Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope with Removable/Interchangeable Object Chamber

Note: These are my shop notes from 1993. I have tried to improve the notes a little and added the pictures. Measurements are based on mirrors of 7 3/4 x 3/4 inches. Plexiglas of 1/16 inch thickness was used for the dust caps and the cells. Adjust and verify your measurements.

This kaleidoscope was turned from koa and the overall length is 9 3/8 inches.

I have made multiple cells to fit one barrel and have made sets which included two barrels (one with three mirrors and one with two mirrors) with interchangeable cells. In addition, you can cut colored Plexiglas filters to fit between the cell and barrel. There are many options and possibilities.

Cut the block for the barrel. Make an inch or so longer than required, approximately 2 x 2 x 9 inches.

Drill a 1 1/8 inch hole in the barrel. The hole must be a little longer than the mirrors plus the two dust caps. Do not drill all the way through the block.

Rough turn barrel.

Cut off end of barrel. Make cut about 1/8 inch more than total of the mirrors and two dust caps.

Square barrel ends.

Make eye cap using 3/4 inch stock. (The barrel can be made to include the eye cap, as I did on later efforts.)

Mark 1 5/8 inch diameter circle.

Drill 1 3/8 inch hole to fit over barrel. Make 1/2 inch deep.

Drill 3/8 inch eye hole.

Turn eye cap.

Turn tenon on barrel to 1 3/8 inch diameter, 1/2 inch long.

Glue eye cap on barrel.