Make a kaleidoscope and enjoy the beauty within.
Sir David Brewster invented the kaleidoscope in 1816 in the process of conducting his work on the study of light and optics. The kaleidoscope caught on in the Victorian era, first in Europe then in the United States. Kaleidoscopes remain a source of fascination today. You can make a kaleidoscope out of wood and enjoy the beauty that Sir David discovered almost 200 years ago.
Instructions
1. Cut hardwood into four pieces. Two should measure 10 1/2 inches long and 1 3/8 inches wide. Two should measure 10 1/2 inches long and 3 inches wide.
2. Lay one of the wide pieces on the work table and glue to the shorter pieces standing up on either side so that it forms a U. Glue the other wide piece on the top so that you have a square tube.
3. Clean off any excess glue with a wet rag.
4. Mount the kaleidoscope blank on a lathe. A tapered square as well as softwood plugs that are squared work well for this application. Turn the blank until its inside diameter measures 2 3/16 inches.
5. Secure the kaleidoscope on the lathe's drive end using the chuck and a center rest. Remove the blank from the lathe and drill 3/4 to 1 inch up the interior with a 1 7/8 inch drill bit.
6. Cut the end of the kaleidoscope to 9 1/4 inches with a band saw. Smooth the end with a belt sander. Cut a 2-inch diameter dowel down to 2 inches in length. Turn it on the lathe so that it's tapered along its length. Do this only slightly, for you wish it to fit snugly inside the kaleidoscope.
7. Put the kaleidoscope on the lathe and cut shoulders into either end with a parting tool. The shoulders need to be 1/4 inch wide and 3/32 inch deep. Slip the brass ends 1/2 inch up from either end of the kaleidoscope. If necessary, sand the wood with a belt sander until the brass rings fit snugly.
