College of The Redwoods Fine Furniture: Week 4

The short week following Labor Day went by just as fast and as slow as the previous weeks. And by a short week, I mean most of us in the class had a few hours on Monday when we did not go into the shop. I was bummed to not end up in Yosemite for a couple of days. For now my climbing fix will have to be crumbly beach rock. I’ve taped a Obata dyed woodblock of El Cap in my tool cabinet to try and keep me pysched to stay in some sort of climbing shape while I work in wood here.

El Capitan and Chisels. Normally the two don't mix. 

I worked on my frame and panel, glued up my sows ear cabinet, had some time practicing more dovetails and learned ordering new woodworking tools is just like ordering new climbing equipment. Someone else opens your box, and at least five people have ogled your new tool before you get to it, and then you get to hear everyone’s opinion on push vs. pull saws. I’m taking to marking my tools in the same way I mark my climbing gear. I’m not worried about anyone taking anything, but working in the shop is like climbing at Indian Creek. There’s about fifteen three-inch Starrett squares floating around the shop and I inevitably leave mine here or there and there’s high potential for something to move around. It’s like letting Marc or Ben “help” you sort your rack. Better count your Attaches, number twos and runners. So tomorrow my squares get a dot of red nail polish, and my pencils get marked with “XXX”.

My jointing plane and some stiles to a frame and panel.

I also learned that when Budlong says you could make something a little bit bigger, he’s probably thinking in 32nds, or 64ths, not eighths. This guy can see that you’ve got a gap less than a 128^th from ten feet away. A 16^th is the difference between having to grind your new plane iron to fit or not, and one paring too much with your chisel ruins your nice dovetail fit. Budlong sees it all, and almost before you do it.

Steam Bending for Dan Wackers mock up.

So despite the comparison of Fort Bragg to prison by Adam, there are other things going on from time to time other than just woodworking. There’s been a pretty intense Volleyball rivalry between the east and west side of the shop, and I’m happy to say the east side is leading the match. I’m on the east side. I guess though that is just like prison blocks out in the yard…

Anton post Volleyball.

Friday nights are the weekly Elephant, a gathering of students past and present, other woodworkers, beer and food. This week Jim Watkins, a student from last years summer class came in with coolers of beer and food for both the Elephant and for our house.  And a rice cooker. Generosity is an understatement. Last year Jim very well saved Chase’s and I’s life by making us stay with him at his house after he saw where we were staying. The Wildwood campground is a place where social services won’t go without an escort and the police wont go without backup. The bars and stars fly from fifth wheels surrounded by pallet board fences and there were far less teeth than there should have been. We spent this past Saturday night and Sunday having a blast hanging out with Jim, talking wood and furniture.

Hank and I head to the beach every so often. He needs to get some energy out since he can’t jump the fence and run all over town any more. Chasing seagulls seems to be second to cats.

Hank Chasing a Seagull.

Hank post beach nap.