Sunday, January 16, 2011

Stump semi-final stage

The Stump with application of the Pana-vise. The vise is attached to a removable pad. If need be, the vise can be moved to a different location on the stump. Several identical pads have been made for future equipment applications. The top of the stump is removable. Necessary to put in T-nuts which are a part of the holding system for the equipment pads. I like to think of the pads as apps. There will be an app for the jump ringer, an app for etc., etc.

Some changes were made to the original stump. I decided it would be a good idea to raise the stump up by putting on some feet, thus allowing space under the stump for toes. Adding the shelf was a pretty good idea as it provides much needed storage space.

The stump is just heavy enough to stay in place, yet can be easily moved in and out of its storage spot.

It isn't real pretty, but its functional. And that's really all that matters.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Faux Bone

Faux Bone from Robert Danzig has arrived, along with the special saw blades. Cut off a couple pieces to play with. The saw blade works pretty good, but it will take some getting used to using it. Edges are pretty rough. Now, I know the value of the swivel head cutter he recommends. So, I will have to get one. The material is not exactly what I expected it to be, but I think I can master it sooner or later.

REALLY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Tomorrow is "S" Day! "S" standing for STUMP! Yes, I will post a photo of the Stump with an attachment! Hooray!

I finally broke down and bought one of the lithium battery powered hand drills. Sprung for a DeWalt. What a joy to use! Plenty of power to drive long screws into tough wood. Now, I kick myself for not getting one earlier.

Later, gator!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Got Phi?

The above is an illustration of the Front and Back sides of a new rule I found at Lee Valley Tools.
This is an illustration how to use the Phi rule. Illustrations courtesy Lee Valley.

Phi, also known as the "Golden Ratio," or the "Golden Mean," has a value of approximately 1.618. Named after Phidias, the lead sculptor of the Parthenon in Greece, who is said to have employed it. Phi is used to proportion objects, buildings, furniture and art, for greater aesthetic appeal.

The rule eliminates the complex calculations when applying the golden ration to designs.

I thought it looked interesting. so I bought a six inch one, the smallest, to try and use it is some jewelry designs. Don't know if it will work, but worth a try. Comes in a plastic case with full instructions, easy to use. You'll need a pair of chain nose pliers to free the rule from the case!

Lee Valley does have some other things which have a potential use by jewelry makers. The is a selection of capped plastic tubes for storage, such as needle files and saw blades, plus other small storage containers, a variety of magnets which can be employed to hold small tools in place. There are magnets to hold pencils, or possibly a scriber. Magnifiers, safety items, masks, wet and dry sandpapers, etc. There is also a very nice bound logbook for you to keep your design ideas from being lost. Might be worth your while to take a look. The tubes are nice, I ordered some, as well as magnets. The magnets are powerful.

http://www.leevalleytools.com

Ordered some pieces of "faux bone" from Robert Danzig to experiment with. I think I shall have fun playing with this material. I'm going to try texturing the material by heating and pressing in some old mimeograph stencil texturing plates left over from yesteryear. Might be able to employ some of the styli we used to use. Some of you probably haven't a clue what I'm referring to when I say "mimeograph!"

Ordered more metal in various gauges and types, tubes and mesh, etc.

Very cold here for Arkansas, too cold to work in the garage, so the stump is still on hold. I will, sooner or later, finish it.

Now, I have still more projects on hold. Bought a interesting shaped, old anvil on Ebay. Man, is it ever going to take a lot of work to shape up for jewelry work. Rust removal, plus a lot of sanding. I hope it will be worth the effort! That job will have to wait for warm weather.

Hope you haven't suffered too much bad weather. We missed a bullet the other day.

Saw a video on Ganoskin where a guy attempted to polish chain with a buff on a polishing machine. Guy was extremely lucky not to have lost a finger! Destroyed part of his chain. Never attempt such a thing! Polishing machines are incredibly dangerous when used improperly! As is most machinery when misused.

Have fun, be well, do good work and check back once in a while.


Friday, January 7, 2011

Sorry, no posts for awhile. I hope to have something interesting by the end of next week.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Stump update

Today, the middle shelf was installed! Hooray! A place for the dapping set, the disc cutter, small anvils. Also, mounting pads for a couple pieces of equipment, cut and drilled. Awaiting ordered Forstner bits to complete installation of the mounting pads. Amazingly, I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel and a bit of clear space on the bench top!

Hope everyone has a great new year, get a lot accomplished.