Club Night: 22nd October 2025
Report by: Graeme Mackay

A well presented view of children’s rattle types. Cory put forward three different types of rattles and supporting examples. All provided was good clear voice. These types were aptly named; single rattle, two-piece rattle and three-piece rattle. Production methods were given with a smile and good humour.

At each stage construction options and alternatives were illustrated with a return to the SAWG project sheet.
Production targets/items:
standard tools and gouges
Wood and material choices
Sound and percussion items.

Measurements: Always, or as usual, the correctness of the working measurement raises its head. The accuracy is challenged, queried and rechecked.

Single Piece Rattle:
A variety of methods were shown and/or demonstrated including manual carpentry chisel splitting to assist the making the rattle hollow. Glues were mentioned with Corey preferring the standard PVA approach.

There was interesting discussion as to the shape of the interior space and type of Woods that would provide the best reaction. A wide range of opinions were put forward or should one say, the shape opinions.

Two-Piece Rattle:
Completed examples were shown to the audience. Again, a range of personal opinions, production comments, and a return of the question of measurement. Cory had solid advice for the new Turners and a reminder about the project sheets within the SAWG workspace,

Three-piece rattle:
The steps were similar; however, the shape was a different strain. Cory version was for three bits of wood with the hollow section being drilled or Forstnered out of the thicker central piece. The laminated style allows for different wood colours to provide embellishment. Again, encouragement to experiment with wood types and thicknesses. Further, the project provides the use of different spindle techniques i.e. shadow or ghost turning.

Key point: the diameter and size of handle and rattle head matter.
The rattles are toys for the very young.
The large adult hand is not the target.

Cory commented that the project is an avenue in which to experiment with timbers and try alternative methods. Try the process, check the measurements, and avoid the cut too far.