"Archimedes Trammel"

congrats andy, i know this was a real challenge , but you did it buddy, i know you got help, but we all need that, im proud that you overcame and got this down, yours is a beautiful toy…wish i was close i would come over and let you teach me how this is done….great job…grizz

-- GRIZZMAN ...[''''']

Very cool!

And I don’t think their application is completely restricted to ancient times. In various woodworking books I have seen several jigs for routing ovals that use the same mechanism.

Ah yes, the fabled Ozark Bulls**t Grinder….A fine example of a classic timewaster, they’re actually quite relaxing to just sit and play with, and you did this one proud, looks very nice!

I knew you would figure out. I may have to try to figure it out myself and make some for my kids the next time they tell me they are bored. They already hate to twiddle their thumbs. Maybe if they help make some of these the will like to play with them.

I love the walnut maple combo. Looks great

-- JoeyG ~~~ http://www.facebook.com/JHGWoodWorks

Very nice Andy.
There was never any doubt here that you wouldn’t succeed.
After reading the links in your blog I think I’m going to make one to draw my ellipses.

-- Paul M ..............If God wanted us to have fiberglass boats he would have given us fiberglass trees. http://prmdesigns.com/

I guess I lucked out ,The first time I made one it worked, that was maybe 20 years ago. BTW they still use them to make ellipsis. Yours still looks a lot pretty than the one I made.

http://www.amazon.com/Woodhaven-3220-Oval-Jig/dp/B001NYZ19C/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1328742577&sr=8-12

-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/

Very nice, you need to try it out and make sure it works.

-- Martin ....always count the number of fingers you have before, and after using the saw.

well done andy

i saw your prototype the other day
but my neck hurt so much
i went and laid down
and forgot all about it

this one came out nice
all polished and smooth

well done

here is a jig for the router
that is adjustable for different size elipses or circles
they have a larger base for it too

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=17282&filter=27712&ne_ppc_id=776&mkwid=3423562&pcrid=5030176800&ne_key

Now you can easily create perfect circles, ellipses and sweeping arcs! With your router and this handy, easy-to-use jig, you’ll be able to make picture frames, mirrors, signs, tabletops and more in just a matter of minutes. Compare to other ellipse/circle router jigs that cost $100 more.

there are video of its use
(but i don’t know how to show it here)

-- david - only thru kindness can this world be whole . If we don't succeed we run the risk of failure. Dan Quayle

That really is nice Andy…Once you have the process down it looks as if it wouldn’t be too time consuming to make…Maybe you should make some to sell at some shows.

-- Every step of any project should be considered your masterpiece if you want the finished product to reflect the quality of your work. http://www.FineArtBoxes.com

nice job andy and yes it will make eliptical cuts with a router, mine is made of mdf and maple guides and i wax the ways for smooth operation. yours is pretty fancy. if you can make that you can make anything.

-- no matter what size job big or small do a job right or don't do it at all.

Thanks guys. I didn’t realize this design was used in those router jigs. They are pretty cool. I put the handle on the underside of mine as I think that makes a better toy. Now I need to build something else but I’m out of ideas at the moment. I have some Osage Orange/Hedgeapple I sawed that I’m dying to use. Grizz, Read the post in yesterday’s woodworking skill share for a LOT of good info on building these. The rabbited one may be simpler and works just as well. They really weren’t that hard, I’m just a little slow and have a hard time visualizing stuff like this. Blaine, Thanks, but you have way too much faith in my abilities!

-- " I'll try to be nicer, if you'll try to be smarter" gfadvm

Very nice sir! You have to love a project that makes your head hurt and that turns out like its supposed too when your finished. Cheers

-- Head to the shop its calling you – Todd

Wow this brings back memories, I had a professor in college that called this a do nothing machine. He and another one of my professors created an engine out of this concept, its called the Stiller-Smith engine.

Looking at the prices of the Rockler and Woodhaven versions, I may have to make one of my own. Thank
you for sharing the prototypes and final version, as usual you did a great job.

-- As ever, Gus-the 74 yr young apprentice carpenter

Great work. I wish we had your first name (unless it’s Sue) so we could address you properly/easily.

I usually get ellipses just by trying to make circles!

-- Mike, American in Norway