Wool 'n' Wood

Odd Jobs and Maintenance

2012-01-25T15:14:00.001+11:00

Odd jobs they pop up everywhere no matter what field your in.

"Can you do this 5 min job please"

I learnt a long time ago there is no such thing as a 5 min job, if this was the case they'd do it themselves. I include myself in this crowd even when doing it for myself.

I had/have a list of odd jobs to complete a baby Swift to repair for winding wool, boxes to make, cabinets to put wheels on. Wood to mill, cut and store.

Maintenance of tools is important if they are worn, parts falling off, need re-aligning or tuning up for best performance. I try to put tools away when finished with them a quick clean isn't always good enough.

One such odd job was fitting the new metal bandsaw blade and giving it a test run. I covered two jobs in one a block of steel which had seen better days. I had to trim off the outer rust before it got tossed 5"x3"x2" it had been used as a door stop by my father in law. .

The cut has been the best as far as square and true I have got the thin cut to remove the rusted surface is excellent although I have yet to check it all for square.

The steel block will get used somewhere coated with oil or lacquer to protect its surface.

Requested 3 Tier Stand

2012-01-25T14:56:00.002+11:00

Neighbours Wayne and Lor often stop in for a chat when walking their dogs. Wayne mentioned this prior Christmas I thought he was joking. Nope he brought Lor down with a bribe.

Lor likes to entertain and has requested a 3 Tier sandwich and cake table serving unit.

I suggested NSW Rosewood which was sourced through Greg & Mal Ward at Boutique Timbers these are the slabs marked out. I have already cut them into rounds if and when it stops raining I'll do what I can when I can.

Platter sizes will be 18"x3/4 for the base, 14"x1/2" centre, 10"x1/2" for the top with 6" between plus a finial/handle. I might try the new Longworth out before I give it to Pat.

Time to stand down and hit the Workshop

2012-01-25T14:41:00.000+11:00

To make a choice to stand down as Newsletter editor of the Ornamental Turners Group of Australia just prior Christmas for me wasn't an easy, I was enjoying the task. Although its only a quarterly production its was 10 pages and lots of research etc. Trouble was I was not tackling my own work load in my workshop often enough.

Now with 4 grand children to make toys and tools for etc, as well as other projects and a growing family I need to spend time with let alone Sue and I.

1st up is one which should have been started and completed 2 years ago a pair of Longworth Chucks for Pat a mate. Ok I created the drawings back then which Pat printed out.

1st one almost done is 590mm two sheets of 3/4 ply with 8 arms. The 2nd will be 900mm yet to be even marked out, It will be a two man job to handle the routing etc.This was done dodging showers and rain squalls. I have yet to mount it and test it, with the buttons etc fitted to true it up. A sand and quick finish for smooth running.

The two faces are interacting, when one is placed over the other in opposite directions. The plates are rotated in action they pull the buttons inward or outward to hold the work piece mainly used for finish the base of platters and bowls.

Wassail Bowl

2011-12-24T16:33:00.000+11:00

Its Christmas Eve and what a finer time to find this Wassail Bowl . What a magnificent piece of Ornamental Turning in miniature. The article and post is well worth the read. The craftsmanship is just magnificent, then there is his Rose Engine with which he produced the fine work.

One for Me

2011-12-20T18:40:00.000+11:00

Today is the 20th December I spotted the other day when I had made a post that the date above is a day behind. Obviously USA time not Australian date and time ah well. Ok I have reset the time and date lets hope thats fixed it.

Just a few more pens, this time Sierra Flat Tops from 043Turning which I bought at the Sydney Woodshow in June.

This ones for myself a Sierra Flat Top Gun Metal and Gold with unkown Burl.

The burl was very open and soft wood almost like paper bark. I had to stabilise it using CA. Left a little natural feel with some of the voids.

This lovely wood is Osage Orange given to me by a friend from Wallan in Victoria. Alan from Wallan in fact. Sierra Flat Top & Workshop Pencil.

Another Queensland Walnut pen.

Edited Wednesday 21st Dec well the date fix didn't work so it must be a Blog thing, will look into that further.

I also missed photographing a couple of pen and pencil combinations . This is either Tassie Blackwood or Black Heart Sassafras.

This is Native Olive from another friend Nick again Pen and Pencil.

Edited Wednesday 21st 10.41hrs I have gone into setting and re-set the time date situation hope this works now.

Adding Colour to Life

2011-12-19T18:19:00.000+11:00

A dyeing day.

With a friend coming over to play with some Kool Aid, it made for an interesting morning. Michele brought three cheeses to dye. They are not the dairy kind but a type of wool which has been partly drafted and a twist put in it so is extremely easy to spin. They are called cheeses as they resemble large cheddar rounds. After wetting the cheeses down with warm water and a little detergent for a few minutes, the excess water was gently squeezed out and the cheeses put into plastic containers ready for the dye liquid. Michele chose Cherry, Grape and Tropical Punch. I had no idea that the tropical punch packet coloured blue, gave a reddish maroon colour. What a disappointment but with a very limited colour range we did our best. I mixed up two packets of the Cherry and Tropical Punch with hot water adding these to either side of the fibre. Using one packet of the Grape, mixed with hot water, the resulting liquid was poured between the other two colours. A few brief minutes to allow some of the dye liquid to penetrate and the cheeses were flipped over. Another packet of each flavour was mixed up with more hot water and applied to the other side then off to the garage to use the microwave. I put all three containers into the microwave at once and started on low power for a minute. Its an old microwave and the plate doesn't rotate so after each burst of power its a case of pulling out the containers and giving them a quarter turn to make the heat penetration even. After a couple of minutes on low then medium power, it was onto high power. Taking note of the previous microwave dyeing session a few months ago as a reference, I thought about ten minutes on high power would be enough to set the dye but I had forgotten to add vinegar this time before starting the process so about half way through out came the white vinegar to help with the dye take-up. It took somewhat longer this time but that could be due to the amount of fibre being dyed. It took about fourteen minutes for the dye to be absorbed by the two large cheeses with a further four minutes for the smaller one. The lesson here is to use a container which will just hold the fibre without there being much room for movement. Finally the dye was all taken up and we left the containers to cool a little before squeezing the excess water out. Though the colours were a little muted and there were still some patches of undyed fibre lurking deep within the cheeses, we will have to wait and see what Michele does with the results after she rinses and dries the fibre.

With Love From Mum/Nana

2011-12-18T22:09:00.000+11:00

To my 3 beautiful adult children, my daughters in-law & son in-law and my 4 grandchildren with all my love Mum/Nana.

Home made Gingerbread House.

Hopefully there will be no roof collapse.

A Sons Request

2011-12-17T20:05:00.000+11:00

Mark asked for a Fountain pen to go with his New Guinea Rosewood Sierra and Workshop pencil. I found the Baroness set of Fountain Pen and Roller Ball from 043Turning looked good. I purchased 6 of each. These are some of those already finished. Along with a few more workshop pencils.

New Guinea Rosewood on Gold Plated Baroness, the background is the menu off the SS Orion on which Dad, mum and I emigrated to Australia on.

Buckeye Burl on Gold plated Baroness and Workshop pencil. This lovely wood was given to me by a good friend Pat just some of the many small off cuts he has passed my way.

Queensland Walnut Baroness Fountain pen and Workshop Pencil

Spalted Macadamia Baroness Roller Ball and Fountain pen this is a stunning colour. I made Sue a Workshop pencil some time ago.

More to come.

Fairfield Spinners Weavers & Dyers Guild 35th Anniversary Year

2011-12-17T09:08:00.000+11:00

How remiss of me never to mention the lovely ladies of the Fairfield Hand Spinners Weavers & Dyers Guild 35th Anniversary Year or have even put a link to their web site (fixed as of today). Also a link to past works.

Sue has been a member now for some years, held a number of positions as have many of the ladies. Sadly the group is now quite small in comparison to the 70's and 80's just 15 ladies. This does not deter them at all, an active out going bunch. They display at various Sydney locations on open days at Linnwood House at Marter Dai at Camden and at Collingwood House Liverpool .

They have even been filmed at Gledswood Winery by a Japanese documentary team, where they performed a Back To Back Challenge. A sheep was shorn on the day, they carded and spun the fibre and then knitted a jumper which they then returned to the original owner.

I have known this group since its inception, I was their first Coach driver when they first started out 35 years ago I was with Punchbowl Coaches. Then a few years latter, with Silverline Coaches I became their regular day outing Coach driver. The ladies often asked if my wife would like to join them but with 3 children under 5 it was a bit hard. Joan Fisher is the founder and in her 90's now living at Narrabeen still visits to Canley Vale. She is one amazing woman and her books tell the tale.

This coming year 2012 in August they will be celebrating their 35th year. Why not come along ?? A date is yet to be fixed and I/we will put that up as soon as possible.

Artisans Retreat

2011-12-07T19:07:00.001+11:00

During our recent trip to Coff's Harbour we called into Artisans Retreat they had just been on Sydney Weekender which showcases some of what they are about. Peter and Christine are great hosts and a weekend away to soak and learn could fit in nicely. Its disabled access and children friendly.

Ps late addition I totally forgot to add Peter has a lathe which is also disable friendly suitable for those who turn from a wheelchair.

Christmas Comes But Once a Year

2011-12-03T10:26:00.001+11:00

Well its the busy season when everyone panics I love Christmas, present to make or buy weeks to go counting down the days. I borrowed Mark's (our eldest son) compressor 4 weeks ago but weather and time just wasn't going to allow me to get it done. Then a break in strange weather last Thursday we and I mean Sue and I were able to work as a team and get it done. Over the year I have slowly got work to a stage of need to apply a finish my choice was using Timberlac a spray on finish used for floors and furniture. My choice is Satin the gloss looks to plastic.

Imperfecta Gracious

To many excuses to list all valid I assure you, but at last they are done.

Thanks goes to Bowl Basher (Graeme Sugar from the woodwork forum) for a beautiful piece of Camphor he gave me earlier this year of which I produced the bowl and platter from one piece. There was no way I was going to waste the colour or size of this bit of wood. The crack on the platter never once looked like it was going to give way even though I epoxied it and used gaffer tape around the outer edge using Cole jaws to turn it.

The Jarrah square bowl a piece which was out of the collective buy from Marginenta (Perth Wood School). I just had an idea and went with it, little did I know Peter (Ozartizan woodwork forum) from Artisan Retreat had a similar idea with slight differences. Sadly on my last cut on the underside 3 legs went AWOL . Glued back together

The underside and profile plus gluing.

The Trivet plain simple NSW Rosewood from Mal's Boutique Timbers

The lidded finial Box QLD Beech thanks to Noel (Outbacker woodwork forum) had a touch of spalting with Western Red Cedar boards which were destined for firewood and unknown wood for the finial which has a captive ring. Ornamental Turning via Peter Harding's Rose Engine which was bequeathed to the OTGA Llandilo Group, in memory of Peter Harding.

The Lidded box was done in stages first the Qld Beach turned and parted into three. The Red Cedar boards cut to size and the rings turned to fit to the lid, the boards had been but joined when I got them.

1st Photo the lid section, 2nd photo the base, 3rd the base, side and lid prior OT and gluing. Apology for the deterioration of photos my little Canon A430 had a stroke and died. Long live film, my trusty Canon EOS 100 after 20+ years is still going strong a new battery and film and ok processing.

Sorry no photos of during the Ornamental Turning process. Internal base pattern cut slightly below centre and through to expose the QLD Beech in the base.

The underside of the lid done using Peter's Rose Engine in bump mode starting with the outer diameter as I progressed in you can see the shape change on the QLD Beech. The Cedar pattern was an after thought and just a slight cut in then on the chuck to round it off on the lathe.

The low vase or lolly bowl also Camphor was from some I had collected when I first got into turning so full of imperfections and colour. I filled the major crack with shaving and brass fillings using epoxy just enough to allow a golden colour and light to still pass through. This is one vessel yet all the colours.

All together.

Sorry for the long post but lots to show and instead of individual I decided this way.

Timber and Tools 2nd Weekend

2011-12-03T09:06:00.001+11:00

Phew time for an update even though its three weeks past I am trying to catch up really.

Another OTGA outing this time 2 days at Trend Timbers out at Mulgrave near Windsor. Trend is another sponsor of the OTGA they sponsor a number of other local groups. This year along with Artisans Retreat they held the 1st ever turning Challenge. This was to produce an item with in an hour, to finished stage, prize if a club was a Cougar Midi Lathe which was won by Hawkesbury Woodworkers Group. The winning piece is the tri-legged lidded box seen here in Ayshen's photo (thanks Ayshen).
Adrian Clark from Trend Timbers presented those clubs who took part with a voucher for $150 for taking part.

We had a late start Friday due to another matter, but arrived by 1pm all was well under way. Being right on lunch time the queue to the free BBQ was long, but a nice steak sandwhich and cuppa then it was into some work. Sue always stays and took her spinning wheel along, we found was a good thing as Richard & Allison Clark Trends owners have a few Alpaca which s what Sue was spinning. Allison is keen to get into spinning. On Saturday Hunter Valley Woodworkers had hired a coach as they do each year and about 40 of their members come down for the day. Eric Walker one of their members is also an OTGA member who has built quite a number of Holtzapffel devices and brought along his latest creations.

Left Myself

Right Sue spinning

Left David Laird

Right Dave Roberts and Darrell Smith

Below I had pleasure in using a Rose Engine left to the club from Peter Harding who passed away during the year.

Below Eric Walker and two of his OT works

Cumberland Woodies members some good friends.

Left Ayshen her first public demo

Right Toby and Bill during the Challenge

Tools and Machines

2011-11-15T08:15:00.001+11:00

I don't mind admitting I like tools small, big old or new I have been using tools since a very young boy, through school and as an apprenticeship as a Coach/Motor Vehicle Builder, Mechanic and Spray Painter, working on computers and much more. Since joining the Ornamental Turners Group Of Australia I have had great pleasure in joining them at their yearly demonstration at Hare & Forbes Machinery House. This is a 3 day event which we have the pleasure of being at as Hare & Forbes are one of the groups sponsors. The group of fellows/friends all take their Rose Engines or lathes in to show how we have made them and use them to decorate our wood turnings.

Members of OTGA

Darrell Smith with his weapon of mass destruction, this is a big man's gouge for deep hollowing. He had fitted an LED torch to the shaft to shed light into the vase along with the steady rest built by John Chapman (steady is nicknamed Stargate).

Bowl by Arthur Thomas decoration by Ray (me) & Dave Roberts

Lou Wouter's Rose Engine work


Daniel Roberts

Daniel & Dave Roberts OT

Young Daniel Roberts although not a member (his dad is) Daniel is a very keen woodworker and is into tools and engineering.

Tim Peasley

Tim's acrylic

Peter Whitehorn

Peter is the one who introduced me to the Ornamental Turners he and I go back a long way both having been coach drivers, a good mate.

Ornamental Turning Inspiration

2011-10-12T23:02:00.000+11:00

We all look for inspirational work around us, on the net or by others. I have been following two fellows who are leading the way into Ornamental Rose Engines using CNC both with their own ideas yet crossing many paths and exchanging idea's.

These are Alan Battersby his site OT In Experiences

His Rose Engine MKII design is simple and follows that of the typical look yet modernized with the use of CNC parts instead of Rosettes, cam's, index wheel.

The next is Bill Ooms his use of a CNC bed attached to his Jet mini lathe and now the use of a CNC Indexer

Both producing and writing their own software.
Through Alan's site I was lead to the amazing work of Dewey Garrett

I continue to follow as I build my own simple Rose Engine still a long way off.

A Lap Warmer

2011-10-08T18:13:00.000+11:00

A good friend Peter down in Tassie - Smithton has been sending Sue Siberian Husky for some time now, his wife Sue requested a lap warmer if possible. Sue spun both the Husky fur and Merino together to get her yarn. Then using a 6" square loom wove the individual squares, it took some time due to a few family matters so sorry for the delay Peter & Sue.

It looks so fine and it is prior it being posted Sue placed it on my lap, I was surprised even on the cold day and my legs cold already it started warming them up quite quickly. Only concern is that Aura their Siberian Husky might be a bit put off with the scent of her own.

Aura Her Pedigree

Edited 25th Oct:- I found the photo of the 6" square loom used.

6" loom

Heavy Metal for a Freind

2011-10-08T12:19:00.000+11:00

Well I don't know about Christos but I had a top day yesterday, working with him was a true pleasure, he arrived promptly at 9ish we knocked off somewhere around 7ishpm.

I did warn him it would take all day..........it wasn't just welding was it Christos?

Our aim was to make a motor mounting bracket for Christos's wood lathe. Similar to this one.

I am glad I had spent the day before making the slide blocks, I had been given some old die steel just last weekend thanks Ken. I cut two 30x30by50mm with a 18mm hole drilled for the slide bars, I had drilled to 13mm as I wanted to double check the diam of the steel mounting rods first which Christos had to bring with him. We cut the 18mm rods to 8 inches (lathe is pre metric) drilled the blocks out to suit and a tidy up of the rods to allow better slide as they were only mild steel black metal. A pilot hole for a lock bolt drilled and Christos will tap a thread later for the securing bolts.

I had made up a paper pattern from measurements taken at Cumberland Woodworkers club off their similar lathe.

Christos's 10mm mounting plate which he said was 200x300 was in fact 160x300, ok no problem Christos had already sorted that out. After a short deliberation as to orientation of the motor to the plate, and positioning the slide blocks and marking the 10mm plate for cutting we set to work. Cutting the 10mm plate on my metal bandsaw both in the horizontal and vertical positions as the plate shape required as seen in the photo with the slide blocks of the paper pattern. This photo is of us doing the 2nd cut for one of the slide blocks to fit into.

Christos as usual full of enthusiasm took to everything, we were dodging sun and rain with some work having to be done out doors. He watched sun setting and was getting worried as the evening drew on that welding wasn't going to happen.The welding well its rough, wrong rods, tripping the power more than once with high amps 120 I think but we got there. Just as rain started again and dusk and fading outdoor light, and me getting tired took hold.

Unfortunately he has the hardest job to do yet the holes we drilled for the axlial slide of the motor have to be cleaned up and 10mmplate thats no going to be easy using a file. hope it holds.

A weeks R&R Port Macquaire

2011-09-25T16:01:00.000+10:00

Taking a drive north of Coffs Harbour to Woolgoolga which has a large Sikh population. Lunch and then back to Emerald Beach for afternoon tea and a walk along Moonee Beach Reserve headland. Thanks Meri for the heads up a wonderful walk. Coffs has an abundance of markets weekend and the Thursday fresh produce market which we head to just prior leaving. Picking up 3 ks of Honey and some fruit for on the road.

Mal from Boutique Timbers has always said about dropping in when passing. Always call before hand just in case he's delivering or at a show. However his son was at home. A nice drive so I thought, Sue will be speaking to Mal on her feelings about his driveway. A word of caution if its raining DON'T visit.

The main reason for a 2 night stay at Port Macquarie was The Hastings Woodworkers via the Woodwork Forum had announced they were holding their annual woodshow. Also in Port at the same time a Photographic conference and car show unfortunately we could not make the latter two. I have to hand it to the Hastings club for an excellent show its layout, the members works and support by such as Artizan's Retreat incorporating Trend Timbers, Helen Harris Scroll Saw supplies and New England Woodworking supplies.

Treadle Lathe

Raffle Prize

Some of the models they make including the Wells Fargo Coach.

Sue took all these photos in both the previous and this post using her Lumix digital camera. I took along my trusty yet to be developed Canon EOS 100 film SLR and video camera.

Port Macquarie as the sun was setting.

Thanks Sue for a wonderful trip.

19th October update to this post.

I finally picked up 4 rolls of developed photos today from the Canon EOS100 which I reckon through threat of being replaced by Digital produced some great photos. A new battery may have helped.

A weeks R&R

2011-09-25T12:18:00.000+10:00

A weeks R&R away from care and woe ............not so.

Last Saturday we headed north to Coffs Harbour (approx 600k's) calling in at Tinonee in particular Artizans Retreat to see Peter and Christine Calabria and the magnificent retreat they have set up. Peter and Christine are great hosts that was not just to us as we sat back and watched how they looked after 3 other families for lunch, a gallery walk and Christine and Peter with a young boy and girl making kites. A tour of the workshop/shed which is huge, the view while having lunch tranquil, the Artizan Retreat Pancakes and Banana and the Anitpesto plate very nice. The gallery has is not just Peter or Christine's work but other local artisans also. 3hrs later we had to head off, we will return for a full weekend of activities and R&R.

The Pacific Highway is still going through upgrades but the hassle is worth it its been 2 years since travelling the route and Kew is now bypassed the single lane bridges along the Taree bypass all gone, Bulladelah bypass is in full swing.

A late arrival in to Coffs after another 1hr in Taree seeing a friend and quick cuppa.

Nothing was planned good job as Monday morning I was not feeling to bright and after a Macca's pancakes we headed off to Coffs base hospital for 5hrs in emergency waiting room. The triage sister picked it when I saw her when entering. I had picked up a server stomach bug, chills etc as things eased we decided as the waiting room was filling with cases worse and needing more attention headed back to the motel. A day ruined

Coffs has a large Botanic Gardens not far from the motel or centre of town. The walk or for me roll around the gardens is easy the forest walks and swamp/wet lands fantastic. We saw more rare timbers than I thought possible with examples from around the world exotics I drooled over. Some wild life such as Land Mullets, Water Dragons, Scrub Turkey and Bower birds. The gardens are constantly going through upgrades a Japanese section is having a Tea House style built.

Old and New

Coffs Jetty & Harbour

Water Dragons one has been injured either in a fight or falling out of the tree just after passing under it.

Land Mullet

Clavia

Iris

This fellow showed up one night at the Motel.

Monee Beach Reserve and walk.

Update 16th October 2 of the photos taken with my EOS 100 film SLR. The Botanical walk at Coffs Harbour.

Beauty with in.

2011-09-14T23:48:00.000+10:00

In life as in nature we find often beauty is hidden, often close to the surface or deep inside, the same is true for Burls. I'll allow Wiki to explain what a Burl or Bur is on a tree. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burl

I have a couple of small Burl's I have had for some time, more recently I was given 2 by a member of the OTGA and purchased one from Greg Ward.
The two burls off Tony the large dia one on the bottom I have already trimmed done to turn as a shallow bowl.

The other is much deeper a more dense type of wood both sourced from down Braidwood.

Deep Bowl right and left both.
Below left large dia side 1, below right other side.

This is the one from Greg Ward 900x330x65 Blackbutt Burl. I had a play with Corel Photo (see photo below) and came up with book leafing joint for a table top if I slice it length ways making each approx 20mm thick.

This should be the last timber I procure for a while as its time to start using not storing and drooling over it. I was offered some lovely fresh Olive today fresh cut, I admired the root ball it was a good size.

Legless

2011-09-11T22:49:00.000+10:00

The weather has been all over the place for the last month or so not totally preventing me enjoying myself in the workshop or Sue in the garden, come to think of it I spent a day attending some of my Bonsai before the warmer weather arrives.

So why a title of legless?

While at the eldest sons I discovered a broken chair leg so I made a new one.

OUCH

While sanding a platter on the lathe my hand took quite a wack my thumbnail turned black and blue as you can see my index finger and 2nd finger knuckles also copped it very sore for a few weeks ok now.

Mean while Sue got busy creating legless mice for all the grandchildren 4 in all, only three here as Christian found the first white one and took a fancy to it then asked Nana for a brown mouse for Brodie. Nathan and Bianca found theirs just as quick when visiting for fathers day.

Not quite legless but out having some fun at a 30th birthday for a good family friend.

Just in Time

2011-08-12T15:49:00.000+10:00

Both Sue and I have been busy (nothing new you say) well the need to get some items finished for us both saw us battling the weather, cold and flu's.

Sue knitting a shawl for Michealla who was attending a Masonic Lodge event with her grandfather Kevin Foster. Sue spent 4 days to complete it finishing it with 3 days to spare.

Sue was also weaving a scarf which, Dot a friend had claimed as she liked the colour.

Mean while for Christians 3rd birthday I was trying to complete a jig saw clock.
Trying to do this in 8C temps out in the workshop was no fun my hands shaking with the cold. Even with a fan heater going I could only spend about an hour at a time my feet and legs were also freezing. Laminated ply and Cedar hands, plus a 2nd one as a spare with numerals and face painted on.

The Wild Blue Yonder

2011-07-18T12:54:00.000+10:00

Feeling Blue.

The Arm Chair Traveller

2011-07-08T09:41:00.000+10:00

I am not one to usually sit about, I like to keep on the move. Years of being on the road touring driving coaches and even long before that my lone motorbike rides up and down the east coast. Family holidays only ever did one out here with mum & dad to Tuggerah. With my own family there were a few camping trips, holidays and weekends away when they were all involved with BMX. Sue's and my first big one was to Rockhampton we had borrowed my mates Sandman panel van he had borrowed the motorbike sadly he got no pleasure out of it the battery died 2nd day. Camping during my years in Boys Brigade and CEBS prior that. I guess a long boat trip from England to Australia............nope that didn't start the itch either for I recall journey's with my parents, steam train journeys with Grand parents even an odd ride on a motorbike with an Uncle all back in the UK it wasn't far but I recall some of it. Especially the hot exhaust.
So why now an armchair traveller? Well I have been following a friends journey/treck in search of family history through the UK, Scotland and even skirting by near where I was born. The photography is great and worth a 1000 words. Thanks Alan & Helen for sharing.

It Followed Us Home

2011-07-04T22:26:00.000+10:00

Can never pass by a roadside rubbish clean up without scanning to see what's there both Sue and I find sometimes a labour of love to restore/repair or scavenge parts off. Most recently was this rather sad looking table well made for its day just sadly neglected over time. The centre join has opened up, a few cracks starting to appear, 2 of the legs are warped/twisted.

Weather and time has made the surface look drab and tatty, it has been disassembled and stored for now. First plan of attack will be the 2 legs which need the most attention, then the top sanding etc.

Universal Cutting Frame for Ornamental Turning

2011-07-04T22:08:00.000+10:00

I started making a Rose Engine (this is not mine) 3 or 4 years ago with help from the fellows at Ornamental Turners, well it is still sitting on my shelf in limbo 1/2 done. Space is my problem and to many other projects I seem to keep taking on or picking up.

After using and seeing various Universal Cutting frames made to do OT work, I bit the bullet and decided one more project would not get in the way, cause to much hassle, oh was I wrong. Progress has been made regardless with the equipment I have at home an borrowed.

The Universal cutting frame I am basing my build on is that of Ray Levy's he did an article in Woodturning Issue No19.

I am using 6010 series aluminium for the swivel blocks and motor support blocks as I am making two of each. One with 1" for each support shaft and spindle. The other will be 1" and 20mm. I will go into why as time goes by and I progress with the build. I started with cutting the blocks 2"x2"x3". The shafts where bought as is and just cut to length on my 4x6 metal bandsaw as were the initial cut for the aluminium, I cut the smaller block off on a hand mitre saw.
I used a 1" holesaw to drill the 1"x1" holes as I wanted to retain the removed piece for another project. The 2nd 1" and 20mm I drilled normally stepping up but hand reaming to finished size.This is where the frustration came in after buying a new set of reduced shank drill bits sizes14mm to 25mm and finding not one was correct in diameter all undersized even worse was the was no 18 but two well close to 19mm's in the box. Rang Tool King who miked all the boxes they had to find all were the same, I will be returning them at Mudgee Field days. I had already borrowed the reamers from a friend thank goodness.

To true up the swivel blocks etc I used my bench drill as a mill with a sanding disc attached, a finer finish is yet to be done.

Both Swivel blocks

1"x20mm swivel block

20mmx1"dia bore swivel block


Motor Support blocks plus a few extra

Double Trouble, a Hoody & pair of Sox

2011-06-07T21:11:00.000+10:00

For our grand-daughter Bianca's 2nd birthday a pink zippered hoodie. Not an easy task when you have no pattern to go by and only a few quick measurements taken from a hoodie that you think might fit her. For Ray a pair of socks. Just when it gets really cold, these wollen socks should keep his feet warm.

.

OM The Piece Within

2011-05-11T21:31:00.000+10:00

I was seconded into making some missing Sitar string tension knobs for a Tamil Sitar Alan is repairing a cracked Gourd on (Alan says turning makes him dizzy). I used NSW Rosewood adorned with False Ivory which was obtained through 043turning. I found the False Ivory very different to turn each piece I took the small knob from was in itself a different texture. One chipped quite easily while another almost peeled away.

While on the subject of things from the the region at a recent Trend Timbers open day Richard Clark the owner had recently returned with what he called his tiny bit of wood.

Shades Of Red

2011-05-08T18:21:00.000+10:00

There is nothing quite like making something for someone you know so I was delighted to be able to make this scarf for the sister of a friend. I had only the criteria of colour and fibre to go. Since the colour was to be red (who said there aren't a million shades of red) I thought that the recipient have some input . Janice lives in the United States and since Kool Aid is not only readily available there but is also much favoured for dyeing yarn I asked that she could provide some packets for this process bearing in mind that there are various flavours of red.
I soaked some spun yarn for a short while in a mild detergent solution before adding the concentrated Kool Aid solution. The wool and angora had the cherry flavour added while the alpaca had the wild cheery added. At the same time I over dyed some wool with cochineal to give it more depth of colour since it seemed a little washed out.

Ready for the dye solution

Dark Cherry solution for the alpaca yarn

Fortunately the kitchen sink is stainless steel or there may have been some problems with the Kool Aid staining the sink a bright red. Rubber gloves saved the hands when handling the concentrated Kool Aid packets.

It didn't take long to dye the fibre in the microwave which is dedicated for non food use - either dyeing fibre or drying wood when Ray has a piece which hasn't had enough time to dry out properly before turning it and it fits into this fairly large microwave.

When all the dye has been taken up, the jars are removed and left to cool completely before receiving their final rinse and being left out to dry suspended from the clothes line.

The wool and angora fibre looks as though it has absorbed the dye liquid well but when removed from the glass jar some of the fibre remained white. This gave a slightly mottled effect but probably resulted from having the fibre too crowded in the jar.

A nice breeze meant that drying took very little time.


An old two shaft loom threaded up for weaving

All seven skeins of red yarn used in the scarf


Dyed mohair spun on a bottom whorl drop spindle made by Ray.

The loom is threaded up with random warp threads from the skeins spun. In no particular order they consist of Silk, Mohair, Wool combined with malamute, Wool combined with angora, Alpaca and Camel.The weft yarn is the wool that was over dyed with the cochineal. The loom here is set up without a reed which felt very odd to use as usually the reed is used to beat the work down but in this case the reed was too fine for some of the threads and would have worn them down to almost nothing causing breakages.
A wide toothed comb was used to beat the weft down. The finished product was fulled in the washing machine for a few minutes then hung out to dry.

Wool of Many Colours III Mobius & Helix Scarf

2011-05-08T17:55:00.000+10:00

In the first 2 posts on Wool of Many Colours post one & post two the process of turning fibre into yarn and yarn into skeins to create the following Mobius and Helix Scarf for this years Scarf Exchange.

A Moebius is a band which has one face so that if you were to draw a line along its centre, you would end up back where you started without having lifted your pen at all, while a Helix is more like a coil and has two distinct faces.

The scarf uses the now very popular helix design which is also known as a ruffle scarf. The pattern was recently published in the Spin Off magazine. Here I used two balls which I had organised so that the colours would progress and then mirror back on themselves. This isn't an exact duplications as with any hand dyeing, there are slight variations in the bands of colour but I came as close as I could. The moebius was worked in a similar manner with the colours progressing through out though I was a little more difficult as there is a distinct lace pattern in this moebius which isn't normally used. A plain garter stitch is more common but I like a challenge. Here I have to credit Brigit Freyer from www.die-wolllust.de for her pattern "Wave of color". When I came to knitting this moebius, the number of stitches called for was insufficient for the size of garment I had intended to make so another two pattern repeats were added. This meant that I ran out of yarn before finishing the lace edging. Fortunately there was enough fibre left that I could spin up enough to finish. I hope that whoever receives it like what I have done with the fibre.

"Wave of Color" moebius. I like the way the colours graduate and end with the orange and yellow. It makes me think of flames licking around the edges of the moebius.

Helix scarf.

Rough Cut

2011-04-23T14:23:00.000+10:00

I first went timber shopping with my dad about 1963 to a sawmill somewhere around Hurstville/Kinsgrove where we were living at the time. I loved the scents of fresh cut wood the various colours available, texture and grains.

I don't think my love for real wood has changed in all those years. Mal from Boutique Timbers has some amazing timbers to choose from his latest cut is some beautiful Dark Jarrah I hope to see some of this at the June 17th to 19th Sydney Working with Wood Show

The Ornamental Turners Group will also be there as usual demonstrating their craft.

Cole Jaw Extention

2011-04-05T09:31:00.000+10:00

Cole Jaw Extension set

I recently made a set of extension's for my Cole Jaw of which i have two sets one made of Aluminium at Ornamental Turners and a steel set from Gary Pye . I made the extension set out of 16mm MDF to take the diameter to 500mm. I made a template out of 10mm MDF first. marking the main mounting holes. These were drilled with a small drill bit, then truing up the outer edge on the lathe.

Rear View of Cole Jaws

Normal Cole Jaws in use

Cole Jaws are an add on set of jaws to a chuck to hold larger bowls or odd shapes usually for finishing the base. They are not so damaging to the work itself as buttons are used to hold the job securely. Speeds of the lathe should be kept to no more than about 600 rpm with diameter's of this size 500mm+. I didn't get a photo of the jaws cut into quarters as I plain forgot to take it, or with the button holes drilled. Although these were marked out and centre punched, I past the first set onto Pat a mate and as he needs to true them to his Cole jaws before drilling the radius mounting holes.

Wool of Many Colours II

2011-03-28T21:26:00.000+11:00

1st Bobbin

Progress from my first post on my Scarf Exchange fibre the fibre was divided into two distinct colour ways. Firstly the deeper reds, orange and yellow has been spun and plied. Today it was washed and hung out to dry. The rest, what I consider gelato colours because of their cooler and softer pastel tones were split down their length then split down their length a second time, rolled loosely into balls ready for spinning. Fortunately the dyes used permeated the fibre fairly well so there was quite a uniform progression of colours. When it came to plying the singles the colours matched up fairly well with only small areas where there was a gradual blending of colours from one to another . It was a very interesting exercise watching how the colours graded through from the primary shades into the secondary and tertiary colours. I learned a great deal about colour blending in the process which I thought was a good way of approaching a project where I wanted colour definition but didn't want to use the usual Navaho plying technique. I decided that a three ply would be too bulky for what I had planned to knit from it.

1st Hanks spun

Woven Scarves

2011-03-20T10:50:00.000+11:00

I have been using my 2 shaft loom which was past on to me from Joan Fisher founder of Fairfield Spinners. Its a handy little loom, which sits on top of my treadle Singer sewing machine a nice working height.

Scarf Exchange Wool Of Many Colours

2011-03-14T20:16:00.000+11:00

I received my fibre from the Scarf-exchange today. I thought I would show it off prior to spinning and making what ever it is I'll make with it. My friend commented that the colours were really "yummy". I think I'd have to agree.

An Great Find

2011-03-09T22:29:00.000+11:00

In this post my ramblings brought up my passion for Vintage and Veteran vehicles and a time I recall well working weekends at Greens Motorcade Museum. Mr George Green one of the owners a true gentleman with a zest for life and love for his collection, its was a shame to see it sold off. Sydney lost a great family venue a historical museum its location now just a memory along Camden Valley Way a housing estate.

While setting up to take the photo's of the pens using a book on Drawing out fell this leaflet from those days in the mid 70's.


The old Traction Engine which stood at the entrance

Right In the background old Beecroft Fire Station, Beside The Oaks Tea Room and in front a 1927 Dennis Fire Engine used for rides. Crash gear box with a cone clutch, manual brakes no hydraulics.

Right The 1912 English Star a dream to drive a pleasure I had often, crank start and it had an Engine compression whistle. Whic I would take pleasure in using when seeing the Golfers next door teeing off.

Left In doors one of the exhibits was this old Charabanc.

Right Yet another Fire Engine.

I make no apologies for quality of the photo's as they were taken on a Kodak 126.

To Pass on a message we Write and Sketch

2011-03-08T15:11:00.000+11:00

New Guinea Rosewood Sierra pen & Mini Sketch Pencil

English Oak Sierra & Workshop Pencil

Queensland Wallnut Slimeline

As long as man or woman wishes to pass on messages be it drawing, sketches, knowledge, scriptures or sign there life away their will always be a need for writing implements.

I decided to create a matched pair of a Sierra pen and Sketch Pencil sets using different timbers, using
English Oak off cuts from the spinning wheel I am making.
Tassie Myrtle Burl off cuts from Pat a good friend.
Queensland Wallnut also from Pat
Native Olive and off cut from a large piece from Nick.
New Guinea Rosewood from scarp from Rob.

A series of Slimelines from acrylic which young Dave passed onto me as he found the fumes to toxic.
A Queensland Wallnut Slimeline and New Guinea Rosewood Pen and Pencil.

The kits for the Sierra Pen, Mini Sketch Pencil and Workshop Pencil all were supplied by 043turning, with Ian delving into his own stock to accommodate my order for the Workshop Pencils. I prefer to make the Workshop pencil with out the centre band so that it can be easily removed, with the centre band withdrawing the main mechanism is not possible when the sharpener is glued into place. Although a hex-nut is used to stop the pencil rolling off benches etc a need for a clip is there also.

The Mini Sketch pencils come with a 3mm lead while the Workshop pencils are 5mm leads.


New Guinea Rosewood Slimeline	Pen & Pencil

The Slimeline kits supplied by David from Timberbits all but the Slimeline Pencil that came from Jim Carroll of Carroll's Woodcraft Supplies

Acrylic Slimelines

QLD Wallnut disaster

Making pens is not without its problems as seen here in making one of the Workshop pencils. An easy repair this time.

Queensland Wallnut & the pencil that exploded

Tassie Myrtle Burl

Native Olive

Same pen different view.


Latest Pen Turning

The Hub

2011-02-27T13:03:00.000+11:00

The simple set up

Checking alignment

Testing spacing and orientation

12 holes equi-spaced

I had chance to set up a drilling rig so I could drill and position the spoke holes using the indexing on the lathe. The drill stand is one I picked up from Aldi's it has a good solid cast steel base, the post is just tube and only light. The mounting for the drill is sturdy, the operation of the drilling mechanism is a bit sloppy but easy to align and drills straight. I used a Centre bit for easy alignment and a pre-drill, the holes where then bored out to 3/8. A Brad bit would have done the job in one go but the height set up would not have allowed for one.

Brodie's Socks

2011-02-27T12:44:00.000+11:00

The arrival of our new grandson Brodie had Sue making two pairs of socks.

MAKING A SPINNING WHEEL AT PORTSONACHAN

2011-02-17T15:33:00.000+11:00

Making a spinning wheel when lathes where treadle powered.

Progress of the Spinning Wheel

2011-02-16T13:46:00.000+11:00

After having rough turned the spindle parts prior Christmas I have got as far as dry assembling the main body of the wheel. I still have away to go. The wheel its self, although the spokes are done as well as the hub. Metal work such as the drive axle and maiden axle/shaft. The footman and drive pulleys.

The Restoration is also slowly progressing, the leg repair in this post another-step-forward has since been coloured to match and sanded. Timber for the footman has been cut but I am unhappy with the state of the wood as its is heavily splated and may prove to fragile for such a work area.

Steamed Up at Oberon OR The Passion Never Dies

2011-02-13T14:16:00.000+11:00

Saturday 12th February we headed out to Oberon and the Oberon Steam Festival

A late start saw us arrive about 10.30am after a drive across the Great Dividing Range once known as the "Impassable Barrier". The Blue Mountains towns were overcast and already signs of Autumn from tree's dropping their leaves this is very early.
I have a passion for steam going back to my childhood in England where I grew up around a time when steam was alive and in use daily. Having worked at Greens Motorcade Museum in the 70's where I was restoring vehicles, George Green had a few traction engines on display.

One of the vehicles I used to drive around the museum is now located in Canberra's national Museum.

I need to thank my Coach Building TAFE teacher Mr Bob Macky for his encouragement in pursuing restoration work of Vintage & Veteran vehicles.

I have digressed ah well.
Oberon lies west of Sydney some 2 hours drive through rural and forest, at any time of year a flurry of snow can happen.

Commonly known as a "Widow Maker" this log saw has some kick.

An interesting display of Sheep Shearing tools from over the years. Caught Sue's attention as well as mine.

A miniature set hand made by a lady in South Australia.

A number of working Steam traction Engines and stationary engines were on display.

The Best Of British a magnificent Rolls Royce

The Mini Car Club

Triumph


Australian Ford GT XW

Mustang

The above Ford GT was released in the early 70's and one of the vehicles I started my apprenticeship as a Mechanic/Motor Vehicle Builder working at Wright Ford in Sydney.

Australian Holden FJ lovingly restored and an original looking 149 Grey motor. Note you can almost stand in the engine bay and work on it. You could do all the repairs yourself.

Excellence in motoring

Honda 750 4 possible Ex-Police bike.

I must add after getting around to see everything, Sue had just ordered lunch when the skys opened and it still has not stopped raining at Oberon and its Sunday. We never got back to the stalls to buy tools and books.

Froggy Went A Walking

2011-01-15T16:40:00.000+11:00

Seems like the song our resident Frog has been roaming around. We still have not been able to identify the frog species as yet. if anyone can please let us know.

Edited and Update

After much searching I found some information on our resident Peron's Tree Frog. Thanks to Hunter Valley back Yard Nature

Peron's Tree Frogs have bright yellow with black mottling on the armpits, groin and back of thighs which is a key identifying feature if you are fortunate to glimpse this as it moves around. Its back is rough-textured, but varies in colour from almost white to a pale green-grey, through shades of light brown, to reddish brown.

It is recorded that the Peron's Tree Frog will change its colour depending on the light exposure, temperature, moisture and other factors. I have not been lucky enough to observe this.

All Peron's Tree Frogs I have seen have been flecked with pale irridescent-like green irregularly shaped spots over the back, although research indicates that this feature is not always present.

We had our grandchildren over this morning they had come to wish us a Happy Birthday. Sue took them out to see if they could find the frog back in his main hiding spot. A pot on our out door table, sure enough he was there. I believe there maybe more than one.

I heard a thump

2010-12-26T15:11:00.000+11:00

Silky Oak Logs

I was sitting in side talking on the phone with my cousin who had just returned from the UK where she had been while her daughter gave birth.

I heard a thump knew it wouldn't be Santa surely not on Boxing Day he'd be to busy still delivering around the other side of the world. I went out side to find a friend Hughie had been and left me some nice logs of Silky Oak a round of Pine and a stand.Thanks Hughie!!

Gemini Dreams

2010-12-22T10:03:00.000+11:00

Gemini Dreams a great Moody Blues song

A son born under the Gemini sign

This is a pen and pencil kit from 043turning called the Gemini, Sue liked the look and style, the wood is Lilli Pilli.

Fountain Pen

2010-12-17T10:26:00.000+11:00

A Sedona Fountain Pen Kit was from Addictive Pens Kits, Acrylic blank came from Simonatra a fantastic pen turner. The pen is for our daughter at her request pity it took so long to find the right acrylic.

Rebuilt Desk

2010-12-15T08:37:00.000+11:00

Its taken time but at last its finished, stable, solid and in use again already. The use of Connector Bolts means easy to move should we need to.
Top finished with 4 coats of Wipe on Polly, the rest Danish Oil.

Frog II

2010-12-13T19:15:00.000+11:00

The Frog's back we were sitting watching TV the other night before sundown when out of nowhere a loud croak happened Sue crab the camera and found his sitting at the top of the pot again much bigger now. Still no idea what sort he is.

A Man's Shed is his Refuge.

2010-12-12T17:08:00.000+11:00

While some have sheds worthy of Royalty with every conceivable new tool and clean as a TV show hosts with no sign of sawdust anywhere, not so mine a simple single garage is it. No the car won't fit in. Storage of tools is one of those things that must be taken care of. Thanks goes to a number of people from the Woodwork Forum who helped make a new tool cabinet happen.
Snowyskiesau/ Geoff who was getting rid of some MDF sheets, Wongo/Scott who after picking it all up relinquished a sheet. Most of all a big thanks to Fletty, Alan who created it, my design he did the hard work. This gave me time to do the other things I have written about below.

Gentleman Woodworker

Draw Fronts & Handles fitted

Thanks to all.

Another Step Forward

2010-12-12T16:39:00.000+11:00

Just as winter was heading south or is that north I got inspired to make headway with both spinning wheels, the restoration and the copy for Sue.

The restoration needed one new leg and a repair to one. Making a new leg was easier than the repair, I had to cut a portion off the bottom where the footman adjoins, drilling a hole to accommodate the tenon off the new piece. The remaining original leg needed a small repair at the hole area where the footman adjoins a simple plug and new hole drilled.The new leg and repair have also been aged but still need a little work done in this to match them up.

I have started to assemble those parts which have been repaired and given a coating of Rustins Danish Oil. I have since taking this photo made the leather pieces to carry the bobbin shaft. I will take a photo and post it later.

I acquired more English Oak to make the new wheel for Sue's and both footman. The old wheel's footman was Cedar and in a poor way the cross brace which carried the shaft and main load would not have survived a repair.

The old wheel and material for Sue's wheel, spalted English Oak still damp. I have cut it to size but need to check constantly as shrinkage in this heat is bound to happen and may mean I'll need more and this will have to be used for something else.

Elm Candel Holder II

2010-12-12T16:12:00.000+11:00

Another real nice piece of Elm from Hughie a man who can make just about any tool for turning.

Little different in shape and big difference in glass for the candle to the last one. I found the glass after months of searching, finally got it at Fairfield markets a nice bit of frosted glass.

Norfolk Island Pine

2010-12-12T16:04:00.000+11:00

A neighbour had a Norfolk Island Pine cut down about 7 months ago not to large a tree about 25, 30ft high. I was lucky enough to receive quite a lot of the cut pieces, saving the tree lopper taking it to the tip and paying the tip fee's.

I passed on to a few friends some of the pieces saving myself 3 or 4 different sizes. I had taken a piece out to the Ornamental Turners club so Darrell Smith could do a demonstration. The wood was still very wet and spalted, the knots from the branches well placed.

Darrell is the busiest bloke there, so I decided to get stuck in and turn it myself recently, Darrell lent me his Rolly Munroe tool. With advice from many and having seen some amazing works done at the Hawaii Woodturners site I set about having a go.

Only having access to the lathe at the club once a week made it difficult, shrinkage the biggest problem. Whilst still roughing the shape it spat out of the chuck, due also to the new shape of the Power Grip jaws from Nova, which are now Dovetail not true straight sided. So I had to take it home and mount the blank on the Jet mini and re-shape the dovetail base.
Lesson learned check chuck constantly when doing wet wood as it dries it shrinks and depending on the day faster than you think.

Deep hollowing is fun and with even the basic tools a lot can be achieved, with special tools like the Rolly shaping the interior takes some mastering.

I worked it as far as I could on the Nova at the club and finally brought it home to complete, turning it on the Jet mini was heart stopping at times as space is at a premium. The Jet handled it well, can't say the same for me especially when the top 1/4" of the lip had damage, no idea how so I had to turn that away which changed the shape somewhat. During the turning process at home I used Organ Oils Hard Burnishing Oil which helped reduce tear out and gave a smoother cut.

New Desk

2010-12-05T18:42:00.000+11:00

This project started 4 or more years ago while I was still on my feet and using a walking stick to get around. I had got to the point of it needed one last coat on the top then broken tib & fib of the left leg putting me out of contention of finishing it off for a while. Then a heart attack 2 years ago.

Frustrated every time I saw the desk top sitting against the wall in the garage and the desk I was using, the MDF crumbling more and more. In desperation I attacked my desk in the office 2 weeks ago, pulling it apart. Keeping the draws, metal slides and legs which were good Hardwood. The replacement rails are off an old queen size bed.

I sanded the legs back, and set about building a carcase for the set of draws this is all CD ply. Replacing the draw fronts getting rid of MDF and plastic cheap handles I hated. I edged the draw fronts with some old growth Jarrah a set of Gold plated handles from Bunnings not the cheapest set but close.

More photo's to come but here is the draws. Hopefully by the end of next week I'll have a completed desk.

2 Sue's to Weave

2010-11-25T16:05:00.000+11:00

After receiving two scarves my name sake wanted to try her hand at some weaving. The idea was to set up the loom with the warp ready for for her to start one for a friend. Having chosen a blue colour scheme using wool, acrylic and mohair, I set up the warp so all she had to do was the actual weaving.

It didn't take too long before she was confident enough to work unsupervised, leaving me to wash up the lunch dishes, serving coffee and biscuits and getting the odd bit of spinning in.

The odd break from weaving left her time to read out the revisions to her first manuscript as yet unpublished. A few days and another bobbin of yarn for the weft spun up hurriedly and the scarf was finished. Cut from the loom and fulled. Now this scarf is ready for its new owner.

Lucets

2010-11-14T18:29:00.000+11:00

A few braid making Lucettes. Bone, Horn & Tortoiseshell.

A fellow wood turner in the UK made some Lucets, Mark made his from a variety materials. Mark is into a variety of works, hobbies and motorbikes. Browse his workshop.

Edit to post 1651hrs 15th Nov 2010.

Today a parcel arrived from the UK Mark posted Sue one of his lovley Tortoise Shell Lucets. Thank you Mark it will be treasured.

While showing Sue Mark's work it reminded her I had not made replacement ones lost and broken and I had been asked some time back. So the scrollsaw got a work out making two one with a handle one without. Both English oak.

Hair of the Dog

2010-11-14T17:54:00.000+11:00

Recently Max our Foxie had to have surgery due to an in-grown hair between one of his hind quarter toes. An expensive situation starting with the Vet trying applying a cream to draw out poison and a tape bandage for a few day's.

Max was good he left his bandaged foot alone and only the day prior removal did he really try get it off.

After the bandage was removed he had to wear an Elizabethan collar. The Vet had to fit one larger than normal as he could reach the open wound, stich and drain that was still in. The colar was so heavy and big we had to leave his harness on him so Sue could tie it to it to help hold it up. Being a Foxie made him look like the HMV symbol. We did how ever find that his barking reduced as the cone effect echoed so he stopped barking while wearing it.
He's better now.

Hand Spun and Woven

2010-11-07T10:47:00.000+11:00

Top 2 Weft, bottom 2 are warp yarns

Dyer & Phillips loom

In the previous post is the fibre which I dyed. I then hand spun the fibres and plied them to produce a two ply yarn, using my Sickenger wheel.

I set up the weave on my Two shaft Dyer & Phillips PL loom. This loom is one I was given by Joan Fisher who had purchased it through Anthony Hordons after the war.

Its a plain loose weave similar to the previous scarf. The warp is wool, wool and Mohair, silk and linen. Colours were requested by the gent the scarf is for.

Scarf

The Weave

Dyeing! You can do it more than once.

2010-10-25T12:43:00.000+11:00

Left Merino Right Mohair

Mohair

Life is full of colour so why stick with just one.

Merino

I was recently asked to make a scarf similar to the loose weave but in blue to grey fibre. I had some nice Angora goat fibre also known as Mohair and Merino . I used the microwave method for dyeing the fibre.

Camera & IPod cover & Getting a Handel on it .

2010-10-07T18:39:00.000+11:00

Sue had a request for a felted IPod and camera pouch, these are silk lined

A good friend has a large collection of files (some 60 I believe) many have not got handles, so I asked for his preference in shape and design. Kev and his wife Sue have given so much so it is time to return the favours. Thanks to you both. The wood was sourced from another friend an old floor joist covered in tar with still some nails in it. No idea of the wood but it is hard and dry. 2 light coats of Shellac and one coat of Boiled Linseed Oil to seal them.
Unfortunately during the making of these I suffered a right shoulder problem, arthritis which effected my grip. I am sure Kev will forgive the discrepancies, as it seems now to have cleared up with the warmer weather.

Loose Weave Scarves

2010-09-20T10:09:00.000+10:00

Two Loose weave scarves hand spun and plain loose weave done on a two shaft loom.

Candel Tray & Lidded Vessel

2010-09-05T12:48:00.000+10:00

I like a challenge and this piece of Elm was certainly just that. Encased in a sealing resin well out of round balance and thickness, I was given it by a friend. Hughie thanks enjoyed it very much. The natural formed inclusions added to the fun of turning as they do go right through and across one segment. I decided the shape almost on first sight of the blank and its end use. A glass tray I had suited the purpose, a trial of candle style a shorter one needed.

A length of spalted English Oak approx 50x50x300 quartered and glued together for the main body of this vessel, adding Jarrah foot, finial and neck with a Jacaranda stem. The lid I am not to happy with and may change.

"A push is as good as a shove"

2010-08-22T17:23:00.000+10:00

I was asked this week regarding the progress of my Drill Table. It was moving along very slowly, I am happy the fellow asked thanks BH you gave me the nudge I needed. A few weeks ago I cut another piece of Melamine sheet 12mm thick to suit the underside of the main table.
I cut out the centre to allow it to fit around the cast steel table this will help in positioning it.

I drilled three 8mm holes 40mm from the edge and used epoxy to secure in 3 8mm coach bolts, with heads flush to the surface. I used a Forstner bit to create the hole for the head first then drilled the 8mm hole for the shaft of the bolt. The two pieces of Melamine were then glued together ( I used liquid nails for this), clamped for a few days to dry.

I had some 3mm x 25mm flat steel which I cut 3 x 75mm long, drilled a 10mm hole in each 13mm in from one end, then 15 mm in from the other end I rough bent to 90deg to form an L. These will be the holding clamps for the table top. So I don't ruin the centre when drilling through and so it can be used as a Bobbin Sander, I cut out a 100mm dia section using a hole saw. This is a sacrificial piece and I can make as many replacements as I need.

Fitted at last and it can now be used the knobs are from the hold down clamps I got from McJings (I have to go get three more to replace them) . The fence is made and only needs the the brackets fitted.

A Trendy Weekend & Ornamental Turning

2010-08-19T19:51:00.000+10:00

This past weekend 13th, 14th & 15th August was the opening of Trend Timbers new timber yard complex at Mulgrave Windsor NSW. The Ornamental Turners Group of Australia is sponsored by Trend and the members attended doing demonstrations of ornamental turning. I had the opportunity to use Les's Rose Engine on the Saturday and Sunday as he had headed to the Gold Coast away from the winter winds. David Laird had set up the first platter approx 210mm dia Dave another member started it off and I was able to finish it a rope style edge flower style centre. The centre cuts didn't line up so I re-worked the centre and inserted a piece of Huon Pine.

The 2nd piece also NSW Rosewood was a little different to the normal ornamental turning instead of using a cutter shaped to a point and used in cutting head, we used a drilling attachment and a milling type cutter much like a router bit. My own Rose Engine is in the process of being built its only taken 3 years so far.

Whats in a Name

2010-07-26T16:55:00.000+10:00

We have a Scheppach Decoflex scroll saw, after using standard pinned blades for most simple type work, nothing fancy. We bought better quality finer unpinned blades through Helen Harris. PO Box 1384 Murray Bridge SA 5253 Ph: 08 8531 3440. The scroll saw was purchased through Cumberland Wood Workers club when I was a member supplied by Hare & Forbes almost 2 years ago . It's has done some work of sorts, trimming material to small for the bandsaw such as pen blank ends.

I am impressed with the entry level scroll saw for a few reasons. Its light weight so easy to move about even though it has a steel cast sub frame and alloy cast work bed. Its robust enough not to wander around the bench, its additional light, height adjustable blower for dust and its variable speed control. Most of all it has an adaptor for a flexible shaft with 3.2mm chuck which comes with it. Of course this allows for drilling, sanding, buffing no matter where as long as there is power. The attachment fits straight onto a Dremel tool an added bonus. It also came with a pinless mounting kit, it was good with a easy to fit mounting set up on the top edge of the arm of the saw yes there is a But! These had to be removed to change back to pinned blades, and protruded further in line with the blade. Helen Harris had available a adaptor to suit both blade types, once fitted it just a matter of changing blades.

Using a reveres skip tooth blade I made a name plate for our 2nd grandson for his 2nd birthday. Radiata Pine with an unknown hardwood back, left in the raw. I created the text using Corel Draw, printed it out and applied a light coat of adhesive removed after cutting.

Hebridean Spinning wheels

2010-07-23T16:23:00.000+10:00

I have done some research on the wheel I am making Sue, below are extracts of material I have found. I feel more at ease with the differences in design that I have in-cooperated knowing that each wheel is in essence made as a "One off".

It also confirms my first thoughts on seeing the wheel I am restoring it has to be at least 200 years old possibly more. Hand hewn using such tools as an Adz, Drawknife and Pole Lathe. Examples of their use can been seen here at Lithgow's recent IronFest wish we had gone now. The wheel should be a working machine even if it is to be sat in a corner and admired for its history, its unique to her descendants making it more an heirloom.

About Hebridean Spinning Wheels
Hebridean Spinning wheels are handcrafted to order and built using the same techniques as in the days of old. The distinctive Hebridean wheel, comprising over 50 separate components, is a unique design that has stood the test of time.

Until fairly recent times, the Hebridean spinning wheel was a common sight in every household. Generations after of crofting families kept sheep to provide wool for spinning into yarn for the world famous Harris Tweed.

The same care and attention that was given to such a vital tool of island living is today recreated by a few artisans who make Hebridean spinning wheels to the original design. Because they are custom made, no two wheels are identical, guaranteeing a unique and collectable replica spinning wheel to spin your own yarns on.

Measuring 86 cm (34 inches) from floor to the top of the wheel and 74 cm (29 inches) long, the Hebridean spinning wheel has compact proportions. Traditionally made from drift wood, today's replicas tend to be manufactured from sustainable forests.

The treadle-operated wheel turns clockwise to spin the wool into yarn, and counter clockwise to twist two or three individual yarns to a thickness suitable for knitting.

One of the distinctive features of the traditional Hebridean spinning wheel is its 18 spokes. This is said to relate to the strong seafaring tradition in the Outer Hebrides, each spoke representing 20 degrees of the compass.

Quite apt when making spinning wheels occupied many a long winter's evening for storm-bound fishermen!

And with trees few and far between on the wind-blasted and rocky isles of the Hebrides, it was again to the sea that islanders looked for their raw material. Driftwood and washed overboard timber en-route from the States or Scandinavia formed the primary source of timber for the crofting communities in the days of old. Beachcombing was therefore a necessity, not a hobby.

In those days, timber was deck cargo and frequently lost in sudden storms that batter the Atlantic-facing west coast of the Outer Hebrides.

Being 35 miles off the north-west Scottish mainland, the Outer Hebrides is also directly in the path of the Gulf Stream. It is therefore a common occurrence for objects to beach here after journeys of many thousands of miles, including the occasional coconut from the Caribbean.

Below is a full explanation of spinning wheel parts from http://www.schachtspindle.com/our_products/reeves_parts.php

another description .

There are many plans for spinning wheels on the internet as well as in some old Practical Woodworker Magazines. Some Free plans of an Upright type of wheel have fun if you care to make one.

Old and New Progress Part II

2010-07-22T15:13:00.000+10:00

The Old I can at last feel some work has been achieved in the repair and restoration of the 200 year old Hebridean Spinning wheel. It had been shelved a few times, while other things took precedent. There is still work yet to be done mostly small but time consuming repairs to patch up areas for it to become a working wheel again. Also to keep it looking its age, not like its just had a make over and rebuilt.

New parts made are, one leg, one adjuster knob/handle. The old one has been repaired drilled and dowel inserted to strengthen but the thread is so worn that it won't pull back. So a new one was made. The connecting piece for the treadle.

Repairs have been done to a Maiden tower, rejoining one of the lower sections using the dowelling method. The Maiden support block which had split was soaked in a soapy water solution for about an hour a hose clamp fitted for a period. It closed the gap from 6mm to 2mm, epoxy was used to glue and secure again using the hose clamp until dry. Drilling out the remains of the broken leg from the base.

Repair the broken wheel carrier upright, a small dowel and epoxy. A piece yet has to be fitted to both of these as years of ware has made a big impression into the wood where the axle has run.

Seen here are the riser block, the new leg, the repaired wheel carrier and the adjuster block. The adjuster block was made as a spare as the thread had to cut on the new adjuster knob and we were unsure if both would mate. The new adjuster block will now be used on Sue's copy of the Hebridean wheel.

Adjuster Block

Mother-of-All Riser Block


Left - The 3 legs. Right - The wheel carriers

The broken wheel carrier

The footman and treadle is made of Cedar and has been repaired a few times as any cottage worker of the day would have done simple but effective. I will decide as i go if it should be replaced or repaired.

The New

Nova 3000 lathe

A new leg

I was fortunate enough to acquire a 2nd hand Nova 3000 lathe which I was able to turn the larger parts on such as the legs and wheel carriers for the old and new spinning wheel. This was a slow process as due to the size of my workshop/garage, the lathe could not be brought home. It is housed at the Ornamental Turners club at Llandilo some 45ks away. This meant that limited time only on a club day at the lathe to produce 3 new legs, 2 new wheel carriers etc.

Seen here is one of the legs on the Nova I had turned I wanted to do a fancier type leg compared to the original design this is just a simple coves, beads and tappers

The old wheel and all its parts along with what has been made so far of the new wheel. Shown of the new wheel from right to left :- The base, Wheel carriers, 3 legs, adjuster knob and block, riser block, Maiden and its towers/flyer carriers. The hub and 5 spokes (7 more yet to make) a roughed out flyer and two of the pulleys.
The base has yet to be worked, holes drilled, adjuster block slide hole cut and drilled. A tapper on the underside. Adjuster parts to be drilled and threaded with a more common thread type.

Metal axle forged for the main wheel and a machined axle for the Maiden made.
The pieces which are darker have been given a coat of Woodwipe which is available through Trend Timbers , a liberal smear after sanding of Lanolin and cloth buffed a further finish will be applied.

The spokes also had a make over I created a profile after doing a rough test run and getting approval from Sue.

The Maiden towers were sanded back after having been aged to suit fitting to the old wheel (see above Old Wheel), should the repairs not have taken. It has brought out some interesting colour and effect.

Sue asked if the new wheel could be left its golden colour after showing her how it would look it won her approval again. It will darken over time.

The spokes laid out around the hub, the wheel carriers and the 3 legs all yet to be completed, getting the shapes sizes, filling cracks etc is taking time. Even though the Oak has been down for over 5 years after being cut there is still movement also after rough turning.

Art in Relief or Tromploy

2010-07-22T14:05:00.000+10:00

At a recent Ornamental Turners meeting one of the members Peter Harding, brought along a purchase he had made of Christ. Peter isn't a religious man but it had moved him so much some weeks previous he went back and bought it.

No matter which way you move the work Christ's eyes and expression follows you.

Knee Cap as in a warmer but not done with a gun

2010-07-08T10:33:00.000+10:00

Sue made this for her mother. A nice purple Knee cap from an old Mrs Beatons NeedleWork Book
Done in the round using 4ply yarn from Bendigo Woollen Mill

Warm "N" Wooly or "Hair of The Dog"

2010-06-20T17:21:00.000+10:00

These are for a friends mum who suffers from cold feet, she lives in South Australia. Kev her son lives in Katherine and has a Malamute or two now, grooming them is an endless task. Their fur however is sort after as a medium for its warmth.

The Malamute fur has been blended with Merino giving a 60/40 blend, they are hand spun and and knitted. The pattern is based on an old vintage pattern, for heelless socks.

Topsy Turvy Doll

2010-06-09T10:57:00.000+10:00

Our Granddaughter turned one last week so Sue made this Topsy Turvy Doll.

Flip the skirt and it changes from Nana to young girl.

Drill Press Table and Tool Box Cabinet

2010-06-04T12:05:00.000+10:00

I have the need for a Drill Press Table larger than the usual table supplied, so I set about checking out many ideas via the Woodwork Forum and Google. I settled on using 25mm Melamine for the table and fence, T-track and hold downs from McJings . As can be seen in the photo of the rear of the fence I have left a tail of T-track overhanging, this is so the lock down for the fence will not reduce the amount of table. I have to make the fence lock downs brackets. Then I only need to secure the T-track and seal the edging and its finished, when it stops raining long enough it shall be done.

I was able to pick up some FREE 18mm MDF sheet 1800x1000 from another Woodwork forumite (thanks Scott & Geoff). I had cut it to size using my Triton Mk3 but it needs a major tune up to be square. Alan came to the rescue and completed the Cabinet the back is 6mm ply, mitred corners with a biscuit, while the over hang edge is rebated.

The overhang will house my square and hacksaws, 80mm wheels fitted. Again Alan many thanks. Missed it again the photo opportunity, a man in a tie and office attire doing woodwork. Have not seen that since I was a young lad. I only need to now coat and seal it. At a later stage draws will be fitted.

Cedar Pot Pourie Bowl

2010-05-31T22:43:00.000+10:00

A simple Pot Pourie Bowl with a Putter lid.

Rosewood Walking Stick, Candel Holder and Cake Stand

2010-05-31T22:32:00.000+10:00

I am a member of The Ornamental Turners Group of Australia . A good friend David Laird is my mentor his work in Barley Twists is amazing. His walking sticks well worth having one. David's supplies of NSW scented Rosewood which these are all made from comes from Mal's Boutique Timbers

David also designs and builds many of our jig's, tools and is always able to come up with new idea's. His work with the Rose Engine is a never over the top.

Felting Boots & Scarf

2010-05-31T22:09:00.000+10:00

I suffer from cold feet during winter but these boots sure keep me warm while sitting back relaxing. Felted by Sue

The scarf was a test Sue did which turned out quite nice and very fine.

Felted them from wool.

Time For Tea

2010-05-31T22:00:00.000+10:00

Ah that first sip of a fine cup of tea.

Sue made this lovely Tea set which was raffled off during the Fairfield Weavers Spinners and Dyers Biggest Morning Tea a fund raising for Cancer.

Toy's & Rolling Pin's

2010-05-31T21:30:00.000+10:00

I found a toy I thought the grandchildren might like to play with its very simple to make it's called the "Clown Drop". It even gets the oldies in.

Thanks Steve The Scrollsaw Workshop worth it a short video on how it works The Clown Drop

A good friend had some Tassie timbers dropped off they were all turning blanks small and large for pens and rolling pins. A god selection consisting of Huon Pine. Tassie Blackwood, Tassie Myrtel. Alan doesn't turn or thing square into round (well not on a lathe anyway), so in passing them onto me he asked would I make a pair of Rolling pins for his favourite son in-law. Tassie Blackwood with Huon Pine Handles and visa versa.

Knee Deep

2010-05-31T21:20:00.000+10:00

We kept hearing this amazing Frog deep croaking sound and thought it was coming from our pond until I over filled a pot plant which had no drain hole. While sitting having a coffee at the table we noticed it come to the rim of the pot. On removing the plant which was in a plastic pot inside the stone one we found not one but two Frogs.

We released them o the pond some 8 feet away only for the larger to return to the pot within three days. Thats across the ground and back onto the out door table into the pot.

Cracker Bowls

2010-05-31T20:52:00.000+10:00

A log obviously had been cut into blanks to form 3 separate bits, I had been given them. Rough turned and sat them down on the "To Do Later" pile. Months later I started to turn one, then the other, sat it on top of the first and saw what became this trio of bowls. The bottom one had the flaw I was going to fill it, decided it looked better this way.

The timber is unknown except for the Jarrah knob.Our daughter has claimed it as her's..

This one is Spalted Macadamia a segmented piece my first segmented work a 50mmx50mmx 300mm long cut into four giving nice size Cracker bowl.

Chuck & Face Ring

2010-05-31T20:40:00.000+10:00

I had an old VW (Volkswagon) Steering Boss I had kept hidden away it had been replaced as it was causing trouble. It has now been converted to a 1x10 jam chuck and a face ring for my Jet mini lathe. It can be adapted for use also as the mounting for a Longworth Chuck I have yet to make.

Mal's Boutique Timbers

2010-04-15T10:31:00.000+10:00

Its good to see that Mal Ward from Boutique Timbers has his own Blog site now easier to find and point others in his direction. I have bought a small amount of timbers of Mal and his brother Greg, scented NSW Rosewood, a few small burls, Huon Pine. They seem to stock a fair range of large slabs also.

The first time I saw their timber selection was at The Sydney Timber and Woodworking Show 2005. The rain had given the timber a soaking but with it brilliant colours.

Mal frequents a number of shows large and small, Newcastle is another one and Kiama Wood Crafts Group's yearly weekend event .

I bought this Rosewood some time back yet still to do anything with it, it looks a bit of old fire wood till it was cut. A reasonable size small slab was broken down to these turning blanks and lengths. A small nut bowl for a friend made from some of it.

The recent handles for the wedding gift also made from some of this Rosewood.

This last show at Kiama they had some stunning timbers, slabs, planks, burls and blanks. I bought a nice piece of Huon Pine (not shown here).

A number of the members from OTGA Ornamental Turners and Blue Mountains Woodturners often buy from Mal as well.

Feathered Friends and slithering things

2010-04-14T13:38:00.000+10:00

We called into see my Uncle Kevin at Lapstone in the Blue Mountains. While there I decided to take a few photo's of his beautiful birds. They were making quite a racket as I approached the cages I saw what I first thought to be a garden drip hose. To find it had a red belly and it was about 3 to 4 foot long a baby Red Belly Black snake He was more afraid of Kevin than we were of him, they are not to be toyed with a bite can cause serious illness and a visit to hospital.

Some brilliant colours amongst the finches a variety of birds in an ideal bush setting.

3 Bags Full

2010-04-14T12:44:00.000+10:00

Its nice to be given anything for free especially if you can use it. Thanks goes to a family relation Maree and John and friends of theirs who raise Aplaca's for the 3 bags of fibre.

One bale of white which I thought when going through the top layer would mostly end up in the bin but will become doggy beds, this was skirting and legs. Then as I went further down it became a situation of my bags for sorting 1 for doggy bed - 1 for spinning - 1 I called cloud 9 it is heavenly soft.

The half bale is all coloured Alpaca and needs further sorting as there are more than 3 or 4 colours ranging from fawn to black.

This the smallest bag is yet untouched.
The bales have been a priority so they can returned for the next shearing.

Hebridean Spinning Wheel restoration A Work In progress Part 1

2010-02-26T17:59:00.000+11:00

Finaly a start on the 200+ year old spinning wheel (see story here ).

Being a member of the Ornamental Turners I approached one of the members David Liard for some expertise in turning threads to repair and re-make the tensioning knob. David took the job on without hesitation and informed me when he'd handed the completed job back that he had only just restored/repaired a similar wheel recently. The old knob seen on the left was broken just above where the thread finishes. David drilled both parts and inserted a dowel and glued it together. The new one was made as the threaded section of the old one is so worn it would not have worked in adjusting the wheel tension.

I set about copying a new castle ( the old part seen below) for the maiden carrier using English Oak as David has done also, to keep the wheel as original as possible I will also repair the broken parts.

Matching the colour and years of use ( think they prefer patina) was to be less difficult than I first envisaged the process took a while but it slowly came about to a match. Its difficult to reproduce 200 years of dirt and grime Lanolin from grease wool.

The Yoke which support the Castle was split it has been soaked in a soapy water solution for about 1hour and a large hose clamp fitted to try bring it back as close as possible to be able to glue and pin it together.

A Joint Wedding Present

2010-02-26T17:34:00.000+11:00

A good family friend, our youngest son's best man was to be married, we wanted to give Jack and Hope something we had both made.

Sue set the loom up and produced a Table Setting 4 place mats and a table runner.
Warp and weft are of natural coloured linen set up in a colour and weave threading but using a thick and thin combination instead of contrasting colours to give a textured fabric. The patterning is subtle but also intriguing. The weaving was enjoyable and I would like to do a little more of this pattern and even try out some other colour and weave patterns though not in linen.

I turned NSW scented Rosewood handles for some untensiles, Salad servers, Bread knife, Cheese knife and a Cheese combo knife.

A New Handle on Things

2010-02-26T17:21:00.000+11:00

I heard a fellow once extoling the virtues of his hammer " I've had that hammer since new its only had three new handles and one new head".

Not so this hammer yes I've had it since new, but its only had .........yes this is its thrid new handle, but its the first one I have turned since my school days. The head would be 30+ years old. The new handle is Sydney Blue Gum and style of the handle is suited to my use.

It was practice for an up and coming project on a smaller scale in Oval Turning or offset turning.

Rosewood Bowl and Amazing find

2010-02-26T17:13:00.000+11:00

This Rosewood bowl has sat around the bench waiting for a lid, I began to worry about damaging it so finaly finished it with out one. Everyone who has seen it says make a lid. What do you think? I was going to use a contrasting wood such as Jacaranda.

In processing some more NSW scented Rosewood for another job I cut a piece in half to find true heart. It has now been put aside for another purpose.

Weaving Broken Twill

2010-02-26T17:02:00.000+11:00

Sue was in the mood to weave so set up this Broken Twill in preparation for another project.
Normally there is no big deal with setting up the warp for the next weaving project but in this case the reed had been out of the loom for several months awaiting cleaning after more than usual wear on the wool and silk warp used for the last stole. Rust needed to be removed and so there would be no traces left in the next project - a natural coloured linen table runner and placemats set, I wove this stole. The warp was a white and maroon synthetic yarn which a friend had kindly given me when she finally let go of her weaving equipment. The weft was the last of the white wool yarn I bought from Carol Olde's mill when she was still in Taminda, the industrial area of Tamworth.

A New Years Project

2010-02-26T16:21:00.000+11:00

Enter the New Year and we had some friends over for dinner during the break. Alan brought me a restoration project he'd rescued from his neighbour who was having a clean out of the garage. It was destined for the skip. Alan assure it could be fixed, he obviously has faith in me not sure why.

The piece was/is a family heirloom 200+ year old Hebridean Spinning wheel the owners descendants had brought it with them from Scotland. A well used wheel in its day. It was missing a leg, broken adjustment knob used to tension the drive belt, one of the tower supports for the maiden was also broken.

This wheel looks to be hand worked rough hewn form English Oak the underside of the base is as it would have been when created.

I'll post progress reports on restoration as I go.

This what it should look like

In the mean time to see a complete Hebridean Wheel visit Spinning Fishwife's Blog and some additional photo's

Ray