As part of this media room project the wife want me to make some large quarter round moulding that is about 4" in diameter, about 5 foot long with longitudinal beads that are about 1/8" radius. They are not really flutes per se. Making the blank on the lathe is no problem but routing multiple beads on a radial surface has me stumped. I would appreciate any ideas.

Paul

Build a platform to hold the router while the spindle is still mounted in the lathe.

 

That will work for flutes which I already have a jig made for the Shopsmith with an indexing wheel. Problem  is these need to be beads not flutes. 
Paul

Sliding router table jig and a beading bit.

Here's a 1/8" beading bit.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-8-Bead-Bullnose-Router-Bit-1-4-Shank-Yonico-13134q/373382130819?hash=item56ef4f2c83:g:UTgAAOSwaB9fzmgo

If you mean horizontal beads Larry has the answer. If you mean vertical beads (that is the opposite direction from Dan's pic) then there are beading tools you can buy or make. fairly simple to make if you have flat stock or old tool, for 1/8 even a screwdriver will work just make the hollow.

  Something like this?  This is a hand cranked gismo that does lots of things to wood!

Edited December 9, 20205 yr by Smallpatch

The one I have handles 8' by about 15" diameter piece of wood.

The beads would be running vertical or lengthwise. I have several of the router beading bits but their problem would be that on a radial surface the bit wipes out the previous bead as you turn the piece. She might have to settle for a fluted piece. 
Paul

..Have you got a shaper? 

Yes I do. 
Paul

I’m trying to convince her that a 4 diameter quarter round with a highly figured Birdseye or curly maple veneer on it would look great against the walnut. 
Paul

I may have a solution. Has anyone ever ground away parts of a profile on a carbide router bit ? I was thinking I could use a Dremel with a diamond bit and grind away the flat areas above and below the bead on a router bit which would allow me to rout the beads as I turn the cylinder. I can index every 7.5 degrees. Could maybe even divide that in two down to 3.75 degrees for each pass with the router. 
Paul

How about this bit?

 

13 hours ago, Masonsailor said:

Yes I do. 
Paul

Fixture for indexing the round for use on the shaper.

Thanks Dan I think that bit might work ! Certainly worth a try. Larry there was no picture or link there.

Paul

2 minutes ago, Masonsailor said:

Larry there was no picture or link there.

I'll have to find one, trying to remember where I saw it.

@Masonsailor,

Check page 46 here. They have it as a fluting jig, but depending upon what cutter you use I don't see why it couldn't work for beading.

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/1141/19645.pdf

That is very similar to the jig I have for the Shopsmith. I think combined with the bit that Dan suggested this might be doable. The next part of this issue is turning a 60" cylinder in black walnut. Larry that is a very cool manual from Delta. It brings back memories of my Grandfather and father in the old family shop. There was a Delta shaper in the shop they were using constantly. 

Paul

60" , I think you're going to need an even bigger lathe.

I'm thinking that it will be in two segments with a decorative ring or piece in the middle.

Paul