Hey folks,
I’d like to make a marudai, which is a tool for making braided cords:
It would measure roughly 300 x 300 x 400mm and be made from maple, or similar.
I think I could make the disk on the wood lathe, but I’m not sure how to approach the legs, base, or joinery.
Could anyone advise on the tools and techniques I’d need for this project?
Thanks!
Hi!
That’s an interesting project! Something different from the usual bedside table! 
It all depends how much crafty you want to be!
Easiest for the legs would be to buy a hardwood bar of the right diameter a d just cut and finish it, but it is definitely possible to start from square stock and get an almost perfect cylinder on the lathe! Think pool cues, they are still made that way.
Re the joinery, a lot depends on what kind of forces and stresses the joint will have to survive, if you can share a bit more about the rope making process I’m sure the community will help!
Thanks for the suggestions!
You can see the braiding process in action here (from 1:50 onwards).
Each bundle of threads is tied to a wooden bobbin, which weighs around 100-250g. There’s a counterweight at the centre, which weighs around 500-750g. I shouldn’t think that would put the stand under too much stress?
That’s very low stress - I think you have the right approach. Make the upper piece on the lathe, use 0.75 inch dowels from a shop for the uprights (that will be plenty strong enough and also keep it nice and robust) and then use a piece of hardwood offcut for the base. 
