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#1 ·
New Year...New Hobby

I have been known to take up a hobby or 37. At 42, on the cusp of 43, and well into the 'balding' years, I have decided that, in lieu of a midlife crisis, I would take up woodworking. Don't get me wrong, a new car and a 27 year old with huge, firm, hands would be wonderful; But I can't afford the 27 year old, and I am not into cars that much.

In the summer of 2009, I went to an arts festival in Des Moines. The gentleman, who won best of show, did so with some amazing etched clay bowls. I am not sure why those clay pots inspired me to take up wood working, or if they were the only inspiration, but shortly thereafter I found myself living in the thriving metropolis of Martelle Iowa. I had my first ever basement.

Without a lot of money to buy all that one needs to build furniture, I started with magazines. The first one was called, "Start Woodworking", from the editors of Fine WoodWorking. I read tips on tools, ideas for projects, stories about great woodworkers, and I began to formulate a plan. I would start with a workbench, the workbench on page 24. The editors of the magazine did a good job of designing a project with the beginner in mind. They even provided a DVD with instructions that were really helpful.

The bench took several months to complete, though the plans were designed so that one could complete it is a weekend. I would guess that I spent 5 hours of thinking about building the bench, for every hour of actual working on it. I thought about what I needed to complete each step, but I was always only focused on the next step. The first step was to buy the 2×4s, 4×4s, 3/8" threaded rod, and a miter saw. Not an electric miter saw, a cheap manual one. I could afford it, it would cut, and I didn't at all care about how long it would take to make each cut. I also discovered in the garage and old hack saw that I could use for cutting the threaded rod.

With the wood cut, I decided I wanted to sand my lumber. The next purchase was a small Black and Decker 'Mouse' sander, some 80, 120, 180 grit sandpaper, and a cool looking level that I didn't need but it was shiny and I was powerless to NOT buy it. The next few weeks found me sanding each piece a bit each day. Barely into my first project I was already getting addicted to the process. The feeling of the construction grade lumber in my hand, after it had been sanded, gave me the slightest glimpse into the beauty of working with wood. I thought about how it must be to run my fingers across a piece of glass smooth mahogany or birds eye maple.

The plans required that I route a 3/8 inch groove into the stretchers. Before I read this magazine I didn't even know what a router or a stretcher was. Each new term learned, each skill set explored, opened up the possibilities that developing woodworking skills offers. And each discovery brought the reality home that care needs to be taken to master each aspect of woodworking. So before I could move on to routing I needed to do a bit of research. This is how one turns a 2 day project into a 2 month quest.

I read reviews and comments. There are many good routers to choose from and I decided to go with the Bosch 2.25 hp router with both the plunge base and the fixed base. I bought 3 bits. A 2" Spiral Downcut CL 2BB and a straight 3/8" by Amana Tools, and a 3/8" Up Spiral bit by Freud. I have come to the conclusion that Freud and Amana Tools are the two best out there. Admittedly Amana makes 2 levels of router bits, and I can't speak to their low end line, but the high end bits have been a joy.

With the router in hand, I had all the tools required to build my workbench. Each step was approached with a sense of confusion and fear. The first time I used the router I was filled with trepidation and pizza, as it was after dinner when I gave it a try. I spent close to 40 minutes setting up a guide for my router. Pieces of 2×4 clamped with 2 24" and 2 36" Jet clamps on my make shift workbench, allowed me to position the router to route. I had read that it is best to take several small passes for safety. Since I was already a bit scared that the router would spin wildly out of control and drive itself into my spleen, leaving me bleeding and generally disappointed, I decided that small passes were a good idea.

It worked as advertised. My first 2 passes made a wonderful 3/8" grove in my wood. I was filled with pride and sure that I was well on my way to being one of the greatest woodworkers of the last 700 years. My second board didn't go as well. I had tightened the collet on the router, though apparently not enough and it had slid up slightly. This had produced a slight up ramp for the groove. My ego needed this set back and I retightened it and decided that I was the greatest woodworker in my basement at that moment. This was good enough for me.

The rest of the project required gluing 2 pieces of ¾ " ODF together to form the top, drilling some holes in the 4×4 legs, and attaching the 9" Jet vice. The only difficult part was installing the vice as it didn't come with instructions, but my own insecurity about getting it right, made me take it at a glacial pace. When I flipped the bench back over and put a piece of wood in the vice, I almost wept with joy.

At the end of the quest I learned several things. 1) When marking wood to be cut or drilled, avoid doing it while watching college football. My bench still bears the scars of several errant holes. 2) Drilling holes with a hand drill, so that they are straight, requires a bit of practice. 3) High quality drill bits are much easier to use than really old, worn out, dull, bits. This likely applies to all tools, the better the quality, the better the results. 4) Fostner bits are cool. 5) I love my workbench, with its shiny red Jet 9" vice. 6) The journey before me is perhaps the most exciting one I have undertaken in my lifetime.
 
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#1,365 ·
Time to build a jig for Jeff

Hello All,

Tonight I discuss my methodology for designing a jig. I also go on a bit of a rant, which I do sometimes. On another note, I am going to let people have one more day to make suggestions for the names of my two new chisels. There have been a ton of great ones thus far. So if you want to submit your idea, go to yesterday's blog.

http://su.pr/2S6Qmy

Thanks,

Brian
 
#1,377 ·
Ancient Master Shapening Monk Wisdoms

Hello LJ's,

I made a mistake tonight, with building my bandsaw resaw jig, but by going back in time 1000 years or so, I was able to gain some wisdom from a great Master Sharpening Monk, and overcome my problem.

Ancient Master Sharpening Monk Wisdom - Extremely Average http://su.pr/8gVN1o

Brian
 
#1,380 ·
The Jig is Finished

Hello All,

I finished the bandsaw small piece resaw and bread holder jig. Ok, I don't actually intend to hold a loaf of bread for resawing, but I am pretty sure one could slice a baguette up in no time. I digress. I had an error to fix from yesterday and tonight's blog is about my successful triumph and there is a picture of my first, rather thin, cut I made using it. I am very happy with the results.

http://su.pr/19x9iI

I also included a photo of how I set up the shot for tonight's blog. We were discussing photography of projects on Twitter during the #Woodchat. So if any of you were also hanging out for that discussion, you may find it interesting.

Sincerely,

Brian Meeks
 
#1,383 ·
Tiny is Cool

Hello LJ's,

Tonight I tried testing the limits of my bandsaw resaw jig. I have succeeded in cutting a really thin piece of spalted maple off of a somewhat less thin piece of spalted maple. The original was less than 3/4 of an inch. It worked so well that it triggered some memories which I decided to share. So there is woodworking, memories, and a cool picture.

http://su.pr/2xd9N1

Enjoy,

Brian
 
#1,384 ·
All the small things make up the big things.

Cool reflections, brought back some of my past memories.

I always say, the only thing we will get to take with us is our memories, so make them good ones.

Thanks…........................
 
#1,386 ·
It is all about precision

Hello LJ buddies,

I spent most of my shop time, fussing about making some very precise cuts. My router table jig has become one of my favorite things in the shop, and it severed me well today.

Finally…the blog is done…it is exceptionally mediocre tonight. Sorry.

http://su.pr/50vqIM

Brian
 
#1,393 ·
When you apply your glue the corners are going to become very slippery making it even harder to set together than when you dry fit. You are going to phone your mom or maybe your dad and ask them why they created you with only 2 arms and hands. TODAY you really could use 4, maybe even 5. (Not sure where the 5th would be hangin from but it sounds kewl. Eh ? (cdn humor)
Have fun
 
#1,395 ·
More Camel Musings

Hello All,

I recently did a break down of my blog. I have written 2% of the posts relating to photography, 12% are the Henry Wood Detective Series, 84% are woodworking related, and the remaining 2% are from the 'Camel Musings' series, which I write with a Mommy Blogger in the UK. Sometimes it is nice to stretch one's writing legs, or fingers as the case may be. Tonight was such a night. If you have been following the story, I think you will enjoy it. If you haven't, you may find the links to all the previous chapters, at the top of the post.

http://su.pr/2NU96C

Brian
 
#1,398 ·
Top 7 Things I Hate About Top 10 Lists

Hello All,

198 days ago, I posted my first blog post. It was a bit if a lark, but then a bunch of people left some really nice comments. It spurred me on to write more. Which I did. After a while I bought my own domain. And over the last 30 days, over 4100 different people have stopped in to read my drivel.

It all began right here on LJ. I really appreciate all the encouragement everyone has given me. I wanted to share some good news here first. I have just been accepted to be a guest blogger on The Des Moines Register web site. I have been writing one post per week about social media. It is these post, which I will also be sharing with their readership.

So tonight's blog post, is the one I will post there first. I thought I would let the folks who encouraged me to keep writing check it out, before I put it up there for the masses. It is a piece I wrote as a guest blog piece two months ago. It may be the best thing I have written. I hope you enjoy it, even if it isn't about woodworking.

Top 7 Things I Hate About Top 10 Lists http://su.pr/1sAnkB

Thanks again EVERYONE!

Brian
 
#1,402 ·
congrat´s with another milestone or two Brian

next time you are going to glue up a box try this

lay out the pieces side by side and cover them with two stribs
of tabe, turn all 4 pieces around and come glue on the mitres
and when you role the pieces together you do it around the bottom
so it is loose in the groove
then you messager acros the corners and correct them untill they are even
that shuold do the trick for you my freind

I think Brixtofte had make a toturial on it you can look at

have a great day

Dennis
 
#1,403 ·
Things I Love

Hello LJ's,

I have glued the box together. It is a simple act, though I fussed over it for a long time. When the moment arrived to apply the glue, it was much less stressful than I imagined. I am getting excited about making another box. It will be far less scary. And likely go much quicker, as I won't be goofing around trying to understand what I am doing.

Tonight's post is entitled 'Things I Love'... http://su.pr/3c4T3s I hope you enjoy it.

Brian
 
#1,404 ·
I am with ya on he Breakfast thing. I also add the Dinner thing and Supper thing, even Snacks. Food is good !
Anyone that see's me in real would agree.
I make comments on how I love auction sales.
My love for woodworking is always on the list.
But I have to admit. 10 years ago that all changed.
I only have one real love now ! That is my WIFE.
Because she is the wonderful person she is, I still get to appreciate all those things that I once thought I loved .
 
#1,415 ·
A Great Day in the Shop

Hello All,

I am starting a new tiny box. I decided to use Jeff the bandsaw to make my initial cuts. I learned a bunch about how to calibrate the table and get a good cut. All in all, it was a great day in the shop. I love my new bandsaw. Thanks everyone who suggested it as being a good choice for my next major tool purchase.

http://su.pr/1IZWqt

My post tonight is done, despite the power outages trying to stop me! Ha! I got it up anyway. :)

Brian
 
#1,418 ·
Not to Worry

Hello All,

Some of you, who read my blog, may be aware that I live in Martelle Iowa, which is on the southern edge of Jones county. If you have been watching the national news you may have heard about the damn which broke today. I am pleased to say that Martelle is not affected by the flood. I am sad for those fine folks in Monticello, as they have been hit very hard.

Tonight I am late with my post, because I was having so much fun in the shop, I just lost track of time. I have made it, in two days, to the point I was at after 2.5 weeks, on the last attempt.

http://extremelyaverage.com/2010/07/not-to-worry/

Brian
 
#1,421 ·
Sunday is for being Social

Hello LJ's,

I have become a featured blogger on the Des Moines register, so most Sunday's I will be writing my blog about Social Media. Today I wrote about why one would use Twitter.

Tonight's post is 'What is Twitter?' http://su.pr/2idoup

If you don't use Twitter, you might give it a try. There are a lot of really great woodworkers who hang out and chat. I am following several hundred really clever people.

Brian

@ExtremelyAvg (My Twitter Name)
 
#1,423 ·
thank´s for the break Brian
it´s not good if you can´t find the hidden ace in the dark
some light wood help alot
there is one place were the light always seems to show up at the right moment every time.
maybee the stockmarket (sorry cuoldn´t resist)

please let there bee a little shorter between them
it such a pleasure to see you play around words and the story :)

take care
Dennis
 
#1,425 ·
A Detailed Explanation of My Methodology

Hello LJ's,

It has been pointed out, and rightfully so, that I am really descriptive in every aspect of my blog posts, except my methodology. This is true and tonight I decided to give a much more detailed account of how I glue up a tiny box with 45 degree angled joints. I have lots of pictures and of course, a silly introduction.

Tragic Error in Communications - Extremely Average

http://su.pr/2dhgCI

Tonight's post made me chuckle. :)

Brian
 
#1,426 ·
Just wondering , which tractor did win the tractor pull ?
Trying to describe every detail is HARD. I was hired several years ago to write the S.O.P. (Standard Operating Procedure) manuals for our company. The first one was for an A.I. center, the second one was for the Transportation department. That was when I learned not to "assume" ANYTHING !
Best of Luck with the detail thing !
 
#1,434 ·
"SEE", that is what happens when people send stuff using BOX numbers and Zip codes !!!!!!!
I am so pleased that Wayne,Mario, Guy, and the others made it to you.
I do have a question: I grew up in a town that had 475 people (If the Millers were home we had over 500, 23 kids. REALLY) In Canadian standards 500 people is a town, under 500 is a village. So in reality the "Miller Family" made it the town that it is .
When I would go to post office we NEVER had a lineup.
So if Martelle only has 280 people, why would we expect there to be a lineup ? (lol)
Come to think of it, our post office did have 2 wicket booths…..WHY
 
#1,437 ·
Extra Credit

Hello All,

Today I tried out a trick I read about, to help fix small gaps in the corner of tiny boxes. I suppose it would work on a box that wasn't tiny, but I only have tiny boxes, so I can't say for sure. The point is, it worked marvelously and were I being graded on my boxes, the C- that I think they would have gotten, has been adjusted to a solid B!

Today I had a triumph. http://su.pr/1aCtZs

Brian
 
#1,441 ·
I Finished the Gauge

Hello All,

I finished the Router Table Fence Gauge today and did a few other things. I would say that it isn't an especially entertaining post, but the pictures are nice.

I got last night's post up so late, I felt I should get tonight's up early.

http://su.pr/2Xl5o0

Brian

Now I am going to watch season II of 'Flight of the Conchords'...they are "New Zealand's '4th most popular Folk Parody Duo'" after all.
 
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