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Here is an uncomplicated project. Don’t get me wrong; there is a certain amount of skill required to turn a uniform cylinder but this rolling pin has a nice, simple, angular design. If you are looking for a Mother’s Day or anniversary gift for the husband or wife that cooks, look no further.
I turned this pin from a 4/4 slab of curly maple. It’s around 22 to 24 inches in length with a gentle taper on each end. I installed the blank in the lathe and turned it round. It’s important that the rolling pin is uniform in diameter along its length. Using a calliper and a pencil, I marked a line four inches or so from each end while the blank was spinning. (Please note that all measurements are very approximate.) I reduced the blank to the final diameter at each end, and then tapered from there to the four inch line. The ends are about 1 1/8” or 1 1/4" in diameter. I also added a chamfer on the edges of each end. A touch up with the skew and some sandpaper were all that was required to finish the project.
I didn’t use any finish on the project. Maple is an excellent wood for the kitchen and, as long as you don’t leave the rolling pin soaking in the sink, no finish will be required. My mom has been using the same rolling pin all her adult life and it’s still in great shape. Curly maple has a striking look that is sure to impress.
This is a great project. As Mom would say, you just chuck up a piece of wood and “bust out laughing”. (Don’t ask.) Any turner can make one of these rolling pins in under an hour (even if you’re slow). My wife loves hers but now I’m getting requests. That’s okay – there are lots of birthdays coming up this year.
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