Woodworkers Thread

[Aclone]

This thread reminded me of a friend of a friend.

An avid woodworker (also worked with stained glass, iirc), he reflected on the value of hardwoods…then planted walnut saplings all around the border of his farm, about the time he retired. Figuring it would pay off for his grandkids (or great grandkids) one day.

This was about twenty years ago. As I recall, the farm was in Boone County (though he worked in Ames). Given various connections, I’m quite sure there are posters here who know exactly who I’m talking about…whether they know about the trees or not.

 

[AgronAlum]

AgronAlum. How tough was the demo, and what did it consist of?? Did you test off brick and cement board or just brick??
We are looking at an upgrade to our fireplace and wanting to replace the brick. Unsure if we wl go with stone, or some other face.
Is it a DIY type job for someone with moderate construction knowledge??
Thanks Mike

It’s really not too bad. Tear it down to the studs because cement board is relatively cheap and a clean surface is best. Make sure the cement board is at least flush with the face of the fireplace.

Stack stone is really pretty easy to place. Do the hearth first so the stone is sitting on top. Lay it kind of like you would tile with a 1/2 inch notch trowel making sure to back butter the stone. You’ll have to come up with a temporary support above the fireplace until the mortar sets. I use my wet saw to cut the stone (they’re around 100-130 bucks). An angle grinder with a masonry blade works too.

 

[AgronAlum]

This thread reminded me of a friend of a friend.

An avid woodworker (also worked with stained glass, iirc), he reflected on the value of hardwoods…then planted walnut saplings all around the border of his farm, about the time he retired. Figuring it would pay off for his grandkids (or great grandkids) one day.

This was about twenty years ago. As I recall, the farm was in Boone County (though he worked in Ames). Given various connections, I’m quite sure there are posters here who know exactly who I’m talking about…whether they know about the trees or not.

I think I know exactly who you’re talking about. Recently sold an oil business for quite a bit of money?

 

[Aclone]

I think I know exactly who you’re talking about. Recently sold an oil business for quite a bit of money?

I was thinking more of someone a lot of AHS alums would know.

 

[AgronAlum]

Anyone have a suggestion for a portable miter saw stand? It wouldn’t get used a ton so I don’t want to drop the 300-400 on a Dewalt or whatever. I’m currently looking at the Wen, Bora or Powertec on Amazon which are in the 100-120 dollar range.

I guess the biggest thing would be stability with a Dewalt 12 inch compound slider that tips the scales at just shy of a billion pounds.

 

[JP4CY]

Anyone have a suggestion for a portable miter saw stand? It wouldn’t get used a ton so I don’t want to drop the 300-400 on a Dewalt or whatever. I’m currently looking at the Wen, Bora or Powertec on Amazon which are in the 100-120 dollar range.

I guess the biggest thing would be stability with a Dewalt 12 inch compound slider that tips the scales at just shy of a billion pounds.

You're welcome
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...anent-Workshop-Marker-AC9946-RPM121/318301724

 

[AgronAlum]

You're welcome
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...anent-Workshop-Marker-AC9946-RPM121/318301724

Nice. I missed that when I was on the HD website.

The saw stand/permanent marker combo pack is a little odd. Lol

 

[JP4CY]

Nice. I missed that when I was on the HD website.

The saw stand/permanent marker combo pack is a little odd. Lol

Yeah it is. But cheaper than on its own. It's a great stand.

 

[Pat]

Ok, experts, talk me out of this. We have some decent sized trees in various stages of death that need to come down - ash, maple, and some sort of evergreen. I’m considering taking a chainsaw to a larger branch and cutting some discs to make cigar ashtrays as Christmas gifts for friends. Nothing fancy, just router the inside, leaving maybe a 3/4” rim and put a few grooves to rest the cigars in.
Maple seems like the best choice? How badly would I regret not letting them dry out for a year? Is there a stain or finish that would work with the potential heat? Any way to keep the bark on without risking it coming off later? Sander recommendations? How stupid is this idea?

 

[JP4CY]

Ok, experts, talk me out of this. We have some decent sized trees in various stages of death that need to come down - ash, maple, and some sort of evergreen. I’m considering taking a chainsaw to a larger branch and cutting some discs to make cigar ashtrays as Christmas gifts for friends. Nothing fancy, just router the inside, leaving maybe a 3/4” rim and put a few grooves to rest the cigars in.
Maple seems like the best choice? How badly would I regret not letting them dry out for a year? Is there a stain or finish that would work with the potential heat? Any way to keep the bark on without risking it coming off later? Sander recommendations? How stupid is this idea?

Cut it down now. Let it dry over a year, give them away next year.

 

[AgronAlum]

Ok, experts, talk me out of this. We have some decent sized trees in various stages of death that need to come down - ash, maple, and some sort of evergreen. I’m considering taking a chainsaw to a larger branch and cutting some discs to make cigar ashtrays as Christmas gifts for friends. Nothing fancy, just router the inside, leaving maybe a 3/4” rim and put a few grooves to rest the cigars in.
Maple seems like the best choice? How badly would I regret not letting them dry out for a year? Is there a stain or finish that would work with the potential heat? Any way to keep the bark on without risking it coming off later? Sander recommendations? How stupid is this idea?

IMO cutting discs out of a wet tree will crack. Cut, let dry, then cut again.

 

[jabisu]

For anyone in the Des Moines area looking for rough cut lumber https://who13.com/news/digital-orig...KZYMDbyEWNUCRdatbmqxGZmXk_nOz3kWycqm0sH3oCMrg

 

[wintersmd]

For anyone in the Des Moines area looking for rough cut lumber https://who13.com/news/digital-orig...KZYMDbyEWNUCRdatbmqxGZmXk_nOz3kWycqm0sH3oCMrg

Thanks for posting!!!!

 

[Tri4Cy]

For anyone in the Des Moines area looking for rough cut lumber https://who13.com/news/digital-orig...KZYMDbyEWNUCRdatbmqxGZmXk_nOz3kWycqm0sH3oCMrg

That's great! I'll have to go check it out. I REALLY need this whole "try to establish a lawn during a drought" thing to end so I can get back to my woodworking goals!

 

[throwittoblythe]

Fun little project that took me the last couple weekends. Grandma didn't have much of an estate, so I put my woodworking skills to work...




JK - This is for our front porch for Halloween. Gonna stain it to look more weathered and put a skeleton inside.

 

[CascadeClone]

Hey all, I posted this to its own thread but was recommended to post here too.

I have a good sized walnut tree that had to be taken down due to location too close to house and some stonework. Any suggestions on who to call that might purchase? I have a few places already identified, but thought I would run it past the crowd. This is CR.

The trunk is in two pieces, one 14ft and 18-24" dia, and the other 11ft and about 12-18" dia. Then there is a good sized branch too but not as big around.

 

[CascadeClone]

Self-bump. Does anyone have any interest in this tree? So far my best options are $300 and a guy will take it away, or buy a portable sawmill for $3500 and cut it up myself. I estimate the lumber would be worth about $10k cut up. But I am not going to spend the time and aggravation to do that.

Do any of you folks have a portable sawmill and would be interested? Otherwise I am dumping it cheap.

 

[AgronAlum]

You're welcome
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-...anent-Workshop-Marker-AC9946-RPM121/318301724

This thing is ballin AF but my dumbass didn’t order it when you posted it, spent 70 bucks more and didn’t even get a marker.
Edit: Holy ******* **** I just went to the link. Home Depot was sold out when I bought my stand a couple weeks ago and now it’s back in stock.


I’ve used it on an accent wall and to frame out a closet. It was soooo slick with the repetitive cuts on the wall. Recommend to everyone.






This wall hasn’t been painted yet.

 

[AgronAlum]

I’m going to preface saying I don’t know much about paint. Anyone have a recommendation for a paint that can be used on doors and trim but will also spray decent with an HVLP sprayer?

 

[wintersmd]

I’m going to preface saying I don’t know much about paint. Anyone have a recommendation for a paint that can be used on doors and trim but will also spray decent with an HVLP sprayer?

I always have good luck with the Woodsmith Store. They carry Benjamin Moore and can answer any questions.

What type of HVLP gun do you use?? I bought the Earlex 5500 systems from Woodsmith and HIGHLY recommend. I made some kitchen cabinets for our basement bar area and the Earlex is a game changer.