The other day, I posted another rolling pin. There have been several requests about how to make them. I thought I should update this tutorial with the new and improved trimming jig.

Top of jig- hold down clamps, handle, and cutout. The cutout is the main new part to this jig. Previously I was using my tapering jig. The problem I encountered was that if the trimming process was not perfectly flush with the pin blank during the first trimming operation, then the blank would not clamp flat during the next set of trimmings. Because the blank doesn’t have to be perfect at this point, I changed the jig so the blank is only supported on the ends during all trimming processes. This eliminated the problem.

Bottom of jig- I used a miter slot runner on this jig, that way I don’t have to bother with the rip fence as I did with my taper jig.

Close up of the thin pieces that create the knot. I make the thin strips the same width as the pin blank. During the cutting/assembly process, the diagonal slot, for these strips, is cut in the blank but NOT all the way thru. The cut leaves about 1/16” of the blank in tack. This maintains the knots orientation evenly around the blank. The strips stick up a little because of the little part that’s not cut. I guess I could be more accurate but not every pin blank ends up exactly 2” square so I don’t take any chances.

The blank on the jig: When I made the jig, I made it wide and trimmed it on the saw. The saw blade will trim the blank flush with the edge of the jig. So aligning the blank with the edge of the jig trims everything pretty flush.

Close up of one end of the strips ready to be cut.
If anyone has questions, comments or an idea how this could be done any other way, I’m open for new ideas!
Lew





















13 comments so far
Karson
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25797 posts in 1293 days
posted 112 days ago
Great set of shots. Thanks for the review.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
a1Jim
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16684 posts in 470 days
posted 112 days ago
Hey Lew
good close ups
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon
gene
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2165 posts in 776 days
posted 112 days ago
Hey! Lew,
Just saw this post on the rolling pin. You are doing a great job with the postings. Kinda makes me wish that I hadn’t sold the ole lathe.(LOL)
Keep up the good work!
God bless!
-- Gene, a Christian in Virginia
woodworm
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8184 posts in 483 days
posted 112 days ago
Hi Lew.
The jigs developed by craft woodworker works better., for sure.
Thanks for sharing the trade secret.
Take care & may God bless you!
-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.
Beginningwoodworker
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4123 posts in 566 days
posted 112 days ago
Thanks for the review, lew.
-- CJIII Future cabinetmaker
mtnwild
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2013 posts in 420 days
posted 112 days ago
Great jig! Thanks for all the info, very cool….............
-- mtnwild (Jack), It's not what you see, it's how you see it.
Don K.
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1095 posts in 219 days
posted 112 days ago
Thanks Lew !!!!!
-- Don S.E. OK
tomd
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216 posts in 663 days
posted 112 days ago
Thanks for a great tutorial, nice work.
-- Tom D
Innovator
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3125 posts in 306 days
posted 111 days ago
Thanks for the update it is very helpful.
-- Whether You Think You Can or You Think You Can't, YOU ARE RIGHT!!!
Andy
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570 posts in 801 days
posted 109 days ago
Your design is fantastic!! And your tutorial is very well done,easy to understand.
Thanks for all your time and hardwork :-)
-- " If I can make it,so can you" Andy in Oregon
Napaman
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3483 posts in 970 days
posted 105 days ago
taken me two days to catch up…thanks for the instructions lew!!!
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
Den
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56 posts in 82 days
posted 17 days ago
Lew, very well done, if you want to see it done differently, go to google and type in Making a double cross pen. with your knowledge you can make it close to what you have I think. also this website I believe is the same http://www.woodturningonline.com/Turning/Turning_content/DoubleCrossPen.pdf, thank you for sharing your Idea.
Den
Den
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56 posts in 82 days
posted 15 days ago
Lew, let me know if you come up with different designs using the website I gave you, I would be interested in what you come up with. (Very interested)
Den