Olive is humorously referred to as a recent addition to Santa’s crew and is described as being a 'pain in the neck' for Rudolph. The script jokes about finding this information on Google.