Learning from my mistakes

In the Fall of 2005 I built an art easel for my step-daughter, the process is featured in in the slide show on the side of the blog. The table of the easel split, due to an engineering error; I did not allow for proper expansion and contraction of the table. To remedy this problem, I have removed the table and will widen the holes that the screw passed through so that they become shaped like a slot. the split will be filled with clear epoxy and planed flat once again. Then when re-assembled the table will be able to flex, preventing a further splitting.

The finished cutting board

This cutting board features the end grain as the cutting surface with a random cherry and walnut pattern. The cutting board is roughly 13" x 13" and is banded in maple. The lumber used in the construction of this cutting board is scrap cut off materials from past projects, and it is glued and sealed with FDA approved products.

Odds and Ends

Board cut offs from past projects and odd shaped pieces from re-milling beams provides an opportunity to create small unique projects that save scrap materials from the bonfire.

The cutting board pictured is glued up scraps of Walnut and Cherry banded with maple. Once flattened the cutting board will be finished with a food safe butcher block oil.

The mallets are constructed of beech remnants from re-milling century barn beams. Two of the mallets are treated with tung oil and the other two are finished with an Elmer's wood stabilizer.

The mashers are glued up ash and walnut scraps with a oak handles. The mallets and mashers are built using common joinery techniques, a through mortise with wedges.

Chest

The chest was built in conjunction with Master Cabinet maker Loren Klimko, it was a nice return to the basics as we walked through the design and creation of this prototype. This chest was designed for production and sized to maximize the yield in materials. The materials are paint grade and to be painted by the end user.

The design can be easily modified in material and finish to become a blanket chest, cedar chest, or toy chest.

The chest is a constructed of poplar rails and stiles with Architectural grade MDF raised panels, top, and bottom. It measures 18" x 18" x 36"

Re-Milling Timbers

With winter on it's way and an unheated shop, it is time for tune ups and storage for the tools.

Re-milling timbers into boards for next years furniture making has been giving me some unexpected surprises. An 8x8x16' walnut timber buried beneath years of grime, and insect infestation will yield an exciting piece this spring. Several Beech beams have also yielded some beautiful boards. I am still optimistic that I will uncover another oak timber to complete the topless Coffee table.

These Timbers were salvaged from a Century Timber Frame Barn in Medina County. Great thanks to Bob for arranging to have these timbers delivered to my shop.

Rein Board

A rein board is used to practice holding and operating the reins when driving a carriage or cart. This rein board is a modified duplicate of a rein board borrowed from Maple Crest Farms in Brecksville, OH. This is one of two that I built to the specs provided by the experts at Maple Crest, it is designed to accommodate singles, four in hand, and Tandem . The reign board is made of reclaimed oak fence Boards and feature old horse shoes as counter weights.

A New Top for an Old Piece

This was a project that was hanging out in the corner of my shop for about a year. I had it all ready to go I just needed the motivation and time to fit it all together. The oak used was left over from my brother's abondoned re-model at his old house. The base of the table is an old foot pedal Singer sewing machine base. The drawer featured dovetail joinery and the secondary wood is poplar.