Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT Mid-Century Moto Mecca Makeover
- Thread starter sakurama
- Start date
Workspaces between 485 and 705 squarefeet.
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Happy Birthday Gregor!
I hope your Moab Thanksgiving was a success.
Having cared for my mother in her final years, I know how frightening dementia can be. I found no magic to deal with it. The best I could do was spend time with her and dig deep into my well of patience. It's no one's fault but she will likely do very unexpected things. I needed to be most vigilant in the twilight and nighttime hours. For my mother there was no difference between 3 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. Several times she waited outside for the morning bus to the senior center at 8 o'clock at night. In the world of small worlds, my mother's birthday was the 23rd of November.
I hope your Moab Thanksgiving was a success.
Having cared for my mother in her final years, I know how frightening dementia can be. I found no magic to deal with it. The best I could do was spend time with her and dig deep into my well of patience. It's no one's fault but she will likely do very unexpected things. I needed to be most vigilant in the twilight and nighttime hours. For my mother there was no difference between 3 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. Several times she waited outside for the morning bus to the senior center at 8 o'clock at night. In the world of small worlds, my mother's birthday was the 23rd of November.
Terranova
Well-known member
“The kids didn't want to go on our own but I told them if we stayed it would be the same as the week before and the week before that. Portland teachers have been on strike for three weeks now so this week isn't exactly the holiday "break" it would normally be. I asked the kids to list out all the memories they had; camping, trips to the coast, skiing, going to Colorado and finding fools gold, a rain storm so bad we had to return to town because our tents flooded. I then pointed out that zero of their memories were "staying home and watching Youtube on the ipad."
Even the disasters were good memories - better actually.”
I just read this, word for word, to both my kids, after I told them to pause the YouTube video on the TV.
Thank you.
I wish you strength, patience, courage and wisdom in these coming months.
Even the disasters were good memories - better actually.”
I just read this, word for word, to both my kids, after I told them to pause the YouTube video on the TV.
Thank you.
I wish you strength, patience, courage and wisdom in these coming months.
For longevity and some ideas to embrace it.
Grip strength, good dental hygiene and why the self imposed short term stress will prolong your life...a lot.
Good you are writing/posting again. I have not ridden any MC this year. Lots of work and a family trip to Port Townsend. Though i´ve ridden some on my bi-cycle and transitioned into smarttrainer. Never thought i would do that, but i´m having so much fun(and suffer). Indievelo is the platform combined with Strava.
Make the GoFundme happen.
Grip strength, good dental hygiene and why the self imposed short term stress will prolong your life...a lot.
Good you are writing/posting again. I have not ridden any MC this year. Lots of work and a family trip to Port Townsend. Though i´ve ridden some on my bi-cycle and transitioned into smarttrainer. Never thought i would do that, but i´m having so much fun(and suffer). Indievelo is the platform combined with Strava.
Make the GoFundme happen.
I've mentioned before that maybe my single biggest parenting win was not giving the kids the ipad for road trips but getting them to listen to podcasts. This has, in a small way, backfired as Lucas adamantly listens to Myths and Legends while Nadia prefers music.
Anticipating the arguments I downloaded our first audiobook - Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card - and we left Tuesday afternoon. The audiobook was key as it was an engrossing listen and the kids were into it making the miles fly by. We got to Boise and had dinner with my friend Tom and stayed in at the Riverside Hotel because they have a good pool. After our swim Lucas said, "I already have one good memory from this trip!" Score!
Wednesday we started early so we'd get into Moab in time to get groceries but just outside SLC the Volvo's check engine light came on and it started running rough. It was 5pm the day before Thanksgiving. A wave of panic hit me as I imagined the bill for a blown motor and spending Thanksgiving in a motel in Provo. Every mechanic was closed for the weekend. We limped back to Provo, found a U-Haul still open, rented a pickup and tossed our bags and bikes into the back.
The kids are so damned resilient. To them the trip got more interesting and they kept joking about what else could go wrong. We sat three across in a single cab pickup and I remembered my childhood sitting on a bench seat next to my dad in our old F100.
We got in at midnight - long after everything closed.
In the morning I went to the market to buy what we needed for Thanksgiving - it is basically a nostalgic meal and follows the routine: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and green beans. Exactly what the kids asked for. The turkey - the only one available was frozen solid and with the kids still asleep I went for a ride on Pipe Dream, a trail just on the edge of town.
After I took the kids hiking in the canyons outside of town as the turkey was still frozen.
We found petroglyphs along the rocks and sarcasm runs deep in the kids; they pointed out shopping carts, bowls of salsa and a chocolate fountain. We headed back to the condo and started cooking at 5pm - a bit late but that's when the turkey was finally thawed. We spatchcocked it to speed the process and ended up having a great meal by 7. I was asleep by 8pm.
Early on Friday I found a mechanic who was able to fix the car (faulty #3 coil) and that was a huge relief. Things were looking up.
Then Sacha tested negative for Covid and arrived at noon. We rode Navajo Rocks; it was cold, raining and a more technical ride so I let the kids hang in the condo. They were thrilled and I wanted a longer ride with Sacha so it worked out.
We went out to dinner that night and after played cards in the condo. Having Sacha join us made a huge difference. Saturday we did a 4x4 tour and I was hoping we'd be able to just rent one and go on our own but it was a guided tour - more research next time.
Nonetheless everyone had a great time on the 4x4 tour. It's remarkable what those things can climb and you can't help but enjoy the landscape.
We left early Sunday and while it was only three days in Moab it was a great three days. We picked up the car in Provo, loaded our things and made it to Boise by 5pm. As we were checking into our hotel Nadia got a notice that the teachers strike had ended and that they had school the next day. We canceled the hotel, filled up the coffee mug and got back on the road arriving at midnight. 1050 miles in 15 hours.
On paper the trip didn't make sense - we drove over 2000 miles to ride 20 miles - but it was needed and it was memorable.
G
Anticipating the arguments I downloaded our first audiobook - Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card - and we left Tuesday afternoon. The audiobook was key as it was an engrossing listen and the kids were into it making the miles fly by. We got to Boise and had dinner with my friend Tom and stayed in at the Riverside Hotel because they have a good pool. After our swim Lucas said, "I already have one good memory from this trip!" Score!
Wednesday we started early so we'd get into Moab in time to get groceries but just outside SLC the Volvo's check engine light came on and it started running rough. It was 5pm the day before Thanksgiving. A wave of panic hit me as I imagined the bill for a blown motor and spending Thanksgiving in a motel in Provo. Every mechanic was closed for the weekend. We limped back to Provo, found a U-Haul still open, rented a pickup and tossed our bags and bikes into the back.
The kids are so damned resilient. To them the trip got more interesting and they kept joking about what else could go wrong. We sat three across in a single cab pickup and I remembered my childhood sitting on a bench seat next to my dad in our old F100.
We got in at midnight - long after everything closed.
In the morning I went to the market to buy what we needed for Thanksgiving - it is basically a nostalgic meal and follows the routine: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and green beans. Exactly what the kids asked for. The turkey - the only one available was frozen solid and with the kids still asleep I went for a ride on Pipe Dream, a trail just on the edge of town.
After I took the kids hiking in the canyons outside of town as the turkey was still frozen.
We found petroglyphs along the rocks and sarcasm runs deep in the kids; they pointed out shopping carts, bowls of salsa and a chocolate fountain. We headed back to the condo and started cooking at 5pm - a bit late but that's when the turkey was finally thawed. We spatchcocked it to speed the process and ended up having a great meal by 7. I was asleep by 8pm.
Early on Friday I found a mechanic who was able to fix the car (faulty #3 coil) and that was a huge relief. Things were looking up.
Then Sacha tested negative for Covid and arrived at noon. We rode Navajo Rocks; it was cold, raining and a more technical ride so I let the kids hang in the condo. They were thrilled and I wanted a longer ride with Sacha so it worked out.
We went out to dinner that night and after played cards in the condo. Having Sacha join us made a huge difference. Saturday we did a 4x4 tour and I was hoping we'd be able to just rent one and go on our own but it was a guided tour - more research next time.
Nonetheless everyone had a great time on the 4x4 tour. It's remarkable what those things can climb and you can't help but enjoy the landscape.
We left early Sunday and while it was only three days in Moab it was a great three days. We picked up the car in Provo, loaded our things and made it to Boise by 5pm. As we were checking into our hotel Nadia got a notice that the teachers strike had ended and that they had school the next day. We canceled the hotel, filled up the coffee mug and got back on the road arriving at midnight. 1050 miles in 15 hours.
On paper the trip didn't make sense - we drove over 2000 miles to ride 20 miles - but it was needed and it was memorable.
G
hewey
Well-known member
Sounds like a well needed adventure! Glad it came out positive in the end. And definitely something the kids will remember over a weekend on the couch with an ipad.
Horror Business
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2014
- Messages
- 511
I made my first visit to Moab this year. Incredible riding out there!
gearhead1960
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card is a great story. The movie is not half bad either. Another great one for your next adventure would be Wizard's First Rule: Sword of Truth by Terry Goodkind. There's another 10 or so books in the series that make for a great read or listen. One of my all time favorite series.
I caught up on sleep and headed back to the shop but it's freezing so I had to wait for a while for the shop to warm up before I could do any work.
I started by stitching the frame welding the outside frame first and then working to the center just welding the outside faces.
My v-blocks and Vise-Grip clamps were handy to hold the frame up so I could do the inside corners.
Since strength isn't an issue I just wanted to pulse the corners with a small fusion weld so the corners had a radius to match.
With the front and back frames welded I wanted to make the box but needed to grind the face welds flat.
I wanted to do the grinding outside but it's just too cold. I used the angle grinder to knock the welds down and radius the corners.
Then I used the festool orbital sander to smooth the faces a bit more and blend the grinding. I'm planning on using the same textured paint so I don't have to be too perfect.
The gear isn't that deep but I'm making the stand/rack the same depth as the turntable stand so that they feel of a piece or a pair. I used my two small magnets to hold the front to back tubes and welded them one at a time and then tacked the back of the frame. This is where the frame could really go pear shaped.
I was careful to tack the corners and use the magnets and some clamps and surprisingly the whole frame ended up square - I'm not even sure how. And I stopped here because I ran out of a plan. I know I want to make panels on the sides and top and that I want to make a box on the right side to hold records that we're listening to right now.
There's a power supply for the turntable that is smaller but not the same design and I could either box that just above the two larger bottom rectangles or hide it inside a box/panel. At this point I need to figure out the inside. I have some 1/2" angle that I'm planning to use to hold the shelves which will be narrow so the steel is under the feet.
So more thinking is where I'm at right now. Also, I need to pull out the track saw and start to break down the MDF.
Gregor
I started by stitching the frame welding the outside frame first and then working to the center just welding the outside faces.
My v-blocks and Vise-Grip clamps were handy to hold the frame up so I could do the inside corners.
Since strength isn't an issue I just wanted to pulse the corners with a small fusion weld so the corners had a radius to match.
With the front and back frames welded I wanted to make the box but needed to grind the face welds flat.
I wanted to do the grinding outside but it's just too cold. I used the angle grinder to knock the welds down and radius the corners.
Then I used the festool orbital sander to smooth the faces a bit more and blend the grinding. I'm planning on using the same textured paint so I don't have to be too perfect.
The gear isn't that deep but I'm making the stand/rack the same depth as the turntable stand so that they feel of a piece or a pair. I used my two small magnets to hold the front to back tubes and welded them one at a time and then tacked the back of the frame. This is where the frame could really go pear shaped.
I was careful to tack the corners and use the magnets and some clamps and surprisingly the whole frame ended up square - I'm not even sure how. And I stopped here because I ran out of a plan. I know I want to make panels on the sides and top and that I want to make a box on the right side to hold records that we're listening to right now.
There's a power supply for the turntable that is smaller but not the same design and I could either box that just above the two larger bottom rectangles or hide it inside a box/panel. At this point I need to figure out the inside. I have some 1/2" angle that I'm planning to use to hold the shelves which will be narrow so the steel is under the feet.
So more thinking is where I'm at right now. Also, I need to pull out the track saw and start to break down the MDF.
Gregor
SilverJimmy
Well-known member
Gregor, looks like your trip to Moab was great, I’m thinking your kids will be proudly sharing all the details to all their friends! I do have a quick question about your shop setup. I’m in the planning phase of my new shop and I’m trying to decide how to organize and or isolate my welding/fab area from my machine shop area. I see your mill and lathe are in your fab area. I know your space is at a premium, but if you had more room would you separate those two processes or is the convenience of having everything close outweigh the hassle of grit and debris? I’m just trying to figure out if two smaller rooms are better than one large one, or if the benefits of a larger workspace is king! Thanks again, I have enjoyed (and NOT) your journey and journal.
So Ben did a quick model of the house with the idea that building on top of the current garage is probably not feasible since it was always just a carport with walls added. Every time it rains hard the wall near the window floods.
This first model looked at setbacks with the idea that we would tear down the garage and build a new foundation so it's strong and waterproof but also larger. If we extend the back wall and hoover up the space in between the garage and house the garage could be almost twice as large.
So to your question I would absolutely keep the mill and lathe close to the fab table. The table is the central focus of the shop and where you go to weld, mockup and currently grind. If I had the space I would move grinding/sanding/blasting machines to their own wall far from the mill/lathe. I'd also build another small booth that could have ventilation - while grinding and paint are sort of opposites they both require ventilation and being away from the precise machines.
In all the nice shops I've worked in the fab table is within a few steps of the mill, lathe and cold saw. Chips aren't as much of a problem as grinding dust. If I had more space I'd build more cabinets and divide up the wood from metal a bit more and I'd probably just give all the machines more room. Right now I can't cut a 10' stick in the cold saw and the chop saw can barely cut an 8' 2x4. It's all close but too cramped.
Scott Kolb, my mentor and fab hero has a shop with a lot of space. and it's helpful to see how it's arranged:
Ideally you'd have space around every machine with room for material. Saws need more room than a mill or lathe and so mills tend to go in corners and lathes nearby.
Hopefully that helps you.
Gregor
patlun
Well-known member
A small warning about Terry Goodkind, I would be careful to let children read that series, at least the first book contains very adult material. Read the review from "High fantasy reader". That said I liked the books as filler between other books.
Who said it needed to make sense?
shirk
Well-known member
The best road trips are usually the ones that don't make sense. They make memories.
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Most of my childhood summers were spent away from home. First staying with my grandparents in an isolated home on a lake in Vermont and then in the backseat of a car criss-crossing North America. In the moment I felt like I was losing out on those bonds with my schoolmates, going to the pool or hanging out at their house or mine. Then I spent the summer of 1958 at home and did none of the things I thought I would do. Half the summer passed with nothing memorable. Then I spent the second half at my grandparents apartment in Rutland, VT. A Texaco gas station down the street was run by a hot rodder with "The Gold Digger," a tricked out '57 Chevy (less than a year old). Pretty sure grandma reported me missing several times. Luckily lost children were not a serious problem in 1958 -- my perfectly safe daily hitchhiking was no big deal.
I guarantee Nadia and Lucas will remember the trips to Moab long after they've forgotten the missed moments on the data mining machines.
I guarantee Nadia and Lucas will remember the trips to Moab long after they've forgotten the missed moments on the data mining machines.
Thanks Phil!
Phil is a long time friend in SLC and the first person I called to see what resources there were. He immediately started a text chain with local friends and I was offered a car, a place to keep the Volvo and any help needed. The car was too small to carry the bikes but the U-Haul suggestion came from that group.
I think our community and friendships are the most valuable resource we have. I'm bummed that Phil was back in Colorado and that we didn't get to see each other.
Next time!
G
TwoBytes
Well-known member
What's the collective noun for drill presses? A gang, maybe?
Scott's workshop is very nicely laid out.
quadrcr87
Well-known member
I would call that a litter of drill presses
kaymccampbell
Well-known member
IME it's a gang. If you see one of those multiple head, multiple process drill presses, it's called a gang press. One pull each as you walk down the line, et voila, a part.I would call that a litter of drill presses
Wreckster23
Well-known member
I honestly think bicycling is one of the greatest ways to self regulate. Both physical and mental health. As mentioned above, I find I just never have the time needed for mountain biking. Packing up, driving, packing up again.. it just takes far too much time when time is so valuable. I have been meaning to start road riding locally. I have a few options near enough that will get me off the roads if I pedal to them, the lack of physical endurance from not biking the last few years had been a deterant, I really need to just start doing it.
As also mentioned above, taking time for yourself is extremely important. The depression that sets in when all you're doing is providing for others is debilitating. You are less good for them in such a state. Don't feel guilty about having some time for you, you need it.
Always good to hear about your adventures, here's to a happy holiday for you and yours.
As also mentioned above, taking time for yourself is extremely important. The depression that sets in when all you're doing is providing for others is debilitating. You are less good for them in such a state. Don't feel guilty about having some time for you, you need it.
Always good to hear about your adventures, here's to a happy holiday for you and yours.
broinkrist
Well-known member
To couple on this, what's your photography setup now Gregor?
I need to keep my Q in the garage to take better shots of the process. Phones are just so convenient though!
Yes, Kay's got it - a gang. Sometimes, because they're super heavy and take up a lot of space, you can find deals on Clausing 4 head gangs.
I have a film crew that follows me around all the time. Expensive but worth it!
I am a photographer so I have a 3-4 tripods. I try to consider what parts of the process explain things best and then I just set up the camera, set it to self timer and then shoot. Welding is tricky because I have to trigger the camera, sit down, get the torch, lower the hood, strike an arc... it rarely works. Somewhere I have a remote trigger and I should find that and use it. Maybe I'll do that today so I can make some more interesting shots.
Video is just so much harder and I honestly don't have the energy for that right now. I'd love to find a way to streamline shooting video but I haven't. Still images don't really interrupt my work flow - I have a camera near the bench and it's easy and fun to shoot photos.
It's interesting because it's taken much longer to begin getting back into shape than at any other time in my life. I've now been regularly riding and lifting for 7 months and it's only been in the last month that I feel I've turned a corner.
I turned 58 last week and that sounds so old to me. But right now I'm stronger on a bike than at any point in my life. I have 2 years before I turn 60 and I'm thinking of entering the Tour Divide that year - a 2700 mile bicycle race on the continental divide. Then I thought how much I always wanted to do the Baja 1000 and began to wonder if maybe that would be fun to do the same year. And to do it on an old BMW that I built for the race.
Lofty goals for sure but I like having something to work towards.
Gregor
I'm using a Sony A7C - the point and shoot body with a full frame sensor. I've not been carrying it on the bicycle or using it as much mostly because of motivation. BUT! I absolutely love the ability to use the full suite of my super fast Sony GMaster (not, ironically, named after me...) so I keep using it. A pancake lens would make the camera smaller but lose the shallow focus of the 24 or 35 f1.4 lenses that I like.
G
Yesterday was like the first day of this project - dusting off equipment I've not used in months.
I would normally set up outside to break down a full sheet but it's now raining with no end in sight. I used a sheet of foam board on top of the dining table and the Festool stops to rip my sheet of 1/2" MDF. I'm not a fan of MDF for so many reasons but for hifi it seems the default. And it's going to allow me to skin the sides in teak.
I cut the first width for the outside panels and the second for the interior shelves.
I attached the wing to the table and, because I've not used it forever, forgot to leave a gap for the blade and sawed right into the extrusion. Sigh. At least it wasn't much. I could mill off the end but I'm going to leave it as a reminder to be more careful.
The MDF is 1/2" and the square tube is 5/8" and the angle I bought to cradle it is 1/8" wall. Sooooo... hopefully it nets out. The veneer will add a couple mm's but it should still be close enough to flush. Because the amps are heavy and MDF is weak the shelves are only as wide as the feet so that the weight is held directly by the steel angle.
So the bottom three are the outsides, the next two are the amps and the top four are the control/power supply. In order to move on I need to finish them so I can then use them for the fitting of the angle brackets. So my modest goal for the day is veneer the shelves and then stain them black. I'm going to only veneer the inside of the outer panels and stain them black as well. When that's done and I have put away the black stain and cleaned up I'll bring out the teak and do the outsides and edges.
Gregor
I would normally set up outside to break down a full sheet but it's now raining with no end in sight. I used a sheet of foam board on top of the dining table and the Festool stops to rip my sheet of 1/2" MDF. I'm not a fan of MDF for so many reasons but for hifi it seems the default. And it's going to allow me to skin the sides in teak.
I cut the first width for the outside panels and the second for the interior shelves.
I attached the wing to the table and, because I've not used it forever, forgot to leave a gap for the blade and sawed right into the extrusion. Sigh. At least it wasn't much. I could mill off the end but I'm going to leave it as a reminder to be more careful.
The MDF is 1/2" and the square tube is 5/8" and the angle I bought to cradle it is 1/8" wall. Sooooo... hopefully it nets out. The veneer will add a couple mm's but it should still be close enough to flush. Because the amps are heavy and MDF is weak the shelves are only as wide as the feet so that the weight is held directly by the steel angle.
So the bottom three are the outsides, the next two are the amps and the top four are the control/power supply. In order to move on I need to finish them so I can then use them for the fitting of the angle brackets. So my modest goal for the day is veneer the shelves and then stain them black. I'm going to only veneer the inside of the outer panels and stain them black as well. When that's done and I have put away the black stain and cleaned up I'll bring out the teak and do the outsides and edges.
Gregor
broinkrist
Well-known member
Thanks G-Master!
I've heard great things about the A7C. Full frame and fast glass are a must - I don't think I can ever go back. I keep thinking about changing it up, then start looking at prices of a new setup and quickly stop and just appreciate how simple the Leica Q is, albeit pretty old now.
I recently started re-reading your (this) thread from the beginning and remembering the 'adventure' of following along when I first joined the GJ forum so many moons ago. For sure you've been an inspiration to many on here who have attempted to emulate your approach to problem solving, and documentation.
Really love your projects and glad you've found some time to get back in the garage/shop after all of the curveballs life has thrown your way, along with kids, family, and relationships. Hoping for the best for you and all your loved ones, and continuing to follow along the adventure.
quadrcr87
Well-known member
You know you have full confidence in your abilities and your tools when you can breakdown plywood on your dining table. I myself would have a cut line right into the table. Festool dust collection must be amazing to do it in the middle of the dining room.
(note to self, buy a track saw)
(note to self, buy a track saw)
Madc
Well-known member
Or you're single!
Festool system is amazing, but not THAT amazing-especially with MDF. Great to see you back at it Gregor! and thank you for letting us follow along. Keep us posted on your sister and let us know how and when we can help.MADC
Honestly the Leica Q is perhaps my favorite camera I've ever owned. I think about getting another one but there's practical aspects of the 7C that keep me from doing that. And the new Q's, like so many cameras, keep pushing to larger capture sizes which reduce speed, focus precision and storage needs - for no real benefit. Me, personally, like to stay in the 21-25mp size. That's the sweet spot.
It's like a passive aggressive approach to the dining table - it's old, ugly and I would love to have a different one but it's perfectly fine. So subconsciously I'm probably hoping to give myself a reason to get rid of it. And dust collection is actually that good. Especially when you have a base to cut into which provides a floor to make the vacuum more effective and also serves as a cut edge to prevent chipping.
Or you're single!
MADC
Or there's that! That's also how you can explain 3 motorcycles and 5 bicycles in the dining room...
G
Veneer.
A full 4x8 sheet of teak veneer is over $400! A 2x8 sheet was mismarked and the guy at Woodcrafters said, "I'm just going to honor that if you want it..." Sure, I'll take a half sheet of veneer for the price of a full sheet of baltic birch. Jeez. The full sheet of birch was $78. It wasn't that long ago in this thread that a full sheet of 3/4" (18mm) baltic birch was less than that.
I ended up here because a client paid for a small sheet which I used for the turntable stand and this, of course, had to match. But it's very midcentury even if the design of the stand isn't. It should hopefully make the stand feel less monolith or hifi "tech nerd"
If you went to art school you know the RotoTrim. A staple of every art room and graphic design studio. They were expensive back in the day $3-400 and no one ever sold one so the only option was to buy new. I've owned this for almost 30 years? It cuts paper and veneer as well now as it did then. Nadia uses it all time. I love perfect tools.
I have had a lot of lifting on the formica that I used on the counters. I'm sure that's my error but also a drawback of formica - it's not held up well. It seems to work much better on veneer.
I think the veneer hammer has also made a difference and is better at concentrating the forces more than the rubber roller that I had used. The smaller shelves are all birch veneer, the outer panels will be teak outside and black inside.
I just used a utility knife with a fresh blade to trim the sheets of veneer.
As far as I can tell there's only two trimmers. The green one I got 10 or more years ago from Woodcraft and looking online it's available from multiple sources in different colors. It has four blades - or six actually - two for trimming the excess and two for beveling the edge. It's worked... okay. Considering the age I wanted to change the blades and found a set in a drawer - but they were the wrong type.
This is why I wanted to change the blade. When I went to the store to get the correct blade I realized that the extra's I already had were for the Fastcap trimmer (the blue one) so I bought that too so I could see which worked better.
Maybe it's my edge banding - adhesive backed birch - but the answer was neither. The Fastcap has only two blades so it doesn't attempt to bevel the corners. It's marginally better than the green one. I tried the router table and it got gummed up by the adhesive so there's no good solution.
I'm sure it's me being out of practice but in the end I got the four small bases all done. The large ones just get birch on the back.
I thought I had black stain but I think I ended up throwing away a lot of the old stains that filled the paint cabinet. When I went to get more I saw this combo stain/poly and like everything that is a combo - it *****. I should have known. Stain should be thin and soak in quickly and this does not. It's like liquid lampblack and was supposed to be satin. I regret my decision.
My normal satin poly dries to the touch in an hour or so and this was still damp 6 hours after application last night. This morning I doubled down and did the other side. I might not have stirred or shaken it enough? Maybe it will be better with a second coat? It says "two thin coats" so we'll see. It's sort of superfluous as you'll never see it so I will just keep going.
Second side is now drying and the weather is clearing so I might try getting out for a longer ride.
Gregor
A full 4x8 sheet of teak veneer is over $400! A 2x8 sheet was mismarked and the guy at Woodcrafters said, "I'm just going to honor that if you want it..." Sure, I'll take a half sheet of veneer for the price of a full sheet of baltic birch. Jeez. The full sheet of birch was $78. It wasn't that long ago in this thread that a full sheet of 3/4" (18mm) baltic birch was less than that.
I ended up here because a client paid for a small sheet which I used for the turntable stand and this, of course, had to match. But it's very midcentury even if the design of the stand isn't. It should hopefully make the stand feel less monolith or hifi "tech nerd"
If you went to art school you know the RotoTrim. A staple of every art room and graphic design studio. They were expensive back in the day $3-400 and no one ever sold one so the only option was to buy new. I've owned this for almost 30 years? It cuts paper and veneer as well now as it did then. Nadia uses it all time. I love perfect tools.
I have had a lot of lifting on the formica that I used on the counters. I'm sure that's my error but also a drawback of formica - it's not held up well. It seems to work much better on veneer.
I think the veneer hammer has also made a difference and is better at concentrating the forces more than the rubber roller that I had used. The smaller shelves are all birch veneer, the outer panels will be teak outside and black inside.
I just used a utility knife with a fresh blade to trim the sheets of veneer.
As far as I can tell there's only two trimmers. The green one I got 10 or more years ago from Woodcraft and looking online it's available from multiple sources in different colors. It has four blades - or six actually - two for trimming the excess and two for beveling the edge. It's worked... okay. Considering the age I wanted to change the blades and found a set in a drawer - but they were the wrong type.
This is why I wanted to change the blade. When I went to the store to get the correct blade I realized that the extra's I already had were for the Fastcap trimmer (the blue one) so I bought that too so I could see which worked better.
Maybe it's my edge banding - adhesive backed birch - but the answer was neither. The Fastcap has only two blades so it doesn't attempt to bevel the corners. It's marginally better than the green one. I tried the router table and it got gummed up by the adhesive so there's no good solution.
I'm sure it's me being out of practice but in the end I got the four small bases all done. The large ones just get birch on the back.
I thought I had black stain but I think I ended up throwing away a lot of the old stains that filled the paint cabinet. When I went to get more I saw this combo stain/poly and like everything that is a combo - it *****. I should have known. Stain should be thin and soak in quickly and this does not. It's like liquid lampblack and was supposed to be satin. I regret my decision.
My normal satin poly dries to the touch in an hour or so and this was still damp 6 hours after application last night. This morning I doubled down and did the other side. I might not have stirred or shaken it enough? Maybe it will be better with a second coat? It says "two thin coats" so we'll see. It's sort of superfluous as you'll never see it so I will just keep going.
Second side is now drying and the weather is clearing so I might try getting out for a longer ride.
Gregor
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nicholam77
Well-known member
The stand is going to look awesome, Gregor, that teak veneer looks amazing. It's great to see the Festools out and the shop projects going again.
The world has gone crazy. You're lucky to even have access to baltic birch. I still don't know where to get it anymore, and it certainly isn't $78.
In the future, for veneer, maybe check out this place online? I know you were trying to match the material, but maybe for other projects? I ordered some full 4'x8' sheets of rifted white oak for a project, and they were perfect. Not cheap, but a whole lot cheaper than $400 a sheet. Nice selection and they also sell a water-based contact cement that I tried and liked.
It's a conundrum. I've found the Green and Blue style are just ok like you said, but I never trim both sides at once like it's designed to. I always take the trimmer apart and just use one half, and continually reverse my cutting direction based on the grain. That doesn't bevel the edge and usually leaves a tiny lip, but at least no tear out. Even though it gums up the sanding discs, I flush it up with a random orbit sander.
I've seen cabinet makers recommend using a special file to trim edge banding. I'm not sure what type or the technique, but might be something to look into if you're doing a lot of it.
I appreciate you sharing all the personal stuff here, as well. My very best to you and Lara.
The world has gone crazy. You're lucky to even have access to baltic birch. I still don't know where to get it anymore, and it certainly isn't $78.
In the future, for veneer, maybe check out this place online? I know you were trying to match the material, but maybe for other projects? I ordered some full 4'x8' sheets of rifted white oak for a project, and they were perfect. Not cheap, but a whole lot cheaper than $400 a sheet. Nice selection and they also sell a water-based contact cement that I tried and liked.
It's a conundrum. I've found the Green and Blue style are just ok like you said, but I never trim both sides at once like it's designed to. I always take the trimmer apart and just use one half, and continually reverse my cutting direction based on the grain. That doesn't bevel the edge and usually leaves a tiny lip, but at least no tear out. Even though it gums up the sanding discs, I flush it up with a random orbit sander.
I've seen cabinet makers recommend using a special file to trim edge banding. I'm not sure what type or the technique, but might be something to look into if you're doing a lot of it.
I appreciate you sharing all the personal stuff here, as well. My very best to you and Lara.
jlevers
Well-known member
Yeah, I had the same thought...I tried to get some baltic birch here in NYC recently, and it was going to be about $130 a sheet. Yikes.
Jblount3
Well-known member
Good to see you back out in that shop using your skills
kaymccampbell
Well-known member
Conn-Ply.
I try to reserve one weekend day for a long ride as I'm trying to build my endurance to eventually do a century. I found a 44 mile OMTM route that looked promising but by the time I got out to the area it was obvious I'd never finish before dark so I picked a 34 mile route, told a friend where I was going and then took off.
It was just a little east of Portland and while the radar predicted a four hour gap with the rain it started raining on me within a few miles.
It was a long, steep 12 mile climb that took longer than expected and I considered turning around but it looked like a little gravel and the route would head back.
The road became covered with sharp rocks and downed trees and at this point I was just past halfway so I decided to push on hoping that I'd get back on a major road and the 12 mile climb would become a long decent. That didn't happen. I got two flats and luckily packed a tubeless repair kit, CO2 and a pump. As I was repairing the tire I was thinking how I'd taken the lighter out of my kit for some dumb reason and hoping I wasn't going to spend the night outside.
I managed to get out but only after the road became a trail and the trail became occasional pink streamers on branches. I lost the trail at a stream crossing and was getting nervous as it was almost dark but finally the trail widened out and led to a road. My headlight died 8 miles from the car (but taillight stayed strong) and I rolled back to the car well after 5.
Lots of dumb mistakes that I got lucky didn't become worse but it was also a really fun ride. I'm going to start packing a bit more from now on including a tiny bivy or space blanket.
Gregor
It was just a little east of Portland and while the radar predicted a four hour gap with the rain it started raining on me within a few miles.
It was a long, steep 12 mile climb that took longer than expected and I considered turning around but it looked like a little gravel and the route would head back.
The road became covered with sharp rocks and downed trees and at this point I was just past halfway so I decided to push on hoping that I'd get back on a major road and the 12 mile climb would become a long decent. That didn't happen. I got two flats and luckily packed a tubeless repair kit, CO2 and a pump. As I was repairing the tire I was thinking how I'd taken the lighter out of my kit for some dumb reason and hoping I wasn't going to spend the night outside.
I managed to get out but only after the road became a trail and the trail became occasional pink streamers on branches. I lost the trail at a stream crossing and was getting nervous as it was almost dark but finally the trail widened out and led to a road. My headlight died 8 miles from the car (but taillight stayed strong) and I rolled back to the car well after 5.
Lots of dumb mistakes that I got lucky didn't become worse but it was also a really fun ride. I'm going to start packing a bit more from now on including a tiny bivy or space blanket.
Gregor
elvee
Well-known member
A motto I picked up from another endurance crew chief back when I was at the track more - "If you're gonna be dumb, you better be tough."
Glad it was a good adventure for you, Gregor.
Glad it was a good adventure for you, Gregor.
A Texaco gas station down the street was run by a hot rodder with "The Gold Digger," a tricked out '57 Chevy (less than a year old). Pretty sure grandma reported me missing several times. Luckily lost children were not a serious problem in 1958 -- my perfectly safe daily hitchhiking was no big deal.
Damnit Bob, you’ve lived one interesting life! The paint and skirts and grille and caps make for a perfect period snapshot of 1958 customizing. Keep on sharing!
Ed