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The String Puzzle

	A good project for young and old. The method I use for students is to glue up a blank about 7" long by 2x2 or 1.5x1.5 made by sandwiching two 3/8" thick pieces between two 3/4 "pieces. For a class I do this with wide boards and cut 6 to 10 blanks from one glue-up.
The glued up blank is turned between centers. For gifts I turn these using an inside-out turning technique so that the slot is turned. It is a very good first inside-out project. The beads and rings can be made on the lathe or purchased at most craft stores.

	Rings (A, D)must pass through the slot (C) and fit over the end with the slot but not slide over the handle. Beads (B) must pass through the rings but not pass through the slot.
The diagram on the right shows two boards (18" long 3/4 " thick) that will sandwich two 3/8" thick handle spacers 5" long and one 2" long space in the center. When dry cross cut in the center and rip into turning squares.	Blank Glue up for blanks end to end 5------------3---------2-------3--------------5 cross cut and rip to size
	INSIDE-OUT: In-progress on the left is an inside-out turning. I rip a true 2x2x7 in half length-wise on the bandsaw and put the two pieces in a stronghold chuck with the band-sawn surfaces facing outward. I use the open cone Oneway center in the tailstock to hold the pieces together. About an inch from the chuck end, I turn the slot. The diameter of the slot cut has to be 3/8" less that the thickness to the two band-sawn faces for a 3/8" slot. Glue the band-sawn surfaces together and the blank will have turned slot.

Another way to turn the slot is to use a paper joint to glue the blank for turning the slot. Cut a piece of grocery store paper bag a little larger than the surfaces to glue together. Coat the surfaces opposite the band-sawn surfaces with wood glue. With the paper between clamp the pieces together until the glue cures. It is important to line up the two wood pieces closely. This can be a troublesome since the paper has to stick out slightly all around. Wrap a few turns of strapping tape around each end to prevent the pieces from separating and mount the blank between centers as accurately as you can and turn the slot. Use a flat chisel to separate the blank along the glue joint. Try to use the blade to split the paper. The paper will tear down the middle giving you the two pieces. Glue the band-sawn faces together aligning the slot ends. When this glue cures you have a blank with a turned slot.