Newsletter Vol 36 / Issue 03

Greetings

We’re a little closer to getting back to a “normal” meeting. Remember “Normal”? Anyhow, this month will be a Zoom meeting, but it will originate from H111 at UTSI.

As to my “What I’m Thankful For” resolution, I’m thankful for SPRING! Our daffodils are in their “glory” stage. Day lilies and hostas are not far behind. I know lawn mowing and garden chores are coming too, but, in it’s own way, that’s a blessing too.

Now let’s get started with Splinters!

 Zoom Meeting March 16

We will have our next Zoom Meeting on Tuesday, March 16th from 6:30-8:30.  The program will be on combining epoxy and wood to create a stunning tabletop.

Please join us by following the instructions below to:

  1. By Sunday, February 14th – Provide pictures and descriptions of your Show & Tell items to tnvalleywoodworkers@gmail.com 
    Descriptive information for each photo/related set of photos should include:

Woodworker Name: 
Project Name:
Wood(s)/Materials Used: 
Finishes applied:
Lessons Learned (if any): 

  1. If you don’t have Zoom installed, you need to download and install the application to your computer before meeting time. Go to https://zoom.us/download#client_4meeting and download/install the Zoom Client for Meetings.
  2. On Tuesday, March 16th, join the Zoom meeting any time after 6 PM. Use the following link or the link sent to you by email.https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89242855320?pwd=VDJtL1RRWFZmaXBmQ3JJSHRxNWFRQT09

Looking forward to our next Zoom Meeting!

 February Show & Tell

Here are the items that were shown in last month’s Zoom meeting.

Chuck Taylor showed a Cherry Memory Box from “thinking” to “finished” stage.  He discussed the construction including the vanishing joint on the drawer front.  He noted the drawer linings were adhesive backed felt.  The Memory Box was finished with satin lacquer.  He said this was the 12th or 13th memory box he has made in his shop.

Loyd Ackerman showed five projects, four of which were from materials already resident in his shop.  The first was one of four Maple Recipe Boxes for his grandchildren to store recipes from their Grandmother.  The first recipe box is completed but hasn’t had finish applied yet.  Ultimately all will be lacquer.  His second project was left over glass candles: two 5” candles and one 3” candle.  He got this inspiration from wondering what to do with unused glass candles and scrap wood.  He used some un-used segmented rings and a chunk of walnut sapwood.  He saves segmented rings that aren’t used in vessels. That’s how he had rings for these projects. They all have a lacquer finish.

His third project was 3 Make-Up Brushes turned and assembled for his granddaughter finished in lacquer.  Loyd’s fourth project was Maple Bowl #410 made from Red Maple.  The bowl is 5 ½” Diameter x 2” high and finished with lacquer and wax.

Loyd’s fifth project was a Shelf Unit for Cast Iron Cookware. Loyd’s son is a chef who collects cast iron cookware and needed a sturdy storage unit for it.  He made the Shelf Unit from three, 2” x 10” x 10’ boards.  The shelves were cut and milled to 1 ¼” thickness. The uprights had dado joints cut ¼” deep to hold shelves.  He used 2 ½” Screws to hold shelves in and primed the entire unit with Kilz.  His lesson learned was that he should have primed the parts before assembly because the painting would have been much easier!

Jim Jolliffe showed a Bench Top dust collector he made for light power carving and woodburning in his shop.  He’s always wanted one and rushed to build it in advance of shoulder surgery that would limit his normal carving activities.  The dust collector is built around an old, small squirrel cage fan motor that was 12”w x 12”d x 17”h.  The enclosure is 22”w x 19”d x 13”h.  The width and height accepts a 12” x 20” x 1” air filter.  The depth of the enclosure houses both the motor and a short, 6” deep air intake.  The base was made from 3/4” plywood  and the sides were made from 3/8” plywood.  The top has a rectangular opening to accommodate the motor exhaust vent.  A 4” circular x 90 degree elbow is connected to the exhaust to vent it toward the rear of the enclosure and also draw ambient air in the direction of the intake Three 12” deep clear Plexiglas walls were cut to fit the top and the sides of the air intake.   This allows the work piece to be placed in the enclosure to maximize dust/fumes collection.  The Plexiglas walls are affixed to the enclosure by adhesive Velcro strips.  This allows them to be stored flat in the intake opening for transport/storage.  Additional Velcro strips are placed on the top and sides closest to the user so the top can be adjusted up or down to decrease/increase air intake.  Jim wired the motor and an accessory “zip strip” to two switches to control the operation.  A lesson learned is that the zip strip already had an on/off switch so an additional switch was unnecessary for it.  He had the motor, wire and wood for the project so only had to buy the Plexiglas, Velcro, Air Filter and Zip Strip.  No finish was applied at the time of the Show and Tell as the device was completed the night before surgery.

Internet Links of Interest

*Take a look at these shop tips from Wood magazine.

*Inspired by last month’s program, I came across this link from Woodcraft on how to build a 3-in-1 shooting board. (Also, note the risers the author is using during the construction – very interesting.) The article can be downloaded as a PDF.

TVW YouTube Channel

This month’s program video of Jack Kincella and Tom Gillard doing the epoxy pour will be posted to YouTube after the monthly meeting. Here’s the link to our channel –

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCBMvw434qQ5ND7wjeWat3w/

Carver’s Corner

The Splinter Carvers continue to meet first and third Saturdays of the month from 8:30 am to 10:30 am (whether Jim’s there or not).  The shop is located at 201 Jolliffe Acres Ln, Tullahoma. Tools and wood are available at the meetings, just bring yourself and try your hand at carving!

 Sweeping Up

For you outdoors folk —

(Note: I have a relative who has like a $100K camper. He spent a small fortune, but lives like a king! 😊

Submissions to the newsletter are more than welcomed. Send funnies, tips, or other content that may be of interest and you may see it in a future edition of SPLINTERS.