Yesterday was light in terms of new information presented, but was a very important day. We finally selected the plans for our projects from a selection of four very nice clock designs. My choice …a Shaker style. I decided to go with the Shaker style clock for two reasons. I wanted something without a lot of detail that will allow me to focus more on the process, and for the simple fact that I like furniture with clean lines.
Besides selecting our project plans we covered in detail how to read the plans. Not overly compex stuff, but the explanations really helped the learning curve. We also did a group exercise in figuring out how many board feet the project will take. My plans will call for roughly 10 board feet. Now the exciting process of selecting my stock begins. So many choices ….YIKES!
After class, myself and two classmates ventured over to Tropical Exotic Hardwoods in Carlsbad. WOW …this place has an amazing selection of woods. I won’t even begin to try and list the incredible inventory they have, but here is a link to the price list. CAUTION ...drool will cause rust on the electrical components of your keyboard, cover with plastic before clicking this link.
Before my next post I will have selected my lumber, and hopefullly have begun the process of milling if for project use. I will do my best to document the process in great detail. Now I just have to decide if I go with some stock from Palomar’s Urban Forestry project (discount prices), or if I go for the gusto and select something really exotic. I’m leaning towards the Urban Forestry route, just because it’s my first project, and I know there will be learning opportunities (mistakes ;P). Besides, they have a really nice selection – I have my eye on a nice piece of Carolina Cherry. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Thanks for reading.
-- Wayne - Newbie looking to learn!
9 comments so far
WayneC
home | projects | blog
5996 posts in 992 days
posted 810 days ago
Great blog entry. Cherry and shaker go together in my book. Any thoughts of drawing up your plans in sketchup?
-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov
WayneS
home | projects | blog
34 posts in 826 days
posted 810 days ago
LOL …you read my mind. I’m Going to dive into it this weekend. Besides …it will be a great test run to see if I have the skills to enter the current contest.
-- Wayne - Newbie looking to learn!
MsDebbieP
home | projects | blog
14159 posts in 1056 days
posted 810 days ago
re: wood selection— just remember that this project will be around forever and dear to your heart!! (no matter what wood you select but you might as well make it out of a wood that you love.. in my opinion).
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Bob Babcock
home | projects | blog
1808 posts in 981 days
posted 810 days ago
The cherry sounds good to me for the same reason Wayne stated. Let me know if you get stuck on anything in Sketchup.
-- Bob, Carver Massachusetts, Sawdust Maker http://www.capecodbaychallenge.org
Karson
home | projects | blog
25801 posts in 1295 days
posted 810 days ago
Go for the cherry there will be lots of time to go for some real exotics. As you said you were going for the simple lines of Shaker.
Some exotic woods might distract from that.
-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
Buckskin
home | projects | blog
484 posts in 883 days
posted 810 days ago
Well coming from a pine guy, I will have to join the consensus and vote for the cherry as well. Good luck with your first project!!!!
Thos. Angle
home | projects | blog
4013 posts in 857 days
posted 809 days ago
Yep, Cherry and Shaker.
-- Thos. Angle
Bill
home | projects | blog
2561 posts in 1056 days
posted 809 days ago
Sounds like a good plan Wayne. I missed seeing your pictures in the story this time. Hopefully, we will see a lot more in the next installment.
-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com
GaryK
home | projects | blog
9530 posts in 883 days
posted 803 days ago
You should have seen Tropical Exotic Hardwoods before he moved to the small place he’s in now.
It was very big with an entire yard full of lumber. The owner Mitch is over flowing into the shop
space next door as it is.
It’s a great place to find that special piece of wood. That’s where I got the wood for the top of
the hope chest I posted here. http://lumberjocks.com/projects/1750
Good prices compared to some other places in So. Cal. If you are interested in other places let me know.
I grew up in the area.
Gary
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.