Let's get small (miniatures that is)

Jun 07, 2012 4 Replies

If you've got a chuck, a thin parting tool (1/8"), a 1/4" bench chisel or a small skew and a small scaper or insert tool you can round off the end of, why not have a go at turning small, really small - as in miniatures. They're quick to turn so you can try all sorts of profiles and finishes in 20 minutes or less. In the process, you can also develop some tool control you can use later on "normal sized" pieces.



Here's a link to HOW TO, and images of a LOT of little pieces to give you some ideas for some miniatures.



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Try it, you'll like it! charlie b


I've sold quite a few miniature bowls--what my wife didn't confiscate.

a small box I made a few years back has a finial with a captive ring. The OD of the finial is about .015 and the thickness of the captive ring is about .008. Does that count?

0.008" is a bit over 1/128" or about 4 strands of human hair. I'd say your piece would qualify as "miniature". Now when you get down to a few atoms, you'd get into nano pieces. Below that you're into The Emperor's Tailor range.

Here is a link with more examples.

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Iulia is a member of my woodworking club NWA
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and lives near by... The closer you look at her work the more detail you notice! John

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