I have created these helix forms using special methods I developed on my own. As far as I know, nobody else has
made anything similar. The real trick is creating another helix form within the interior of the original solid helix.
New I
have just released my new E-book, "How To Make Helix Forms With Your Scroll Saw". If you have a scroll saw
with a table that can be tilted and some spiral blades then you already have the basic tools needed.
I have made a new video illustrating the basic technique of how I make these helix forms. There is no charge
to learn how to do that. I do have more information in a paid version that includes an Excel spreadsheet that lets you
design a pair of helix forms based upon a cross-sectional view and gives you the parameters for setting your scroll saw up
to make them. I also have details that show you how to build a more advanced jig for your scroll saw that can handle
larger helix forms much more accurately with a smoother finish than a helix form turned by hand. You can even put a
motor on the jig and sit back and watch it go. The advanced jig uses wooden gears - I also sell an ebook about how to make
those, or you can make them with the other method of sawing and sanding around a pattern if you like that tedious method.
You can save $6 when you buy two ebooks at the same time, or $10 when you buy all three together.
Helix Form Calculator
Click Image To Enlarge
3-piece helix
Made from a 3/4" maple dowel
Conical spiral
I cut out this maple conical spiral in just a few minutes. It measures a little over three inches long and 3/4
inch diameter. Unfortunately I had to break away another helical form that was made at the same time to get this one out of
the middle. That's what the broken pieces are from.
I made a short video clip (and it is very amateur) showing how the inner helix fits inside the outer one. It practically
falls together. This is the walnut helix shown at the bottom of this page, and it measures about two feet long.
The helices (that's plural for helix) fit together like a nut and bolt.
The three photos above are details of "All Screwed Up".
The sculpture disassembles into three pairs of right-hand helices, and the left-hand ebonized supporting helix that is
attached to the base.
Walnut Helix
The Helix Shown In The Video.
This walnut helix was finished with teak oil and both parts fit together with a twisting motion. The smaller helix
was made from the wood inside the larger one. No glue or bending was necessary.