Unfortunately, well if you want to call it that, I have been so busy in the shop I almost forgot the summer Lumberjocks.com contest had come to an end:( I think wow about sums it up!! So if you are looking for a little inspiration head over to LumberJocks and check out all the winners and all the entries. Some truly amazing work there! Congrats to all the winners! Just how will Martin top this when the Winter Awards come around? I guess we’ll have to wait and see:)
Ok I am not blind but I am getting older. Not that I am that old but old enough to have reading glasses in the shop in order to see the small things easier:( I really don’t mind wearing the glasses so much as having to swap out to the safety glasses on a regular basis or worst yet leaving the cheap reading glasses on in lieu of the safety glasses.
As of now this has all changed! During a recent trip to my local Louis and Company I noticed the “Cateyes” by FastCap and thought these were for me!! Wow what a concept safety glasses with small magnifiers in them (safety glasses with bi focals) LOL. Now these aren’t prescription safety glasses but they do get the job done. Yes, it does take a couple minutes to adjust to the bifocal type area but in no time you don’t even realize they are there! They come in various magnification powers from 1.5 to 3.0 and the best part is they run about $6.99 a pair. So far I have found them to be pretty comfortable and the 1.5 power just right for me. So if you too have a slight visual impairment like myself I would definitely recommend checking a pair of these out.
Yes, the time has come for yet another great Lumberjocks.com challenge! For those who aren’t in the know Lumberjocks.com is probably one of the most frequented woodworking websites on the net. Each year Lumberjocks.com host various challenges throughout the year with various themes. One theme was based on what a woodworker could build with a 2×4. Another involved building anything without glue or fasteners and with awesome sponsors and prizes awarded to the winners the entries are just amazing. This summer’s challenge is no different.
Finally it’s complete:) Designed for a client with modern tastes this project had it’s moments!!! It was constructed primarily from alder, with a book matched, home sawn, curly maple veneer top and walnut inlay. Five coats of an oil/varnish finish was applied by both wiping and spaying. To help accentuate the curl in the maple a shellac/dye process was used. It stands 36” high and is 12” wide and 68” long.
Unfortunatley, my most recent photos are less than desirable so hopefully I will have another chance this afternoon to take some more. This photo below was taking in the middle of the finishing process but is much better at showing the figure in the top:)
Like most woodworkers trying to market our passion we often get frustrated trying to sell a product and/or service. Other than by word of mouth, we try venues like the internet, Ebay, Craigslist and craft shows but rarely to a great degree of success. Why? To be honest my only thought is that we are not targeting the correct demographic. It’s like trying to sell a car at a truck store, people will buy it but at a ridicules price and at the end of the day it ends up costing us money:(
Just the other day I came across Etsy.com. It appears that the site has been around for awhile but what makes Etsy different is that they cater to those of us looking to buy and sell handmade, unique items. A quick look around confirms that the prices are more in line with actual costs and the audience are those who aren’t looking for a bargain but quality and something unique.
Setting up shop couldn’t be easier. Registration is pretty typical, contact info, log-in, password, etc and the only additional item needed to sell is a valid credit card. A paypal account is suggested as well. Fees don’t seem too high with a 20 cent insertion fee per item and 3.5% of the sale. Once you are signed up you are provided a store front with your user name keep this in mind when you set up your account.
With this in mind I decided to give it a try myself. Check me out at rjoneswoodworks.etsy.com
We’ll see how it goes and I will keep you all posted.
I really didn’t think I would get a chance to get some photos up prior to the final finishing but…
Just a couple more domino’s and little more sanding and it will be ready for finish:)
Nope you never can have too many clamps!
Slowly but surely the bookcase is coming along but not without a lot of thinking along the way! As usual you think you have it all figured out until the sawdust starts flying and then you realize it’s not as it first seemed. Easy is not always fun so… how do you get one board to grow out of another?
To start I needed a jig to keep everything square and level and centered. Keeping the project centered was really key to making the whole process a success. Essentially, I built a platform from 3/4″ mdf with two rails on each side and a couple of scraps on each end to keep it centered. There really is a little more to the whole process but you should get the jist.
Once I had the jig constructed I started with a 5/4″ x12″+ board and ripped an equal amount from each side. Yes, this is yet another project the Festool Domino performed outstanding! The use of domino’s for mock up was with out a doubt a great part of the success!
With the jig in place and the rails cut I was able to mark the sides and inset the rails. While most of the material was removed with a router the final work was completed with a hand chisel and marking knife.
At this point the three middle pieces were cut to fit, the 45 degree angle cut on the ends and the project assembled.
This should be it for progress pics due to time constraints and well the rest is pretty straight forward. With any luck I should have completed photos within the next couple of weeks:) However, if anyone has any questions please feel free to email me and I will do my best to answer them.
In my honest opinion there are three things that make or break a project, the finish, material and the proportions. Often we just copy what we see in the store with regard to materials and dimensions so that leaves the finish up to us. It hasn’t been until recently, in the last couple of years, that I have been able to actually create a professional finish. But why??? Probably because often times I knew what to do just not why I was doing it. This all changed after 38 minutes with The Wood Whisperer’s ” A Simple Varnish”.
In fine Wood Whisperer fashion Marc does an exceptional job of getting behind the scenes of “why” we do what we do! What I thought I knew I now know and understand much better!
Clear and concise, Marc takes us from beginning to end with a basic finish. Starting with surface preparation, application, the final coat as well as variations on different woods and various tips and tricks along the way. Probably the only thing I would to have liked to have seen more of is rubbing out a finish. I do understand though the time constraints and what he was trying to package but maybe next time? Below is a clip from the DVD.
The bottom line? Probably not for the seasoned craftsmen with lots of experience. Not a bad idea for those of us in between. If you are just starting out, then what are you waiting for? I would have killed for this information when I was starting out! For $14.95 the information is a steal. The worst part is that this is the only one and now I have to wait for another:(
Just a quick update on my old Awlfreeplans site. Just prior to it’s demise I was approached by a gentlemen who needed another project. With that in mind I transferred the domain and the site is back up and running better than ever.
From time to time you will see various suppliers reviewed as well as equipment and various other woodworking paraphernalia. Some good, some not so good. Regardless, I expect the same service and quality from my suppliers as my clients should expect from me. With that in mind, below is my latest experience with Spray Gun World, an online spray gun equipment and accessories supplier.
About a month ago I was in the market for a 2.2mm tip set for my Asturo ECO1 conversion gun. Having purchased this gun from them in the past and hoping I was in for a better experience I decided to, once again, go with the low bidder. (<on=”smack upside the head”>off) The spray gun purchase came with mixed emotions. The price was unbeatable but the service was less than desirable. Hoping this wasn’t the standard I tried a second time.
I placed my order on the internet and within a couple hours I received an order confirmation by email. The next day I received an email stating the order was being processed. Shortly thereafter, maybe a couple of hours, I received another email stating that they had made an error and would need to charge me shipping. I guess this wasn’t a part of the deal so I agreed, no sweat, and authorized the $8.
One week, two weeks then pushing 3 weeks and still no tip set??? Feeling the blood starting to boil I placed multiple calls and left multiple voice mails over the next day (it seems they are only open 4 hours a day?) and still no response! Finally, I get a real person on the phone only to spend a total of probably 15 mins on hold in order to get a tracking number only to find out it will be here the next day. Why was this so hard? Are they working out of someone’s apartment? Three days later I receive an email stating that they have no information on my order???
The bottom line is I received what I ordered in good condition and paid an unbeatable price. However, the severe lack of customer service won’t bring me back in fact it’s lead me to writing this review. If you are in it for the price then sure Spray Gun World is your place but I hate to think what will happen if I actually had a problem! With that in mind they won’t get my business again!
