Captive Ring Tool

ByMark November 20, 2014June 25, 2020

There are many ways to cut captive rings and specialty tools are sold to accomplish the task. I decided to make my own captive ring tool from an Allen wrench, the tricky part being the shape of the grind. I tried many different shapes without success before hitting one that worked. The various grinds were tried using a grip lock pliers to hold the wrench while proving the design. I cannot give exact details on the tool other than show you a close up of the cutting edge. The tool is capable of cutting captive rings extremely close to the stem and the under side of the ring is nicely radiused.

Captive ring tool with handle — The captive ring tool is held in a Maple handle with a copper ferrule.

Captive rings on a goblet — A completed wedding goblet with a couple of captive rings made with the custom tool.

Engagement Goblet — One captive ring, this goblet made of Cherry signifies engagement.

Lathe Projects

Bud Vase

ByMark January 27, 2015June 25, 2020

A great joy of wood turning is to see what’s hidden inside a log, branch or a piece of firewood. Tom, a long time friend, gave me a branch from a walnut tree that he had stashed in his shed for a few years. The timber was dry, punky in several areas, cracked and it…

Lathe Projects

Salt and Pepper Mills

ByMark January 7, 2013June 25, 2020

There was an article in the Dec/Jan 13 issue of Woodcraft Magazine describing how to make salt and pepper mills using mechanisms purchased at, you guessed it, Woodcraft stores. This looked like something that would make nice gifts for Marilyn’s side of the family because they were invited to our house for a Christmas party. …

Tools and Jigs

Sawhorses

ByMark July 14, 2015June 25, 2020

I built my old sawhorses about 40 years ago using 2x4s and metal sawhorse kit brackets. They held up well but they were always wobbly. Over the years, the wobbliness (is that a word?) got worse so I decided to build new ones. Why? Because I’m retired and can spend some time on this sort…

Tools and Jigs

Table Saw Modification for Zero Clearance Inserts

ByMark January 6, 2014June 25, 2020

My cabinet saw’s stock inserts are metal castings with 4 set screws used for leveling the insert with the top. I like to make my own Zero Clearance Inserts (ZCI) made from 1/2″ thick MDF which rests a tad below the surface of the table when resting on the tabs supporting the insert. I made…

Tools and Jigs

Gluing Jig

ByMark March 7, 2014June 25, 2020

I have made various gluing jigs over the years but never one specifically for pipe clamps. I have several of these versatile clamps but sometimes they are unwieldly because the handles hit the table, they are hard to align and they like to tip over. I saw an article in a magazine about a guy…

Tools and Jigs

Precision Matthews 1022V Lathe

ByMark July 31, 2016June 25, 2020

When I decided to replace my old Craftsman bench top metalworking lathe, I researched many options taking into consideration my budget, space limitations, weight and features of the machine. I settled on a well known brand (hint – it’s green) and placed my order. I was told that there would be a two month delay…

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