The following is a BASIC guide to using your Marrison System, however the best results are obtained by means of your own skill and imagination. Juggle the pieces and introduce reversed and straight section in order to produce intricate and personalised designs, or incorporate the rings into normal wood work and wood turned projects
Directions:-
Choose a suitable piece of sound timber, its thickness and the angle of the Marrison guide used , will determine whether your project needs one, two or three pieces of the wood to enable the rings to stack on top of each other properly. (see footnote and diagram)
Decide which method of mounting the wood onto your lathe suits you best, eg gluing onto a waste piece of backing timber fitted to your faceplate, or gripping by the jaws of your “Multi” chuck such as the Nova range.
Place the Marrison system into your lathe T rest tool holder and position it as close as possible to the face of the timber. Align the number 1 datum groove with the centre spot of the timber. (see diagram) Set your lathe to a slow speed and as with all forms of woodworking wear adequate eye protection and observe proper safety standards.
Cut the rings by gently pushing your parting tool through the guide slots of the Marrison System starting at the outermost position.
If the thickness of your timber is correct for the angle of the guide used, the pieces will automatically fit one on top of another.
If not then you will need to a second piece of the same wood (or a contrasting wood if desired) and reposition the guide so that the No 2 datum groove is aligned with the centre of the wood. Now cut your rings as before. Alternate rings from each piece of wood will now stack, if they don’t use a third piece of wood and datum mark No 3.
90° angle rings obviously match with those cut from further pieces of wood and make ideal stacking canisters etc. They also permit more pleasing shapes when interspersed with angled and reversed ring in ornamental projects.
Glue your chosen rings together, using any of the wood glues available.
Sand and polish, either by hand or by re-mounting on the lathe. Interesting additions and refinements can be added at this stage by normal wood turning techniques and skills.
Ancillary items such as lids, tops, bases, handles etc. are easily made using this system.
Above all the Marrison system is easy, fun and anyone can do it. Enjoy yourself and let your imagination run riot.
Please note that if the rings are cut using the following “Guide” size and stated thickness of timber they will automatically stack on top of one another
50 degree guide = ¾” & 1½” (or 19mm and 40mm)
60 degree guide = 1” & 2” (or 25mm and 50mm)
62½ degree guide = 1 1/8” & 2¼” )or 30mm and 60mm)
