Gulf Island Building.

cocobolo · 07-19-2010, 01:51 AM

I have my fingers crossed that the 3rd coat on the table top has sealed the wood. There may still be one very tiny area at one end...but otherwise it looks OK.

I'll be able to tell better in the morning.

Also varnished the deck posts and the handrails outside the kitchen door. The handrails have been neglected for at least 3 years.

Got started on the soffit under the deck this afternoon. Bit of a slow, tedious job, but it will make such a difference when it's all done.

**BigJim** · 07-19-2010, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cocobolo

Here are some more examples of the canker growing.

That was kinda stupid of me as there are so many pictures. The twisted stick is in the last picture above, in the top left hand corner of that picture running slightly at an angle. Down this way they are found in honeysuckle thickets as the honeysuckle will wrap around a stick tightly and the stick will grow in a spiral. Here is a picture of a walking stick I made a few years ago out of a twisted stick. The twisted part is Sassafras and the bottom part and handle are part of a Musky dine Vine. I hope the picture works, this is the first time I have tried to load a picture on the board.

**BigJim** · 07-19-2010, 08:40 AM

Well, your picture didn't post in the quote. The picture I am talking about is the last picture in post# 1734. Speaking of walking sticks, does Diamond Willow grow in your area or does it just grow in the Alaska area? The Diamond Willow isn't twisted but it does make a beautiful hiking stick.

I hate to rush off but I got an appointment here shortly, I will be back after a while.

Jim

cocobolo · 07-19-2010, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiju1943

That was kinda stupid of me as there are so many pictures. The twisted stick is in the last picture above, in the top left hand corner of that picture running slightly at an angle. Down this way they are found in honeysuckle thickets as the honeysuckle will wrap around a stick tightly and the stick will grow in a spiral. Here is a picture of a walking stick I made a few years ago out of a twisted stick. The twisted part is Sassafras and the bottom part and handle are part of a Musky dine Vine. I hope the picture works, this is the first time I have tried to load a picture on the board.

Jim:

The honeysuckle does exactly the same thing here. It doesn't seem to mind what sort of tree it wraps itself around, it will turn anything into that twisted shape.

And FYI, when you hit quote, the pix from the quoted post don't show, just the words.

And you did OK posting your first pic!

cocobolo · 07-19-2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiju1943

Well, your picture didn't post in the quote. The picture I am talking about is the last picture in post# 1734. Speaking of walking sticks, does Diamond Willow grow in your area or does it just grow in the Alaska area? The Diamond Willow isn't twisted but it does make a beautiful hiking stick.

I hate to rush off but I got an appointment here shortly, I will be back after a while.

Jim

Jim:

Diamond Willow does grow here, but it is very rare. I believe I have seen either one - or possibly two - trees (small) since I have been here.

There is a fellow who is a woodcarver on the island, and he has made some walking sticks out of Diamond Willow. It definitely is a beautiful wood.

Bootz · 07-19-2010, 10:49 AM

I am sorry to ask but what is the spiral thing built at the beginning of pg 112? BTW awesome work.. place looks awesome

cocobolo · 07-19-2010, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bootz

I am sorry to ask but what is the spiral thing built at the beginning of pg 112? BTW awesome work.. place looks awesome

I guess you must be referring to the curved stairs which go from the tub deck up to the narrow deck in front of the master bedroom.

Or do you mean the round thing at the top of the stairs, which now contains a light to illuminate the stairs at night. I will have something on top of that soon for the wife to put a plant on.

cocobolo · 07-19-2010, 11:07 AM

We have a small fir which the wife unwrapped the honeysuckle vine from about three years ago. The twist is becoming less pronounced as it starts to fill out.

cocobolo · 07-19-2010, 11:11 AM

Jim:

Here's the "walking stick" growing on that arbutus tree. It isn't as big as you might think. Less than 30" long where it is big enough to use.

cocobolo · 07-19-2010, 11:12 AM

A baby horse chestnut seedling that the missus is trying to grow. We haven't had much luck with these guys here. I think it's too dry for them in the summer, and our soil here is generally pathetic to say the least.

cocobolo · 07-19-2010, 11:15 AM

For some odd reason, wife number 2 thinks I should spend some time attending to my Japanese garden. She doesn't think that weeds should be growing through the bridge!

cocobolo · 07-19-2010, 11:18 AM

Still needs another coat to get this wood sealed. But this is how the whole top looks this morning...coming along reasonably well.

It won't all fit in one pic properly so you can see the wood grain.

drtbk4ever · 07-19-2010, 01:52 PM

Love those butterflies.

cocobolo · 07-19-2010, 01:56 PM

Looks like they are coming out OK. Just finished putting the next varnish on, and I think this has sealed the last of the wood.

Have to keep out of the house for the next few hours so as not to disturb any dust.

**BigJim** · 07-19-2010, 04:30 PM

Buddy, your table top is totally outstanding, who ever the fortunate person is to buy ya'lls paradise will truly be blessed. I don't think I could give it up if it were mine. The deck where you are going to install that table would quickly become my favorite place to be. Where do you and your wife plan to go after you sell your place or have you given it any thought yet?

Here is a picture of the American Chestnut, they do look a lot alike and may be they are the same.