This mirror makes a lovely present, especially if nicely figured , colourful timber is selected. Before doing any work, buy a five inch bevel-edged mirror from a woodturning supply store for about $7. Measure the mirror accurately to determine the dimensions of the recess in the frame
This is built from six segments of 20mm thick timber cut on the band saw. The ends of the segments are carefully trimmed on a disc sander to ensure a perfect fit. Glue the segments together on a flat surface in two groups of three using a rub joint technique and ensuring the glue has penetrated the wood fibres. When the glue has set, join the two halves together using the same technique. This avoids the problem of trying to fit the six pieces together in one operation. Put the frame aside. Alternatively, the frame can be turned from solid timber.
This is the first part turned. Select a piece of quarter sawn timber if possible as this is less likely to warp. Cut the disk and attach to a faceplate with double sided tape. Turn to 136 mm nominal diameter , dome the surface with a graceful curve and turn a bead on the edge to disguise the joint when assembled to the frame. Apply the finish of your choice.
Hold it in a scroll chuck in the expansion mode and turn the back part first. Face it off flat, turn the outside diameter not quite through to the chuck jaws. Turn the recess to accept the back making sure it is a firm fit, then turn the recess for the mirror allowing a little clearance. Finish all exposed surfaces except for the recess for the back. Reverse the frame and hold it in the chuck by the back recess. Turn the detail on the front of the frame and finish all surfaces.
This is a straight forward piece of spindle turning, the only critical dimension being the diameter of the spigot which fits into the frame. Test the fit in a hole drilled in a piece of scrap timber - it shouild be not too tight ,just firm. Finish the handle but not the spigot.
First drill the handle hole in the frame, preferably at the mid point of a segment. Use a Forstner type drill in a pedestal drill after clamping the frame in to a right angled block. Glue in the handle making sure it is lined up accurately. Then, with the frame face down, centre the mirror in its recess and glue in the back using a silicon - type flexible adhesive. Weight the back down for a few hours until the silicon has cured.
The stand is made from 5mm thick timber of the same type as the mirror and in the style of a plate stand. After cutting and trimming the parts to shape. Plane a 30 degree bevel on the ajoining inside faces of each side. Carefully join the three parts together using a good ":super glue" for instant adhesion. Some hand work may be necessary to ensure the mirror fits easily into the stand. Apply finish .
Good Turning!
Jim Walker
