Very nice, great job...Rattles were one of the first things i made for my daughter.

 

Nice thanks for the idea

 

I decided to turn some rattles for some friends that are expecting. Turned the bigger one first then refined the next one with my
Wife's feedback. They were fun to make an ill probably stockpile a
Few for future gifts.

Would you be willing to do a step by step (for me & fellow idiots) bud thread on these? I'd love to make some.

 

These look awesome.. Maybe ill make some for my twins.. Did you fill them with something??

 

Thanks. I'll take step by step pics on my next one to show my process.

 

Thanks. I'll take step by step pics on my next one to show my process.

Thank you sir!!!

 

The first part of this is the same as doing a lidded box. The cool thing is you don't have to worry too much about the inside finish. U just can't have tear out and fuzz that will muffle the beans hitting the inside of the rattle.

I start with a 2x2x6 piece of cherry between centers.

Next round your cylinder and put a tenon on each end for your chuck. I use a thin parting tool to part most of the way through. I do this about 1 1/2 inches from the end. Take it off and separate the top and bottom.

I turn the cap first because it is easier to fit this to the body than the other way around. I use a sharp detail gouge to cut a rim in the cap. This will fit to the tenon you will cut on the main body of the rattle. Then I hollow a hemisphere into the cap piece. No need to go very deep here. Just keep it round and clean so the rattle is not muffled.

Here is the body. Fit your tenon for the cap first and make sure it's pretty snug. Them hollow out about 2" deep with a hemisphere bottom. I use a round carbide cutter for this since its such a small opening.

Here is the cap fitted to the body. Make sure you mark on the outside where your cavities end so u don't cut into the rattle chamber and ruin your work. I will put some dried beans in the chamber and glue it up tonight. I'll post my shaping pics later this evening.

 

I put it back on the lathe and turn the top round. Leave a good sized nub for stability.

I use my line marking the bottom of the cavity then use a detail gouge to cut a rounded v. Almost like two spheres Joined together. Round the side for the rattle body to match the top.

I then turn the bottom of the handle. I leave it big so it's not a choking hazard. Then use an ogee to narrow the handle so a little hand can grip it.

I burn some lines to help hide my glue joint then sand to 600. I use mahoney's oil and burnish it in on the lathe.

Part it off and use a belt sander to get rid of the nubs. A little hand sanding on the ends and another rub with oil and...

Ta da. I used lentils in this one which made for a softer rattle sound.

 

Very cool. Thanks for the write up. A few more questions:

- what is approx depth of each half of the rattle inside?

- what is approx finished dimensions of:
-- rattle section length
-- rattle section width
-- handle length
-- handle width at wide & skinny portion
-- what is "best" rattle & how many

Thanks again!!!

 

Get u those measurements in a bit.

 

Get u those measurements in a bit.

No hurry bud!!! I'm watching NASCRAP so I don't need right away...LOL

 

Get u those measurements in a bit.

 

5" long 1 5/8" wide rattle is 2 1/4" handle is 2 3/4". Narrow part of handle is about 1/2".

I've tried dried pinto beans, rice, and lentils. They each sound a little different. I add a little at a time until I get the sound I want. Sorry I didn't count them.

 

5" long 1 5/8" wide rattle is 2 1/4" handle is 2 3/4". Narrow part of handle is about 1/2".

I've tried dried pinto beans, rice, and lentils. They each sound a little different. I add a little at a time until I get the sound I want. Sorry I didn't count them.

Thank you very much for taking the time to get these specs. I greatly appreciate it. While I don't have a reason to make one of these at the moment, it seems like a fun project.

 

nice job!

 

Very nice and thanks for being so detailed in your design process. I'm using some of your ideas to make one for my niece on the way. I just wish I'd have seen this when my boys were babies