Snow Globe Base

This instructable shows how to make a simple wooden base for a ball, snow globe, etc.

In this step, begin with a hardwood square. This piece was probably 5 x 5 inches and 1.5 inches thick, made by gluing two pieces together.

1. Draw an 'X' from the square's corner to corner.
2. Add a center-point dent using a center punch tool or carbide scribing tool.
3. Draw as large a circle as the square permits with a compass.
4. Draw tangent lines at each corner.
5. Saw off each corner.

Using the end-point of the lathe, push the piece of wood onto the face plate.

1. Trace the face plate edge onto the wood.
2. Trace the mounting holes for the face plate.
3. Drill shallow holes for the mounting screws.
4. Screw the mounting plate onto the wood.

Mount the workpiece onto the lathe and shape it using various woodworking chisels.

1. Round the edges first.
2. Add the inner concave surface.
3. Add outer bevel.

Sand the wood down in steps. As pictured, I used the following grits in order 80, 120, 220, and finally a coat of 1/3 bees wax, 1/3 walnut oil, and 1/3 mineral oil. This leaves a dull finish, but brings out details in the wood.