Project Update... Seriously!

I know it's said in woodworking groups that "without pictures, it didn't happen", but I am here to say that I actually did work on that Oak dresser that I started oh so long ago for Violet.

Something had to be done. A week or so ago while family and freinds were at the house, I mentioned the dresser I was working on. My wife piped up that I wasn't working on a dresser, I just had a pile of wood in the basement. Well the zing sounded better being there and I did truly find it funny.

I also saw the postings of this guy's work at the LumberJocks site. Mark is today what I would like to be as a woodworker... talented! Seriously though, Mark does have some fantastic projects that he's done and seeing those is a nice reminder that I need to get my butt in gear if I'm ever going to finish some of my own.

I appreciate the feedback on what I should enter in the LumberJocks 2006 Summer Woodworking Contest, though I still haven't made a decision on what I might like to submit. I'll make sure to post my decision here first.

I'm a LumberJock!

I've recently signed up for membership on a newer woodworking site called LumberJocks. LumberJocks put out this notice the other day:

LumberJocks.com Announces
First Annual Summer Woodworking Contest
International Woodworkers Invited to Participate in Free Competition

LumberJocks.com, one of the most innovative woodworking sites on the Internet, has issued a challenge to the world's do-it-yourself enthusiasts, weekend warriors and professional woodworkers.
Beginning this week, registered users from around the world can enter their projects—at no cost—to compete in the First Annual LumberJocks Summer Woodworking Contest, which runs through Sept. 23 (visit http://lumberjocks.com/contests/summer_2006 ).
"We wanted to add some sizzle this summer," says LumberJocks.com founder Martin Sojka, who also presides over the successful PowerToolBench.com . "Anyone who posts a project on or before Wednesday, Sept. 20, is eligible to compete—and like everything else on the site, contest participation is free."
Every project is required to feature at least one photo (up to three may be posted per project), as well as a personal story. These stories may cover tips and tricks, materials used, challenges encountered, sources of inspiration and what one might do differently in the future. Typical projects include furniture, home accessories, remodeling, woodcarving, toys, miniatures, gifts, fine art and sculpture.
What makes the contest unique is that registered users can rate each project on a 1–10 scale, post comments and ask questions, creating a truly interactive experience. Once a project receives three ratings from other users, it will automatically become the contest finalist.
Sojka's goal? To create an online community of woodworking aficionados who receive personal web space to post their creative works free of charge.
"There's no designated jury of experts in this contest," Sojka says. "The LumberJocks community will decide, through a democratic voting process, who takes top honors."
The top three LumberJocks will receive a free one-year subscription to their choice of seven leading woodworking magazines: Popular Woodworking, Fine Woodworking, Wood, Workbench, Woodworker's Journal, Woodcraft or American Woodworker.
"Contest winners will be announced on Sept. 24," Sojka says. "I can't wait to see the creative entries our growing community of members create!"

So here's the big question... with what I've posted here and on darrylmasterson.com are there any suggestions on what I should enter?

Christmas in July

One of the several woodworking magazines I subscribe to is Wood Magazine. There have been some rather interesting articles in the few issues I've received so far. One article that recently caught my attention had to do with making a turned Christmas Tree ornament.

Having not made anything other than pens with the lathe, I thought it would be nice to make a smaller different project. The lighter wood is Cherry and the darker wood is Walnut. This is a very small lightweight ornament, it only measures about 3.5 inches long and 1.5 inches wide.

My wife is already making plans to give these as gifts this Christmas, so I'm sure you will be seeing more of these in the near future!

Updates

I liked the title of my last post "On the Workbench". I found it a rather clever way to talk about stuff that I'm working on currently. I didn't want to have a hundred posts here labeled "On the Workbench", so I took this concept over to my other website, DarrylMasterson.com. I'm thinking that I may use that to show the updates of projects and continue posting here for other woodworking stuff.

The rain here in New Hampshire has been unbelievable so far this Spring. I'm fairly certain that I have no interest in ever living in Seattle! The only positive thing with the rain is that it's been spread out enough that I haven't had to deal with any of the flooded workshop issues like we had back in October.

Ok, well it's still fairly early, so it's back to the dungeon to continue working on an Adirondack that I need completed by Friday.

On the Workbench

I know it's been a while since I've posted an update. This is not due to inactivity however.

I have another Adirondack in the works. This is #2 for one of the girls at work. She bought one last summer and now she wants a matching one. I've got the frame assembled and have applied the primer. With the exception of the seat slats, the remaining pieces have been cut to size. I need to run the router over the edges to round off the sharp corners and give them all a quick sanding before getting the paint on these pieces.

I've also glued, cut and shaped the top of the Oak dresser. I've got the front back and sides glued up for the bottom drawer. I'm having a little trouble deciding what I want to do for the bottom of the drawers on this project. I'm trying to push this project farther into the "fine woodworking" category and I'm afraid that plywood drawer bottoms will hinder that. And at the same time, solid wood bottoms include more money, time, weight and work. I may just put off that decision until later.

Demented Dimensions

I finished putting the dovetails in the sides and the top & bottom web-frames. Now there is something to look at! Of course it's also a bit bigger than I had imagined. For some reason, a five foot tall, three foot wide dresser didn't sound as big as it really looks. And when I say really big, I mean "holy crap, I hope I don't have to move that very often!" BIG.

You can get the idea where the drawers are going to be in this picture as well. Each of those dados (aka grooves) on the inside of the left side of the dresser will help support a web-frame. The web-frame (sorta like a picture frame lying on it's back) will support the drawers and provide a smooth surface for them to glide on as they are opened and closed in daily use.

The web-frame on the bottom serves a dual purpose of supporting the bottom drawer and attaching the dresser carcase to the base.

The web-frame on the top will be used to attach the top to the dresser from the inside to prevent having any unsightly screws going through the top of the dresser. Not that is matters since it would take a rather tall individual to even see them if they were there!!

Next on the to-do list will be building all of the web-frames for the drawer supports. Pictures will follow as the progression continues...

Violet's Dresser

I've been putting my spare time into that dresser I'm building my 2 year old. I've got both sides all glued up. I've got one side cut to final size and have cut the dados that are used to support the web-frames used as the drawer supports. I should have the second side finished up tomorrow, assuming the weather isn't to nice that I'm forced to enjoy it all day!!

Once I get that second side cut to final size, I can then get to work with that dovetail jig of mine to complete the case structure of the dresser. The web-frames for the drawer supports should be cake. Then it's just a matter of getting the drawers themselves completed.

I'll provide some pictures as soon as there is something to look at. Right now it's basically a couple pieces of wood with wome groves cut in it...

patience my friends.

Want More Information??

Microsoft has a new project in the works called Office Live. This project provides free domain names and web hosting. For more info, check out:Microsoft Office Live.

The reason I mention this is not to provide advertisement for Microsoft, but to mention I've taken advantage of their offer and created darrylmasterson.com. This is a site that I'm going to work on building up to provide more information about the projects I'm working on, and hopefully someday use it as a resource to sell some items.

If you've got the time, have a look, and of course, any constructive critizism would be welcome... (so long as it's positive!). Just kidding of course, let me know what you think.

Thanks

PS ~ I have no intention of letting go of Woodworking Dungeon, so don't delete it out of your favorites list yet!

New Wood Haul

The order I placed last weekend is ready to be picked up. So tomorrow I'm going to cram a trip to the lumber mill inbetween two family events to pick up my new stash.

here's what I'm getting:

- 50 boardfeet of White Oak
- 25 boardfeet of Red Leaf Soft Maple
- 24 boardfeet of Eastern White Pine

The Oak and Maple are going to be used in the dresser for Violet and the Pine is for another Adirondack chair for one of the girls at the real job.

Dungeon Update

I ordered more White Oak this past Saturday. I expect that to be ready later this week so I can hopefully start this weekend building up the sides of the dresser I'm working on. I also ordered some Red Leaf Soft Maple which I'll be using on the drawer sides and backs.

In the mean time, one of my customers at the real job, Gary, was nice enough to send me some scrap wood that arrived today. I got a whole box of what I believe is mahogany. I'll have to verify that tomorrow when I thank him.

I didn't want this new wood to get all dusty in the dungeon, so I jumped right in and started working with it! It cuts like butter. Drills nice, and is really easy to turn on the lathe!!!

I've been talking with Gary about different finishing techniques the past week or so, he's helped push me in the direction of using Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO) and Johnson's Paste Wax. I've been messing around with a few pieces of scrap oak to see how the finish will look. I'd like to know a bit more of what I'm doing before I apply this new finishing process to Violet's dresser.

Here's a look at my second cigar pen. I made this with a piece of the wood I got from Gary (if you hadn't already guessed that!). I applied a new finish on this pen than I have on the rest. I mixed some of the BLO with the paste wax until I got a sweet potato / baby food type consistancy. Then applied some to a rag, rubbed it in and buffed it to a nice little shine.

I really like the color tone and the way the grain pops out with this finish. and yeah, I can admit that it is way cooler to mix my own finish than to just use something out of a bottle!

I'll be curious to see how this new finish holds up a real world environment though. The Behlen Woodturner's Finish on the pen that I use daily at work has all but rubbed off at this point, which I do find a bit disappointing.

Not Just Another Pen

One of the girls at the real job had asked me to make a pen for her that she wanted to give to someone else as a birthday gift. She wanted a cigar style pen in this case, rather than the slim style that I've been making. It was initially weird working with the new style, but for a first try, I'm quite happy with the results. Purpleheart was the requested wood for this pen.

Oak & Pine Adirondack

Technically, it's not done because the arms haven't been screwed on yet. But it looks done!

I got the seat slats attached tonight and I cut the notches out of the arms so the fit the way they should, but I'm tired so I'm going to call it a night... but first some details and pictures!

It seems like everything I read about woodworking, there is talk of grain matching. Basically this is when the woodworker takes great care in selecting the pieces being used. A simple example would be two dresser drawers that are next to each other. These drawer fronts should ideally be cut from the same piece of wood so the grains flows from one drawer to the next.

I took this philosophy and applied it to the seat of this adirondack chair. Take a look, you can see in this picture that the two seat slats used to be one piece of wood. The front three pair of seat slats have this look. Since there are seven total slats, the one in the back is the odd one out.

Here are a couple more shots of the chair in full view.


and, of course, it's quite comfortable!

From the Ground Up

As I mentioned the other day, I have started working on a new dresser for my youngest daughter. The style is a modified Thos. Moser seven drawer dresser. One of the biggest differences in the Thos. Moser seven drawer dresser and my modified design, (other than quality!), is the base. As much as I like the style of the Thos. Moser version, I'm not a big fan of the base on his. So I found a design from an entertainment cabinet in a woodworking magazine and modified that a little more to my liking.

I've completed all of the design and sizing work. I have even thrown together a quick mock up in pine in to a better idea of how things will look. And I've started piecing it together! The base design that I have is separate from the rest of the dresser, so I've started there. Here are a couple of pictures of what I've got so far...





I realize this doesn't show off much, but that's kinda the idea... is just a tease!

All in a Days Work

I got to spend most of the day down in the dungeon today. I even made some progress on the two projects I'm working on!

I finished painting all of the pine pieces for the new adirondack. I also cut all of the white oak pieces needed as well. The back is partially assembled, there is only one more support brace that I need to attach.

And then there's the new project... This will be the my biggest undertaking to date. I'm building a new dresser for my youngest daughter. This will be another seven drawer dresser, similar to the one I made my oldest daughter, except is going to be about 6 inches wider and a few inches taller. I'm also taking some comments made on the other dresser into consideration on this new one. I'm going to a larger drawer at the bottom, and each drawer will get progressively smaller.

Project Preparation

It's Spring time, so it's time to get the Adirondacks rolling again! I've decided that for this next one, I'd build the base with Eastern White Pine and paint it with a semi-gloss exterior white paint. The back, arm rests and seat are all going to be made with White Oak that I will leave natural. I've read quite a bit lately that shows White Oak has a nice resistance to rot, so it should handle the weather well. Right now, I'm finishing the painting on the frame and I've cut the seat slats to size. I'm hoping to get this wrapped up by next weekend.

it'll be like merging these to chairs together...



I've got another project that I'm working on as well, but I'm not ready to start getting into the details of this quite yet...

It’s Just Sad Really

I’ve got a great wood supplier that’s only about a 20 minute drive from my house. Tommila Brothers have a great selection of locally grown lumber including Red & White Oak, Cherry, Birch, Black Walnut, Hickory and Eastern White Pine among others. They are also one of those places where you can get Kiln dried rough or S4S lumber. Most of what I have purchased has been the S4S since I don’t yet have a thickness planer.

Last year, right around my birthday, my father and brother-in-law both won gift certificates to Tommila’s at a local home show. I dropped a couple of not-so-subtle hints that these gift certificates would make a great birthday present. Money for wood is always a nice thing to have, and sometimes seems hard to come by. So I ordered 50 board feet of S4S White Oak and with the gift certificates it only cost me $20! Trust me, that is a heck of a deal!

So Chuck, at Tommila’s, took my order and let me know it might be a couple weeks before the order’s ready. He even offered to drop it off at my house since he drives that way to get home each day. Four days later I got a call that my lumber order was ready and Chuck would be dropping it off that night.

I had already cleared a spot on my enclosed front porch to stack my loot, making it a nice easy shot to unload. When Chuck arrived, I grabbed the top board on a stack of about 7 pieces. I place the board down on the front porch and turn to see chuck carrying the whole stack…!

All I could do was laugh and try and explain away the fact that I sit on my butt each day in front of a computer talking on the phone. I quickly grabbed the next stack of Oak, hoping that I wouldn’t embarrass myself any further!

You Want Me to Build What?

I've got a new small project in the works, but I've been a little under the weather lately and need some more Black Walnut to complete it. So I'm going to share a little flashback with you...


Back in November of 2004 I was asked the question that I’m sure all woodworking fathers would love to hear. My oldest daughter, Jasmine, asked me to build something for her!

Not just a random thing, but a specific request. At the time of this request, Jasmine was 10. She’s a smart girl, but she has a habit of proving that common sense just isn’t all that common!

So, I’m in the hallway upstairs one night putting my programming books on a shelf. I had to move them up there to get them out of the way in the dungeon. Jasmine came out of her room and following conversation took place:

Jasmine: “Can you build me a drawer for Christmas?”
me: “You want a drawer?”
Jasmine: “Yeah, you know, to put my clothes in.” (...like I’m some sort of idiot.)
me: “Where are you going to put it?”
Jasmine: “In my room.”
me: “A drawer. Just a drawer?”
Jasmine: “Yeah.”
me: “You realize that a drawer is the box that that goes in a dresser, right? Do you want a dresser?”
Jasmine: “Oh yeah, that! Can you build me one of those for Christmas?”
me: “Yeah, sure.”




It ended up being ready for her birthday in April!





I built it with Eastern White Pine. It's finished with a couple coats of Ipswich Pine and a few coats of clear semi-gloss polyurethane. My father-in-law was nice enough to do the finishing for me. Though I had tofight to get him to use the stain I wanted. He wanted to go with more of a Dark Walnut. I'm not really a big fan of dark stained wood, and since I bought the stain, he did it how I wanted. I also chose to not use any mechanical drawer slides, figuring that they will only be the first thing to wear out anyway.

And I think this picture was taken the last time all of the drawers were shut at the same time! Soon after, it went up to her room and has had clothes sticking out ever since...

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

And with a final coat of finish on the bottom of the drawer, the Red Oak nightstand is complete!

Well almost complete... I picked up a piece of 1/4" plywood to make the back, but that's nothing. I am happy with the results. And most importantly, I learned a lot from this project. Ok, I won't delay the unvailing any longer, take a look...



This will be a nice replacement for the crappy little metal filing cabinet that is currently sitting on my side of the bed. The really big question though... what to work on next?

Though my wife doesn't think we need one, I would like to build a hall table. I'm not sure why, I think it's just the simplicity of the piece that I like it... I also want to build a blanket chest for each of my girls. And at the speed I get things done, I should probably start on these now to get them done before they graduate high school! I'd also like to build a bed frame and new dresser for our room... so many choices, how does one decide?? Any suggestions?

Could it Possibly be True??

Could it really be true that a project that has been in the works for 10 months, one that has survived a devestating flood, one that has been neglected while countless other projects get all the glory, could this project possibly get finished TODAY!?!?

Let's hope so. I'm happy with the looks of the nightstand itself, so now it's just a matter of a couple more coats of finish on the drawer and we will be done. I applied the first coat of finish to the drawer last night and a second coat this morning. I should be able to apply a third coat around lunch time and by dinner...

here's a little picture of how the nightstand looks right now...

Still Here!

I had to take a trip down to Houston, TX last week for the real job. That pretty much eliminated any chance of hanging out in the dungeon. I got back down there today to put another coat of poly on that nightstand. This is coat #3. I think I may go for a total of 5.

no pictures today though, I'm going to wait until this one is completed before displaying anymore.