The other day, I posted another rolling pin. There have been several requests about how to make them. I thought I should update this tutorial with the new and improved trimming jig.
Top of jig- hold down clamps, handle, and cutout. The cutout is the main new part to this jig. Previously I was using my tapering jig. The problem I encountered was that if the trimming process was not perfectly flush with the pin blank during the first trimming operation, then the blank would not clamp flat during the next set of trimmings. Because the blank doesn’t have to be perfect at this point, I changed the jig so the blank is only supported on the ends during all trimming processes. This eliminated the problem.
Bottom of jig- I used a miter slot runner on this jig, that way I don’t have to bother with the rip fence as I did with my taper jig.
Close up of the thin pieces that create the knot. I make the thin strips the same width as the pin blank. During the cutting/assembly process, the diagonal slot, for these strips, is cut in the blank but NOT all the way thru. The cut leaves about 1/16” of the blank in tack. This maintains the knots orientation evenly around the blank. The strips stick up a little because of the little part that’s not cut. I guess I could be more accurate but not every pin blank ends up exactly 2” square so I don’t take any chances.
The blank on the jig: When I made the jig, I made it wide and trimmed it on the saw. The saw blade will trim the blank flush with the edge of the jig. So aligning the blank with the edge of the jig trims everything pretty flush.
Close up of one end of the strips ready to be cut.
If anyone has questions, comments or an idea how this could be done any other way, I’m open for new ideas!
Lew