Introduction: Corkscrew Out of Wood
Corkscrew Cut!
This is a very simple way to add a unique design to your builds. I've used it in my coat rack as you can see in the picture! My father taught me this a while ago and he doesn't remember where he found it. I am in no way a pro wood worker, but I do like to build things!
Step 1: Materials
Materials:
- Squared piece of wood
Largest that I've worked and has come out successful is a 4" X 4"
-Wood Glue
-Masking tape
Tools:
-Band Saw (easiest in my opinion)
-Clamps (to hold your piece together while it dries)
Step 2: Tape and Make the First Cut
The next thing you need to do is wrap the masking tape around the ends of the wood. Then when you are making the cut with your band saw it will stay together.
As you make your first cut down the length of your piece begin to curve the cut. You can make as many curves as you feel comfortable making. It does get to be a little tight though if you're trying to fit more than two bends within a foot.
Step 3: Make the Second Cut
After you have made the first cut you'll have the two pieces to your awesome corkscrew. This next step you need to keep those two pieces together and tape it one more time in the same spot.
Now you cut it one more time, fitting in the curves that you want. There really is no science to the curves. It will look awesome without any measurements. Just cut it the way you want it to look.
Step 4: Stick the Pieces Together
Once you have finished making the last cut pull off all of the masking tape. You'll now have 4 pieces that each need to be turned around 180 degrees and they will fight together perfectly (depending on how square your piece was).
Then add the glue and clamp them down.
Step 5:
Once the glue has dried you can sand and finish. Add it to whatever project you want or just put it out where people can see it! You'll get a lot of comments on it :)
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11 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
Very cool. Have you ever tried doing this with a jig saw? No band saw available for me. It seems like it would be simple enough to sand down the 4 corners of the original block so that you would end up with a hole down the middle for a an electrical cord for a lamp as well.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
You could mount your jigsaw under a bench like a router you would then have a near enough band saw.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
The only problem I've had with the jig is that it's very difficult to work a larger piece of wood. Yes and the electrical cord is a great idea! I did just that with the coat rack. It's able to run a cord through it. Hopefully for a future project!
11 years ago on Introduction
Nice! I love woodworking, and this is something I've never seen before. Can't wait to try! Good work. Love your profile picture too
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Haha beemo is my favorite.
11 years ago on Introduction
Excellent 'ible. Great documentation too! Looking forward to trying this out.
11 years ago on Introduction
Hey, this is really clever! Thanks for sharing.
11 years ago on Introduction
It's like book-matching on acid!
11 years ago on Introduction
Mind officially blown. Gotta make some Who furniture.
11 years ago on Introduction
Not really a corkscrew, just curvy. NEat idea though.
11 years ago on Introduction
Cannot wait to try this! You almost lost me at step four because my brain didn't turn with the wood and the corners fit so tight that it seemed like something else must have happened between the two pictures! Thanks so much for this!