Processing of Russian matryoshka dolls
Matryoshka doll is one of the most representative traditional handicrafts in Russia. It is made of multiple wooden dolls of different sizes nested in layers, and each doll is painted with exquisite patterns.
In Russian, nesting dolls are called: матрёшка. Originally, they were based on a round-faced country girl. Gradually, the materials for nesting dolls have become more and more abundant. In addition to fairy tale characters, historical figures, dignitaries and even people and things around us in daily life have become the objects of creation. According to the number of dolls in the belly, nesting dolls are divided into 5-piece sets, 7-piece sets, 12-piece sets, 15-piece sets, etc.
Related models
Although the structure of matryoshka doll looks simple, it still has considerable requirements for craftsmanship if it is made by traditional hand-made methods. The difficulty lies mainly in the nesting of the upper and lower parts of matryoshka doll. If the accuracy is not properly controlled, it will cause it to be unable to be inserted or too loose. Moreover, matryoshka doll is reduced layer by layer from large to small. In order to fit more dolls in a limited space, the wall of each layer of dolls must be thin enough, and the gap between each doll must be moderate. The diameter gap between adjacent dolls is generally about 1-2 mm.
With the popularization of CNC machine tools, CNC machine tools have great advantages over manual labor in processing such products with high precision requirements. As long as you have the corresponding drawings and set the machine parameters, the machine can process dolls with consistent precision.
The process of using CNC machine tools to process matryoshka doll:
Material selection
Since the interior of matryoshka doll needs to be hollowed out and the wall is very thin, soft wood, light weight, and not easy to crack should be selected. Generally, logs of broad-leaved trees are used, such as linden, birch, alder, and poplar. Lindenwood is now widely used. The wood must be kept dry, so it is necessary to use wood that has been naturally air-dried for at least 2-3 years. Too wet wood is prone to deformation and cracking during processing. And the wood needs to avoid knots as much as possible, otherwise it will be difficult to process or cause uneven surfaces during turning.
Cutting and turning
Use a saw blade to cut the wood into the basic shape of the doll.
When making matryoshka doll traditionally, because it is necessary to consider the combination of the upper and lower parts and the natural transition of the shape curve at the same time, the two parts are generally processed separately first, and the shape only needs to be roughly processed and leave a good margin. The focus is on the internal hollowing and the joint of the two parts. After ensuring that the internal and buckle joints are processed correctly, the two parts are recombined and the overall shape is carefully turned.
If you use a CNC lathe to make a matryoshka doll, the upper and lower parts of the matryoshka doll are also processed separately, but because the CNC lathe is accurate enough in precision calculation, the two parts can be directly turned at one time to avoid the trouble of secondary combined turning.
First process the upper part. Use a turning tool to turn the shape, turn out the shape of the doll's head, and then use the turning tool to hollow out the inside.
Then process the lower part. First hollow out the inside, then use a turning tool to turn the shape, turn out the connection part, and then turn the other parts of the shape.
At this point, the basic prototype of a nesting doll is completed.
Polishing and painting
Use CNC lathe grinding equipment or hand to carefully polish the matryoshka doll to remove the knife marks and defects on the wood surface caused by the turning process. Generally, a layer of primer is also required on the matryoshka doll. So far, the woodworking part is over.
Pattern drawing, glazing, and drying
The next step is the soul of matryoshka doll: pattern drawing.
This requires the painter to have superb skills, accurate painting skills, and most importantly, to understand the traditional Russian patterns, patterns, characters, etc. Each matryoshka doll is unique.
After waiting for the pattern to be drawn and the ink to be completely dry, it is necessary to apply more varnish to the doll. Each layer will be air-dried for 4-5 hours or even a day to make the surface of the matryoshka doll smoother. In order to make it more beautiful, gold powder is sometimes used for decoration according to the style.
After all the production is completed, it can be taken to dry. In order not to damage the surface painting and paint, it is best to use natural air drying.
At this point, a beautiful and cute matryoshka doll is completed!
