Thread: Lace bobins

Originally Posted by Rum Pig

My mother has decided to take up lace making and I thought I would turn her some bobbins.
Is here any patterns available for them? or is here rules guidelines that need to be followed like length etc. Books to read.
Any help would be much appreciated.

Hi Rum Pig,
Try getting a copy of the book or video " Turning Lace Bobbins" by David Springett. It's out of print, but eBay or Amazon may help. Also worth a visit to your local library who can check if it is the system and maybe get it in for you,

There are a lot of differing styles and sizes and on top of that there are also personal preferences

As a very big generalization only, bobbins are about 80 to 130mm overall length, max body diameter from 6 to 32mm at the widest point, neck diameter from 3 to 6mm, neck length from 12 to 30mm and head diameter from 6 to 10 mm (and a bead wire hole diameter of 1-2mm if required).

Important bit for me is to have close straight grain if using wood, but you can also use bone, corian or homemade resin blanks. Just remember no sharp edges and everything must be super smooth. Also stay away from any material that leaches colour.

Worth talking to your local Lacemakers Guild, latest info I can offer for NT is Kathy De la Rue Ph 8932 1495 or 0419 216 970 who might be able to show you some bobbins at their next meeting in Palmerston ( my info is that they meet 1st Saturday of the month Gray Primary School Library.

You are starting on a journey from which death is the only exit so beware it can be addictive, but enjoy yourself on the way

Hope this helps

Tony

Originally Posted by APD

You are starting on a journey from which death is the only exit so beware it can be addictive, but enjoy yourself on the way

Hope this helps

Tony

Well you did worn me I guess, I have not even turned any yet and I have people asking for them.

Oh no you too Justin...except Sue has taken it up and he order has come in. Till then she is making her own using Hoop Pine rod from big green shed, makes simple ones by hand carving. I have to now set up the jet mini and make the more exotic types. Good job I have some special Ebony and Huon pine coming my way.

Edited to add

Justin go watch these https://www.youtube.com/user/stickywallis/videos

Lace Bobbins become very personal start making just plain ones then look out.

Hopefully Powderpost is online, as he is the master of lace bobbins.
Rgds,
Crocy.

I made a pair 20mm long as ear rings, next thing I know 40 orders
As everyone says it is addictive!!! Every little scrap is now looked upon as a possible Bobbin.

Lace bobbins come in a wide variety of styles and sizes. The bobbins most popular here are about 6mm thick and about 80 to 100mm long. The "neck" needs to be no more that 2mm diameter and 25mm at least, long. The top or head end needs to have a groove of sorts, something like the shape of a Scottish thistle. Most important they MUST be silky smooth. They also need a small hole through the bottom end for a spangle. The spangle is a fine wire with various small beads threaded on the wire. The spangle is used for identification and to stop the bobbin rolling and unwinding the thread. The bobbins in the photo are ebony, hickory, purple gidgee and bone. A tip, only use straight grained timber and for preference split it with a chisel rather that cut it on with a saw, you will get less failures.

Jim

DSCN0869.jpg

Hello
See this website for some videos of a 'master' in action:
Video of Lace Bobbins

The rest of his website is also interesting.
Best of luck!

If you want to be a really flash you could also make the glass beads to go on the bobbins

I have noticed most people in the videos are using collet chuck is this needed or just better? Will my 4 jaw chuck doo the job?

Originally Posted by Rum Pig

I have noticed most people in the videos are using collet chuck is this needed or just better? Will my 4 jaw chuck doo the job?

Rum Pig,
4 jaw will do fine, you will just have to start with a piece of material that is large(small) enough to be held in your jaws, you could also use a Jacobs chuck or even make a basic socket chuck from some off cuts
if you are using material of a consistent square size to start with. You can use any method to hold and drive as long as it is safe and you are comfortable with it.

Following. One of the guys in my club makes heaps of these. Looking forward to whatyou come up with

Dave TTC
Turning Wood Into Art

Sue finished her Hand Carved ones

Originally Posted by wheelinround

Sue finished her Hand Carved ones

is Sue a member of the Australian Lace Guild? If not I highly recommend she join.