| This is a pictorial essay on how I make my kaleidoscopes. |
| Two turning blanks cut and ready for drilling. Blanks are cut to 2 1/4" long and are usually about 2" square. |
| The blanks are marked in the center and drilled through with a spade bit. |
| This is a series of blanks drilled and waiting to be turned. |
| The blanks is mounted on a short mandrel on special bushing. The blanks will be turned round and then shaped at the ends to match the diameter of the bushings. |
| Using a skew tool to cut the blank round.. here the corners have been turned away and the blank is beginning to be turned round. |
| The blank is nearly round and I can begin shaping the egg. |
| The egg is beginning to take shape. |
| Shaping the end of the egg down to match the diameter of the bushing. |
| The egg is shaped and now being sanded smooth. The egg is sanded through 400 grit. |
| Sanding complete and ready to be finished. |
| The blank is wiped down with acetone or mineral spirits to remove all the sanding dust. |
| The finish is applied. This blank was finished with a combination of Boiled Linseed oil and CA. |
| After the BLO & CA has set, the blank is then wet sanded to further smooth the finish. |
| The blank is then buffed on a 3 wheel buffing system, The red wheel is Tripoli, the center white wheel is white diamond and the yellow wheel is Carnuba Wax. |
| Finished and ready for assembly. |
| The kaleidoscope components laid out and ready for assembly. |
| Completed and ready for sale. |
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