This is my first Instructable. I didn't plan ahead for it so it is light on photos. I thought it was worth publishing because a few of the steps I took can be applied to other projects.

I was inspired by this project:

Modern Mantel Clock

Step 1: Produce (or Purchase As I Did) Edge Glued Panels

I bought premade edge glued panels at a local quality lumber store. I did that to save one step and because it can be difficult to end up with panels that are nice and flat. The ones I chose are Spanish Cedar. I chose a softwood because for some of the operations, hardwood would be really hard on tools.

Step 2: Glue Panels Together to Form a Stack

For this step I anticipated that trying to glue 5 layers together would be difficult, with the layers sliding around on the glue while clamping. I am an amateur. So I clamped them while dry and drilled holes to use to bolt them together. I don't think I would do this again. It was really hard to get the bolts out after the glue dried!

I almost forgot an important detail. When putting together a stack like this you need to alternate grain direction. Horizontal first layer, vertical the next. This is what provides strength and stability.

Step 3: Cut the Desired Shape

Use a band saw to cut the shape. Then use a disc sander and an oscillating spindle sander to refine. I don't have these tools so I found a local wood shop that rents space by the hour.

Step 4: Drill Holes for Planet Rods

I wanted to drill these holes as accurately as possible. Drilling by hand would not do, and there was no access to use a drill press. So I made these single use bushings from scrap pieces of wood.

Step 5: Add Planets (or Whatever)

I purchased the wood balls for the planets from a vendor on Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ToyingAround

I used watered down acrylic paint to color the planets. Then I used Tung oil or similar to give them a low gloss.

1/8" diameter brass rods are easy to find online.

I hope this gave you some ideas. If not I will never post again! JK

Step 6: Addendum

It was pointed out that I didn't include any dimensions. Actually the whole post is light on details. But here is a drawing I worked from. I did the design using the CAD program Rhino.

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42 Comments

oldsparky2106

5 weeks ago

Great job, you should be proud of yourself, I think you will have inspired other people to make similar,

eladiomrtnz488

5 weeks ago on Step 5

Great job!!!! For an amateur you really are amazing. Good luck in future projects.

throbscottle

5 weeks ago

When I saw "inverse solar system" I hoped it was going to be clever inside-out representation where the sun is the mass of wood around the outside, and the sphere in the middle represents the space outside the solar system (or something). But that's my brain for you. Oh well.
Still, beautifully made and clever nonetheless. I look forward to seeing more lovely creations from you :)