Popular Post Eric. Posted September 26, 2015 Popular Post Report Share Posted September 26, 2015 Oh boy. I really did it this time.An old friend of mine is getting married in early June 2016. Last Saturday we were drinking and barbecuing and playing cornhole (the not-gross kind) and having a good ol' time. And drinking. And we kept drinking, and near the end of the night my buddy stumbles over to me and reveals this ingenious plan of his.Joe - "Ey man :hiccup_burp: Litzen up. I gotsiz idea. WAIT! Wait. Bafore you say anymthing, ear me out. :hiccup_burp: I wanna make Ellen summing an yer chop to giver to er at the recep - :hiccup_burp: - bshun. A hope chest! :burp:"Me - "Yes! Lemps do it! :hiccup_burp:" So I woke up Sunday morning with no way to hold my head that didn't hurt. And the first thing that came to me out of the foggy memories of the night before...dear lord, what have I done? But I figured...eh, drunk talk. It'll never happen. And I went on with my life.But to my surprise, he showed up at the lumberyard bright and early this morning with a pocketful of cash. So I guess this thing is on. And I decided screw it, since I'm building one "with" him, I might as well build a second one for my wife while I'm at it.Joe is an ex-carpenter turned machinist. He builds wing sections for fighter jets. He knows his way around some tools, but he's never done any real woodworking aside from framing houses. So this will be a new experience for both of us...I've never worked with anyone in my shop before...not on a "real" furniture project anyway. I built some canoe paddles a few years ago with a couple buddies over the course of two beer-filled weekends...but that's different. This will require a large amount of patience on my part...not exactly my forte. But he's a good friend and I'm mostly looking forward to the task.The beginning: about a hundred board feet of cherry (for mine...only half for this build; the other half is going in the shed for future use) and fifty board feet of African mahogany (for his). These chests require a shocking amount of material. Way more than I initially estimated off the top of my head. They're not huge...but they're big enough. Lots of lumber. He came to me with some fairly clunky designs he pulled from gargle images. They were exactly the stuff I would expect most people to be drawn to...a few "rustic" pieces and a few way overdone contemporary pieces...severe curves and starkly contrasting species. Opposite ends of the spectrum...some very amateurish, awkward and dull pieces both in design and execution, and a few that make you feel like you're being beaten with a bag of oranges.He asked for my opinion so I gave it to him. I figured since I'm doing most of the work here, and I'll be building an identical piece to his, I may as well have some say in the matter. I'm deviating from my typical studio-contemporary taste this time and I'd like to go with a simple and traditional Shaker design. After a few hours of looking over images and talking about wood and making regrettable design decisions, I think I've convinced him to go this route. Ultimately it's up to him but I do think less is probably more in this case and would be a far less risky move for something so important. Besides...when is a more appropriate time to build a traditional piece than for a wedding gift to your new wife? Something timeless and enduring. There's nothing in the world that can cause such self-loathing down the road as a horribly bold design that just doesn't work. I hope he makes the right decision.Part of me is pretty pumped about the project. I can't say I ever get "lonely" in my shop but I'll admit it'll be nice to have some company for a change. And I know he's interested in woodworking and what could be more gratifying than teaching a friend about this craft we love?On the other hand...my shop and I are pretty much at his mercy now for an indefinite amount of time. He works a regular 8-4 weekday shift and I spend the weekends at the yard. So evenings it is. How many evenings will it require to finish these things? Many, I do believe. So my shop will be consumed with this project for months to come. That's okay...but I'd like to be done by Christmas. Three months. That's my goal.The project is scheduled to commence tomorrow morning. We need to finalize a design, make a rough sketch, then we can start laying out parts. That is if he shows up...he's going out drinking tonight. LOL I'm so screwed. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davewyo Posted September 26, 2015 Report Share Posted September 26, 2015 I see the makings of a world class journal here.Plus it'll give the sparky some time to wire the basement so you can finish up the drywall. I'm sure you're chomping at the bit to get back to that... Also I would point out that whatever you guys are drinking seems to be giving you a lot of wind. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatworks Today Posted September 26, 2015 Report Share Posted September 26, 2015 Man, this is going to seriously cut into your beer time at night! That's ok, I'll have some for ya .. Should be fun, though.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim DaddyO Posted September 26, 2015 Report Share Posted September 26, 2015 By the looks of that stack of wood, you are starting out well. Keep on this track and it ought to be a nice piece(s). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted September 27, 2015 Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 I can't wait to see how this unfolds! Good luck sir. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted September 27, 2015 Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 (edited) Eric, never featured you as a Shaker kind of guy. I was thinking more G. Nakashima, Asian. I like Shaker. I would have more if I could convince the wife.This co-build ought to be a kick in the ass! Hopefully you'll still be friends in the end. Looking forward to the journal! Edited September 27, 2015 by K COOPER Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted September 27, 2015 Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 This has the potential of being an experience that you will end up with very fond memories for a life time or come away feeling like the last three month seemed like a life time. Have fun!!!Let's see, wings for fighter jets. You are in St. Louis Mo. so I am guessing he works on the F/18 Super Hornets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted September 27, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 Eric, never featured you as a Shaker kind of guy. I was thinking more G. Nakashima, Asian. I like Shaker. I would have more if I could convince the wife.This co-build ought to be a kick in the ass! Hopefully you'll still be friends in the end. Looking forward to the journal!I like many different styles, I just happen to build contemporary stuff more often. I'm not a big fan of the ornate early American stuff for the most part...all kinds of respect for it but it's a little old fashioned for me. A lot of the Shaker stuff is a little boring IMO but certain pieces are just so perfect and elegant in their simplicity that it's hard to do better. I think the blanket chest is one of them. I don't care for the ones with the drawers...but the basic dovetailed case with skirt and breadboard lid...beautiful.This has the potential of being an experience that you will end up with very fond memories for a life time or come away feeling like the last three month seemed like a life time. Have fun!!!Let's see, wings for fighter jets. You are in St. Louis Mo. so I am guessing he works on the F/18 Super Hornets.I can't remember, Chet. I'll ask him and report back. I know it's not Boeing he works for...GKN maybe? It's all top secret but I have high-level clearance. As for the experience...I have a feeling it'll be both. It's gonna be great when it's done, let's put it that way.I think the biggest challenge for me is gonna be walking the razor's edge between letting him do most of the work yet not allowing him to screw anything up. I like being in the driver's seat...but this is his piece and needs to be built with his hands. All I can do is offer advice and demonstration...the rest is on him. It's gonna be painful to watch him make mistakes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted September 27, 2015 Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 I am guessing he has a boatload of sanding in his future ! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodger. Posted September 27, 2015 Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 (edited) So I woke up Sunday morning with no way to hold my head that didn't hurt Is this a shawn mullins refrence? Edited September 27, 2015 by Pug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaneymack Posted September 27, 2015 Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 This sounds like fun Eric. I would love to do something like this in my shop with a friend or my brother. I always offer everyone but there are never any takers. My lil bro is getting married next year. I will show him this journal and tell him he should do the same for his bride. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Eric. Posted September 27, 2015 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 I do hope you're kidding Pug. It's a Kris Kristofferson reference via Johnny Cash. Shawn Mullins should be sent to prison for covering that song. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted September 27, 2015 Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 Eric, are you gonna sneak any secret compartments into that Shaker design, just for kicks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodger. Posted September 27, 2015 Report Share Posted September 27, 2015 I do hope you're kidding Pug. It's a Kris Kristofferson reference via Johnny Cash. Shawn Mullins should be sent to prison for covering that song.LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Eric. Posted September 28, 2015 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted September 28, 2015 Once again I was surprised with an early arrival this morning. We BS'd for a while and consumed caffeine and I showed him a very rudimentary sketch of what I had in mind for our chests. I was very pleased when he said, "perfect." It's quite a relief actually, knowing that I won't have to endure an entire project thinking all the while it's poorly designed. Simple, classic, and most importantly...easy peasy. Check out these sketchup skills and try not to get jealous: We spent the rest of the morning agonizing over grain and color and laying out parts. His were much easier than mine...the African mahogany boards were pretty much all rift sawn and straight-grained and clear from end to end. He'll have some great continuity on his chest...the front and both sides will wrap around unbroken. Mine were not as easy. The pile of cherry I brought home had some knots and sapwood to work around, but the wood is rich and the price was great. We got to making our first bit of sawdust... And ended up with this... We worked until I had to leave for my little buddy's 3rd birthday party. I still need to hack out a few more parts for mine, then we're ready to start some milling. Possibly tomorrow. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted September 28, 2015 Report Share Posted September 28, 2015 Looks like you are off and running. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted September 28, 2015 Report Share Posted September 28, 2015 Yea.. Pretty good progress! Is the pic you or your buddy? Like I need to ask.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Trip Posted September 28, 2015 Popular Post Report Share Posted September 28, 2015 Wow... So you rough-cut all that stock and ended-up with a lathe? That's pretty cool... 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted September 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2015 Poof! It's magic. Just grew out of that stack like a cypress from a swamp.Yes Kev...him, not me. You know my identity is confidential and under tight watch. I could show you my face...but then I'd have to kill you. If you didn't kill yourself first.Chet...I asked him what he builds and I forgot already...V-somethings...22? I know nothing about things that fly.Ross...no, not planning any secret compartments or complications of any kind. The theme for this project: simplicity. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted September 28, 2015 Report Share Posted September 28, 2015 Chet...I asked him what he builds and I forgot already...V-somethings...22? I know nothing about things that fly..If it is a V-22, its the Osprey which has tilting engines that allow it to fly like a helicopter or a prop plane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted September 28, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2015 Yep, that's the one...Osprey. I remember Osprey now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted September 28, 2015 Report Share Posted September 28, 2015 You'll have to watch that your reflection isn't in one of those shiny Powermatic tools. You can get software to reconstruct your image you know - I saw it on CSI so it must be true. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mat60 Posted September 28, 2015 Report Share Posted September 28, 2015 Look forward to your build Eric. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janello Posted September 28, 2015 Report Share Posted September 28, 2015 This should be interesting to watch unfold.I just watched a documentary last night on the osprey. That's one high tech aircraft, I think he will be able to handle this. They showed it refuling in flight following a C130 at some 500+ MPH following 15 foot behind it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted September 29, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2015 This evening we completed round one of milling. I'm pretty impressed with Joe...he seemed to get the jointer right away after a very brief and basic overview. A lot of people simply cannot understand what this machine does, how it does it, and why it's necessary. I let him watch me mill my parts, then I handed the reigns to him and he tore right through it without a glitch. He put the boards down on the correct face, applied the appropriate amount of pressure in the right places at the right times, fed at a reasonable rate, and produced some dead flat sticks. This thing may turn out to be not nearly as difficult as I first imagined. Then we filled up an entire drum with chips from the planer, and got all the boards for our cases and skirts down to just under 7/8". We'll give them a couple days to rest and do it all over again later in the week. Then it's time for some glue and clamps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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