The "Things you've done" thread

[CandiCame]

Well, this thread took a turn.

It's a good theme to explore coming off Christmas.

The snow's fallen on the ground
Christmas is enjoyable
Deviation from the norm will be punished
Unless it's exploitable.

 

[Luk]

Rainshine, your talent is amazing. Very cool stuff.

 

[HisArpy]

Well, this thread took a turn.

Then let's turn it back. I built this in 2004 for a friend.

All the doors are bi-fold and can open completely and flip around to the side to be out of the way. Upper is for the TV, the lower section is for the AV equip and storage.

It's made of Sugar Maple.

 

[HisArpy]

I've posted this one before.

It's a cylinder top desk. I started with a pile of rough sawn wood and this appeared a year later. Red Alder with Walnut. The legs are Hard Maple for strength. The stretchers are Soft Maple and are hand carved.

 

[HisArpy]

Couple other shots.

The desk pullout has a granite center section for smooth writing. There are THREE secret compartments. One of them has a hundred dollar bill in it. Another has a hand written letter from me detailing when it was built and why.

 

[HisArpy]

Now, SOMEONE ELSE post a pic of something they've done. I KNOW there are talented people here.

Let's see it!

 

[CandiCame]

Harpy I want that so bad. I've always wanted a roll top desk like this is a HUGE thing for me. I've never been able to find one that I thought I could salvage.

Like seriously I'm on some deep level envy shit for years I've been looking for one.

Not in those colors but I could probably stain it without destroying it. But Jesus Christ I need that so bad for my aesthetic.

God the legs and the purple backdrop and everything the fucking furniture porn I want it so bad...

 

[HisArpy]

Harpy I want that so bad. I've always wanted a roll top desk like this is a HUGE thing for me. I've never been able to find one that I thought I could salvage.

Like seriously I'm on some deep level envy shit for years I've been looking for one.

Not in those colors but I could probably stain it without destroying it. But Jesus Christ I need that so bad for my aesthetic.

God the legs and the purple backdrop and everything the fucking furniture porn I want it so bad...

It's a Cylinder Top, not a roll top. The difference is that a Cylinder Top is 1-piece while a Roll Top is made up of inch wide slats on a canvas backing. Roll tops have that "wave" in the front because the slats sag and the "wave" hides it.

I've done smaller stuff.

 

[CandiCame]

It's a Cylinder Top, not a roll top. The difference is that a Cylinder Top is 1-piece while a Roll Top is made up of inch wide slats on a canvas backing. Roll tops have that "wave" in the front because the slats sag and the "wave" hides it.

I've done smaller stuff.

Whatever you've already sealed the deal. Make me that desk and you can fuck me on it.

 

[Comshaw]

My father in law and I built this:

It took two years because I was working full time as well as building it. We did all the work with the exception of drilling the well, the insulation and the dry wall. It has a high-bred wood stove/Russian fireplace that heats the house as well as the hot water. I can burn it for 4-6 hours and then the radiant heat coming from the thermo mass will keep the house toasty for another 20-24 hours. The hot water heater puts out so much hot water it will supply enough for showers for four people, a load of dishes in the dish washer and a load of clothes per day.
After we were done we took a 6 month break then started on his house....for the next two years.



Comshaw

 

[HisArpy]

That's cool. I've always wanted to build myself a house. Something like the main level from Frank Lloyd Wrights Robie House. I probably won't, because while the will is strong, the body has failed.

Ok, enough with the maudlin - SOMEBODY ELSE post something.

Whose got a windowsill herb garden? Pics or your herbs is gonna wilt. Anyone dry your own chilies? (I saw buckets full of them the other day - I've never done it.) Post pics or indigestion is gonna run rampant through your stomach like fire.

Heck, I made a pie for Christmas, if that's all you got POST IT!

 

[HisArpy]

Whatever you've already sealed the deal. Make me that desk and you can fuck me on it.

I have the plans if you want them. It's just a sketch but you can have them. We can skip the desktop romp.



FWIW, the wood back in 2003 cost me over $500. There's hardware costs on top of that. Plus the granite stone center for the desktop. And the finish. I estimate that it would cost over $750 for all the materials today. Custom furniture ain't cheap even when you make it yourself.

 

[HisArpy]

These are amazing.

It's really just bits and pieces joined together. Like sewing. If you get it right, it comes together and looks better than you imagined. If you don't; you rip it apart, figure out what went wrong, and get a new piece to try again.

Like I said, in the beginning I didn't know squat about how to do this. Books and the internet helped me learn how to do fine woodworking and cabinetmaking. Now I'm learning how to restore/repair clocks and watches. I'm working on fitting an 1866 Waltham pocket watch movement into a sterling silver case that wasn't designed to hold that movement AND THEN rebuild the movement so it runs and keeps time.

I also have a 1790's 30 hour tall clock in my garage that needs a complete restoration including making a new hood for the case. Without woodworking skills I could not hope to do that.

Eventually I want to learn glass making (lamp work), metal smithing and engraving, and gem faceting. There will be other things that catch my eye along the way and I'll add them to the list.

I cannot grow anything. Not even mildew in the bathtub.

 

[jaF0]

I don't get into all that kind of woodwork. No patience. I do have a hunk of Hickory that I cut a few rounds off of. Thinking about making a clock.

 

[keith117]

I used to make bamboo fly rods. Here is my go to rod I use almost all the time.

 

[HisArpy]

I used to make bamboo fly rods. Here is my go to rod I use almost all the time.

That is KEWL!

Did you hand wrap the eyes or use a lathe?

 

[HisArpy]

I don't get into all that kind of woodwork. No patience. I do have a hunk of Hickory that I cut a few rounds off of. Thinking about making a clock.

Why would anyone want a wooden co...

Nebbermind.

 

[keith117]

That is KEWL!

Did you hand wrap the eyes or use a lathe?

I use an inexpensive rod wrapping tool and wrap by hand. They have some expensive track one's, but I couldn't justify getting ine. Maybe someday.

 

[Comshaw]

I used to make bamboo fly rods. Here is my go to rod I use almost all the time.

I am jealous of you! I've always wanted a bamboo fly rod. they are so damned cool! When I was a kid a local service station/hardware store had a a stand by the front door filled with split bamboo rods imported from Japan. I mooned over those rods every time I went in there. Like a wooden stock on a rifle, a bamboo rod has something a fiberglass or carbon fiber one lacks.

Comshaw

 

[keith117]

I am jealous of you! I've always wanted a bamboo fly rod. they are so damned cool! When I was a kid a local service station/hardware store had a a stand by the front door filled with split bamboo rods imported from Japan. I mooned over those rods every time I went in there. Like a wooden stock on a rifle, a bamboo rod has something a fiberglass or carbon fiber one lacks.

Comshaw

I started by refinishing and repairing old bamboo fly rods, and I got the urge to make my own. Was fortunate enough to work at a place that had a machine shop, so I built my own tools, bought some books and talked to some people online. It takes time, but it's so rewarding going from a bamboo stalk to a finished fly rod.

 

[HisArpy]

I started by refinishing and repairing old bamboo fly rods, and I got the urge to make my own. Was fortunate enough to work at a place that had a machine shop, so I built my own tools, bought some books and talked to some people online. It takes time, but it's so rewarding going from a bamboo stalk to a finished fly rod.

Anything truly rewarding is. That's the hidden beauty in creating something.



Who's next? Show us what you done did.

 

[CandiCame]

No. Nobody said anything about my bitchin axe so now I'm just gonna pout.

 

[HisArpy]

No. Nobody said anything about my bitchin axe so now I'm just gonna pout.

We're waiting on Pookie's expertise on axes and hatchets.

So, while we wait, what else you got?

Something of mine:

 

[CandiCame]

Give me something to draw and I'll post it.

I'm out of old shit.

 

[STRC]

I carve walking sticks.....or did up to a few years ago.....have to find the right limbs or growths to use; at the right time of year. The production sticks are seen more and easy to purchase but lack the beauty of hand made. No money in it that is for sure but a labor of love!