Hi all,
I'm working on a piece of sculpture based on a floor globe. I built a 22.5
inch diameter hollow cherry sphere and carved in the oceans, leaving the
major land masses in relief.
After carving the oceans I discovered the sphere is very unbalanced and
swings in the meridian ring so that the oceans (light side) always remain in
the up position.
This link may help:

http://studio407.net/temp.htm

Since the globe has two openings at the poles (for the axles), I was
thinking I might be able to pour something into one of the holes and let it
set-up inside the lighter hemisphere (after careful measurements of course).
Possibly a two-part epoxy, like the stuff they use to pour countertops and
such. However, I've never used this stuff and don't know if it will make a
sufficient bond with the wood. I would hate for it to break loose inside
the globe!
Anyone have experience with two-part epoxies or know of another liquid
medium that would bond with the raw wood and be heavy enough to balance the
globe?
Any suggestions welcome.
Thanks,
-Mac

Mac wrote:
Hi all,
I'm working on a piece of sculpture based on a floor globe. I built a 22.5
inch diameter hollow cherry sphere and carved in the oceans, leaving the
major land masses in relief.
After carving the oceans I discovered the sphere is very unbalanced and
swings in the meridian ring so that the oceans (light side) always remain in
the up position.

Since the globe has two openings at the poles (for the axles), I was
thinking I might be able to pour something into one of the holes and let it
set-up inside the lighter hemisphere (after careful measurements of course).
Possibly a two-part epoxy, like the stuff they use to pour countertops and
such. However, I've never used this stuff and don't know if it will make a
sufficient bond with the wood. I would hate for it to break loose inside
the globe!

Try http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=338 for an example
of epoxies designed for woodworking. As long as the interior is
unfinished
the epoxy will form a very strong bond with the wood. You should tie
weights
on the outside to balance it to get a feel for the weight and location
needed.
I would mix the epoxy with metal balls like airgun BBs or birdshot
(from any
gunshop that sells reloading supplies) so as large a volume of epoxy
wasn't needed.

wrote in message
oups.com...

Mac wrote:
Hi all,
I'm working on a piece of sculpture based on a floor globe. I built a
22.5
inch diameter hollow cherry sphere and carved in the oceans, leaving the
major land masses in relief.
After carving the oceans I discovered the sphere is very unbalanced and
swings in the meridian ring so that the oceans (light side) always remain
in
the up position.

Since the globe has two openings at the poles (for the axles), I was
thinking I might be able to pour something into one of the holes and let
it
set-up inside the lighter hemisphere (after careful measurements of
course).
Possibly a two-part epoxy, like the stuff they use to pour countertops
and
such. However, I've never used this stuff and don't know if it will make
a
sufficient bond with the wood. I would hate for it to break loose inside
the globe!

Try http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=338 for an example
of epoxies designed for woodworking. As long as the interior is
unfinished
the epoxy will form a very strong bond with the wood. You should tie
weights
on the outside to balance it to get a feel for the weight and location
needed.
I would mix the epoxy with metal balls like airgun BBs or birdshot
(from any
gunshop that sells reloading supplies) so as large a volume of epoxy
wasn't needed.

Hey Bob,
Thanks for the link, I've been working with wood for years but never got
into the epoxies. I planned to use lead sinkers taped to the outside to get
the right weight. I like the idea of adding shot but my access hole is only
an inch in diameter and need the epoxy to flow, possible through a long tube
and funnel.
Time to start the experiments :-)
-Mac

Mac wrote:


Thanks for the link, I've been working with wood for years but
never got
into the epoxies. I planned to use lead sinkers taped to the
outside to get
the right weight. I like the idea of adding shot but my access
hole is only
an inch in diameter and need the epoxy to flow, possible through a
long tube
and funnel.


An old trick.

Mix sand with epoxy to get added weight.

Mix epoxy in small batches, then add sand, mix and pour.

Max amount poured should not exceed 1/2" thick dollop at one time.

If it helps, use some rigid tubing like a soda straw to locate mixed
epoxy in the correct place, then discard.


Have fun.

Lew

As others have suggested, mix some lead shot (# 9 shot is ~.08" in
diameter and weighs ~.75 grains per piece of shot, #8 shot is ~.09"
dia and weighs ~ 1.1 grains per piece (1 oz = 437.5 grain)) in with
the epoxy. Do a small bit at a time and use a hunk of 1/2" plastic
pipe as a guide to get the mix in the correct spot. For real tiny
adjustments, substitute sand for the lead and ease up on the balance
spot.

It's probably cheaper to just buy a box of 12 gauge target loads
(~$3.50) in #8 or #9 shot size and cut some open to get the shot as
raw lead shot is sold in 25 lb bags (~$20.00) - course, if you have a
bud who's a shotshell reloader he'll be glad to take any leftovers off
your hands.





On Wed, 03 Jan 2007 16:46:35 GMT, "Mac"
wrote:

Hi all,
I'm working on a piece of sculpture based on a floor globe. I built a 22.5
inch diameter hollow cherry sphere and carved in the oceans, leaving the
major land masses in relief.
After carving the oceans I discovered the sphere is very unbalanced and
swings in the meridian ring so that the oceans (light side) always remain in
the up position.
This link may help:

http://studio407.net/temp.htm

Since the globe has two openings at the poles (for the axles), I was
thinking I might be able to pour something into one of the holes and let it
set-up inside the lighter hemisphere (after careful measurements of course).
Possibly a two-part epoxy, like the stuff they use to pour countertops and
such. However, I've never used this stuff and don't know if it will make a
sufficient bond with the wood. I would hate for it to break loose inside
the globe!
Anyone have experience with two-part epoxies or know of another liquid
medium that would bond with the raw wood and be heavy enough to balance the
globe?
Any suggestions welcome.
Thanks,
-Mac

Thanks for all the suggestions folks. I now have the epoxy and I have some
shot so it's time to get to work.
Thanks again,
-Mac

"Mac" wrote in message
ink.net...
Thanks for all the suggestions folks. I now have the epoxy and I have
some shot so it's time to get to work.
Thanks again,
-Mac

Before you get started, one word of caution. Using epoxy, the weight is
going to be permanent. With global warming and the polar ice melting, you
may have to recarve the oceans and the balance will be off. Allow some
access for future adjustments.

Mac wrote:
Hi all,
I'm working on a piece of sculpture based on a floor globe. I built a 22.5
inch diameter hollow cherry sphere and carved in the oceans, leaving the
major land masses in relief.

I just want to say: that's great work.. Let us know how the epoxy works
out.