Woodturner's Resource Woodturning Project

Splitting Segmented Rings

By Ed Weber

	Many times for our segmented projects we need to have very thin rings as part of the design. It can be problematic to say the least. Safely and cleanly cutting 1/4" or thinner stock isn't always easy. You can make a full ring and split it on the lathe but it's time consuming and wasteful. I suggest making a half ring and slicing it as thin as you need on the BS. Here is a standard half ring, 6 segments 7 1/2" dia. x 7/8 thick and sanded even.
	I use double-face carpet tape and stick the half to a piece of melamine (you can use whatever you want).
	I set the BS for the cut. This will be a simple 2 piece cut.
	Bandsaw Blade: Width 1/4" Gauge .025 TPI 6 Style Hook Set Raker

	Now that you have your 2 pieces you can align them in any way you want. Here is an example of book matched and sequence matched. I have used this method to cut rings less than 1/8" with no problems. If your design allows this, it's a great time and wood saver.