Back Log

Over time I have done a number of works which were having a play with scrap or some Ornamental Turning pieces done at demo's when I was with the OTGA, these were never completed. Bases not  turned off, sanding not done and no finish applied, I had accumulated a small box of these and it was taking up space let alone bugging me they were not completed.

This is just a few which over the last few weeks have now been finished, I just wish the weather was a little better to have done more, with high and low temp's then winds up to 90k's Wipe On Polly just didn't behave.

The two large Jacaranda vases are yet o be sprayed when the wind and fires around Sydney stop blowing dust and ash about.

After sanding prior finish

 Camphor small dry flower vase natural mouth shape of the cut from the small branch.

 No 2 Camphor again from a small branch with mouth left the shape of the cut.

 A Bud Vase which has a medical vile inserted. Unknown stem timber and base is Bottle Brush.

 Above Camphor I'll call it a Dice Shaker.

Below an Ornamented Camphor lidded ring box.

 An English Oak body, Western Red Cedar top and Jarrah base lidded box the light coloured piece was an in fill for a hole which was in the Cedar.

Above an Ornamental Turned lidded ring box Jarrah and Jacaranda top and base.

Planking, Board or is that Bored?

A couple of weks ago I arranged to pick up some Magnolia planks for a neighbour from Greg Ward/Boutique Timbers. I had never heard of Magnolia being used before for any woodwork and it was Greg's suggestion these maybe just what was required. So Wayne and I popped over picked them up early one Sunday morning (day after Navy 100 year celebrations so Sydney streets were still quiet).

The planks/boards looked like any other rough sawn but after some work on the edges and Wayne's effort with the belt sander we found what will be an amazing colour hidden.

These are to be blind supported shelves for Wayne & Lor's office, the work will take some time as it weekends only and both Wayne and I have other things on the calendar.

Good job Wayne has a large back covered area it was a warm day, his sturdy fold up table made a great bench. My Hitachi saw working well after 20 years+.

Left the six Rough sawn boards.

Right Wayne trimming edges

 Left Wayne making homage to the Belt sander lords being it is an old Millars Falls all metal case belt sander.







A short time latter the Magnolia reveled its hidden colour.

 

Once the job is completed I will post the finished work.

We both had a top day sharing and generally getting stuck in and getting as far as we could.

38 Years and a Sharing Weekend

Friday 11th Oct was Sue and my 38th Anniversary like most Friday's a busy one for Sue a quiet dinner together at home to celebrate. The rest of the weekend however was full on.

Saturday 12th

We attended the Campbelltown Steam Museum as it had an open weekend which incorporated The Society of Mechanical Organ Enthusiasts what generally are called Organ Grinders, yes there was one there with a monkey stuffed as it was.

Steam and old machines is a shared love between Sue and I the sights sounds and smells, the passion and care going into the restoration of these magnificent old machines which helped shape our world.

Andrew & Dave working hard at the Forge, not often you see a Blacksmith wearing a Top Hat.

 Steam power

ANZAC Biscuit tins 

 Two of the hand built organs.

Yet to be restored traction engines

One restored and painted they stand out.

In the background the amazing old and new tunes being played on the Organs as we strolled around. I have taken video as soon as I have it edited I will try post some here.
By 2pm temp had risen to 35C so we made for home and a cool spot.

Sunday 13th
Mater Dei Fete.

Fairfield Spinners have been involved for many years at Mater Dei Fete at Camden this year foru of the ladies spent the day spinning and showing how they turn fibre into wool. Peggy, Michael, Veronica and Sue, I tag along as its a great day out.
The day itself for the guild wasn't a profitable one but its not what they go for its to spread the knowledge of the art of spinning and weaving.

Pen Display Case

Its taken a while to do this but its now done thanks to Sue's effort in cutting the material's sewing and putting up with changes we both saw which were required.

The case was given to me by our next door neighbour it housed felt tip pens from the pre-school she worked at. Its about the size of A2 paper each side, its light construction but deep enough for the pens. The new insert is plastic core board like used for Real Estate signs this was purchased from Bunnings Hardware, not cheap mind you.

A layer of Polar Fleece to give some padding, glued to the board, after the elastic was sewn on to the velveteen it was also glued wrapping the edges behind. The whole board was then glued into the case. Black ribbon was used around the inside edge to give a better look and two pieces used to stop the case opening to far if standing or laid down flat in the open position. The Red velveteen is smooth one way but not the other making it easy to put the pens in yet a little harder to remove them.

The elastic has been sewn in a way to be strong enough to support and hold the variety of pen sizes in place. It has a total of 120 spaces but will only hold about 70/80 comfortably this depends on Pen sizes.

 Here you can see the box has small locks to keep it closed and carry handles of fine leather

First go at Milling on The Myford

I set up the vertical mill on the ML7 for the first time so I could try rescue the rouge T-nuts from the set I bought see this post on Myford T-Nuts . This was a case of teaching myself set up procedures, use of mill/drill cutters as well as speed and feed rates for best results.

Each T-nut had to be done individually all twelve of them as not one was the same it was a slow task but I did learn a lot while doing them. The right way to have the tool enter the material for cutting the face as well as the L section.
I found the gib needed adjusting on the vertical mill as well as on the cross slide as a little vibration was noticed.

Out of the twelve sorry that should be eleven as one of the kits was missing one, I have at least nine which I will use one thread area was breaking through the side even prior me trying to clean them up to fit.

That magnetic P-plate was a time saver in cleaning up.