Carving With A Round Bench

TUKLONITA · #1 03-14-2007, 07:57 AM

There are those of us who must sit while working and have problems with perspective carving large projects in the round. To help with this problem, many have devised swivel bases using "Lazy-Susan" bearings, use "office-chairs" with wheels or, some other method to compare the backside to the front while carving... maintaining perspective.
Several years ago I bought an old "Barber's Chair" with it's 10" hydraulic lift, 360 degree swivel base, with locking brake, and heavy cast-iron pedestal that, even after removing the seat, has weight enough to be stable when using chisels. (there's many ways of attaching a project to the table and I use whatever suits at the time)This relic cost me a whopping $50.00.
Knowing then what I know now... I would have paid ten times as much.
As soon as I learn how to post pictures, I will.

wade clark · #2 03-14-2007, 09:52 AM

Sounds like a great carving stand!
Wade

Bill · #3 03-14-2007, 10:05 AM

I have been using the same type of base, I also added my Pivot Lok vice on the top so that I can turn the piece 360 deg but also lie it down on a 90 deg so that I can see all parts while carving.
Wouldn't be without it.
Bill

TUKLONITA · #4 03-14-2007, 10:13 AM

Me Nuther!!
P.S. WHILE CARVING THE HEAD OF A BEAR... 36" X 17" X 24"... I USED AN "ENGINE STAND" ... WHICH I WAS REMINDED BY YOUR 90 DEGREE APPLICATION.

squbrigg · #5 03-14-2007, 10:55 PM

I've been looking for a "Lazy Susan" type swivel, for my ship models, but so far no luck. I don't want something too big though, maybe 15" diameter, and some room for overhang. Make life a lot easier when working on a model. Right now, I make a cradle out of plywood or MDF and just reverse it when I need to, but a swivel sounds like just the ticket for me.

Must look further.

Bob

Carving_Celtic · #6 03-14-2007, 11:25 PM

I have often thought of bolting a solid 6X6 to the center of my garage floor and placing a swivel top on the top of the upright. Then bolting a heavy butcherblock 24X24 to the top.

One of these days.......

TUKLONITA · #7 03-14-2007, 11:55 PM

BOB, THAT SWIVEL YOU'RE LOOKING FOR IS USED FOR "BAR-STOOLS" AND CAN BE FOUND (I think) EITHER ON LINE OR CATALOG FROM "WOODCRAFT"
(HOPE I DIDN'T SAY SOMETHING WRONG)

MATT

Shimmy · #8 03-16-2007, 10:41 AM

You may be able to get a swivel base in a television store.they are used under televisions.

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #9 03-16-2007, 11:34 AM

there is a scientific surplus site that has those swivels pretty regular and cheap, I think the addy is www.sciplus.com

underfoot · #10 03-17-2007, 11:13 PM

I've been using this gadget for years and it works a treat,it cost about $10 in materials($5 for the bowling ball) I've had 30kg pieces on it and it rotates and locks in any position
cheers underfoot