Kilt Pin Round 2

**Maclachlan** · 27th November 10, 11:48 PM

Originally Posted by Eleazar

I've been wondering if you could cut it length wise and end up with 2 pins.

It wouldn't stick out so much on the kilt and would be less likely to roll or get hung up on something. It would also give you a surface to mount the pin on.

It's beautiful, by the way. Very nice.

I actually like that idea! I think the next round instead of tapering it as much I can start with a larger version (diameter wise) and then split it using the band saw. From there I can drill and epoxy a pair of pins for the clutch backs (great idea, Dan!).

**Eleazar** · 28th November 10, 12:15 AM

I believe I would be interested in one.

There is an old turners trick where you use double sided tape to hold the turning together. Then when you are done, a quick smack on the line where the tape is and you have two mirror pieces.

**Maclachlan** · 28th November 10, 12:55 AM

Several things come to mind about that. Splitting the piece first would then force me to use a chuck (which I need one anyways) which, for the smaller lathes like ours, are only three jaws which would be uneven pressure on one half of the piece. I do like the idea of turning it with a chuck versus head and tail stock centers since that would allow me to taper the bottom more.

Using tape to hold two halves together would also create a gap in the middle that would certainly catch the on the tools risking chip out versus a smooth cut/scrape. For wood that might work okay but not for the acrylics.

Since I would have to split it anyways, it would, I think, make more sense to turn it then split it.

Like I said earlier, we're still trying to figure this all out so my son can maybe add this to his pen making business.

Keep the ideas coming!

**Maclachlan** · 29th November 10, 05:14 AM

One thing I'd like to toss out there is a possible trade of a couple of hand turned kilt pins for a hand made soft leather day sporran. Anyone up for bartering?

Mac

**Maclachlan** · 2nd December 10, 05:26 AM

Anybody? We can turn wood of one species or multiples (going to try that later this week) from lace wood to birds-eye maple...

**CaseyB** · 2nd December 10, 12:29 PM

Sadly, I am not all that handy anywhere other than a computer. I'd love one of these, but I can only offer money.

**English Bloke** · 28th November 10, 04:55 AM

What a beautiful thing. Have tried making them a bit longer, say 4"?

**Maclachlan** · 28th November 10, 05:05 AM

This one was made on a whim with some scraps I had left over from the pen making process but it would be very easy to extend it to whatever length someone wanted. Our blanks are typically 5-6" long unless we cut them ourselves.

**The Kilted Chaplain** · 28th November 10, 05:28 AM

I really like the idea of splitting a round piece as well. I'm working with antler now, which could be a little tricky to split on a band saw, but would be perfect for wooden pieces that I could turn on my lathe. Also the magnets and thumb tacks sound good. Hey, the more options you have the more creative you can be! Great ideas everyone, I'll be posting my pieces soon.