Fun with the bandsaw

[jmischel]

My wife asked me the other day if I could make some toast tongs. No carving involved here, but a little fun with the bandsaw. And plenty of sanding.

One of these days I'll learn how to cut a straight line. . .

The tongs on top are mesquite. The other pair is mahogany. The simple spatula on the bottom is mesquite.

A pattern and brief instructions at Fun with the bandsaw.

[flyfisherman_53]

Looks good, what about trying to cut them on a scroll-saw blade might be more flexable and less stress on the wood cutting out the inner side especially.

[dogcatcher]

I would leave the end.handle piece a lot thicker. With the grain as that point they will be too easy to snap.

[telecarver]

Originally Posted by flyfisherman_53

Looks good, what about trying to cut them on a scroll-saw blade might be more flexable and less stress on the wood cutting out the inner side especially.

You can use an 1/8" blade to cut very small curves or a 1/4" blade and move the wood sideways over the blade to shave the inside of small curves. It puts little stress on the blade and is very quick.

[idigjars]

Nice job Jim. Thanks for the link to the pattern. Paul

[Nomad]

Nice work Jim. Wooden tongs are one of my favorite kitchen utensils. I love that mesquite spatula too. That mesquite sure is lovely stuff.

[jmischel]

Thanks, everybody, for the kind comments.

flyfisherman: A scroll saw might be better. One of these days I'll get one and find out.

dogcatcher: I was a little worried about making the top piece so thin, but it seems to hold up okay. I probably should do some more experimenting, though.

telecarver: The inside curve was no problem, of course, since I used a drill. I cut the outside curve with a 1/4" blade and then sanded it. My problem is getting those long lines straight. Probably the best thing is more practice.

Paul: Thanks. I look forward to seeing the tongs you make from that pattern.

Terry: Thanks. The mesquite really is beautiful stuff. I'm surprised more people don't work with it. It's difficult to work with as lumber, but it's great for carving, turning (I'm told), and for kitchen utensils.

[Sharon of the Dell]

Those are cool Jim!
Some day I would love to try some mesquite. The only mesquite here is charcoal in a bag for barbecuing. Don't think it would carve to well, but sure makes the food taste good.

[Mottles]

Wow, Jim nice work what a great idea and thank you, for sharing the 'HowTo'. I bet the mesquite smells wonderful. I will have to give this a try after I get my other projects finished.
Kathy

[Bob K.]

Wow Jim, those tongs are a really cool idea! They came out great and look pretty straight to me. Now I'll have to try making a pair!