Wood Working project plan

Hi Everyone,
Ive heard back from the Blue House folks and we will definitely be raffling off the bowl so Im going to begin posting pictures and comments about the bowl. I will post an announcement on this blog and on Facebook when the tickets are ready for purchase.

Here we go. Here are several opening photos of the block of wood:



This is a solid block of white ash. Its a lovely wood to turn. Now this particular block was processed whilst in its "green" state, meaning that it was not dried after it was cut. So to keep it from drying out and cracking, the block was coated with wax and shipped to me earlier this week. Here Ive marked out the center and Im going to attach a faceplate to what will eventually be the front of the bowl:


This is a sizable, heavy block of wood and so it is going to take some precautions to turn it safely. Im going to use big, long wood screws to hold it to the faceplate and Im also going to place it "between centers" which means Im going to use the live and dead centers of the lathe to mount it:



Now it can be turned without a lot vibration and that means it can be turned safely.

Here is the blank after several minutes of turning. Im making the underside of the bowl first.



...and here is the blank after about 15 minutes of turning. You can see that there are both sapwood and heartwood in this blank.



The next posting will describe how the bowl is attached to the lathe and hollowed out.

VW

Progress on the Tree House has progressed at a steady (and slow) rate.
I began the actual site work for the tree house by setting the large bolts that will support it. The bolts are critical because they must not only be strong enough to hold up the Treehouse, they must also allow free movement between the trees and the Treehouse in order to accommodate movement of the trees. After I had installed the first few bolts, I looked at the physical space outlined by the three (3) trees I planned on using and realized that I wasnt happy with the size of shape.

In this video, I  describe the change in shape and the replacement of a 10" bolt with a 12" bolt in order to accommodate the fact that the bolt will no longer be perpendicular to the beam.



This next video shows the first of the main beams. At least . . . it tries to. Sorry for the dark shots. By the time I finished that day, the sun had set.



Next up, Ill begin permanently mounting the main beams.

For more on the Tree House build, check out these posts.

Good news!! Everything with the house is moving along! It was a little uncertain after my first post .. the home inspection for the home that the sellers of our house are buying (still following?) didnt go very well. Luckily the major issues will be fixed - so the sellers have lifted the "home of choice contingency" (if they didnt find a home, they would have the option cancel our contract) We still dont know if well be able to close early (scheduled to close early January) ... hopefully the repairs on the other house will be fast, but were not sure yet. Wed love to be in by Christmas since well be spending some time in MD.

Full tour when we do the final walk through (and I have my good camera), but these are a few of my favorite things (yes, I did just watch the Sound of Music :)

1. The house was thoughtfully designed. Most of the windows are on the southern exposure (good for loads of natural light) There are lots of floor to ceiling windows with a wooded lot so you arent on top of your neighbors. This is one of the bedrooms on the first floor.


2. Upstairs loft area (my future office) Love the large windows, and Ive always had a thing for lofted areas.


3. Other upstairs loft. This is off of the master bedroom. Im not sure what well use it for (probably a sitting/reading room), but on the right wall (where the white filing cabinet is) wed love to do a built in closet area or shelving for extra storage on the entire wall. There is a walk in closet on the other side of the wall, so it kinda makes sense.


Youre probably wondering about the wood. Yes, we will be painting most of the ceiling (maybe not the beams) it will be A LOT of painting well need a sturdy ladder or scaffolding, an amazing paint sprayer and lots of patience. It will make it so much brighter!! Maybe this (white and weathered wood with warm wood elements) or this (white ceiling with natural beams) or this (white and white) Dreamy, right?

Cant wait to show you more!! Were SO excited! :)

Dont forget to follow along on the Christmas home tour this week, more info here!