Need help making a massage tool

[Hues24]

I work for a Spa and have been wanting to make a specific massage tool made out of a wood (cedar maybe) that can handle some heat (think Sauna). Can someone recommend a woodworker near Raleigh or Pinehurst that could consult and help build a few prototypes. I've had an idea in mind forever, like a hot stone massage but with better tools (Made ergonomically out of wood). Looking to eventually to use the tool in our spa and also market the tool.

 

[Mike Davis]

I specialize in prototypes, be happy to help if you don't find someone closer.

 

[Jeff]

I'm clueless and curious again. :dontknow:

What is this massage tool and how is it used? Is there a picture or sketch available?

So the new and improved design will be made of wood instead of...hot stone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXAZyC9inF4

 

[CrealBilly]

Well a massage tool could mean lots of things - I'm with Jeff, more info please

"the internet is not a luxury, it's a necessity." Barack Hussein Obama II - 15 July 2015

 

[Hues24]

Thank you for the responses, Think of a thin football. So a cylinder that is tapered down ending in a hemisphere (fancy 3d talk). I know the sketch shows the ends coming to a point, In actuality it would be a rounded 2" knob.:thumbs_up

I'm clueless and curious again. :dontknow:

What is this massage tool and how is it used? Is there a picture or sketch available?

So the new and improved design will be made of wood instead of...hot stone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXAZyC9inF4

 

[Hues24]

It is used with massage. They do a Bamboo massage with Bamboo sticks, I have been thinking about this design for years. I like cedar because of the aesthetic look and the good property's of cedar essential oil.

 

[JonB]

Looks like what you're after is a funky shaped rolling pin, that could be turned on a lathe. Would need a 5" x 5" x 16" to 18" piece of wood, you'd have to check around lumber mills or possibly WoodCraft for it. Cedar is light weight but tends to crack when it dries so you have to make sure there is no pith. Would be simple enough to turn, I would assume you just want it sanded, no finish. I could do it but I'm in Durham.

 

[Mike Davis]

I have an 8 inch cedar log about 4 feet long that was cut 8 years ago. May have some checking but no major splits.

 

[junquecol]

From my experience working on saunas, cypress would be a better choice, unless you want to spring for some teak. Because it's the same along centers both ways, it would be easy to make after making a quarter pattern, and a dupli-carver

 

[Hues24]

Thank you mike, What do you think about cypress and or teak, I would like to use wood that is native if possible though. That cedar log you have could be perfect, could you quote me a price for two or three prototypes. I was thinking I would like to make a few with different dimensions. That way I could see how they would work and what we could change. Thanks, Dustin

 

[Mike Davis]

I sent you a pm yesterday.

I have cypress but no teak.

 

[Jeff]

Is this close to your "football" design? It's 12" long and can be refined easily (the knob handles can be rounded at each end).

​

 

[KenOfCary]

Just a quick endorsement. Mike Davis will do a good job - the best he can - and that is very good. And most importantly, will treat you fairly. Just my humble opinion.

 

[Ray Morgan]

Just a quick thought. Any wood product used in a sauna needs to be free of knots. Besides sap the knots hold heat at a much higher temp than clear wood. Sure that all involved know this but better safe than sorry. Just my 2 cents. Ray

 

[Mike Davis]

First trial completed.

 

[Jeff]

Nice. What's next on the trial/error plates?

 

[Hues24]

Its a beautiful thing when a plan comes together.