From birdhouses to coffee tables

[HARO50]

One of our members asked me recently why he hadn't seen any pictures of my work. I told him it's because I've never taken pictures until recently. Just never thought anyone would want to see 'em! But I did have a couple of items still kicking around. A friend asked for some bird houses about three years ago, and these two were "leftovers" in more ways than one... leftover 1x12 roof boards, plus I made more than she had a use for.

 

The coffee table is just a TAD older, by about 50 years! The design was a high school shop project, and since I had few tools and no workshop, I persuaded my shop teacher to let me make a second one after classes. This one was given to my sister, who returned it when they downsized after retirement. The other one, slightly longer, is still in daily use in a brother-in-law's home.

 

Just remembered I had one more project still in my possession. Tried decoy carving about 35 years ago. Mostly miniatures for gifts, and this was the only full-size one I carved. Still have two rough-outs in the shop... maybe one of these days?

John

Edited February 25, 2019 by HARO50

[lew]

Those are some awesome projects. I envy those who can create life like objects. 

[Dadio]

Those are great, John. You have always done good work and still do, Love that Canvasback, looks like he has his eye on you, maybe wants a mate.

 

Herb

 

 

[HARO50]

1 hour ago, Dadio said:

maybe wants a mate.

She's in a cupboard in the shop, waiting to be brought to life along with a 1/2 size loon! Sometimes life just gets in the way.

John

[Grandpadave52]

Great birdhouses john. I really like the octagonal one. Great detail with the moisture catch kerfs inside and under the roof.  Great idea for the hinged door.

Is the one with the elongated opening to attract a specific bird of your region?

Cool coffee table and absolutely awesome job on the decoy...did you paint it too? Lot of patience there with the degree of detail.

[Stick486]

47 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Great birdhouses john. I really like the octagonal one. Great detail with the moisture catch kerfs inside and under the roof.  Great idea for the hinged door.

Is the one with the elongated opening to attract a specific bird of your region?

Cool coffee table and absolutely awesome job on the decoy...did you paint it too? Lot of patience there with the degree of detail.

thanks for saying it for me...

but...

that's better than a cool coffee table..

the clean lines and warm character it has makes it outstanding...

now for the canvass back...

that's above my pay grade...

 

[Gunny]

Some beautiful demonstrating a wide range of skill and talent.

[hatuffej]

Hello John. Your work is excellent!

hat

[Cal]

Great pieces John.  Really like the coffee table.

[Gene Howe]

Neat-o, John. Great work. Thanks for sharing.

[HandyDan]

Nice work John.  I really like the duck.  Carving takes skill and time.

[Stick486]

19 hours ago, HARO50 said:

Just never thought anyone would want to see 'em!

aren't you glad you were wrong???

[HARO50]

On 2/25/2019 at 7:21 PM, Grandpadave52 said:

Is the one with the elongated opening to attract a specific bird of your region?

IIRC, it's one of the "approved" bluebird designs from some bird-watching society. The octagonal one is too, but a different society. The sloped front allows young birds easier access to the exit, while the saw kerfs on the other one serve the same purpose. I have NO idea why one hole is elongated! I wish now that I had taken a picture of the Screech Owl box I built. It needed only a back rest to be useful as a kitchen chair! About 16" x 16" x 18" tall. I installed it about 18' up in a tree, but the owls didn't like it. The next winter the squirrels moved in, and I couldn't get the ladder out there in the snow, so I took a long pole and knocked it down.

John