Joint Maker Pro

[paulkane1]

I have just taken a interest in Woodturning,so I am a complete novice,on a very large learning curve.What I am interested in is Segmentation Turning,some of the designs are very eye catching.i hope to be able to have a go at it soon. It's important to cut precise angled cuts,I was wondering,is it possible to cut so many pieces by hand ? And what would be the best set up, for to achieve near perfect angled-cuts every time by hand.I came across a web page, and its a tool called "Joint Maker Pro" , its a American Product, sold by Bridge City Tools.I have to be honest ,the price of it shocked me a bit,near 1100 Dollars,for a hand held cutting machine,although ,it's a awesome piece of kit.Would anyone on this Forum,ever have used this miter saw?and would there be an outlet for this product in Britian or Ireland. Would there be a far cheaper method of cutting a large amount of cuts by hand,and all pieces are perfect cuts?Some type of Miter Block,using some type of Japenese Saws,who have a great tradition of producing Fine Hand Saws,to produce Glass Cuts,no sanding needed? I am not a wealthy man,1100 Dollars is big bucks,could someone give me some advice on this one,what Miter Block or Jig would they recommended.

                                     Yours Kindly Paul

[thebowlerhattedturner]

Hello Paul,
             it would be easier to answer your question if we knew what machinery you had already. When I do segmenting I cut the pieces with a snip saw that I got from B&Q but I fitted a wooden bed and back stop to it, or I use the bandsaw. I now have a disc sander that I have made jigs for to sand the segments to final size and angle. Before I had this I made a sanding attachment for my lathe.
    Personally I would not splash that sort of money out as anything I need I can make.
Regards
John BHT

[Andy Coates]

Your advice sounds considered and sensible to me, George.

So much of turning is about understanding the material and way the tools cut it, but segmented turning "blanks" can cause all sorts of problems related to grain orientation which can magnify the problems. Learning to turn forms conventionally first seems a sensible approach.

As for spending $1100 ! Be wary of "ultimate solutions" as woodturning is awash with them.

Another consideration is saleability of the finished segmented turnings, which under usual circumstances is what pays for your tools and materials.

I turner I know specialises in segmented turning but after years of trying has given up trying to sell them for a fair price in the UK. He goes to the USA two or three times a year. He takes no clothes but suitcases full of segmented turnings. Sells them there and buys clothes.

Good luck

[John D Smith]

Hello Paul, I agree with both John and George why not have a course with a Woodturner who specialises in Segmented work there are many about.
segmented work is very specialised and there is more to it than just sticking some pieces of wood together everything has to be very accurate then there is the process of turning.If you cannot turn already then that is the place to start first.
There are Segmented woodturners all over the country and I am sure there must be one close to your location.

                                                                             Regards John  

[bodrighywood]

Whilst I admire the segmented turners I have no ambition to go that direction as the work and accuracy needed far outweighs either the pleasure or the profit for me personally. I also have great aversion to spending great sums of money on expensive equipment on any 'super tools' that if anything detract from my skill learning with basic tools. I agree with George that for a novice turner to go straight into segmented work is jumping in the deep end then learning to swim. If segmented work is what you really want to do then my advice would be to start by learning to turn simpler things to a high point of accuracy first. Learning the basics of turning, good design and getting accuracy in ones work are big enough learning curves to begin with. The bet cabinet maker in the world can be surprised at the difference between making something flat and making something round. I read an article by an american turner who does some complex segmented work who said that a piece he made took him many months to get made so for a novice to start at this end of the craft is surely courting serious frustration.

Pete

[Philip Green]

I would like to have a go at segmented turning but not until my turning and finishing skills reach a level that will give me a good chance of success.

I have been turning for a bit over two years and belong to two clubs. Through the instruction I have received from them (starting with spindle work) and entering the club competitions (to push myself), my skills have developed more quickly than I would have thought possible. I have had some success in club competitions and am please with most of what I turn, but I do not kid myself that I am good enough to do segmented work.

All the hours spent creating the segments then gluing them together to form the rings and structure is almost certain to be wasted without the skills necessary to complete the work to a high standard, leading to mega frustration that could lead to a quick exit from woodturning as a hobby.

Paul, the learning process can be a really enjoyable experience and you would soon be producing stuff that you would be pleased with and others would admire. Learning from a good club, professional instructor or both are three good options.

A good club will allow you to gain experience and contact with local people with various skill levels. Talking to other would allow you to buy machinery and tools that best suit you and avoid wasting money buying those that are unsuitable. This forum is good for this as well.

There are several excellent professional woodturning instructors who could help you develop quickly. The AWGB has training days. Companies like Axminster have some excellent instructors to run their courses. Again, you will find some excellent advice on this forum.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[malcy]

I do alot of segmented turning. I have to say I agree with what has been said above. I started turning about 30 years ago and have only really got into segmenting a few years ago. I have also to say that I love it, especially open segmented turning. What George says about people in UK not paying for the time involved is largely true also. If you want to get into this, then you don't need expensive equipment. I use a standard type table saw and a mitre saw. Doing it by hand is extremely difficult and time consuming. Accuracy is key. I cut segments on my mitre saw from accurately thicknessed wood. The wood is sanded to the right thickness using a home made drum sander. Jigs are then used to assemble rings, which are in turn sanded and glued together. This sanding can be done on the lathe. I would respectfully suggest you purchase a copy of 'The Art of Segmented Woodturning' by Malcolm Tibbets, ISBN o-85442-135-1 published by Stobart Davies. This is a superb book taking you through the process and showing you how to make jigs etc. If you want any advice or direction, please ask. Malcolm.

[malcy]

Further to my previous reply, I forgot to mention that you should also view the website www.segmentedwoodturners.org. This is an online chapter of the AAW, with members and contributers from all over the world. Worth taking a look at least. It only cost $16 (£10) a year to join, but the knowledge, expertise and advice is free, encompassing and brilliant. Hope this helps too. Malcolm.

[John D Smith]

Hi George I was thinking the same myself. John

[malcy]

For your information, I have just seen a thread started by Paul on the segmenters woodturning website, to which I pointed him in this thread. So although it seems like a waste here, note has been taken of what has been posted and action taken. I thought I would advise you all of this as it reinforces the worth of this site, even if that sometimes doesn't seem to manifest itself on occasions. Keep the comments coming. Malcolm.