912 days ago
by Mark A. DeCou |
12 comments »
A few weeks ago I blogged that my next commission project would be a Mission Style Casket for my Uncle John. He passed away last night, so in the midst of being filled will joy that this project is nearly complete, I am also saddened by his expected death.
Throughout my life, Uncle John has been an “encourager”, despite what path I took. Even when I’m sure he was concerned about decisions I was making, he always showed me respect, and encourgement. The type of “e...
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921 days ago
by Mark A. DeCou |
9 comments »
Hey rustic makers. I piddle around with natural sticks once in awhile, but have never spent the money to invest much in the tools that would speed up this work. I have agreed to help pro-bono with the Vacation Bible School set work at our church for this upcoming June, the week of the 10th. So, time is getting short.
This sketch is my vision of what I am to do. I will be making the rustic fencing and gate for the kids, and a frame for the backdrop painting.
I have located the logs, ...
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931 days ago
by Mark A. DeCou |
5 comments »
Yesterday, I enjoyed an afternoon of getting to know a fellow lumberjock, “Kev”, otherwise known as Kevin Larcom from Wichita. He has a design for a Thorsen Table Challenge project, but didn’t have any wood. So, I set him up with some walnut and maple. I’m anxious to see how it comes together by the end of the Month.
I loaned him my Sam Maloof, George Nakashima, Mira Nakashima, and Krenov books, so look out world, he can’t help but motivated to make dust no...
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933 days ago
by Mark A. DeCou |
25 comments »
I am so excited this morning. Why you ask?
I’m complete with the St. Anthony Church Side Altar commission project. I have more work to do on other pieces for the church by the end of the month. So, there isn’t much time to take a breath yet, but the completion of the Side Altars is a huge milestone for me, and my woodworking career.
To be honest, there were some times that I wondered if I would ever get all of the details of these Altars complete. Total working time is a...
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1001 days ago
by Mark A. DeCou |
18 comments »
In a recent Blog by Obi, he discussed using a router to cut mortises, and this started up a discussion, in which Don cautioned against getting a Hollow Chisel Mortiser. I think there are good thoughts on both sides of this debate, and I don’t mean to do anything other than offer some more experience about purchasing and using a Mortiser, and other methods of cutting mortises.
As in anything, the more money you spend, the better tool you get. If I were buying just what I wanted, not what ...
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1012 days ago
by Mark A. DeCou |
11 comments »
I wanted to tell a little more about my experience with crafting my own crown molding, and share a couple of lessons I learned along the way.
Previously, I showed how I formed and sanded the profile on the last blog of this topic, and so today I thought I would complete the task by showing the installation of the molding, and a few “gems” I discovered along the way.
First off, I made very sure that my cabinet that I am hanging this crown molding on was as perfectly square on...
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1021 days ago
by Mark A. DeCou |
7 comments »
My wife is gone for a few hours this Saturday morning, and the kids are busy watching a video, so I will update you on what I am working on now. I’m right in the middle of a “fun” project. It is “fun” on many levels, mostly because I have had to stop and scratch my head a lot.
For those of you with kids, or remember having kids, or know someone who has kids, Winnie the Pooh always says, “Think, think, think” while poking his temple when he is try...
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1075 days ago
by Mark A. DeCou |
3 comments »
I have been waiting for several weeks for the arrival of the Church Altar that I am to copy and make two Side Altars to match. The Altar was delivered to my shop this past Saturday, and I am told that the down payment check is in the mail.
Of course, the Altar looked smaller in the big church room. And, I started to “cold-sweat” a little looking at the task before me. I like new projects that have elements that make me sweat and worry, so this is right up my alley, so to spe...
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1111 days ago
by Mark A. DeCou |
4 comments »
I am so excited, I just received a call this evening that my bid on the church Side Altars has been accepted. I will start the detail design, material acquisition and planning this week, and will get started on building the project around Thanksgiving, with a 12-14 week schedule expected.
Thanks,Mark
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1111 days ago
by Mark A. DeCou |
1 comment »
New Bid SubmittedThis morning I sent out my bid for a commissioned job to build two side altars for a church, matching the old original center altar. After spending so much time estimating and pondering if I left anything out, or put too much in the bid, I am glad I have finally made the decision, typed it up, and sent it out. This project will involve some pretty complicated woodworking, the type of challenge that I like. The church board will review the bids this weekend, and I should kn...
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