Shopsmith Forums

I'm building a small scale version of a Queen Ann style chair and want to put some rosettes into the design. However, the smallest rosette cutters I can find are around 2 1/2 inches diameter. I'm looking to make some smaller rosettes around 1 inch diameter (actual shape doesn't matter). If anyone has some links, sources or ideas for something that would work - that would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Jmcnice,
small ones are hard to find, but if you go to this MLCS page you might find one to your liking. The smallest ones are 1 1/2".
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite ... osette.htm
hope that helps.

Watch the "Drill Bit Primer" from the first Sawdust Session when we post it Monday next. (Go to http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/Sawdust_Sessions.htm.) I show you how to make your own, any size you want. Or you can look for a copy of my book, "Using the Drill Press."

With all good wishes,

thanks - will look for it.

thanks and I've book marked this site, but really 1.5 inches is still a bit to big.

jmcniece wrote:thanks and I've book marked this site, but really 1.5 inches is still a bit to big.

Hi jmcniece! I didn't know squat about rosette cutters so went on a cruise of the web. (still don't know much!) The smallest I found was 1 1/2 inches. Guess they just don't make them smaller. When I think about it - the cutter would have to be pretty simple as there is only < 3/4" to make a profile. I'd be interested to see how the sawdust session would make small rosettes. Seems is they could be done using drill bits, they would have a hole in the center from the spike. (Maybe that would be a good thing - using different sized bits)

I was surprised to learn that these cutters are to be used only in a drill press of a lathe. These are not for routers! That surprised me.

Here are a couple of references you might find usable:

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/ordersta ... e_plug.pdf

and the second is for a cutter that will cut out small wheels (1 3/8 diameter) but it would leave an axle hole.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=903

I have seen articles where a router was used to make the different styles. If I can find the magazines I will let you know.

jmcniece wrote:I'm building a small scale version of a Queen Ann style chair and want to put some rosettes into the design. However, the smallest rosette cutters I can find are around 2 1/2 inches diameter. I'm looking to make some smaller rosettes around 1 inch diameter (actual shape doesn't matter). If anyone has some links, sources or ideas for something that would work - that would be great.

Thanks in advance.

Today had the opportunity to view the "sawdust session" Nick referred to earlier in the thread. Here is how you make a small rosette: Take a spade bit of the appropriate size (width) and grind the relief on it that you want. Use it to cut your rosette.

Not ever having done this - it seems that a triangular file and a small rat tailed file (small chain saw file) would work just fine to "sculpt" the spade bit.

jmcniece wrote:I'm building a small scale version of a Queen Ann style chair and want to put some rosettes into the design. However, the smallest rosette cutters I can find are around 2 1/2 inches diameter. I'm looking to make some smaller rosettes around 1 inch diameter (actual shape doesn't matter). If anyone has some links, sources or ideas for something that would work - that would be great.

Thanks in advance.

If you don't mind buying them then look for them under pressed wood rosette's. Lots of companies sell them and they come in a lot of sizes and much fancier then most of us would take time to do. They have some that look hand carved and in several types of wood.

I used some of these in a bedroom I redid. On the top of windows and doors I did a square corner blocks and attached them to the block... I was going to use the router table and rosette maker I have but this was easier and faster.

If you can't find them let me know and I will check a few catalogs I have and post some links.

Ed

The Eagle America catalog (http://www.eagleamerica.com, 1-800-872-2511) lists 1" and 1 1/2" diameter carbide tipped cutters in 6 different patterns, all with 1/2" shanks.

Gary