More Spring Blooms

Spring activities in the garden this year have been rather slow mainly because it is still early weatherwise for us but also because we have our house on the market.  We had hoped to be moving in time to establish a garden at the new house but that doesn't look like it will be happening.  I am plugging ahead working on the area we started last fall so there has been minor improvements there. 

Jelly Cupboard Build Update

Now that I have had some time in the shop I started working on the Jelly Cupboard Build again.  I need to get that out of the shop so I can get reorganized and cleaned up to start the WIWW nightstand/beach house nightstand. 

I thought I would post a few pics of that I was able to get done tonight. 

This is part of the door frame.  It is constructed with a half lap joint.  There are a couple of ways to accomplish this joint.  There are two ways specifically to accomplish this on a table saw (Well Two ways that I know of I am sure there other ways) one is to use a Dado Set which I have loaned out currently, the second and the way that I accomplished this is to use your regular blade and nibble away that the wood. 

Essentially I like to figure out the width of my cut set my fence that width and make my first cut.  Now if you do this make sure you use your miter gauge with a sacrificial fence, this does a couple of things.  It provides support to the back of the wood as well as giving you some additional support on the board you are cutting.  I make my first cut with the wood against the fence just touching not real tight on the fence you don’t want to cause a bind or have it kick on you.  Now with the first cut made I move the board just a hair to the left to let the blade nibble away at the next piece and then rinse and repeat until I get to the last cut.  You will need to do some clean up. 

If you look at the board you probably missed some pieces if they are large pieces you can line them up with the blade and cut them out.  If they are just fragments of wood hanging there your best bet is a piece of sand paper a 1/4 sheet sander or even a block plane.  I opted for the block plane because I have geeked out on using hand tools as much as I can lately.  I guess you could use a chisel as well. 

Once you have nibbled away at both the boards you will have a joint that looks similar to the one seen here.  Now you can see why it’s called a half lap joint.  This is a pretty neat Joint and I can see using this in future projects.

As you can see in the previous picture I also drilled a couple of holes for dowels.  They are supposed to help reinforce the joint.  With modern glue I don’t really think there is a need for reinforcement however from a cosmetic aspect they fit well with this piece. 

 

Here is a quick shot of the body of the cupboard.  I had some time to paint part of the inside.  I need to finish that up.  Obviously the inside will be white and the outside is going to be a grayish/green color.  Should be interesting.  I am doing it all with milk paint.  I will do a post on that at some point as it is somewhat different than regular paint. 

At this point I need to finish up the door frame and cut the hinge mortise and get everything mounted.  Mrs. Grover will be doing the punched tin for the door.  I’m hoping i can get her setup this weekend and get that knocked out. 

 

 

Have a Great Day!

Technorati Tags: woodworking,hand tools,jelly cupboard,half lap joint,table saw,block plane

What Does Not Belong in Your Compost

Composting is the ultimate in recycling.  Food scraps and vegetation are easily turned into the highly desirable soil amendment known simply as compost.  Compost can be used as a natural fertilizer for all garden beds, as a potting medium for most container plants including houseplants and even scattered through out the yard to act as a fertilizer for grass and other ground cover.  There simply

Miter Saw Tuning

Drum roll please…………

I did it.  It’s done all the pictures are done for the Miter Saw tuning post.  I can’t believe it. 

 

Okay So here we go. 

First and foremost when you start this process :

PLEASE READ, FOLLOW, AND UNDERSTAND THE USE AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR SAW AND ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SAFETY GLASSES AND I RECOMMEND HEARING PROTECTION.

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR SAW IS UNPLUGGED DURING THE FIRST SEVERAL PARTS OF THIS TUTORIAL.

Okay now that I have that out of the way.  Seriously please take care of yourself and watch what you are doing. 

Squaring the Blade to the Fence:

You will need a speed square or some kind of accurate square that you can check 90° and 45°.

Make sure your saw is set and locked at the 0° take your square and lay it on the table to check for 90° make sure the it is flush against the fence.  You are looking to make sure there is no gap between the square and the blade.  Make sure that you don’t put to much pressure on the blade as it can cause it to deflect. 

 

 

Now once you feel that the blade is square find a piece of scrap wood and and make a cut with the widest side laying flat on the table.

 

Part of the reason I included a video here was to show some safety precautions.  When you are making your cut you want to start the saw close to the the material make a slow and steady cut through the wood.  Once you have made the cut leave the blade in the down position and let the blade come to a complete stop.  This does a couple of things.  It reduces the risk of you sticking your hand in there and trying to grab the wood.  It also keeps you from possibly causing the blade to catch the wood and at best chipping at worst possibly throwing the piece at you or across the shop.  You will also notice that I keep my hand on the piece through the entire cut, I also as the blade is slowing slide the “non waste” side away from the blade.  I don’t know if this is good or not it’s just something that I gave gotten in the habit of doing.  In my mind it helps keep the blade from catching the piece as well. 

Now once you have made your cut get your straight edge out and align the two pieces against the straight edge.

You will notice that I have labeled one part with a T(top) this is just for orientation.  Now take the one piece and flip it over 180° on its top. 

 

 

 

 

Now you want to check for any kind of gap between the two pieces. 

 

 

 

 

Fortunately for me I don’t have any gaps in my pieces so I don’t need to adjust the saw.  For this cut.  If you do need to adjust this please refer to the manual for your saw.  Typically there are bolts that will allow you to adjust where the saw stops.

 

 

 

Checking the 45° Miter Setting:

Just as we did with the 0° setting take your square and set it to check for 45°.  Again make sure not to press to hard against the blade and keep the square flush to the fence. 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a try square or a combination square and check the miter for square also check to see there there are no gaps in the miter itself.  We are looking good here no adjustments needed.  If you need to make adjustments refer to the manual for your particular saw for adjustment details. 

 

 

 

Checking Bevel

Like checking for square set the saw to 0° and make sure you are still square.  Now take another piece of scrap and place it on edge and make your cut. Once again take those pieces and align them against a straight edge and the flip one piece like you did before and check for a gap.

Hey guess what.  I have a gap.  I will be spending a little time adjusting this.  Again if you have a gap here refer to your manual to on resolving this issue.  Now I need to go find my manual. 

 

 

 

 

You will want to perform a similar cut when you put the blade on a 45° Bevel.

  Take your piece on edge and cut a 45° in this piece and another and set up the miter similar to what we did here:

 

 

 

 

  Again make sure to check for square and gaps and refer to your manual. 

 

 

 

 

Sorry to keep telling you refer to your manual but each saw is just enough different that it is important to refer to yours so you can adjust your saw accurately. 

I hope this helps you in setting up your saw and providing a little bit of safety and usage guidance.  Please feel free to ask me any questions or if you would like to see any other photos please feel free to let me know. 

After making the adjustment needed you should have a very accurate saw that will allow you to make nice square cuts and will allow you make the nightstand with ease. 

Have a Great Day!

Technorati Tags: Woodworking,miter saw,tuning,tutorial

Lets get outside !

Ok so where I live it can be 80 degrees one day and 50 the next. Ahhh April, but it is time to start thinking about your outdoor spaces, no matter how small !

How to Grow Potatoes in Potato Planter Bag (3)

Once the potato foliage begins to die back the potatoes are ready for harvesting.  They can be harvested earlier as we do if you want the new, small potatoes.  Don't expect a huge yield of potatoes.  We grow mainly for the new potatoes and a bit of fresh eating, not for storage.  Potatoes routinely are on sale $7.99 for a 50 lb bag.  I can't grow enough for what we would need to store through the

What am I doing?

I am currently reading Make Your Own Guitar by Melvyn Hiscock.  I am prepping myself as best I can for my first guitar build.  This is hopefully the start of a Career.  I’m hoping that over the next 10 years I can develop my skill at building guitars and make a Full Time career of it.  It’s a tough business to get into especially competing with the Big dogs out there but I still believe there is a good market for Custom Built and Hand Built Guitars both Acoustic and electric.  Like most things I have decided to just teach myself at least in the beginning.  I’m sure I will take some classes down the road but for now it’s full steam ahead. 

Tomorrow night I plan to go into the shop and finally knock out the post on Tuning a Miter Saw.  I hope to have that up tomorrow night or Thursday.  Once that post is done I will start on the WIWW Nightstand build and start the post with that.  I want to break up each section into it’s own post so you have a step by step guide to building the nightstand.  Sorry it has been taking so long on this.  I know I got everyone all excited with the Series.  I had some really great responses.  April is about over and all of my commitments are mostly taken care of so I can spend some time focusing on the series and getting it done right for you. 

On a side note….   In a jonesing for something woodworking I tackled a new type of woodworking tonight.  Well not so much new as it was adapting some current skills into producing something else.  I am excited about it and will post about that as well in the future but for now it is going to be a closely held secret.  I think you will find it interesting as well.  Tonight was mostly prototyping and figuring out how I wanted to do things.  I still have a lot of figuring out to do on the project but think I am well on my way. 

I also got to spend sometime in the shop with Grover Jr. tonight.  We had a Parent/Child Project that we completed tonight from Home Depot.  It was a little shelf kit with the number 20 Home Depot Car.  Pretty neat.  If you want to spend some quality time with you son or daughter I highly HIGHLY recommend the Lowes Build And Grow Program.  I took Grover Jr. to one a few weeks back and we built a Kaleidoscope.  There was just something very cool about spending sometime with him just the two of us sharing something that I love with him and seeing him enjoy it. 

Here are some pictures after a successful morning of building.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He is a trip.  We never could get him to stop making faces.  I really totally so don’t know where he gets it from.

Have a Great Day!

Technorati Tags: Woodworking,WIWW,Women In Woodworking,Guitars

How to Grow Potatoes in Potato Planter Bag (2)

I wanted to show you the entire method of growing potatoes in planter bags now so you have a chance to try it in your garden this year.  Yesterday's post showed the basic method of how to plant potatoes in bags.  This is quite a useful no dig method for growing potatoes perfect for patio or small space gardening.  Here is the second video that shows what your potato planter bag should look like

AND THE LARSON -JUHL WINNER IS...............

                                                        VICKIE H.!

This generous give-away was sponsored by Larson-Juhl, the renowned frame manufacturer.

Their division Artaissance has over 3,000 art images for you to peruse and customize for your home. Vickie's choice was 'Mardi Gras Queen', shown above, on canvas.

By artist Marta Wiley.

In asking the staff of Larson-Juhl to choose a winner randomly, they opted for a website called Random.org.
Having not known about this site (am I the only one?), you can count on this being pulled up for the next Phillips' Christmas drawing. :-)

CONGRATS VICKIE!      AND THANK YOU STEVE McKENZIE OF LARSON-JUHL!

Debra

How to Grow Potatoes in Potato Planter Bags (1)

Growing potatoes is quite easy if you use a no dig method aka containers.  Most store bought potatoes are treated to prevent sprouting.  If you have some that were not treated and have sprouted you can use those or you can buy seed potatoes to plant.  You can use a plastic garbage pail with drainage holes or a potato planter bag.  These bags are meant for landscaping projects and some companies

The 100 Square Foot Garden Challenge

Rosalind Creasy of Mother Earth News has proposed a 100 Square Foot Garden Challenge. The challenge is produce as much edible food from a garden space of 100 square feet.  Ideally according to Creasy the bed should be a 4' x 25' Jeavons style garden bed with the long end facing north to make crop rotation easier and eliminate shading problems.  Basically a Jeavons garden bed is raised and no till

The Meaning of Naturalization in Terms of Gardening

Over the past couple of weeks while discussing various spring bulbs in my gardens I've used the term naturalize or a variation of the word in several of the posts.  In terms of gardening naturalization mean something you planted thrives and spreads with minimal effort on your part aside of the initial planting.  In addition to this, naturalized plants are usually problem, maintenance free and

The First of the Tulips in Bloom

Tulipa tardaApril 19, 2010
I was quite pleased to see the first of the tulips in bloom.  Last year it took a bit of effort to identify Tulipa tarda pictured.  The Tulipa tarda are thriving and spreading (naturalizing).  These pretty little tulips were hiding in with the lilies so at first appeared to be a lily.  What I did find out is the former owner planted these tulips amongst the lilies to

I’m in Love

Yes I am in love with my wife and have been for a long time.  Well before we were married and well before we even started dating but that’s a whole different story for a different blog.  What I am in love with is a tool.  An “antique” tool at that.  A few weeks ago I bought a couple of Hand Planes because I wanted to learn how to use them.  I am in this whole I want to learn to use hand tools kick.  I am teaching my self to hand cut dovetails.  That is tough.  It’s going to be a while and I know I am going to have to upgrade saws.  I bought a cheap one and there is a reason that it is cheap, but enough about that.  This is what I have fallen in love with

 

 

 

 

 

I have not had much of a chance to really research this particular hand plane.  It has a Stanley blade but I am not sure if that makes it a Stanley or not.  I will be scouring the internets for more information on this tool.  I actually bought this one and a smaller one.  I need to figure out what they are.  I will say that I read enough to figure out how to set the blade and went at the top of my jelly cupboard.  There was a little bit of a lip on the seam of the two boards and I was going to run it through the power planer but this hand plane was just calling out to me Use me Grover, use me.  Who am I to deny the will of the tool.  It knows best.  Well, after some playing and really hoping I didn’t screw my top up I had the seam on both sides leveled and the top looking awesome. 

It was amazing and a very beautiful thing to see those ribbons of wood just coming off the top.  It was almost magically and man did I work up a sweat.  I had like a whole Roy Underhill moment only he uses even older tools. 

I honestly never thought that I would be so infatuated with a hand tool but it was amazing.  I wanted to keep going and keep working the top but I didn’t want to take it down to far. 

I know I have a long way before I become proficient with the tool and have to figure out the sharpening of the blade and what exactly all of it does and the in’s and outs of using hand planes.  It’s exciting and best of all I only spent $25 on the pair of them.  I will get some shots of the smaller plane. 

Let me know about your experiences with hand tools, I’ve been a power tool guy and this is a new journey in woodworking for me.  Hopefully we can learn something together. 

Have a Great Day!

Technorati Tags: Hand tools,Hand Plane,Jelly Cupboard

Earth Day 2010

Today is Earth Day 2010 in celebration of Mother Earth.  The day is meant to bring environmental awareness that we need to practice an eco-friendly lifestyle.  It is a celebration of hope and sharing our knowledge with others.  It's a way of teaching our young ones that we have to look after the earth if we want to survive.  Many communities hold special events in celebration of Earth Day.  Many

Our Resident Bluejays

We have a pair of resident bluejays that frequently visit a couple of times a day.  Their antics can be quite amusing!  I toss out unshelled peanuts for them to enjoy so if I haven't put the peanuts out by the time they arrive they will come close to the house and call to get my attention.  Once in awhile a squirrel tries to sneak a peanut but the bluejays are onto him.  They chase him away

Cool stuff to hold your stuff in

I've always like "different" things in my house and storing them is no acception. These are fun ways to show off your stuff. Top 2 from Viva Terra, bottom 2, Pottery Barn.

More Narcissus

Double Trumpet NarcissusApril 16, 2010
There is one large clump of double trumpet narcissus in the gardens.  It has spread from last year which is something I've been encouraging.  The foliage of all spring bulbs should be left alone until it completely turns brown and can gently be pulled away.  Protect the foliage from lawn mower damage if necessary to allow it to die back.  This can easily be

LARSON JUHL. Introduction and ART GIVEAWAY!

 

 Larson Juhl, has long distinguished itself, in the framing industry through fine craftsmanship and personal service.
As a design-driven company, Larson Juhl, in the words of CEO Steve McKenzie, "Is committed to the success of the industry through new designs. We listen to what the consumer wants. We attend art shows and major exhibitions around the world and we investigate color trends and home trends."
(5th:  Think I would like to work for them!)

I was truly honored to share in the opportunity of meeting Steve McKenzie via an event co-hosted with Eddie Ross last January. Steve was extremely generous, and a gracious and approachable host who possesses a contagious passion for his company. I had to know more.............so am sharing our interview, an exciting new division of their company and a wonderful giveaway.
 

  5th;  Your thoughts on custom framing in today's interiors?

SMK;  "Decorating with custom frames challenges the senses, engages the spirit and transforms a room while influencing how a piece of art is perceived."

5th;  What design elements would you recommend we keep in mind?

SMK;  1)  Frame what you love. It may be a street painting from a special trip to Paris
             2)  Be aware of space and appropriate size
             3)  Understand your personal tastes so that you can express you style to the framer

5th:  What trends are you following and foreseeing?

SMK:  
-An extreme awareness of environmental responsibility. Larson Juhl has a parallel commitment to sustainability, utilizing managed forest lumber for all our products.

-A renewed appreciation for what nature provides. With such hi-tech and sleek modern lives, natural wood is comforting.
-Propensity  of color. Brights are used more in monochromatic rooms adding a punch that creates energy.
-Contemporary and Modernism continues to grow with clean and simple lines.

5th; I found your website to be very consumer friendly. Loved that the frames are separated into collections as shown above.

 Into the 'Style Notebooks' as shown with the Johnathon Adler collection

And as in the example above, you provide 'Framing Recipes' and in this case pocket watches.

This "recipe"

-Outer frame: 'Sevilla'
-Inner frame: 'Ambrosia'
-Top Mat: 'Buckskin Leather
-Bottom Mat: 'Bart'
-Fillet: 'Sevilla'

SMK:  "Many individuals do not fully understand their taste which transcends framing, this is to create a dialogue and prompt you in seeking your basic style. To ease the fear of making a mistake and to take your ideas to the framer who can ultimately navigate your decisions.

5th:  Steve, let's talk about our mutual love; framing objects. What ideas can you share with us?

SMK:   "Anything can be framed and acquired objects can be arranged as the ultimate personal collection. Consider for instance a Grandmother's christening gown. It is so personal and aesthetically beautiful that it becomes a work of art adding a touch of humanity into a space."

I am crazy in love with how Brooke from Velvet and Linen thought to frame vintage bathing suits.

My dear friend Betsy framed her son's first "big boy" jeans which she hung in her laundry room.

An old German fishmongers chart currently for sale in the shop

17th century French candy molds I had framed



5th:  Personally I am excited about your latest division, Artaissance, your pioneering art publishing division that addresses what is inside the frame.

SMK:  Artaissance or 'Art that Fits' represents the work of emerging and well-known artists. Our interactive online library has over 3,300 images representing the work of more than 140 artists, and is continually updated on a monthly basis. All of the images are exclusive to the collection be it watercolors, photography, collage and mixed media."

Remember this everyone? Eddie Ross' winning window for Bloomingdales. And the centerpiece was the framed art from Artaissance.

                                                                            Cirsk #1

What is choice about this division is the ability to customize the art for your space. You can choose the size and substrate be it paper or canvas. Eddie had the edges "deckled" then floated the piece for added depth.

So here is the generous giveaway;
-Go to the Larson Juhl website
-Scroll down the left and choose 'Artaissance' and scan the selections
-Email me with your choice of artwork, substrate and size. Hurry!
Winner will be chosen randomly.    Here are some of my favorites;

Jenny Nelson

Felipe Santama

Amy Butler

Photography by Thea Schrack

Thomas Paul

Miguel Dominguez

David Dauncey


HAVE FUN! I certainly did and found myself awash in possibilities.

A special thank you to Steve McKenzie for this generous opportunity for the readers of  '5th and State'

Debra