John's Jaunt

John Johnson

    July's meeting, as every year, was Show and Tell. In my mind it was a big success. What particularly strikes me is the passion you and your fellow woodworkers have for your work. This was particularly evident in the great care that went into all of the presented projects from the segmented turnings, to the oak chest, to the collections of pens and flutes. Other projects displayed a high degree of creativity and ingenuity as represented by the various jigs to make different tasks more repeatable or safe. See Mary Anderson's write up for more highlights of the evening.

    As will likely become a monthly feature of my column, I must appeal to you all to consider how you can help out with the running of the Wisconsin Woodworkers Guild. As mentioned last month, we currently have vacancies in the Secretary and Facilities Coordinator positions at the beginning of the year we will have a vacancy in the Refreshments Coordinator position. Feel free to call or email any of the board members or me with any questions regarding the positions.

Programs

August


Date: Wednesday, August 3, 2005
Event: Regular Monthly Meeting
Topic: Workbench Program
Presenter: Mark Bronkalla and Ken Bahr
Location: Faith United Church of Christ
                 4240 N. 78th St.    Milwaukee WI
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sponsor: Ken Bahr
Fee: None
Comments: Woodworkers Workbench - The Center of The Workshop. Now that the Guild finally has a very good workbench available for presentations, this program is designed to show every member that doesn't have a workbench how to make one for their shop. Planning, construction, materials, and design will be covered. There will be some discussion on how much workbench you need and can afford. Several types of workbenches will be talked about, and there will be some details about a few upgrades and enhancements for those who already have a workbench or plan to make one.
A Power Point presentation will be made to help visualize the options that are available, and questions and answers will add to the presentation as time allows. Should be a very informative evening for those who will be making or upgrading their workbenches.

September


Date: Friday September 9, 2005
Event: Regular Monthly Meeting
Topic: 18th Century Spice Box construction
Presenter: Glen Huey
Location: Faith United Church of Christ
                 4240 N. 78th St.    Milwaukee WI
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sponsor: Kevin Seigworth        
Fee: None

Comments: Glen Huey builds custom furniture in his shop in Ohio.   At the age of fourteen, with great help from Dad, he built his first furniture piece. It is a Sheraton Bed that he still has to this day. Sometime after graduating from the University of Cincinnati, Glen decided to return to his passion - the building of 18th and 19th Century Reproduction furniture.
In November of 1997 Glen had an article published for the first time in Popular Woodworking Magazine. After some additional articles on furniture and a few on techniques, he was asked to become a Contributing Editor with the publication.
In December of 2001 he graced his first cover for the ÒPennsylvania Spice BoxÓ. Two issues later his Father appeared on the cover for his second article which was an ÒUltimate Tool CabinetÓ. They both enjoy and look forward to more features in the magazine.
In April of 2002 he had his first book published by Popular Woodworking Books. Titled ÒFine Furniture For A LifetimeÓ, it is a Òstep by stepÓ book that features ten selections from the 18th and 19th century which were built by the finest city and rural craftsman of their time, as well as furniture built by the Shakers with their simplistic designs. Glen is also the author of a second book, ÒBuilding Fine FurnitureÓ.
Why 18th and 19th Century? First and most importantly, this is the era and style that he enjoys the most. This is the time period in our history that the best designs have been created. The development of Queen Anne, Chippendale, and Federal styles provided masterpiece designs for city patrons as well as the pieces that were copied by the rural craftsman. Add to this the Shaker movement with their distinct style, and who could ask for better craftsmanship to copy. Proven designs that are timeless.
In this program, Glen will discuss 18th century spice boxes, their history, styles and construction techniques. He will also discuss in depth the process and techniques used in building 18th and 19th century furniture reproductions including studying pieces, books and styles. In the companion workshop, Glen will demonstrate making the banding and inlay used in construction of the spice box door.

October


Date: Friday October 7, 2005
Event: Regular Monthly Meeting
Topic: Bed design and construction
Presenter: Jeff Miller
Location: Faith United Church of Christ
                 4240 N. 78th St.    Milwaukee WI
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Sponsor: Kevin Seigworth        
Fee: None

Comments: Jeff Miller is a furniture designer, craftsman, teacher, and author of woodworking books and articles (he's also a former classical musician and a dad). J. Miller Handcrafted Furniture is located at 1774 W. Lunt Avenue, Chicago, IL.   Jeff's furniture has been shown in galleries and shows nationwide, and has won numerous awards. His furniture is in the Decorative Arts Collection of the Chicago Historical Society.
Jeff's first book, Chairmaking and Design <http://www.taunton.com/books/fw/chairmaking/index.htm>, published by The Taunton Press, is available, along with a companion video, Chairmaking Techniques <http://www.taunton.com/vid/fw/chairmaking.htm>. Both won the 1998 Stanley Tools Awards for the best Òhow-toÓ book and video. Jeff's second book, Beds <http://www.taunton.com/books/fw/beds/index.htm> was released by Taunton in the fall of 1999. And his third book, Children's Furniture Projects <http://www.taunton.com/store/pages/070613.asp> was released in the fall of 2002.
In this presentation, Jeff will review the considerations and techniques used to make any style of bed. By changing a few details you can change the look of a bed from four-poster, to Arts and Crafts, or Shaker or Sleigh bed. If you have ever wanted to build a bed, this will be a great primer on the topic for you.


Workshops


Workshop Name: Inlay and banding for an 18th century spice box with Glen Huey
Sponsor: Kevin Seigworth
Workshop Date: Saturday, September 10, 2005
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Maximum enrollment: 15 members
Fee: $50
Location: Scott Stanwyck Shop
Presenter: Glen Huey
Materials included in fee: Demonstration material and supplies
Equipment to be brought to workshop: TBD
    Comments: Glen Huey builds custom furniture in his shop in Ohio.   At the age of fourteen, with great help from Dad, he built his first furniture piece. It is a Sheraton Bed that he still has to this day. Sometime after graduating from the University of Cincinnati Glen decided to return to his passion - the building of 18th and 19th Century Reproduction furniture.
    In November of 1997 Glen had an article published for the first time in Popular Woodworking Magazine. After some additional articles on furniture and a few on techniques, he was asked to become a Contributing Editor with the publication.
    In December of 2001 he graced his first cover for the ÒPennsylvania Spice BoxÓ. Two issues later his Father appeared on the cover for his second article which was an ÒUltimate Tool CabinetÓ. They both enjoy and look forward to more features in the magazine.
    In April of 2002 he had his first book published by Popular Woodworking Books. Titled Fine Furniture For A Lifetime, it is a Òstep by stepÓ book that features ten selections from the 18th and 19th century which were built by the finest city and rural craftsman of their time, as well as furniture built by the Shakers with their simplistic designs. Glen is also the author of a second book, Building Fine Furniture.
    Why 18th and 19th Century? First and most importantly, this is the era and style that Glen enjoys the most. This is the time period in our history that the best designs have been created. The development of Queen Anne, Chippendale, and Federal styles provided masterpiece designs for city patrons as well as the pieces that were copied by the rural craftsman. Add to this the Shaker movement with their distinct style, and who could ask for better craftsmanship to copy. Proven designs that are timeless.
    In this workshop Glen will demonstrate the techniques to build your own inlay and banding such as that used on an 18th century spice box. For an example see Glen's article in Popular Woodworking issue 126. With some jigs, patience, and tools you already have in your shop, you too can incorporate inlay and banding in your furniture. Attendees will make chevron and circular inlay as well as practice with stringing.

Workshop Name: Dovetail workshop with Jeff Miller
Sponsor: Kevin Seigworth
Workshop Date: Saturday, October 8, 2005
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Maximum enrollment: 10 members
Fee: $50
Location: Jerry Tackes Shop
Presenter: Jeff Miller
Materials included in fee: Demonstration material and supplies
Equipment to be brought to workshop: TBD
    Comments: Jeff Miller is a furniture designer, craftsman, teacher, and author of woodworking books and articles (he's also a former classical musician and a dad). J. Miller Handcrafted Furniture is located at 1774 W. Lunt Avenue, Chicago, IL.   Jeff's furniture has been shown in galleries and shows nationwide, and has won numerous awards. His furniture is in the Decorative Arts Collection of the Chicago Historical Society.
    Jeff's first book, Chairmaking and Design <http://www.taunton.com/books/fw/chairmaking/index.htm>, published by The Taunton Press, is available, along with a companion video, Chairmaking Techniques <http://www.taunton.com/vid/fw/chairmaking.htm>. Both won the 1998 Stanley Tools Awards for the best Òhow-toÓ book and video. Jeff's second book, Beds <http://www.taunton.com/books/fw/beds/index.htm> was released by Taunton in the fall of 1999. And his third book, Children's Furniture Projects <http://www.taunton.com/store/pages/070613.asp> was released in the fall of 2002.
    In this Dovetail Workshop, you'll learn to cut dovetails two ways: by hand, and using the table saw and band saw (with a simple, terrifically versatile jig). A one-day, hands-on workshop devoted to this functional and sometimes frustrating joint. Why settle for the mechanical look of routed dovetails when you can learn to cut beautiful dovetails with these methods? Work on the key skills for hand-cut joints, and see how these skills can be applied elsewhere in your woodworking

Reflections


    At the July guild meeting we had a great time finding out about all of the wonderful things that the guild members made and brought in for Show and Tell. Here is a rundown of what was talked about at the meeting: First, Ron Hinderman talked about using a long radius elbow to help a dust collector suck up dust better. He then talked about how you could use a Swiffer Duster to get the dust off your light bulbs in the shop. Next, Ron explained how a toilet ring seal helps to drive nails and screws.
    Next up was Ed Cessna. He mentioned that he found a place that will make appropriate sized bags for dust collectors, depending on the size of your shop and how many machines you have. This increases the CFM which allows for more pick up. The name of the place is American Fabric & Filter Company. Their E-mail is Americanfabricfilter.com and the telephone number is 1-800-367-3591.
    Vern Eilers talked about segmented bowls that he made. He made a vase and used 8 pie shaped segments in it to make the bottom. He also made a flat bowl out of one piece of wood. He cut out the inside on a 23 degree angle and glued it to the bottom so that he would have the double thickness. He then inlaid pewter on the edge of the bowl.
    Next, Bob Hillman made a tenoning jig so that he could make tenons on larger pieces. He made a sliding fence and found that it helped because it was sturdier and kept the pieces from bending, slipping or turning. He said that it was more comfortable.
    Up next was Dick Butula. He brought in an end table that he made for his relax chair. He put corner beads on all four corners of the legs. He used quarter-sawn oak for the table with the exception of the top. He used a piece of spare Corian for the top so that his adult beverages didnÕt leave rings.
    Klaus Zunker was up next and he brought in a cedar chest that he made for a relative. This was one of six that he has made and all of them were made differently. It was made of oak and had eight panels made out of basswood. Each of the panels had different carved geometric patterns on it. He likes to makes his own patterns. He also brought in a beautiful spalted maple drawer from a desk that he is making.
Gerald Claussen brought in a circle-cutting jig that he made for his band saw. It has an added length of metal that he can put onto it and it will cut a circle up to 80 inches in diameter. It uses rare earth magnets to hold it onto the table.
    Mike Miller came in with an adjustable feather board that he made from a piece of angle iron and a part of an old kitchen counter, circa 1954. He also brought in a storage ottoman that he had made. The ottoman was put together by using up a lot of scrap pieces that were lying around.
Next was Kevin Seigworth. He brought in a picture frame-cutting jig that he made. He asked a fellow member if a miter saw would work and was told that it would have too much movement. He made a slide to put onto his table saw. He clamps the pieces next to a ruler that is on the board. When he has all four pieces cut he will clamp the 3 pieces to his table saw and place the fourth on to see if there are any gaps.
    Jay McClellan came in with an update on last year. He brought in a variety of flutes that he has made for friends and family. He has made a total of nine so far and they take approximately eight to ten hours to make. They are cut into two pieces and then routed out. He then epoxies the inside and glues them back together before he can turn them. He drills the holes and then cuts the end off a little at a time so that he can tune them. As he pulled them out he also played a little so that we could hear the different sounds that each make.
    Next up was Gerald Tackes. He brought in a four-piece wooden jaw chuck so that he can turn both the inside and the outside of a segmented bowl. There is a ring that the part of the bowl sits in and there are four pieces each that screw onto the outside and inside on the chuck that hold the work piece on.
    Lewis Enderle entertained us with a piece that he brought in. He doesnÕt know what it is and wondered if anyone else knew. It was a long piece of wood with wooden gears and a wooden chain. He wondered if it had a useful purpose or did the builder have too much time on their hands.
Next, Ken Bahr brought in pipe clamps that were outfitted with plywood pads big enough to raise the pipe so the handle can be turned while on a flat surface. He also made a modification to his dust collection 55-gallon drum lid The configuration allows the air flow to work like a cyclone.
Bill Smeaton brought in pens to show. He certainly had a large variety of woods and pen clips. Some of the pens will be going to Germany as gifts for his daughtersÕ teachers and friends.
    Last up was Corey Megal. He brought in a Morris chair that he made for his living room. He made tenons for the slats. All the slats are book matched all the way around the chair. He also pinned each joint in ebony. He used clear shellac to finish the piece.
Thank you to all the members who brought something in to Show and Tell. We all love to see the different things that the members have been working on all year.
I personally enjoyed it.

The Guild Roundtable

Dick Yezek Vice President


    How long have you been a woodworker? Has it been 10 years now, 20, 30, 40, or even more? Have you thought how you might answer questions posed by customers in a woodworking or hardware store? Do you have a few tips or techniques, developed over years of trial and error, you would suggest because you are positive they work? Perhaps your tips fly in the face of conventional wisdom but they have withstood the test of time - you always use them - and they always work for you. Yet you are reluctant to relate any one of your time tested tips in Show and Tell much less conduct a seminar on even one of them. How about writing about one of them in the Ripsaw? Do you realize the Guild Roundtable is open to all members? Perhaps neither public speaking nor writing is 'your thing' - yet you are positive your tip is worthwhile. Well, we can write up your tip, technique, or procedure for you - if you tell us what it is! You don't need to be computer literate or even own a computer; we can do it all by U. S. Post Office 'snail' mail. We will send you a copy of the write-up before publication for your correction. Remember, the Guild Roundtable is open to all Guild members. If you are interested in seeing your tip, technique, or procedure published in the Ripsaw, please contact myself - or any member of the publication committee.
    Recently a member related a finishing problem to me which forced him to strip the entire piece and start over. Our Guild has hosted trips to General Finishes and finishing experts like Jeff Jewitt and Bob Flexner have taught several finishing seminars yet many members continue to face finishing with trepidation. Will it be yet another disaster this time? Our trips to General Finishes and our finishing seminars taught me oil base finishes have very few components so almost all brands can be intermixed, modified with the addition of linseed or tung oil, or thinned with mineral spirits and naphtha. I have intermixed and modified oil base finishes with no problems. By contrast, water base finishes should never be intermixed because the formulae used by various brands is always unique. At General Finishes we learned there are hundreds of chemical components used in water base finishes, most of which are not available to amateurs, so you have to stay within one product line to have any success. I rarely use water base finish but when I do, I use only the products recommended on the can, including the recommended stains.
    I have learned to set aside a reasonably large cutoff from a project and use it as a test piece for the intended finish. If I plan to stain the piece I use saw kerfs to divide the cutoff to into sections, each of which receives a different stain. Once I decide on a stain I apply it to the reverse face (also kerfed) to test the intended finish. In my case I'm usually testing oil base finishes for the 'look' produced on the wood in question. Using the cutoff I can also test durability, repairability, and if needed, resistance to water damage. I do this long before the piece is completed so my test strip has dried for weeks - which also allows me to wax and buff the test strip before I start to finish my project.
    In theory you can use water base finishes over an unknown finish (on the theory the unknown finish is bone dry) or over an oil stain that is also presumed totally dry but I have not had much success doing either. Usually it's not a total disaster but it just never looks the way I envisioned it, even though I tested the finish on a small, unseen area. I have experienced drying problems, streaking, and adhesion difficulties in my attempts to use water base finishes over something else so today I use water base finishes only on bare wood. Zinsser markets SealCoat (shellac based) as a solution to refinishing problems but I have not tried this product as I mix my own shellac from flakes using a quality alcohol obtained from a woodworking store. I have used water base finish successfully over a shellac seal coat. When you buy water base finish, read the can in the store. If necessary, purchase additional products recommended on the label at the same time. If you run out of water base finish, buy more of the same brand to guarantee success! Never assume you can purchase a different brand of water base finish claimed to be 'compatible' with yours on a quick trip to a local hardware store.


To All Guild members interested in making toys:
I will be bringing in axles and 1" wheels to the August guild meeting for anyone that is interested in making toys. The axles and wheels are donations.
Please feel free to take some if needed.

Mary Anderson

Toy Chairman


Art Show

Walt Hadcock

The village of Green Lake (Wisconsin) sponsors a Fine Arts Show in mid-August each year (the 33rd annual show will be August 13-14, 2005). About ten exhibitors are invited to display their work in each of about ten categories. One of the categories is wood, another is sculpture.
I met with one of the show organizers to explore the possibility of inviting one of the show judges to speak with the Guild. My thought was that a description of the selection process might contain items of interest to the Guild members.
As it turns out, the selection process is a bit informal and does not merit a Guild presentation.
Key elements of our discussion that may be of interest to Guild members include:
    The organizers have been the same for the last 20 or so years. Guy Rossberg is the chair; Stephanie Mueller is the co-chair with whom I met June 25)
    Contact via:
    Green Lake Fine Arts Council
    Post Office Box497
    Green Lake, WI 54941
    (920) 294-6950 or (888) 497-7272

Raffle Column
Submitted by Alan Clapp

Henry Yun and Joe Cina were the winners of the woodworking clamps in July.
The August 3rd raffle prize is a Rigid 14.4V cordless 3/8" drill kit. This is a powerful 400 in-lbs maximum torque, 2-speed drill with a 24 position die cast clutch. The kit includes a 20 minute charger and two NiCad batteries. The winner of this prize is going to like the lifetime warranty too. And get this, the warranty includes replacement batteries. Check out your local Home Depot store for this limited time offer.