I am getting back into the swing of work since being off for 11 weeks. Going back to work has also given me a good feeling about being back in the shop and doing some work. I really notice that the surgeries sure take it out of you and it is hard to get my strength and stamina built back up.

This weekend I will be finishing up the Kitchen Island top and it will be leaving on Sunday for delivery. I missed a couple of nights work and also got down to the last glue up and just seem to have this annoying gap that I couldn't pull out when I would dry fit.

After much fussing about it, I got down my Stanley No.7 and ran it across the edge several times and cleaned up a spot and yep, it pulled up nicely. Sometimes when the power tools just aren't getting it done, turn to the tired and true ones.

I also think one of the best endorsements you can give any tool maker is to show the ones you actually use. I have to say I do really like the way the Bessey Clamps work especially on panel and large panel glue ups. You get really good even clamping pressure. Of course it is always important to alternate the clamps and pull from the top and bottom of the panel.

I had to put my Stanley No.7 in the shot also since I did use it on the final glue up edge.

When we get this one finished, I have an ax to redo for a customer.

A True Temper Flint Edge Ax. It is kinda rough, but belonged to his grandfather and he wants it cleaned and a new handle installed. It was lost for a while in a small field behind the barn. Earlier this spring he was out there bush hogging and saw something in the grass. Got off the tractor and it was the old ax. So I have cleaned it up a good bit and just about ready to put the handle in.

 

So that is what's happening in my shop this weekend. What are you doing in your Patriot Woodworker shop this weekend? Are you finishing projects, starting projects, thinking about Christmas projects, updating the shop, building jigs and sitting in front of the TV waiting for football season to get going?

We here at TPW love to hear about your projects and see what you are doing in your shop. Please share your stories and pictures with us. You might inspire someone else to give it a try.

 

Have a great Patriot Woodworker Weekend

Enjoying a little down time before starting back for the computer reload at the school.

Got all my jail pens turned, presentation boxes made, challenge coin holders shipped, relatives all gone and the bathroom is done.

Next up will be those remote control caddies.

 

I have been working in my wife's classroom helping her get it ready for when the kids come next week. She works with K-1 children that have Moderate/Severe Autism and will be getting a couple of new kids this year. One of her new kids is going to be a handful as when he gets frustrated he tries to beat on things and turn things over as well as try to run out the door. So I have been attaching partitions together so if he hits them they won't fall over. My wife has 2 bookcases and 2 sets of "cubbies" are used as dividers and stick out perpendicular to the wall with desks in between making individual workspaces. The bookcases and cubbies are all 12" wide so I made up 32" long runners that I attached to the wall side of then so that the kid can't tip them over. I had to put together a pre-fab shelf that had to be hung over the countertop for storage of the kids' large binders. The wall is cinder block so had to put in some anchors and some other supports so it won't come down. Today I have to build some PVC partitions to block off some areas for working 1 on 1 with kids. I will also be picking up a door chime/alarm to put on the door so if/when the new kid tries to run they will be alerted. Oh the joys of being married to a Special Educator. :-)  

I believe there is a special place in Heaven for Special Educators and Nurses.

That is a true statement Lew. :-)

 

I've been in the middle of a 30 kite build.  Many of y'all may know that I have built kites for a number of years.  Well, I got an order for 18 6 foot delta kites so I decided to build 30 of them.  I have five to build yet so they should be completed tomorrow and the 15 shipped to Texas on Monday.  Sunday is pure rest this weekend and then Monday I have the privilege of building a 4 foot round communion table for a local church.  They want to used reclaimed lumber from some extra pews so keep this might get interesting.  Reckon we'll see.

Cool!

When I taught school, I had the kids build a 10' Conyne Kite. We used it to send up a variety of transponders. I tricked them into learning trigonometry to see how high it was.

Great fun until the director thought it was too much fun.

Lew, the biggest I have made was a 14 foot Double French Military.  It is a workout just to fly it becasue I have to use 120 lb. test thread to keep it up.

 

I see Allen has been more than busy but it's all for a good cause. As he says "Happy wife, happy life". I know I've been using that saying for a long time now and it works!

As for me, I had a customer from the Farmers Market ask me to make a dinner napkin holder. They just wanted a square box with cut outs to help grab the napkins. The other thing was some more "license plate" bird houses. We've been selling quite a few of them this year to the tourists that come around to the market. Made 10 of them last week and another 6 this week. Still have some more scroll saw "word art" to make but with the storm that just blew in may not go to the market Saturday morning.

You remember what rain is don't you Allen? 

 

Looks great guys.

 

I will be working on a piece that I have had on the lathe for a couple weeks now. I am not sure exactly what I want to do with it yet, other than making some sort of candle holder from it.

Looks to be Flame box elder at 4"x4" currently, but will be somewhat smaller when done.

That's it from here unless I get asked to do something specific.

Be safe all
 

 

Charles,

Here's an example of candle holders that might work

 

You guys are doing such interesting and worthy projects that I feel ashamed to post. 

I'll be back at jewelry chests. Slow, intricate and plodding work. The fun is in designing single purpose jigs for the builds. 

Ron - I'm not going to comment on your reply  

Oh, yes, woodworking projects for the weekend.

 

I am putting the final cuts on 200 19" tall elves cut from 1/2" MDF.  I have one board left over so I'm going to make them a few special elves (waitress, plumber, chef, Mr. Spock, and any more that will work).  This is for a special Christmas project for the local kids in Norcross, GA.

 

OH, and I forgot - - - - - I'm back at work on the deforestation project that was started in April (and probably saved my life).  This time I'm taking it easy and working only about an hour at a time and a reduced pace.

 

I'm lobing em at ya Fred.

Wow guys those are some great projects. Thanks for posting and sharing them.

 

Fred, glad you are back at it also and taking it easy.