Thread: problem - making a car downhill track from a branch

I like your idea Mick but don't think there is an easy way to cut out the middle part of a branch to provide what you want. sometimes the hard way turns out to be the easiest way in the long run. I'm sure other forumites will come up with some ideas though.

G'Day Mick,
Sorry but I'm no help on solving your problem,
just want to be in on the resolve of the "brains trust".
Thank you all the smarter heads than mine.
Cheers, Crowie

Hi Mick,
I'm sure that if anyone has a good way of doing it Claw has. Why don't you pm him.
Cheers Elderly.

Hi Mick

Could you not use a router with an 'appropriate' bit to route out the shape like how you make a groove in straight wood, if you know what I mean.

Still clamp/hold down the branch and observe 'normal' safety etc etc but I have used a router freehand to shape branches for some of the toys and accessories that I make.

Probably somebody else will come up with a better answer, just my 2c worth (plus GST)

Regards

Doc

Do you have a rough idea of the size and shape of the branch, and the hollow part you seek?

My first thought was to ride the first cut with a router, but it might be too dangerous.

If the size is right, I'd attach a flat timber to the branch before the bandsaw cut, to reduce wobbling, and leave it attached. To cut the slot(s), use a router table and a pattern-following bit such as used for tongue-and-groove edge work, riding on the flat timber just cut. IF the bit can reach high enough into the cross section, of course.

A cartoon diagram would help.

Cheers,
Joe

thanks all for different ideas.

At the moment I do not even have the branch (but I am now on the lookout). I like the idea of clamping the wood and doing some free-hand routing although I still need to get my head around how to do it safely and how to get a consistent depth and width. I guess I should be able to use the fence to run along the side of the branch for this.

If I continue to post progress on this one, it could become the longest running thread in history due to how long it will all take!

cheers

Mick

Okay, how I have done it.

1 Get branch
2 Trim branch to over the total length needed (allows for clamping)
3 Clamp branch in workmate or some clampy thingy to hold your (presumably) strangely shaped branch.
4 Do all the usual safety stuff - eyes, ears, nose, pets etc etc
5 Attach base with raisers/outriggers to router and shallow free hand route first couple of cuts and lower router after each cut

Sorry if it is too vague, I am getting a bit wet ATM

This may help or just confuse us all more:



Sorry, have to go.

Doc

Doc,

from what I can work out from your diagrams, to get the same length would assume that the branch is all one level. I certainly may have misunderstood the diagrams but this will definitely not be the case.

I still like the idea of clamping, using a router and fence for a consistent width from the edge. However, with an uneven shape a wide fence will distort things but a narrow one will make it tricky (if this makes sense).

cheers

Mick