Gulf Island Building.

cocobolo · 06-27-2010, 01:32 PM

Off to a fair start this morning. The cedar strips are done on that kitchen wall.

cocobolo · 06-27-2010, 01:34 PM

Used the Japanese saw to trim the wild ends off, as well as the pieces sticking out above the bottom stair treads.

downrightart · 06-27-2010, 01:42 PM

Okay, I had to look up Japanese saws.

http://www.traditionalwoodworker.com...FRCfnAodKHiA7A

Wow. I have to admit I thought it was some form of electrical saw! As you can guess, I don't know much about saws!

cocobolo · 06-27-2010, 01:55 PM

Time for a quick coffee break, then I'm going to tackle the first part of the handrail on those curved stairs.

Before I do that, I want to show you an example of wood creep.

These pieces of cedar have been clamped into place for the past several months where the stair rail will go. Last night I removed them and was a bit surprised as to how much they held the curve. This morning, the curve is very much still in evidence.

If you steam wood and then clamp it into place in the form of a curve, as soon as the wood is dry it will hold that curve.

It was only time that made this wood "creep" and hold this shape.

gma2rjc · 06-27-2010, 01:56 PM

It's looking great cocobolo! What are you going to use to finish the steps and risers?

That sunrise picture is beautiful. And thanks for telling us how people get supplies to the island - very interesting. It must take a lot of planning and arranging to bring home anything much larger than a microwave.

Barb

cocobolo · 06-27-2010, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by downrightart

Okay, I had to look up Japanese saws.

http://www.traditionalwoodworker.com...FRCfnAodKHiA7A

Wow. I have to admit I thought it was some form of electrical saw! As you can guess, I don't know much about saws!

Ahhh, sorry about that, I should have explained.

Yes, Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke as the link quite properly shows.

Something else they will do is to cut around a curve. The blades are so flexible (on the unbacked saws) that this is a trick which is easily accomplished.

I left the saw in the cut for this pic so you can see how flexible it is.

cocobolo · 06-27-2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gma2rjc

It's looking great cocobolo! What are you going to use to finish the steps and risers?

That sunrise picture is beautiful. And thanks for telling us how people get supplies to the island - very interesting. It must take a lot of planning and arranging to bring home anything much larger than a microwave.

Barb

Right! And most folks here don't even use microwaves! They use too much power!

You really need a different mindset to function over here.

I'm hoping to use arbutus for the treads. After I get the handrail done and several coats of varathane on the wall, I'll tackle that.

The risers will be covered with Virola. More on that in a bit.

Bud Cline · 06-27-2010, 03:01 PM

Gulf Island Building will be celebrating 100 pages of thread-entry here in just a matter of minutes. Where's the champagne?

cocobolo · 06-27-2010, 03:13 PM

Well alrighty then...the first two pieces of cedar are glued together and clamped in place.

The glue manufacturer says to leave the wood clamped for 30 minutes, and no stress on the joints for 24 hours. There really aren't any joints as such, but I will leave the clamps on for a minimum of 2 hours by choice.

I have a feeling this handrail is going to take the better part of a week to assemble and shape.

cocobolo · 06-27-2010, 03:15 PM

At the bottom of the stairs, the handrail will extend past the solid wall, so I have screwed two temporary supports into place to keep things in line while the railing is built.

cocobolo · 06-27-2010, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud Cline

Gulf Island Building will be celebrating 100 pages of thread-entry here in just a matter of minutes. Where's the champagne?

And to think I quit drinking when I was 11...the same time I quit smoking...

Bud Cline · 06-27-2010, 03:39 PM

Actually I did quit drinking about twenty-nine years ago. But an occasional summertime-beer or glass of celebratory-champagne can't hurt anything once in a while.

Hey, I don't suppose you would have a clamp or two you could loan to me do ya?

Where does a guy find that many clamps?

cocobolo · 06-27-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud Cline

Actually I did quit drinking about twenty-nine years ago. But an occasional summertime-beer or glass of celebratory-champagne can't hurt anything once in a while.

Hey, I don't suppose you would have a clamp or two you could loan to me do ya?

Where does a guy find that many clamps?

Clamps...let me see...I should have a couple here somewhere...

downrightart · 06-27-2010, 03:55 PM

"That's alotta clamps."

Quote:

Originally Posted by cocobolo

Ahhh, sorry about that, I should have explained.

Yes, Japanese saws cut on the pull stroke as the link quite properly shows.

Something else they will do is to cut around a curve. The blades are so flexible (on the unbacked saws) that this is a trick which is easily accomplished.

I left the saw in the cut for this pic so you can see how flexible it is.

Cool! So all ya need is a steady hand!

Silly me! Is that what you meant by not drinking???

Pay attention Tracy! Pay attention!

cocobolo · 06-27-2010, 11:53 PM

In between gluing up the handrail pieces, I put the two end posts out on the deck. Now I can commence with the soffit on the underside.