Gulf Island Building.

cocobolo

Just had a repeat performance of a clamp exploding again. This time at least I could find both pieces.

I can't blame the clamp this time...it's a 2" clamp, and I was asking it to go over 2 1/4" of wood. That spring in the middle is pretty strong - rated at 35 lbs pressure at 2". Evidently, the el cheapo plastic wasn't quite up to the task.

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cocobolo

But not to worry, this is the final row of cedar going on. I think 10 strips will do the job nicely. It feels about the right size to grab...so now the glue can dry overnight, and the shaping and sanding might be able to start tomorrow.

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gma2rjc

Jed 'Clamp'ett would be jealous cocobolo.

Do you have to remove it from the wall to shape it?

cocobolo

The Beverley Hillbillies...hmmmm...now you're giving away your age! I bet it must have been your mum and dad who told you about that show!

Yes, the giant spiral will somehow need to be moved - preferably outside I think - in order to be able to get at it properly for shaping.

I was trying to think where I could move it to, and I think out on the back decks will work best. Set up a couple of sawhorses and dig up all the tools I might need.

Power plane, handplanes, spokeshaves, random orbital and pad sanders, possibly the belt sander...going to have to play this one by ear.

cocobolo

Something else I will need to do will be to get the varathane on the wall behind that handrail while it is out of the way.

It looks as though we may be getting a little better weather very soon, so some of the outdoor projects can get put to bed also.

I need to finish that stair rail going up from the tub deck to the upper deck.

I will need a set of handrails on the stairs going up to the tub deck - plus something around the deck itself before the grandkids visit in a few weeks.

I would like to get the underpinnings below that deck stained so they don't stick out like a sore thumb!

I should try to get the posts bolted on to the narrow master bedroom deck.

Then I should have a go at getting the wide handrail made up for the posts...this will be the longest single lamination I have made to date. There will need to be 7 coats of varnish on that.

Then the stainless steel cable will need to be installed in the posts.

Not to mention all those soffit boards which need to be put in place.

There's more...especially since the missus returned from Vancouver last night...I'm sure she will be able to think of more!

gma2rjc

Looks like you have a full day of work ahead of you.
I wish!

What is a spokeshaves?

jlhaslip

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spokeshave

used to shape wheel spokes originally, but quite handy for many shapes.

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gma2rjc

Thanks jlhaslip.

cocobolo

Thanks jl, I wonder how many folks even have one of these handy little tools any more.

I'll get a pic up later for you Barb after the wife and I wrestle that railing outside!

cocobolo

Last night the second coat of varathane was applied to the stair facings, and this morning I did the third coat.

I like to sand before the last coat (3 is usually enough with varathane) and when you sand this stuff, it should produce a fine powder. If not, you may not have waited long enough after applying the previous coat.

The first pic didn't show it, but you can see clearly what it looks like in the next one.

Then clean that off thoroughly and put the third coat on and it comes out nice and smoothly.

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scarrylarry

cocobolo,just trying to peek in on your super duper project now and then.Aside from your awesome craftsmanship, I would think you could pursue a career in writing!
scarrylarry

cocobolo

Thanks Larry...but I like to pretend that I'm retired!

cocobolo

Barb, here's a couple of examples of spokeshaves.

The three little ones are brass bodied with very high quality blades. Judging by their diminutive size you might not think they would be very useful...not so. They are actually my first choice.

The full size one is what you would normally see as a 'shave, but it seems cumbersome by comparison to the small ones.

I have another black one that I can't lay my hands on right now.

You may also consider scrapers for final shaping, although with something as soft as western red cedar they don't work well. Better suited to hardwoods.

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cocobolo

...then again, I could always use my giant economy size ebony plane! The blade on this little guy is only 1/2" wide and the plane body only 3" long!

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cocobolo

Yet another little chore done...the underpinnings of the tub deck are stained.

And I have the green hands to prove it!