Leavenworth Nutcracker Day
"Come and celebrate the Nutcracker. There is no other tool or collectible like it"
 |
With the percussion, a striking motion breaks the nut. This could be done with metal hammers, wooden mallets or other tools. |
 |
Lever nutcrackers can use either direct or indirect pressure. When two pieces of wood or mental are joined together with a hinge or other devise that allows the levers to turn, this part is called the “fulcrum”. When the nut is cracked between the fulcrum and your hand, the nut is cracked with direct pressure. |
 |
Indirect pressure is best explained by looking at pair of pliers. Here the nut is cracked on the other side of the fulcrum, away from your hand. The familiar wooden toy soldier nutcracker is a good example of indirect pressure action. |
 |
The screw mechanism gives you greater control when cracking a nut. It is easier to get a whole kernel with the screw type than with the crushing blow of a hammer or the forceful compression of the lever types |
  |
Then there are nutcrackers that simply drop a heavy object on the nut. A commercial one drops a steel ball that is contained in metal wires. A shop made one drops a piece of hardwood, guided by doweling. |
  |
Figures can be cut out and glued together in layers. Here is a penguin with the center thick enough for a hinge, and thinner pieces of wood applied for the wings. Note the indentation to hold the nut steady while cracking. This type could be made with other bird with long beaks, an elephant, or a man with long nose. |
735 Front St.
Leavenworth,
WA
1-509-548-4573
info@nutcrackerday.com
