778 days ago
by Mark A. DeCou |
23 comments »
Over the past few years, I have had the chance to build my own door handles out of copper for several commissioned art-furniture pieces. This is something I enjoy doing, and it gives my work another niche to offer.
I would not say that I am a coppersmith, as there is a lot that I don’t know about the process. I am almost completely self-taught, so there is bound to be a lot I haven’t learned yet. I bought two old reprinted books on the subject of coppersmithing, and I think ...
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62 days ago
by newTim |
3 comments »
This is one of the many reasons why I love woodworking. It is figuring out how to get accurate results and moving up the learning curve. And speaking of curves, isn’t that the point of this series? Now that the three arches have been fabricated it is time to begin making some exact cuts and building the sub-assemblies. On this project I’m contrsturcting from the inside out starting with the inner frame of the headboard. Once again I’ve found Sketchup to be an invaluable...
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181 days ago
by newTim |
7 comments »
Ever since I saw David Marks’ Japanese Garden gate I was intrigued. I think it is the idea of working with wood, metal, chemicals, heat, and a creative process that caught my attention. It also helps to end up with something functional that is, hopefully, attractive to boot.
So far my research has included re-reading David Marks DIY project page on this and his other patina projects, viewing Ron Young’s patina DVDs, looking at the Art Chemicals webpage, and searching the ...
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61 days ago
by MattD |
13 comments »
It’s been a busy month for other things, but I’ve made some good progress on the boat. I’ve also managed to find some great planking lumber, with a great story behind it, which I’ll write about a bit below.
But first, update on the transom which now completes the stern.
The transom is attached to sternpost with 5 countersunk #10 bronze screws which are covered with matching cherry plugs. Later on, I’ll epoxy in and cut the plugs off flush.
And a ...
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172 days ago
by newTim |
6 comments »
Here’s my first attempt at the hot patina process. All but one of the chemicals arrived from ArtChemicals, the Cupric Nitrate being on back order. I decided I couldn’t wait and pressed on anyway. I printed labels so I could keep better track of the chemical blends and colors each was supposed to produce. I learned two things right away. The first is this is a complicated process. The second is you really can’t mess it up. I used the method demonstrated by David Marks ...
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60 days ago
by MattD |
3 comments »
This next part is cutting the rabbet into the Keel and Stem. The rabbet is a groove for planking to butt into. The rabbet must be accurately cut in order to form a tight seal. The rabbet for sunshine runs down both sides of the stem as shown and continues along the keel to the stern.
Keel Rabbet
Cutting the Rabbet in the Keel was relatively easy since I had already beveled the keelson from the lofted lines in the Stem and Knee - Part 2 section.
To me, it seemed practical to try ...
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41 days ago
by MattD |
13 comments »
Just a few more steps left before I can start putting the planking on the sides.
Cutting in the Rabbet Between Stem and Keel
The next crucial step is cutting in the rabbet between the Stem and Keel. This was done entirely by hand with a few sharp chisels. I used a small piece of wood (3”x1”x3/8”) as a template, representing the plank, to ensure a smooth transition as I cut away the rabbet. Here is the before picture:
And the after picture. This was done on both ...
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690 days ago
by Todd A. Clippinger |
31 comments »
Finished!
Well it’s been a long journey and it did not end without one extra push.
I finished installing the copper handles Monday by 11:30. There was a couple of scratches but I was certain I could buff them out. This is a skill that goes with the territory. I worked on the finish for the next six hours and I could not get the finish to blend.
How to Remove a Scratch-
After exhausting all other options this is what I resorted to today:
Yes you are seeing it correctly...
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693 days ago
by Todd A. Clippinger |
26 comments »
Another Milestone
I am pretty excited to share with you guys today’s progress. I got all of the handle pieces finished!
Next I have some touch up on the doors and the final install. I am sure I will have a full day of technical sweating.
I had to brush the pieces again on the wire wheel to brighten the finish. I then hung them from the ceiling and wiped them down thoroughly with acetone. This strips any oil from the surface.
I sprayed them with an acrylic resin lacquer by Sh...
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71 days ago
by newTim |
3 comments »
Hello jocks and jockettes… it has been awhile since my last project, still I’ve been keeping busy. This is the first entry in a new series on the Arched Bed. If you’ve seen the copper patina gates you know where I got the idea, or as my brother said, “you’re turning your gate into a bed.”
The backstory is I had built a bed a couple years ago but since that time we got a Sleep Number bed. Well the new mattresses are each 10” tall so the old b...
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18 entries
