Project Tutorials

Rolling Pin

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The hard maple shaft sized and ready for turning to finished dimensions. The ½” diameter end for gluing in the handle I make about 1 ½” long. The 5/8” diameter section for the handle I leave about 1/16” longer than the handle length so it can move easily.

The straight section of the shaft turned to finished size and sanded.

The section the handle rides on I rub the paraffin wax into while the lathe rotates. Do not get the wax on the 1/2" end section.

Hold a paper towel against the rotating wood to melt the wax into the wood.

Before parting the shaft off, test the handle and barrel to see how much clearance you have. This is a little too much of a gap so I will turn a little more of the end down to ½” and recheck.

Turn the end of the shaft to the shape desired and part off.

Reverse the shaft in the chuck; clean up the end and sand.

All the parts of the rolling pin ready for assembly. I use Titebond II yellow glue.

The finished rolling pin handles glued in place. I do not apply any finish to the wood unless requested. Apply a salad bowl finish or cooking oil if you want. The owner should apply some oil after washing and drying the wood to maintain the rolling pin.