Cross Border - March 2022
Tommy McMahon, demonstrated how he assembles an open segmented bowl, and the jigging systems that he uses. He also had on display example some of his previous work. The first jigging system that Tommy demonstrated used the Chuck to build the segments; the chuck was set in a vertical position, and chuck fixed to a circular base, with a series of markings in exact spacing around the parameter - this allowed the chuck to move half of each segment with when gluing each piece. The disadvantage of this system is that you must remove the chuck periodically and attached to the Lathe to face up the row. When gluing each segment it is best to use a very small amount glue on each one, because you cannot clean-up the glue afterwards due to the lack of the space between each one. When each row of glue segments has set, it is best to face it to insure accuracy of the following row.
Tommy then moved onto demonstrating how he uses the Lathe and a black Plate setup, as the jigging system,
This system used a circular indexing plate, with has a series of holes predrilled, insuring better accuracy. The big advantage to using this system is that the chuck or black Plate remains permanently on the Lathe, and it is much easier to face rows as you go along. If there is a design in the segmented project then it is necessary to have pattern to work to, another essential requirement is you need plenty of patience!
