Clamping thin segments

[Martin A]

I have done plenty of segmented turning in the past but they were all thicker pieces IE 1/2-3/4 thuick. now i am trying to glue up a 1/4 thick ring with 48 segments and find it equivlent to hurding cats. How do ui clamp without causing it to warp?

 

[mfisher]

One method that I have used is to glue up two segments together creating segments of two. then those pairs are glued together. etc.
Eventually I have two half rings that I can glue together. (48 segments, 24 pairs, 12 pairs, etc). In gluing the segments I have a glue block which one of the segments is pushed flat up against the block and the other one is slid down the side till it touches the block. By doing this it ensures the two segments are aligned properly.

The higher the number of segments and the thinner the ring is a challenge to glue them up and clamp the ring.

The other method I have seen used is using a Driskell jig. Tom Lohman site has a great example.

 

[Jim Grieco]

Well as Mike already stated, you need a gluing jig for best results. Otherwise more than likely you end up with ovals and not circles due to (assuming you are referring to hose clamps) clamping pressure.
Now, before I acquired a gluing jig I also glued the traditional way. What worked for me was That I identified I could only do around 24 of the 48 pieces at one time before glue drying etc. So, I glued up 24 of the 48 and placed the remaining "dry" in the clamp as well. Clamped all 48 and let dry. Once dry, glue the remaining 24 to complete the ring. Of course the numbers will be based on what works for you.

 

[Martin A]

Thank you gentlmen, I'll make a jig and give it a try. I guess i'll have to learn a little more patiens while gluing.

 

[Mike Selser]

If you have a bandsaw glue up thicker rings then slice off the 1/4” ring.

 

[Jim Grieco]

Thank you gentlmen, I'll make a jig and give it a try. I guess i'll have to learn a little more patiens while gluing.

It will be worth it!