by Phil Colson
Atlanta, GA
I wanted to share how I made a mini texturing tool out of parts from Highland Woodworking. It
uses a Dremel HHS cutter to get repeatable textures. I use it on boxes, bottle stoppers, pens,
finials, bowls and hollow forms.
The tool consists of a 17/32” brass tube, two 3/8" bearings with a 1/8" center, two 3/8" earth
magnets and a 3/8” x 1/2” router collet insert, 1/2” wooden dowel and wood for the
handle.
Start by rounding the handle between centers with a tenon on one end.
Do not shape the handle at this time. Chuck up the handle and drill a ½” hole in the end using a
drill chuck. Drill an inch or so in, it really does not matter. Cut the dowel so that two and a half
inches is out of the handle. Remove the handle from the lathe and glue in the 1/2” dowel. After the
glue has set, insert the dowel into spigot jaws and tighten. Finish shaping the handle. Sand and
finish the handle while on the lathe.
I use #100 Ca Finish because it gives a hard finish and can be glossy or satin. I sand up to no
sanding marks on the handle, then float the finish on the piece while it is turning slowly. I use a
paper towel to apply. The #100 Ca finish has an open time of about one minute, so it self levels.
Once dry, sand it with 800 grit to remove any imperfections. Buff for a gloss finish and wax for a
satin finish.
Assemble the remaining components. Place the earth magnet into one end of the collet insert.
Slide a bearing into the other end of the insert. It will slide down to the magnets. Put a small
amount of CA glue in the insert and slide the remaining bearing into insert and level with the top.
Let the glue set.
Measure the dowel and collet insert and cut the brass tube a little long. Put the brass tube in
the spigot jaws and size with a HSS skew, use the skew as a scraper. Ca glue the insert into the
brass tube and tube onto the dowel. Put a 1/8” shank dremel cutter in the tool and texture away.
 
I have used lathe speeds for 500 to 1500 rpm and it does not seem to matter. Hold the cutter on
the wood and apply pressure so the cutter cuts. I have only scratched the surface of possibilities
with this tool so have fun and happy turning!
 
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