1/8” Beading Tool

1/8" Beading Tool - first use on an interesting box

I have been getting into boxes recently, and I wanted a way of creating beads cleanly and accurately. The box is inspired by a cathedral in Florence, Italy, which I saw in 1982. The lid is the dome. I wanted beads to match on the base and the lid. And, I did not want to rely on my ability to roll accurate beads with a gouge. The beading tool was the solution. The tool does have flat shoulders to each side of the curved bead. So, be aware of that. I cut a 3-mm thick spacer on a scrollsaw to separate the lid and base when mounted together on the lathe. Then, I could cut a bead in one piece without affecting the other. Lathe work is now done, and it's on to carving, making the dome look like the real thing. By the way, the cathedral is Santa Maria dei Fiori. I heard the pipe organ in this place. What an experience.