Replies

1. 
   YesMaam27577 | Feb 28, 2007 08:22pm | #1

   Start by carefully drawing the spiral -- and note that you'll probably want two separate spirals.

   Then use an angle grinder with one of those chain-saw wheels to rough out the shapes.

   Follow that with progressively finer 'grits' of abrasive wheels.

   Have fun -- and if it all works, post a picture for us.

    

    

    

   Support our Troops. Bring them home. Now.  And pray that at least some of the buildings in the green zone have flat roofs, with a stairway.

1. 
   Misky | Mar 01, 2007 12:20pm | #3

   Thanks for your help, I'll take a few photo's along the way and show everyone how I got on!

    

2. 
   joinerswork | Feb 28, 2007 09:45pm | #2

   Misky,

   I suppose the technique could be likened to carving a flame finial.  You'll want to hew the timber into a cylinder first, then lay out the spiral.  If you are wanting a regular corkscrew type twist, divide the shaped cylinder into as many lengthwise segments as you want flutes.  Then divide the length into as many crosswise divisions as you want amount of twist: i.e. three lengthwise lines, equally spaced, and three crosswise divisions equal one full turn, six crosswise divisions will give a "faster" two turn twist.  Draw your spiral lines by freehanding a curved line from one intersection of the lengthwise and crosswise lines, to the next one, moving diagonally.

   Dish or scoop out the spaces between the spiral lines, using whatever tools are appropriate.

   The shape of the cylinder will determine the shape of the end result.

   Ray Pine