Hi Guys-
I’m starting to make another harp and I thought some of you would be interested in seeing how it goes- as it goes.
Why am I designing my own harp? I wanted to see if I could modify the Limerick
plans I used for the Rainbow harp I made in 2007. I wanted the soundbox smaller,
and I wanted it to be self-supporting and as tall as the Heartland DreamWeaver
that I have and like. I took aspects of lots of different harps and put them all
together and this is what I came up with. I also wanted a harp that could be
easily transported- like the lap harps, but also be able to stand alone like the
floor harps, but even more, to not need to lean it against my shoulder to play
it.I would be very happy if you and any of the other members of this group were
to make comments about the design and construction of the harp and base.
I’m planning to start on the foam mock-up tomorrow, so please respond asap. The
plan is to make it fairly close to reality so that I can get close to correct
interfaces for the parts. I want to also sculpt the knuckle out of foam before
committing to wood.
If you look at the side view you will see a faint pencil line on the base. This
was the original design that would open up the legs and reduce the weight. Then
I got to thinking that I really want more weight in the base- for stability.
Opinions on these 2 possibilities are requested.
I may be trying to do the impossible- but I have hopes that it will work.
Please comment- I need more input! Donna
-- "So much wood. . .so little time!" www.woodworks-by-donna.com
13 comments so far
Diane
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546 posts in 2320 days
#1 posted 903 days ago
Beautiful, love the dragonfly, the base and how it is self standing. I don’t know about harp construction though, just like you ideas.
Donna Menke
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490 posts in 2464 days
#2 posted 903 days ago
Thanks Diane. I don’t know much about construction myself since I just followed the plans last time. You may be interested in seeing the previous harp blog:http://harpmaking.blogspot.com/ That takes you right through the project from beginning to end.
-- "So much wood. . .so little time!" www.woodworks-by-donna.com
Rustic
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3007 posts in 1794 days
#3 posted 903 days ago
Lookin good so far I have a carving magazine from a few years ago that had an article on you. Can I have your autograph? LOL
-- www.carvingandturningsbyrick.com, Rick Kruse, Grand Rapids, MI
Donna Menke
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490 posts in 2464 days
#4 posted 903 days ago
Hi Rustic- any time! Actually I do autograph each copy of my book that I sell- I charge extra for a copy without my signature- LOL It is still a thrill for me- even after 460 autographs!
I have done 12 articles for Carving Magazine- and I think they have a couple pending. Look for a hummingbird carving article sometime soon.
I’ve just finished the harp blog and you can see it here: http://dragonflyharp.blogspot.com/
I’m not sure how to continue the blog started here, but I will try.
Thanks for the ego boost.
-- "So much wood. . .so little time!" www.woodworks-by-donna.com
a1Jim
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89134 posts in 1775 days
#5 posted 903 days ago
Wow
This looks like a wonderful project and great design.
-- W James Brokenbourgh Custom furniture maker http://artisticwoodstudio.com/
Diane
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546 posts in 2320 days
#6 posted 903 days ago
Thanks. I saw your harp you did earlier but I’m not sure if I saw it all the way thru so I’m going to take a look. Is your book on your site page?
Diane
Donna Menke
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490 posts in 2464 days
#7 posted 903 days ago
Hey Debbie- or whoever else knows- how do I continue along with more text and photos?
-- "So much wood. . .so little time!" www.woodworks-by-donna.com
RonPeters
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709 posts in 1078 days
#8 posted 903 days ago
Sweet.
As for continuing…you can blog as you did this one.
If I’m not mistaken, it gives you the option to ‘continue the series’. It (the blog prog) should increment the count for you.
-- “Once more unto the breach, dear friends...” Henry V - Act III, Scene I
Chip
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1904 posts in 2290 days
#9 posted 903 days ago
This will be very exciting to follow Donna. Looking forward to it…
-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt!
Donna Menke
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490 posts in 2464 days
#10 posted 903 days ago
OK- I think I got it- I ‘edit’ and then ask for more room- right? I don’t have more now, but hope to have some progress on the foam mock-up by end of day.
-- "So much wood. . .so little time!" www.woodworks-by-donna.com
Gregn
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1639 posts in 1181 days
#11 posted 903 days ago
I enjoyed the Rainbow Harp, and enjoyed its progress and will enjoy watching the progress of the new harp project.
-- I don't make mistakes, I have great learning lessons, Greg
Donna Menke
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490 posts in 2464 days
#12 posted 903 days ago
Thanks Autumn. Think I’ll be able to do it from there. I’ve already learned a few things from what people have said and I’ll be changing the plans accordingly.
-- "So much wood. . .so little time!" www.woodworks-by-donna.com
Donna Menke
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490 posts in 2464 days
#13 posted 903 days ago
I went ahead and started a ‘Series’ blog so that it will all hang together. Please go to the new bog to see some starting photos.
-- "So much wood. . .so little time!" www.woodworks-by-donna.com
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