[wolterjwb]

I was wondering is someone could help with following idea I have. I know with a lather, it would be quite easy but I do not have one so I am trying to think outside the box.

I saw on antique roadshow a hollow "globe" (about the size of a basketball) cut perfectly in half where the top is slightly smaller so that on a pivot the top turns, or rolls, into the bottom to reveal the hollow center and the decanter that sits inside it. I can fashion the pivot brackets and the inside stand but am unsure as to how to create a hollowed out "globe". If someone had any ideas, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance.

Jimmy

[lorax]

I think for this it would be considered thinking outside the bowl

The thing about a project like that, is that it needs to be very acurately carved so it fits and pivots without catching. That would be a trick for the most skilled carver IMO. I think without a lathe you are looking at alot of frustration. The other thing that I think of, is that the upper part of the globe would have to around the outside of the bottom hemisphere. If it went into the bottom half, it would hit where the bottles and glasses are. the only ones I have ever seen are the hinged ones, but the one you mention sounds neat. here's the ones I know of for reference, if anybody doesn't know what they are.

[Jim-Iowa]

Never have done that so this is just my guess. First it is going to depend on what tools you have to work with. Hollowing out the halves is going to be the toughest part, you don't mention how large this will be.
I have seen that the decoy carvers will take large drill bits(Forstner would be best) and drill overlapping holes to waste out the inside cavity. Then either chisels or grinder( I spent many years doing metal finishing and have a lot of confidence in my abilities with a 4 1/2" Grinder and if the globe was large enough Thats what I would reach for) would further the hollowing. Finally even a bent blade knife could be used along with a sander? I would get or make a caliper so you could measure thickness of your sides so you don't blow through the sides. But then again if you should blow out, make it pretty and call it part of the sculptured design.
This sounds like an interesting project, please post pictures in the WIP section. I would like to see it done before I try one.

[wolterjwb]

thanks for the ideas......Once it's done, I will put up some pictures, sure it won't be for a few months, minimum!!

[TommyPhillips]

I think your best bet would be to build the two halves "coopered," or "stave-built." That is, like a wooden barrel is built.

It can be a complex task, but I think it would be easier and less wasteful than carving out the inside of two big hunks of wood.

[Dan S]

Look into the process for turning segmented bowls. You can use the same glue-up technique to build the foundation for your project. It will use far less wood and with a bit of planning and a variety of woods you can create some striking designs. That being said, without a lathe you are in for a real challenge.
Another posibility would be to use a router and a creative jig.

Good luck,
Dan

[Jim-Iowa]

On Second thought, I agree with Dan & Tommy.
If you have the tools to do the glue up I think that would be the best place to start. it would not be hard to set up You could use the tie down straps found in the automotive dept of the big box store for clamps and could make spreaders of Scrap MDF or Plywood Etc to hold it while glueing up.
Be sure to finish sand the spreaders and use Wax , waxed paper or some kind of release agent so you don't glue them in and then have to cut them out?
Don't ask me how I know that?

[aulddiy]

I'd agree with the suggestion of making staves . You'd need a mould , preferably the concave type, steam the wood and press in. I've used this idea in making the hulls of model boats, so it does work . The only tricky part will by shaping the staves. Just my take on it.