RickInTexas's Blog at LumberJocks.com

Challenge 03 Entry - Bridge Dining Table

RickInTexas — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 18:22:18 GMT

So after missing out on the last challenge, I made myself get this one done before time ran out. Let me first start by showing my influence.

This shows the column and cap design that I like that we are using for bridges around the Houston area. I work for Texas Dept. of Transportation, so I thought that doing a table inspired by not one single location, but by all the bridges that I have been around for the past couple years.

This second one shows the beams between two bent caps.

So here it is, it is designed to have two columns for each end, with an “inverted tee cap” in which the beams supporting the top sit on.

Here is the underside of the table. There are four beams that support the top. The beams would be glued to the top so that they would move with the expansion/contraction of the top board. Then, they would only be pinned along one beam length to keep the top from shifting around. This is the same type of method that is used when building the bridges.

Finally, the columns are flared on the side to double in width from the bottom to the top. The raised star is a pattern that I like, since it is simple, but yet signifies a lot for the state. The columns would be mounted on a single board to keep them from moving around on the floor.

This is a project that I am considering making in the next few years to serve as a desk, rather than a dining table. If I get into the main office and have a permanent office (not cubicle), then I think this would make a great conversation piece for office visitors.

Baby Crib #1: Progress on Crib

RickInTexas — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 23:24:48 GMT

Got back in the shop after a little unwanted break due to my other work. I now have both sides of the baby crib assembled. All that remains on them is the trim accent and the top caps. Then the sides shouldn’t take that long. Hopefully within the next week and a half I should have it ready to finish. I’ve added some pictures of the two sides in the current stage, as well as the lumber I milled down to thickness today for the top caps and the accent pieces.

The plan is to get that stack of lumber into final pieces tomorrow, as well as get the top and bottom rails for the sides milled and dadoed. Then get the rest of the slats completed over the weekend and put this project to bed (no pun intended). Already thinking about a design for the summer awards. Was there ever any ruling on whether glue would be allowed or not? Don’t have a feel one way or the other, just want to play by the rules.

Until next time…happy sawdust makin’ y’all.

Back to the Shop, finally

RickInTexas — Tue, 22 May 2007 00:38:57 GMT

Well, I was finally able to get back into the shop to continue work on the crib. I now have one end panel ready for final sanding, with the other just needing to mill out the slats to be able to glue it up. It felt great to be back in the surrounding confines, but a little ackward. I share a shop with my dad at his house, and he is in the process of rearranging the 2-car garage (storage area) and the shop that’s attached. So it made things a little difficult at first, particularly finding tools and places on the workbench to work on. It also felt great to get in there and just unwind a little bit. After working 14 hours on Saturday, then having a full day today, it was a good de-stressing time.

I was also able to finish up the new mobile stand/base/table for my 13” planer. I had previously built the work table (6’ long x 2’ wide) and had it bolted to a couple saw horses. But with the planer, the table and the saw horses all together, it definitely was not a one man moveable operation. So using some 4×4’s and 2×4’s I built a mobile stand with outrigger feet to make it stationary when in place. I’ll get some pictures of it soon and post them. Hopefully the rain will hold out tomorrow so that I can get the planer outside to mill out the slats and continue (the baby’s only getting bigger).

So, until next time…happy sawdust makin’ y’all.

Presents Arrive!!! & More Detail

RickInTexas — Wed, 16 May 2007 23:39:40 GMT

My birthday presents finally arrived today. Picked out the parallel clamp set from JET, includes 2-24” and 2-40” clamps with the 90 deg. support blocks. One thing I was surprised with was the weight of them, especially the 40”-ers. Also surprised by the added support foot that is adjustable outside of the two clamp faces.

Now that the 11 hour days are hopefully done at work, I can get back and finish up the crib that goes with the changing table. I saw that “lclashley” was wanting some more detail on the sides, so I included a couple of pictures here. The sides are framed with 3/4” cherry, with 3/8” x 1 1/4” slats in the opening. There is a piece of Baltic Birch ply. screwed in place from the inside to close in the hole and contrast the slats. I wanted the panel removable so that when I finished the piece I wouldn’t have to worry about runs and drips with all the inside corners. There’s also a picture of the railing where it wraps around to the back, showing the stair-stepped effect.

I'll also get pics up of the mobile unit I made for my planer. Had to do something so that I could move it around to use it without needing help. Otherwise, it is a "beast".

Until next time...happy sawdust makin' y'all.