Thread: I’m a convert!

Originally Posted by fletty

Today, either side of a baby shower (since when have men started being invited to baby showers?) ..... 🤞

Since when have such invitations been accepted ???

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

Since when have such invitations been accepted ???

Refusal didn’t seem to be an option?

I had a one-step-backwards one-step-forward sort of day so the only positive thing i can show you today is......

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...... this little piece of magic I picked up on line. I want the old tree to show through so I use pieces of timber with splits and occasional sap holes BUT I first fill them with this thick, black super glue that settles into the blemish and is then sprayed with accelerator! It files flush quickly and is then polished with the sanding used on the timber so it is no extra work. It does leave a wonderful, smooth surface but still shows the spirit of the tree.

Don't be coy, tell us what the magic potion is called.

mick

Spinning things make you giddy I heard it so often. Good to see you have raised the standard and taken to turning on a lathe just think of it as an over sized router except with the wood in the jaws no the tool. Tool in your hand and shavings much bigger.

You could convert to Catholicism farm the whole project out at half the cost............oh forgot you are doing this for LOVE for one of two reasons 1 to keep in good books loser to home, 2 So heaven throws open its doors

Why is the left side higher than the right?

Originally Posted by Glider

Don't be coy, tell us what the magic potion is called.

mick

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Nah, still get giddy Ray, I subbed out the turning.
This afternoon I got back on to the torsion box. I dressed the face timber to width and thickness and then dragged out my old mitre sled to cut to length

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By tonight I had cut the four faces and I’m pretty happy with the mitre joints which here are only held together by a framing clamp. Tomorrow I’ll domino these joints and get it glued up. If you’re trying to work out what happens from here ........ so am I?

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Originally Posted by fletty

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Thanks Fletty

I think I can see an application there with the Casuarina Oaks. A whole range of pieces destined for the fire may now be able to be reclaimed.

Regards
Paul

Originally Posted by fletty

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Thanks Fletty,

And with the power of stuff I can’t comprehend or fathom.

There is bottle heading my way.

Cheers Matt.

Originally Posted by Simplicity

Thanks Fletty,

And with the power of stuff I can’t comprehend or fathom.

There is bottle heading my way.

Cheers Matt.

Good one Matt! 👍

I wasn’t happy with the assembly so, after gluing up the ‘table top’, I pulled the whole lectern apart, fixed a couple of fit issues and put it all back together again. Just a few words however for anyone who may be considering making furniture out of Forest red gum (FRG) and the first word is......
DON’T! it is SO hard and dense that every screw hole needs be drilled and preferably taper drilled. I am using Robertson hardened steel screws and so far I have literally shattered 3 drivers! The second word is.....
also DON’T!
So, back to today’s efforts, I domino’d the table top mitre joints, glued and clamped it and let it set for a few hours

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When good and dry, I fitted it’s plywood top, re-sanded it and applied a first coat of WOP. When fine sanded, the FRG looks and feels like polished marble.

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I returned to the stash of chainsaw milled timber and selected some straight grained pieces to dress for the framing trim with the intention being to ‘harmonise’ with the framing of the altar top.

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I tried to attach the framing pieces with fine nails but it just laughed at me, I am now thinking epoxy!

Could be harder Alan, something like Iron Bark or Gidgee.....

Hardness Scale of Aussie Timbers .pdf

The cross grain edges of the torsion box look beautiful.

Have you taken any moisture readings of the FRG?

I'm thinking drawer fronts for my long baulk but only when I find a second pair of hands to help with the milling. It must weigh >100 kgs.

mick

Originally Posted by Glider

The cross grain edges of the torsion box look beautiful.

Have you taken any moisture readings of the FRG?

I'm thinking drawer fronts for my long baulk but only when I find a second pair of hands to help with the milling. It must weigh >100 kgs.

mick

Thanks Mick, yes it is beautiful timber but I’m not game to take a moisture reading because I don’t know what I would do if it was too green. The lectern has to be made from the timber from this tree and the lectern is already taking too long? I’ve designed it so that none of the FRG is restrained but only time will tell. I have developed a burning dislike however for the thug who milled it. IF he had milled it to 30 mm thick as requested it would definitely be dry by now!
PS, I’m happy to be the other pair of hands and I’ve been known to work for hearty food and fine wine?