Whip #7

[Eric Roethe]

Starting whip #7 and I thought I'd do a build thread. For Whip #7, I'm planning a 7 foot bullwhip. I start with 1/4" steel rod that I turn down at one end. I have a mini lathe that makes this part pretty easy.


Next I'll attach a TT core, for the second time. I got about halfway through binding the 1st belly and decided I didn't like how things looked. I took off the belly hoping I could use the core, but upon further examination, I didn't like how it looked either, so back to square one. While necessary, it has jaded me on plating for a few days. In the meantime, I decided to start on a different part of the whip. I really liked how the wooden heel looked on my last whip. I thought I'd try it again with some nicer wood. I dug around and found a piece of figured maple. Below is a before and after picture. I still have quite a bit of work. It's hard to tell from the picture with out any references, but I'm at about 2" in dia. The maple is significantly harder and slower to work than the ready made pine balls from Hobby Lobby.

[Ron May]

Eric, I wish I had a small lathe.

I like the color of the wood.

Finishing the o.d. of the knob can help you figure out the color of the overlay when it comes time for it.

Ron

[Jyri Haveri]

Good start!

[Scott A. Cary]

That mini-lathe must be quite handy to have around. Hmm...

[Eric Roethe]

Ron and Scott - Yes, turning down the metal rod is a breeze with the mini-lathe. I wish I could have purchased a full size one, but it wasn't/isn't in the budget. I bought this one to play/learn with.

I have the wooden heel nearly finished and I'm quite pleased with the final result. It does have a small crack that didn't sand out. I'm going to fill that with a sawdust wood glue putty and hope for the best. That has worked on other projects so I don't think it will be an issue. Worst case, I'll use the other block pictured. If that doesn't work I have a nice piece of walnut I can use.

Thanks Jyri. I'm hoping to have fewer issues with this whip. Taking better and more detailed notes should help.

[Robert Gage]

Eric, taking notes is always a good idea. Good luck with this one!

[Eric Roethe]

Finally got a chance to restart my whip.

I'm still unsure if this is the best way to attach a TT core to the rod, but I haven't had an issue yet. I might put a small piece of finger tape over the transition.


TT core. Needs a little trimming and then my favorite part, the binding, begins.


I've made some progress on the heel, although the over all length might be short. I'll see how things go. While doing some cleaning I found a couple of pieces of Australian burl if the maple doesn't work. I do like the grain on this one.

[Ron May]

Looks like it'll do the trick.
It'll smooth out when you roll it.
I am looking forward to seeing your progress.
Thanks for posting.


Ron

[Eric Roethe]

Thanks Ron.
I think this is my second TT core. I'm not sure if I have a true feel for it yet, or if I ever will. I know this one is twisted tighter than the last, however, I'm unsure if it's tight enough. I assume it's another thing you figure out with more experience. I am pretty confidant that once I bind and roll this core I'll be much happier with the results compared to the last one.

My plan is to plat the longer two strands of the core with the last strands of my first belly. I believe that is a method used by a few folks here. Again, I'm unsure if I have totally figured that part out, but I am fairly certain I will get it when the time comes. I know I've read/seen this method in a post or two here and I apologize for not giving proper credit. I've read so many old posts I've lost track of who's done what and when. Again not taking the best of notes hasn't helped my cause. Having access to all the information has been invaluable, humbling, and a bit overwhelming. I probably haven't expressed my thanks well enough.

Eric