Drunken Rolling Pin

Every so often a project comes around that is of a more traditional woodworking sort. Woodworking Peter was excited when such a project was suggested by a viewer and he jumped at the chance to make it. Many years back, Peter created a “Drunken Cutting Board”. This was a board that consisted of an alternating wavy checkerboard pattern of contrasting wood species. It was such a great experience, that it was both the first and last cutting board Peter ever made! To pair with that piece, a drunken rolling pin was next on the chopping block.

Starting with a board of walnut and maple, Peter began to mill down the pieces into smaller strips. He then affixed them together using some double-sided tape.

This was a critical part of the process as it allowed for matching pieces of different wood to be cut and sandwiched back together. Peter used the bandsaw on the taped up board to create the initial curve that will be the eye catching focus of the piece.

This entire project is based on cleverly cutting, matching and gluing up parts that give it the wavy checkerboard feeling.

Peter utilized pipe clamps here, which are a necessity when it comes to cutting board assembly. They allowed him to carefully position and apply steady even pressure to all of the pieces once glued up.

Peter continued this slicing and gluing process to end up with two very long wavy checkerboard strips that are again sandwiched together yet again.

He used a strip of acrylic in the final rough dimension of the rolling pin he wished to make to allow him to select what region of the blank he wished to use.

Eventually, Peter ended up with the wavy checkerboard effect he was hoping for to achieve in a piece that is finally ready to be mounted to the lathe.

Luckily for him, he was able to even work on such a large piece due to his recent lathe upgrade.

Peter selected to create a “French Style” rolling pin which consists of a slightly tapered cylinder, which makes this a pretty straightforward operation on the lathe.

Using various Easy Wood Tools, Peter was able to obtain the nice gradual taper he was after.

The next step in the process was how most of his projects end, sanding.

Peter was able to try out some new sanding pads that had these nifty holes in them to presumably not get a gunked up while using them as typical sandpaper would. While sanding up the grits, Peter was able to tell what areas needed more work by just using his hands.

And finally, Peter applied some food safe walnut oil to protect the wood and bring out all of the wonderful contrast that the combination of walnut and maple have to offer!

The hypnotic pattern of the checkerboard really adds a nice detail to behold and to hold!