The Uncluded - Kimya Dawson

What a strange, kind song. I don't really know why, but I'm really happy I watched it .

Today in the Shop

Today was a fantastic day for the desk. 

The finish is finally coming up nicely.  There have been so many stops and starts, but the end result has been worth it.  When I first finished the desk, there was a small area I wasn't satisfied with.  When I sanded it for a final coat of finish, I somehow contaminated the surface with silicon.  It could have been anything, I suspect it related to car wax I had be using for a different project.  It is a nightmare to get rid of, even the most minute amount will cause the finish to not lay flat.  Building the finish back up is a slow process, and that has been a big delay on this piece.
So, today I was able to assemble everything except the desk surface - it looks fantastic.  I've made many variations of this desk, but I think this one looks the most balanced so far.  I love the combination of the maple of the plywood and the walnut, it's a nice contrast.  Did anyone notice that the top two drawers switched in the photo?  The wall mounted feeder is going to the same client - they would look great on the same wall.

Stella sisters sing "ring of fire"

I know, I know, internet sensation and all that, but these girls are mesmerizing.

Fix almost anything

I got some sugru for Christmas. I love it.  It's magic silicon putty that fixes anything.  It may seem a little pricey, but I fixed my cupholder in my van, and that alone would cost over $200 to replace. I used yellow, because I wanted to highlight the fix.  I also made a little yellow cap for my broken parking pole on the passenger side.  There are a million uses for this stuff. I will always have some of this close at hand - especially in the back country. 

https://sugru.com/us/videos/wtf-is-sugru

And if you have a few minutes, read their storey, it's a good one:
"While studying for my MA in product Design (read playing and experimenting with materials') at the RCA in London, I had a bit of an idea.  "I don't want to buy new stuff all the time.  I want to hack the stuff I already have so it works better for me."  . . . .  jump

today in the shop

finishing the finish

I'm fine sanding and polishing the finish.  This removes any fine dust that settled in the finish as it cured and it also gives it a very silky smooth texture.  It is also very satisfying.

Today in the Shop

Pressed some new feeders while I wait for finishes to cure on my big projects.

Today in the Shop

wet finish on a walnut pod

the drawers are fitted and ready for finish

dovetail drawer sides

a newly finished set of pod legs

wall feeder ready for finishing