Squeaking in under the wire tonight..

With the bunk beds done, it's on to the next project- actually the next two- bathroom remodel and the historic pen gig. Looks like they'll be worked on simultaneously.

We have obtained 3 beams from which to make pens and some presentation display boxes. The first beam- 7" x 7" x 3 feet is for the bulk of the pen blanks.

 

We needed to make some sample pens for the committee. The beam was cut/split along the natural age fracture lines. We made 3 pens for them as samples.

In order to preserve as much of the "patina" of the original beams, we sliced off the surface of the beam. I plan on using these "boards" to fashion, in some manner, the presentation cases.

The 4 boards on the left are the "outsides", while the beam on the right will be available if we need more materials- but only as a last resort. The original beams will be auctioned off to raise money for the historical. This one will go for that purpose, if not needed.

The third beam was "sacrificed" by the restoration contractor. They used it as a source of nails for a display board. Wish I had my camera when we picked up the last beams- the contractor did a fabulous job of making a display with the various fastener used during the original construction. This beam is about 12 feet long but had been split lengthwise. 

I was able to get almost 100, 3/4 x 3/4 x 5" pen blanks from the first beam plus some shorter pieces that could be used if the grain matches well enough.

Right now, we are waiting on approval on the presentation case design and the promised funding for the supplies.

Cap'n Eddie recently put up a nice video on spraying CA finishes. You can check it out at-

Safe turning!

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Lew Kauffman-
Wood Turners Forum Host

Time Traveler and Purveyor of the Universe's Finest Custom Rolling Pins!

Thanks Lew looks like you'll be having fun for a while

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Charles Nicholls
Site Host
nicholls61@att.net
Proud supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project, Homes For Our Troops and the NRA

http://www.etsy.com/shop/nichollswoodworks

Ok Lew, is that you in the first image! I think this is the first time I have seen Lew Kauffman!

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker