5 pointed 3D stars

[fcpjax]

Trying to make a 3D five pointed wood star and having a tough time figuring out all the compound angles. I am using 1X4X1/2 pine Has anyany one out there attempted this insane project and can you share some wisdom on the angles you used to make things fit. I find I need some sleds to get consistent cuts and I am looking for suggestions on jigs/sleds used in making 5 pointed 3D stars....Help

[Jim Boyd]

Here is a link for building a sled. SMT sled
And here is one on a 5 pointed star. Making a 5 point star When cutting the segments for 3D I think that each side of the triangle will need cut with the blade tilted and made parallel to each other like this // not like this /. Kinda hard to explain[V]

[fcpjax]

Hi Jim,
I thought my project was tough till I saw yours and mine is suppose to be a simpler project. My 5 pointed stars are stand alone to become a mantel decoration. My wife wants two 30" stars and two 20" stars to put on her fireplace mantel.

I am beveling the triangles at 45 degree angles so the star will lay flat so it is 3D on one side only and flat on the back side. the points are cut at 18 degrees and the center of the star is a compound miter at 35 degrees miter and a 30 degree bevel. I am still experimenting with these angles because the proof of the puddin is trying to make all the centers come together.

I appreciate your sled and that was very helpful.
However, your 5 pointed star project is entirely different.

I am hoping someone out there has some thoughts on the center angles
where the end of the star points all connect.


Thanks again for your helpful hints

[bhornberger]

Trying to visualize what your are trying to make. Is this an example?

[Jim Boyd]

If Brents is the way you want them start with 5 pieces of stock 15 inches long for the 30 incher. Bevel both sides a 45 degrees so it is a long pup tent shape. Then miter the ends to make your star. The center miters should be 36 degrees instead of 35. Then bevel the out side points to taste. No compound cuts needed. Tip: Some sanding to fit is common to make the last segment fit.


Edit: Nevermind this will not work right either[V]

[fcpjax]

quote:Originally posted by bhornberger

Trying to visualize what your are trying to make. Is this an example?

Hi,
yes you are dead on although the ones I am working on now are not as "Fat" but Yes this is what they will look like.

[Woodnut]

quote:Originally posted by fcpjax

quote:Originally posted by bhornberger

Trying to visualize what your are trying to make. Is this an example?

[the in-line image removed for this reply/quote to conserve bandwidth. See above versions for image...]

Hi,
yes you are dead on although the ones I am working on now are not as "Fat" but Yes this is what they will look like.

I'm not sure if this helps, but one would think that the "fatness" would determine the angles... No?

[fcpjax]

Well, here is an incremental update on the 5 point star project.
Have gone through about $150 worth of 1X4 and 1X6 pine and purchased about $200 worth of extra tools including saw blades and BT3K attachments. Have spent 400 hours on internet searches and study including algebra and geometery. Got lots of use out of my brad nailer and gave the old BT3K and Dewalt 12" sliding compound miter saw heck. Went through two big bottles of wood glue and $20 dollars of paint. Trashed two 45 gallon garbage cans full of rejects, oops, and not quite rights. By the way still have all my fingers too.

You ask, how about the stars for the wife's fire place mantel?
Well, she has six so far ranging is size from 15 inch to 30 inch.
Two of these actually look like 5 pointed stars the rest vary in looks from a crab to a shooting star minus the tail. Luckly, the wife likes the "variations" and they seem to add character to the ones that do look like 5 pointed stars.....Ha

I have several more to make and then I am going to finalize my sleds so I can reproduce these next time a little faster and easier.

I will get pictures when I am finished so you too can see the final results of this journey.

As they say in the news.....pictures at 11......

Thanks for all the great feedback people shared it was very helpful but I think this is one of those projects you had to do to appreciate just how dumb you really are when it comes to sines and cosines.....Ha.

[fcpjax]

Well, here is the end result of my 5 pointed star project.
PS....Momma is happy, She now has something to fill her 20 ft long fireplace mantel....

[Popeye]

I'm sure glad someone has the patience for that type woodwork, I know I sure don't. They look fantastic. Super job. Your neighbor up the road.... Pat

[monte]

They look great!

[LCHIEN]

well congratulations if you mastered 3-d geometry, its tough.

[mater]

If momma is happy then it is a job well done.

[Joe Lyddon]

Bob,

Beautiful Stars!!

Did I miss something?

How did you do it? What is the secret?

Thank you!


edit:
I think I have found the Secret!
Have gone through about $150 worth of 1X4 and 1X6 pine and
purchased about $200 worth of extra tools including saw blades
and BT3K attachments. Have spent 400 hours on internet searches
and study including algebra and geometery. Got lots of use out
of my brad nailer and gave the old BT3K and Dewalt 12" sliding
compound miter saw heck. Went through two big bottles of wood
glue and $20 dollars of paint. Trashed two 45 gallon garbage
cans full of rejects, oops, and not quite rights. By the way
still have all my fingers too.


/edit:

[Ronak Shah]

I think the latest issue of WoodCraft magazine has plans for a 5-pointed star. It looked very complex.

You might be able to buy it at the website.