My first blog! Woodworking 2008 Contest progress and pics :)

Well, this should be fun to watch.

This looks verrrrrrrry interesting.

Ryan . . . are your pics fuzzy or is it my eyes.

-- The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them

Verrrry interestink!

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

LOL….woodworker…..not a photographer :)

Sorry in advance for any blurr induced migranes. I promise to have Chantelle and her “wonder camera” do the pics from here on in.

-- If you can't set a good example, at least serve as a horrible warning... www.rarewoodcreations.com

...never built your wife a jewelry box! Oh the shame.
Both projects look exciting! I’m looking forward to them.
...shucks that remindes me about my wifes rocking chair…thirteen years later and she still hasn’t gotten it.

-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com

Nice start Ryan…we will all be watching with great anticipation!

-- gbear, Carmichael, CA

Lets see…what did I learn today?

Softwoods are a pain in the butt to steam bend….thats what! Holy cow….a minute too short and you end up with tooth pics…a minute too long, and it just turns to mush. Been at it since 7:30 AM, I think I have it figured out….wish me luck! :)

-- If you can't set a good example, at least serve as a horrible warning... www.rarewoodcreations.com

I have started a couple boxes for my wife and due to difficulties (lack of experience) I haven’t finished one yet. This site has taught me a lot and I will make her one. I am going to watch your progress good luck.

-- Ron Central, CA

Ryan: We are all waiting. I hope that if it’s all toothpicks, you’ll at least lets us see it. So are you still on the first 2X4 or are you into multiple of them.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Hey Ryan, I can’t wait to see how you do. You got skills.

I tried to steam bend some of my first stud with miserable results and gave up to try another design. You seem to have a bit more stick-to-it’ness. I bet this wil be a charmer.

-- Stevethepeeve -- I'm no rocket surgeon

It’s BRUTAL! I completely wasted the first 2X4 trying to get it to steam bend, and had to pull one out of the basement…like LITERALLY out of the basement…from the wall. I’ll replace it before the walboard goes up :)

If anybody wants to know how to steam bend a stud, heres what I’ve learned:

Step 1. Have a case of beer ready…your gonna need it.
Step 2. Cut the strips no thicker than 3/16”
Step 3. Soak them overnight in a mixture of 5 parts water to 1 part fabric softener (a piece of ABS or PVC works great for this)
Step 4. Put the strips in the steam box for 10-12 minutes…no more, no less.
Step 5. Get the strip clamped in the form immeddiately after removal, any more than 30 seconds out of the steam makes them unuseable.
Step 6. Leave the strips in the forms for 18-24 hours with a fan blowing on them to get them to form with minimal springback.

I’ve been able to get down to a 2” circle with about 75% success. It increases to 90% at 4:”, so thats what I’m building the project around.

Well, back to it! Thanks for the comments :)

-- If you can't set a good example, at least serve as a horrible warning... www.rarewoodcreations.com

I hope you don’t have to rip another stud off the wall. Good story, keep it coming

-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1

I’ve laughed; I’ve cried…..
and you say you don’t do blogging!!!

No jewelry box for your wife??? The crying part
Tore the stud from the wall!! The laughing part. Now THAT is taking this “2×4” stud idea to the extremes :)

The suspense with all of these teasers is driving me crazy. And loving every minute of it

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)