Shopsmith Forums

gilamonster wrote:I was thinking of something more like this...



various sizes and shapes, but with similar dimensions, so they work together. I saw this on WOOD Magazine's site...

I think the same basic process. For the rectangle or square cross sections, mill up sticks and cut to lengths based on 1 width, 2 widths, 3 widths, etc. For triangles they look like 1 width cut at 45º. The curved pieces could be laid out with a compass set to 1 width or 1/2 width.
The picture looks like the blocks are made of 2 x 2, and 1 by 3 and maybe wider for the large arcs.
Looks like a fun project. Remember to allow for saw kerf in your planning.

[quote="jimthej"]I think the same basic process. For the rectangle or square cross sections, mill up sticks and cut to lengths based on 1 width, 2 widths, 3 widths, etc. For triangles they look like 1 width cut at 45&#186]
Back in my kindergarten days, they were maple!;) And As I recall, 1-2-3 is the way they were(and 1/2 on the 'shallow' pieces).

Strange how we can remember bits and pieces you thought were long forgotten when the correct stimulus fits the memory! I now be thinking of my 2nd Christmas(25 mo. old at the time). I remember the tree a few of the gifts and some totally irrelevant things. But I digress.....

P.S. The arches were shallower than those pictured.

gilamonster wrote:I was thinking of something more like this...

...various sizes and shapes, but with similar dimensions, so they work together. I saw this on WOOD Magazine's site...

I've made some blocks, ordered by my school teacher Daughter-in-law. Maybe these are the kind you are looking for. These are made from maple. Finished size is 1 1/4" thick. The "Ys" are about 10" tall. Once a pattern was made from hardboard, tracing and copying is easy. - Used a bandsaw and sander. Then used a 1/8" roundover bit to soften all edges.

Two "Ls" back to back make a "T". Two small arches can be drawn back to back or together to mak a hole in the center, etc.
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I still have my Dad's block set from when he was little...complete with the canvas bag that it came in. The set is polished maple blocks, all 1 1/2" thick with rectangles, squares, arches and triangles. It would be dated in the late 30's.

I saw this woodworker in Mountainview, CA. He has a very interesting line.
http://www.thevillageblocksmith.com/

WOW!

my grandson will be in college before I get anything like that made for him!

quite impressive!