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Custom Turned Wizard Wand

author-gravatar nicfouts Jun 13, 2019

Like most of my projects, this was a custom item destined to be a gift.  The beauty of dealing in custom products is that local clients are welcome to come be a part of the process, making the end result that much more special.  For this custom turned wand we started with a block of cedar to get the main body of the wand.  It was originally supposed to be a straight taper, but as we were roughing it out he decided the "waves" that were forming gave it more appeal, so we worked those into the final product.  We knew the overall piece would be a two-part design, so I decided to turn a tenon at the hilt end to line up with a hole drilled in the handle later.  A quick coat of Hut Crystal Coat made the cedar really pop. 

With that part complete, I shifted to the handle.  Originally we considered walnut but it had the wrong tone to go along with the cedar.  We wanted something that contrasted while still harmonizing with the beautiful cedar.  Looking around for suitable alternatives, we came across a block of cherry that had the right pigmentation to be a lighter contrast but still retain the warm tones that the cedar had.  Working from a full-size sketch I shaped out the overall dimension and then shaped in the grips, stopping every so often to check the "fit" in his hand.  After we got that perfect, it also got hit with the Crystal Coat before having the hole bored for the wand tenon.  

Final assembly came in the form of some CA to bond the two pieces.  Held tightly in the lathe to ensure a centered and firm joint, the two became one in their magical union. 

No custom piece is complete without a bespoke display/presentation case, and this was no exception.  Having found a player piano roll in an antiques store, the size was perfect for the wand.  It allowed the wand to be a full 12" long and still have a little room for the lining.  A quick sketch in Fusion360 produced a "stand" to sit inside the box to hold the wand centered and secure.  

Photo of Custom Turned Wizard Wand

The initial block of cedar, with a rough sketch of the initial plan.  Oh how things change!

Photo of Custom Turned Wizard Wand

Roughing down to the final shape. This is where the waves started and became part of the overall design.

Photo of Custom Turned Wizard Wand

Finished wand part, ready to be cut off the tenon.

Photo of Custom Turned Wizard Wand

Freed wand, sitting next to the sketch of how it interacts with the handle.

Photo of Custom Turned Wizard Wand

Handle shaped out and ready for sanding and finishing.

Photo of Custom Turned Wizard Wand

Finished handle, meet finished wand body.  Become friends!

Photo of Custom Turned Wizard Wand

Having a laser cutter has made me really love designing bespoke display stands.  Here's a simple cradle design expertly worked into some scrap material.

Photo of Custom Turned Wizard Wand

Fits the box like a glove.  It's ALMOST like somebody measured the thing.  

Photo of Custom Turned Wizard Wand

Add a felt lining and it nestled in so snugly.  

Photo of Custom Turned Wizard Wand

Dramatic lighting and the final wand really pops!

1 comment

Wow I love it! Gotta make it hollow and put a feather in it. 

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