Woodturning A Triple Loop Celtic Knot Pencil Cup

www.AsWoodTurns...
This project video is a second pencil cup to answer this month's club challenge. After I turned the first one, I felt a pencil cup would be perfect for a Celtic knot.
The process I follow does not restrict my knots to four loops. The process enables as many loops as could be desired. Eight loops is as easy as four except for the additional cutting and gluing.
After turning my wood down to a uniform cylinder, I measured the diameter. At my computer I drew a circle of the same diameter. Since I had decided on three loops, I drew a triangle to enclose the circle. I printed the diagram, glued it to scrap hardboard. After cutting out the triangles, I screwed them to the ends of my cylinder and applied a little hot melt glue to stop spinning.
After outlining my cylinder with triangles on my table saw sled, I hot melt glued blocks so that I could place it again with each turn.
After that the process gets repetitive. For each kerf, I hot melt glued a reinforcing board to the top of the cylinder in case the cut goes completely through the cylinder or enough to allow the cylinder to flex. Then make the cut, and glue in the accent strip. I used 5 minute epoxy for gap filling and setting time properties. With the glue hard, I cut away the excess accent wood and the reinforcing board.
With the knot complete, the rest is normal turning adding a top and a base.
Enjoy!
Blog: www.AsWoodTurns...
FB: / aswoodturns
Music: Traumerei by Shumann performed by Becky Schlappi. Used with permission.

[@gregwilson4982]

You are one of the best, how you deliver and video. If your desire is to have all the arcs the same( all of them start and stop the same point from both ends). You need to remove the same amount cut from out as you glue back in you must

[@AsWoodTurns]

That is why I prefer a sled on my table saw. I know the saw kerf (which is enough for me), the angle is consistent, and the start point is consistent. Thank you Alan

[@jessetutterrow4320]

Thank you for this video, you always produce great videos! Thank you for showing the final product at the beginning as this helps me visualize what you are doing at each stage of the project.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Glad you enjoyed it! Alan

[@russellsharp5490]

Thank you Alan, very beautiful. You make it look so easy, now let me see if I can come anywhere close. One thing is for sure, it will be a learning experience. I also appreciated your explanation of the thinking behind the different # or loops. Very helpful. Best wishes, Russell

[@AsWoodTurns]

A process makes things much easier. Alan

[@deanthomas5466]

Super nice project. Great details.

[@AsWoodTurns]

:) Sorry your comment came during a KZbin changeover and I did not see it promptly.

[@sjscreations2608]

Alan beautiful job, and very instructional as usual! Cheers, Sean

[@AsWoodTurns]

Many thanks! Sean Alan

[@busterwest1644]

Very nicely done Alan Only just started wood turning, two pens in and today a small round box with lid.. Not quite as good as the you tube videos ive watched but its a start lol. TRied a pen with a celtic knot wasnt a sucess so I will try this.. thank you

[@AsWoodTurns]

Three projects under your belt and already trying a Celtic knot. Very ambitious - keep it up Alan

[@MikeWaldt]

A really beautiful piece Alan, a very well explained and demonstrated technique. Cheers Mike

[@AsWoodTurns]

I'll have to try one on a goblet bowl. Thank you Alan

[@randysmith9715]

Alan; Love the Celtic Knots! To layout the pattern use a spreadsheet program to create a pie chart of the required segments. Mark and clamp the turning blank to the sled and cut as normal. I have sometimes made "partial" knots like spirals wrapping around a spindle. A flat bottom kerf produces the best effect. Take Care.

[@AsWoodTurns]

I like partial knots also. Thank you Randy Alan

[@wb_finewoodworking]

I was wondering how the Keltic Knots were made. It’s a very interesting process. Thanks for sharing your technique.

[@AsWoodTurns]

it make it much easier to do. Go do it Alan

[@rimar2000]

Beautiful work, Alan.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Gracias Osvaldo Alan

[@glennmoreland6457]

Greetings from England Saw this... Subscribed

[@AsWoodTurns]

Super. Tell a friend. Alan

[@leksey7870]

Great cups!

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you Aleksey Alan

[@RealRuler2112]

Love your celtic knot jig... might have to evolve it a bit to use myself. =)

[@AsWoodTurns]

Evolve away. Just let me know your enhancements Alan

[@KjellNN]

Nice results Alan!

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you Kjell Alan

[@moggridge1]

What a nice object.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you Alan

[@JustAnotherCFA]

You're right, it is unique .... to me at least. Never thought of making a 3 loop or a 5 loop. You should enter the discussion on the thickness of the contrasting wood used in the kerf. You evidently follow the rule of replacing the thickness removed with the exact same thickness of insert. That is why your loops line up. Some others refute this but the proof is in the Pencil Cup.

[@AsWoodTurns]

I've always wanted the loops to line up and the only way I know is to replace the wood removed. If there is another way, I'd like to know it. Thank you Alan

[@tomasarguinzoni9022]

Very cool idea my friend 👍🏼

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you Tomas Alan

[@gilgrace1915]

Nice job Alan. I wonder if one could use a bandsaw to cut the three kerfs to form a larger diameter cylinder for the pencil pot. Perhaps a sanding disc to make the kerfs smooth and the same width as the accent pieces. I might give it a try.

[@AsWoodTurns]

Let me know how it goes. As I see it the issues are: 1. cutting a smooth, uniform kerf. 2. Keeping the top aligned with the bottom and at the correct spacing. If you can conquer these, then the sky is the limit. Good luck. Alan

[@adamquincey4371]

Excellent, very nice... Cheers...

[@AsWoodTurns]

Thank you Adam Alan

[@KE4YAL]

That’s amazing does the epoxy hold really good I always have have trouble with my end grain joints staying together Thanks Alan

[@AsWoodTurns]

I'm counting on its gap filling properties Alan

[@mitchellmanning7887]

👍,, thanks for sharing

[@AsWoodTurns]

You are welcome Alan

[@DKWalser]

Alan -- Great video! I always love our Celtic knot demonstrations. On a somewhat related note, how many games do you think the Boston Celtics will win this coming season? ;)

[@AsWoodTurns]

At least one? Alan