bhack's Blog at LumberJocks.com

Front Porch Rockers #4: Completion

bhack — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:09:08 GMT

This has been a very satisfying project. First I can do the work, and second I learned a lot new things. Cutting out the arc for the rockers was a new process for me. But, I found that I can do it. I didn’t do them perfect, but they will be the next time because I now have the confidence to do it. Doing new things on each of the power and hand tools now boosts my confidence to try something new and more difficult. So, if you are new to the hobby you can do bigger and better things if you just try.

For the finish I applied two coats of Danish oil and rubbed on four coats of spar varnish (satin).

Thanks for comments along the way. It is very encouraging to know someone is listening and helping. Everyone have a good day.

Completion!

I knew I should have made three!

Some close-ups of the joinery.

Front Porch Rockers #3: Assembly of Rocker

bhack — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:15:07 GMT

Ok, I got up my nerve and started the dry fit. Viola, they fit nearly perfectly the first time. I did say nearly, but with a little help of a rasp and file the dry fit is a go. I had never used a rasp or file that often and was pleasantly pleased with the results that can be obtained by their use. I found as with most hand tools is to let the tool do the work and you act as a guide. Using that theory has been one of my accomplishments thus far in woodworking.
Ok Bill, shut up and start gluing.

One side glued.

Seat assembly

Back assembly

Next is the glue up of all pieces.

All the parts glued and clamped

Prior to finishing

Next will be the finish. Not my most favorite chore, but it must be done.

Front Porch Rockers #2: Cutting Parts

bhack — Mon, 26 May 2008 16:52:58 GMT

Choice of wood? Well, for me that is easy. In the area of Mid-Missouri where I live there is not a big choice of wood suppliers. The only one close just sells the species that are mostly local. And money is a big factor for me. With the cost of diesel fuel it is prohibitive to drive the 150 miles to St Louis or Kansas City where there is a better market. So at the local supplier I found a large supply of Ash at $1.20 a bf. Decision made.
Today I milled the 4/4 Ash to the prescribed thickness for the rails, stretchers, rockers, and armrests. The rails, stretchers, rockers and armrests are ¾. The back slats are 3/8. I traced the patterns onto the pieces cut to length then at the bandsaw cut close to the lines. On to the router table with a pattern bit.

Here are the different parts all cut and shaped. I made the round tenons by using a 3/8 roundover bit at the router table and rounding all four sides. What this project did for me was getting a lot of practice using the band saw to cut the curves.

Arm Rests

Rockers

Seat Slats

Rails for seat and back

Legs

Back Slats

Round tenons

I am pleased with the outcome of the parts. I am learning so much about using tools and planning. But more than anything for me is learning Patience.

Well next comes the moment of truth and see if they will all fit together. Wish me luck.

Front Porch Rockers #1: Front Porch Rockers - #2

bhack — Mon, 19 May 2008 02:16:14 GMT

Well, I finally got back to the keyboard. With 14 acres, spring, and rain a little time must be devoted to the farm. I have fence rows to clear from this winters ice storms we experienced this year. No big trees fell, but lots of limbs are in the way of the haying machinery so it must be cleared.

I cut patterns for a lot of the parts since I am making two (2) rockers. There are four arms, eight legs, eight rails, eight stretchers, four rockers, and twenty seat slats. I felt patterns were in order.

I made the patterns from scrap ½ inch plywood and ¼ inch hard board. I am drawing the outline on stock and cutting close to the line at the band saw. Then I will attach the pattern to the piece and using a pattern bit cut it to final shape at the router table.

Below is the picture of the finished pattern. From top to bottom: rocker, rail, back slat, seat slat, arm and mdf square is for assemble od side to keep everything square.

Ok, enough typing. I am calling it quits and more will follow, I hope.

Good night all.

Front Porch Rockers - Introduction

bhack — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:23:16 GMT

I thought that I would write this blog as encouragement for those of us who are not MASTERS of the craft. I started woodworking in the winter of 2003. My only background in the craft was watching New Yankee Workshop since its inception and dreaming of being able to DO THAT SOMEDAY. Well the SOMEDAY finally came when I was offered a very nice retirement package form Verizon Telephone for whom I had toiled for Thirty-three (33) years in Southern California.

We, my darling wife of 37 years at the time and I, bought 14 acres in Mid Missouri with a one-year-old home and a 30’ X 30’ pole barn. The barn was used as a horse barn. I converted half to a woodworking shop and half to store farm equipment.

I don’t know if I will ever be as proficient as most of the Craftsmen on this site, but I will enjoy every step I take to attain the lofty status. I think getting there is far more enjoyable than being there. I get so excited with each new skill that I learn.

I started with a circular saw, jig saw, ¼ horse router, and a cheap Stanley block plane. With those tools I built the cedar bench in my projects. I believe that the woodworker builds the project not the tools. But I have gotten more power tools since. I have a hybrid table saw, planer, bench jointer, drill press, band saw, router table with dedicated router, dust collection system, and many clamps.

Ok, the title is Front Porch Rockers, so get to it Bill. I take several woodworking magazines and choose projects from them that introduces a new skill for me. I hope to chronicle the building of the rockers to encourage the members at my skill level or less to not be discouraged but to step forward each day with a new skill or techique.

The rockers are from WOOD magazine issue #183 May 2008. Hopefully pictures and explanations will follow.

Why I do this

bhack — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 04:51:26 GMT

While making a living for my wonderful wife and two great kids, I always had this dream of doing woodworking. My trade was in telephony. I spent 33 years doing everything from planting line poles to programing switching computers. At the age of 57 I retired and moved from Palm Springs, California to New Bloomfield, Missouri. We bought a 15 acre farm with a 30’ x 30’ horse barn. I gutted the barn and started a shop.

Through the benefit of an inheritance I started purchasing tools. Craftsman cabinet saw, drill press, bandsaw, router and table, planer, and bench joiner. I had never used any of these tools until I purchased them. So I subscribed to a couple of woodworking magazines and got started.