July 20, 201411 yr Well, it is time to share about what's happening with Ron Dudelston, John Moody and myself as we are hanging out together for a few days down in "Moody-Ville" aka Florence, Alabama. My wife Tami and I are on a 2+ week vacation visiting with our son and daughter in law in Indianapolis, IN as well as seeing some other friends in Indiana (including Ron and Dorothy Dudelston) and making a road trip down to Florence, Alabama to hang out with John and Beth Moody. We always have a great time together visiting, laughing and eating way too much food and our wives love to get out together to do some shopping and socializing. But one thing that we have never done before together as woodworkers is to do a woodworking project together. So on this trip Ron, John and I are working a project together to make an heirloom cedar lined walnut blanket chest for my soon to be born (in November this year) grand daughter. Being that I live in California, I could make the blanket chest but transporting it back to Indiana is not an option unless I wanted to drive it across the country. So since we were all going to be together in Alabama I talked with Ron and John about making the chest together and then when Tami and I drive back up to Indianapolis with the Dudelston's in their van we can bring the chest with us. So this weekend the 3 of us have been building the blanket chest in John Moody's shop. The plan is to complete the construction and final sanding and when we get it back to my kid's house I will put the exterior finish on it. So here are a few photos of Ron and John ( since I am taking the pictures) in the shop as we work on the blanket chest. Today we got all the rough walnut milled down and glued up into panels. Tomorrow after church we will do the assembly, lining the interior with cedar and doing the final sanding. Here are the rough walnut boards before milling. Rough cutting the to length. All boards rough cut. Running all the boards through the planer. All the boards completely cut and milled to size and thickness. Cutting the slots for biscuits before gluing up the panels. End and side panels glued u Top glued up
July 20, 201411 yr Author Harry, Yes. Ron and John are a hoot to work with. But being that all 3 of us are woodworkers used to doing things our own way, there were a few challenges to get into a flow working together as we all do things a bit differently as well as communicate a bit differently and have skills and experiences that are different from each other. But we all got along great and had a good time together.
July 20, 201411 yr Looks like a wonderfully enjoyable collaboration. And, the chest will always be a testament to your friendship and a reminder of the great times together. Now, if the 3 of you could just stop by Snowflake for a few days. there are a few jewelry chests.....
July 20, 201411 yr Gene, we'll work for food and lodging. It's been a grand time hanging out with these guys but what Allen failed to mention is that we had to leave the door cracked at all times. We just about drowned at the beginning of the project from testosterone overflow but a crack in the door let it run outside. I've come to the conclusion that regional TPW gatherings would be a good idea. Do we meet Snowflake, AZ next?
July 20, 201411 yr Hey Ron, sounds like a plan. Everyone is welcome! But be warned, it's 25 miles to the nearest grocery store (beer is only 5 miles) and, for the ladies, 50 miles to any SERIOUS shopping. Loads of Antique stores. VERY sparse tool pickings though. And NO lumber yards )-: But, if you come through Phoenix or Albuquerque, I've got a list for ya. However we've got 26 acres to party on and hundreds of square miles to explore in our Ranger. Set a date and we'll be here with open arms. Mid to late August through October is the best time, weather wise. Let's do it!
July 20, 201411 yr Oh, guys, so near yet so far. Greetings from North Georgia. if you folks are near Monteagle, TN next weekend, we will attending the craft show there. Work vs. Laughter and Fun. What's the
July 20, 201411 yr Awesome photos, awesome project, great folks, and I am insanely jealous of that walnut! Edited September 12, 201510 yr by Administrator
July 21, 201411 yr Looks like ya'll are having quite a time, good times and good friends and, good memories.
July 21, 201411 yr We had a great time. We didn't quite get everything finished but it is close enough they can finish it back in Indiana. I'm sure Allen will post an updated picture. I didn't take any pictures for some reason.
July 21, 201411 yr Author On the road back to Indiana with Ron and Dorothy. Working our way through Kentucky as I type this.I will put up of this thread when I get back to my son's house tonight.
December 20, 20196 yr Wow! This was before my arrival at TPW, what a great get together y'all had. I would like to have seen that blanket chest "built by committee" though
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