With the arrival of a grandson it’s time for another rattle gift set. It’s based on the same design of my previous set. There are dimensioned plans in that post. This time I’m using a combination of hardwoods and blanks I have built up for future chaos cutting boards.
Each hardwood piece has a veneer of contrasting wood next to the chaos blank. The chaos blanks each get a through hole. Stop blocks are set up to ensure the spacing is consistent for all 3 blanks (2 outer, 1 middle).
The hardwood blanks get a recess formed with a 1” dia cove bit for a router. The depth is set so the diameter matches the corresponding hole in the center blank.
Once all 3 sets of blanks are done I can start assembly.
For the rattle content I’m using small bolts from my hardware box.
Glue is applied sparingly to keep the bolts from being glued in place. With the blanks glues up I can rough out the shape for lathe work.
I use tape on the tool rest to locate the rattle cavities so I don’t cut into them.
Once the rattles are done I can turn my attention to the gift box. I start with a walnut base. I use the CNC to cut a moulding profile to hold each rattle.
Then I can CNC the base profile.
The box walls are made from figured maple with some spalting. The wood came from a tree that fell here years ago.
Thanks for the comments - The first set was for a grandchild that will be 8 this year. When families come over with small children the parents get out the rattle set for them. It's a big hit every time.
Great gift here Steve, the rattles and box are beautiful. Making something for a family member, especially grandchildren, makes woodworking all the more fun. Great work. And, the write-up is great, will assist others in need.
An exceptional quality piece of grandchild kit. But not having any of our own, and seeing others, with drums, rattles and clappers, even whistles and trumpets, I'm glad we don't.
Making the fitted box takes these to a new level, gotta say having the heirloom quality and bringing them out for show 'n' tell is half the fun. For when the kids get past the "age of enlightenment" and the typical rattle turns into a weapon of war against siblings, the fact they have a place on a shelf for display more than makes it all worth while.
Of course there always is the possibility of you wondering where that "special" screw for one of your tools disappeared to!😫
