Brookside Woodworking Blog

I’m still here.  I’m sitting here watching stage three of the tour.  Nothing exiting, but it’s good to see it again.

anyway, I was reminded a couple of times lately that I haven’t  updated things in a while.  It has been too.  For reasons i will get into, I have some time now.  Although I have been busy lately, I do not offer that as an excuse.  The truth is, I got a little lazy.  (I also spend a lot of my free time riding my bike)  But, to the few pwople who might like to read this, I’m not being fair.

As to why I have some time right now.  Like I said, I have been working for John.  The big job we were working on ended and we were just about ready to start the next job which was a kitchen when the client got laid off!!!  I left right there because, like I said to him, he needs to give priority to his regular guys.  There is not a lot of work anymore.  I hope he can keep his regulars busy.

I have had a few small jobs and the phone is ringing a little.  I just finished a screen door for a local couple and I think I will get a small blanket chest in the near future.  Right now I am refinishing some tables I made for the local college a few years ago.  They are putting a huge addition onto the campus and had to clear out the building where the tables are used.  Since they had to do that, they asked me to re-finish them.  Those student are rough on furniture.  The tables themselves held up well, but there are stains, gum globs, ink doodles and just plain dirt.  There is also one of them that got wet and stayed that way.  The top needs some attention.  I think it’s salvagable though.

OK, last thing for now.  I promised pictures of the furniture I sent to New York.  I have a picture of one of the chairs.  The tables are so much like the other ones I do, I didn’g include them.  Here is the chair.

The new Chair

Came out nice, don’t you think??  Alright, that’s all I have time for right now.  Hopefully it won’t be so long next time.

As always e-mail walt@brooksidewoodworking.com  or visit my website, www.brooksidewoodworking.com

Thanks

Hi all.  Once again I have to start with an apology.  It’s been some time since I’ve been here.  A lot has happened.  To start with, I have finished the furniture that I mentioned last time.  It came out really nice.  I had been wanting to do a straight arm Morris Chair for some time and finally got to.  I am very happy with it.  I’m going to photograph the whole order this week and I will post them.  They are getting picked up for shipping on Friday.  I like the way everything came out but especially the chairs.  Unfortunately, other that that, things have been quiet.  I have been working for john a lot so I haven’t put a lot of effort into marketing.  With the economy the way it is, (scary isn’t it?) people are a little afraid to spend any money and I don’t blame them.  Michele and I are not at risk for the most part. (knock on wood) She has a great job and I have plenty to do between woodworking and driving the bus.  I hope those words don’t come back to haunt me. 

Anyway, next bit of news is, we did the charity ride and had a great time.  We raised over a thousand dollars.  I didn’t have a great day on the bike.  I hit the wall about 42 miles into it.  I think between not getting a lot of training miles and, once again, not having enough to eat contributed to it.  I have a bad habit of not eating enough.  I rode really strong for the first 42 miles though.  I was right out in the lead group taking my turns pulling.  While we were there we visited the Biltmore Estate.  Look it up.  This place in amazing.  The largest home in America.  It’s HUGE!!!!  It’s expensive to visit, but well worth it.  If you are in the Asheville NC area, make the effort to go.  You won’t be disappointed.  I also got to ride some of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  That was a great ride.  A lot of climbing, but I like going up hill.  I wish the weather had been better.  It was cold while we were there.  Not like home, but colder than normal. 

Next bit of news.  I think this is the best news.  I bought a new bike.  Well, new to me anyway.  First of all, I have always been partial to Specialized.  I found a great deal on a Tarmac S-Works SL.  Those of you in the know, know this bike.  I have demoed it and it’s an amazing ride.  It will be here on Friday from southern California and i can’t wait.  It’s a lot more bike than I ever thought I would own. 

Something i forgot to mention, I got a new air compressor for the shop.  It’s a big Ingersoll-Rand.  I’ll finally be able to get and use a DA sander.  They’re great tools and It will be good to finally have them.  Just in time too, because Michele gave me the word the other day, she’s ready to re-do our kitchen.  It really needs it and it’s going to be a big job.  I have to get started on the cabinets soon.  We’ll see how the finances go though. 

Allright, that’s all for now.  I don’t promise to be more vigilant in updating this blog, but I do promise to try.  Thanks for reading.  Please let me know what you think.  e-mail me.  walt@brooksidewoodworking.com  Bye.

Hi all,

I knlw, I know, it’s been forever since you heard from me.  It’s partly laziness,(yes, I admit it) and partly because I’ve been so busy.  Unfortunately not in my shop though.  I won’t lie, it’s been slow.  I am very lucky that John is real busy right now.  He’s into a huge project and I can work there as much as I want.  I have been working there a lot.  It’s a duplex that is a total of 12,000 square feet.  There are doors, cabinets, trim, millwork, stairs, etc.  You name it.  It’s a real talented bunch and I consider myself very fortunate to have that opportunity.  I also signed up for another charity bike ride.  This one is on New Year’s Day in Winston-Salem North Carolina and benefits Cancer services.  It’s a local company that helps people with cancer.  Kind of like Livestrong and the Lance Armstrong Foundation.  You can find info on the ride here.  If you want to donate on my behalf, go to this link. http://www.active.com/donate/cancerservicesrfc/WStanley.  My goal is $500.  we did this ride two years ago and raised $1,000 in four weeks.  We travelled the farthest for the ride and raised the most money.  With the economy the way it is, I have set my goal a bit lower this time. 

I got a substantial order last week.  Someone in NYC ordered 2 Morris chairs, three end tables and one coffee table.  All in ribbon stripe mahogony.  I was real happy to get that order.  Like I said, things have been slow.  I just got the lumber a couple of days ago.  I’m really looking forward to getting back to work in my own shop.  I will still work for John a couple of days, ( I don’t want to burn any bridges) but I am kind of chomping at the bit.  I’ll keep you all updated as the project progresses. 

I’ve gotta say, I really like my pellet stove.  I have hardly used the furnace at all this year.  It’s starting to get a little cooler and I’ve only burned about 15 bags of pellets.  I’m curious to see how it will do when it starts to get cold.  I’m sitting here near a cozy fire typing on my laptop.  Beat’s the hell out of sitting next to a warm radiator.  It’s a lot more environmentally friendly too. 

I’d love to hear from anyone who might be reading this.  Please visit my website at www.brooksidewoodworking.com  or shoot me an e-mail.  Thanks for sticking with me.

Hi.  I am very encouraged.  I have gotten some complimentary comments on my work lately.  People are reading my blog and like what I’m doing.  It kind of makes this a little more enjoyable knowing I’m not just doing it for me.  Thanks for the comments and the kind word.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  I have no secrets.

Anyway, like I said, the show is over.  Attendance was good and traffic was steady.  Unfortunately, I didn’t make any sales.  I did have a lot of interest.  I think, given the state of the economy, people were a little afraid to spend money.  Some of the production company made sales from what i heard.  I’m hoping to get a phone call or two in the coming months.  I did get the bed done in time for the show.  I even had some time to spare so I made four small display tables out of some really nice curly maple that I’ve had for some time.  These tables are something I have made many times in the past and they are usually popular.  I can price them low enough to be cash and carry.  Trouble is, nobody wanted to carry last weekend.  That’s ok.  You can’t have everything.  Where would you put it??  So, here’s a picture of the bed all done.  It’s in my booth from the show. 

Walnut and Bird's-eye maple sleigh bed

I’ve got to admit, I like the way it turned out.  I had some good interest in it too.  You can see a couple of the small tables I made beside the bed,  Now I have to find someplace to put the bed.  My showroom is small. 

I have to say, I finally got my new pellet stove installed in my house and we got to fire it up last night.  I think I’m going to like that thing.  Especially when I pay $200 per ton for pellets versus $3.50 to $4.00 per gallon for fuel.  They say a ton of pellets equals 115 gallons of oil.  I don’t think oil will ever be that cheap again, do you??

Alright, that’s all for now.  Thanks for staying with me and please keep those comments and questions coming.  It’s very encouraging.

OK.  I got the tables done.  They came out great and most importantly, the customer was thrilled.  They were impressed that I got them done in time.  It was close though.  I delivered them on Monday, and they needed them Tuesday.  I don’t have any pictures of them yet.  i was having trouble with my camera.  They said they would get me some shots. 

The show in woodstockstarts Saturday.  I finished my new pieces this morning.  I made the bed I mentioned earlier.  Here’s a shot of it.  It’s not done in this shot, but you get the idea. 

Walnut Sleigh Bed

 It’s not a great shot, but I took it with my cell phone.  It has great resolution, but the shutter speed is so slow, that it’s tough to get a good shot.  The head board is bird’s-eye maple veneer.  Check my website.  When i get a good shot of it, I’ll put a picture of it there. 

I also made a set of four small display tables.  These are tables i have made a lot of over the years.  They have done fairly good for me.  They are intended for a cash and carry item.  Not too expensive and easy to carry out.  I try to have a few impulse type items at shows I do.  Sometimes they sell, sometimes they don’t.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed.  Still some bad news about the economy.  Hopefully George’s replacement can do better than George.  Tonight we’ll start to load the heavy stuff and tomorrow I’ll load the rest myself so we can get right out the door Friday morning.  We are having a guild meeting before the show. 

Speaking of the guild, We just finished a show in Brattleboro.  I am happy to say that one of my pieces was one of only two sales at the show.  I sold the blanket chest I had there.  I had several pieces and that was the one i wanted to keep for a while so I could use it in Woodstock, but hey, I’m not complaining.  The show was well attended, but participation from the guild members was a little sparse.  Maybe next year we’ll have better participation. 

I know this was a short effort, but I still have a lot to do to get ready and I want to get in a last bike ride tonight.  I’m going to get busy.

Thanks for sticking with me.  Feel free to post you comments.

It never fails.  I spent all summer trying to find stuff to do.  School started today so I am back on the bus.  Suddenly, I have more to do than I can get done.  I mentioned that I am building a bed for a show coming up.  Suddenly I get a call from a past customer who needs two or now three tables made by the end of next week.  I have to get the lumber shipped from Pennsylvania.  It is going to be quarter sawn cherry and I can’t find it locally.  PA has the best cherry anyway.  Now I’m under the gun for the bed.  I have to get it done but there isn’t going to be much time.  This is going to seriously cut into my biking time.  Oh well.  My lumber should be here on Thursday and then there are going to be a few long days and some nights.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, I just wish the powers that be could have better timing. 

I’ve Gotten off to a good start on the bed.  I am currently bagging the panels for the headboard.  As soon as i get them done I have to put it on hold until I get these tables done.  Then I can get the bed done just in time for my show.  ( I love it when  plan comes together.) 

That’s all for now.  I have to get on the bus.  Don’t forget to visit my website.  www.brooksidewoodworking.com 

Thanks. Bye.

OK.  The ride is over.  It was 105 miles on Saturday and 77 miles on Sunday.  They had to shorten it on Sunday because of a washed out road.  I told you it has been raining a lot.  I rode with a friend both days.  We averaged almost 19 MPH on Saturday.  That was with 5000 feet of climbing.  We were the first two to come in.  That included the people who did the shorter routes.  I didn’t know I could go that hard.  Sunday we went a little easier.  We averaged 18.4 MPH.  we had a head wind for a lot of it though.  It’s a good thing they shortened it because if we had done the whole ride, we would have gotten soaked.  As it was, we only got a quick shower.  After we got back, I joined my wife at the last rest stop.  She was volunteering at it.  It rained so hard they wouldn’t let the last 10 or so people finish.  All in all, it was a great weekend.  I think we raised $740 in all.  Not bad for only two weeks.  Next year, we will do better. 

As for work, I won’t lie, It’s been real slow this summer.  I haven’t had much work at all.  Right now I’m building a bed for a show I have coming up.  It’s one i designed for a customer.  They didn’t go for it.  Theprice was a little too high.  We  like the design so we decided to do it for the show.  It’s going to be walnut with a curved bird’s-eye maple headboard.  It should be nice if it comes out good.  It better come out good because it’s costing a lot of money.  I hate spending a bunch of money on spec, but you have to spend it to make it, right??  This show has done well for in the past so I’m taking a chance on it.  It’s in Woodstock at the end of September.  Details are on my website.   Be sure to visit it.  

All right, that’s all for now.  Thanks for sticking with me.

www.brooksidewoodworking.com

OK, so I told you I’m doing the MS Bike ridein a little while.  If you want to donate some money to this cause in my name follow this link.  http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/VTNBikeEvents?px=5304950&pg=personal&fr_id=8983  This takes you to my page where you can follow the links to donate.  My goal is $2,000 and right now I’m close to $600.  I don’t know if I’ll make it because I’m getting a bit of a late start.  I’m looking forward to the ride.  It’s going to be 200 miles over 2 days and that’s going to be a challenge.  I’m confident I can make it though. 

Man, the weather lately has sucked!!!  It rains all the time.  I need to get in some training miles, but it keeps raining.  I was hoping for a few hours this afternoon, but then it rained.  Maybe it’ll stop later. 

Anyway, this is going to be a short one.  I’m going to get to work.  Thanks for hanging.

I am sitting here watching the Tour de France on Sunday morning.  It’s the first day in the Alps and I’m eagerly awaiting the last climb.  Should be exciting.  It’s been a good race so far.  Not great like in the days of Lance or the year Floyd won (then lost) but still some excitement.  I think the next few days are going to be real exciting.  Anyway, lot’s of news this time.  First, on the fourth I did a 104 mile ride on my bike.  I had a headwind for the entire ride.  I was sick of fighting the wind by the time I was done.  I didn’t eat enough either, so I kind of ran out of gas at about 75 miles.  Had to gut out the last 25 or so.  It was still a fun ride.  I am going to sign up for the MS bike tour which is a fund raiser for the MS foundation.  My goal for the weekend is to ride the 100 mile leg both days.  I have to get it going so I can raise some money.  Here is the homepage.  http://bikevtn.nationalmssociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BIKE_VTN_homepage  I will be on there this week if you want to donate.  Instructions to come. 

OK.  I finished the coffee table I was working on.  Here is a shot of it.

It came out real nice.  The drawer has no handle on it.  It is on a touch latch.  Simply push it in and it pops out.  That’s how the customer wanted it and we aim to please.  I had a time finding the hardware for it, but ended up modifying a catch for a door.  When I was designing this table, i thought the legs would be too big.  The customer wanted them this size so that’s what I did and I find I like them.  I think they fit. 

The phone has been busy lately.  I have been getting a lot of calls and e-mails for quotes.  Unfortunately, they are not turning into sales.  I have one that I think will happen tho.  It is a coffee table that doubles as a blanket chest.  It is for the mother of a customer.  She is a quilter and wants a place to store and show her quilts.  It is going to be on short legs and the top, sides and ends are going to be glass.  It will be oak in the Arts and Crafts style.  I have to check on the price of tempered glass so I can give her an estimate.  I’ll let you know. 

OK, that’s all for now.  Don’t forget to check the MS Bike Tour site and look for me.  I’ll have instructions for donating later.

Thanks for staying with me.

www.brooksidewoodworking.com

walt@brooksidewoodworking.com

I actually finished it last week.  I have been on the bus so much that I haven’t had time to get much done.  It’s always like this the last weeks of school.  There are extra trips for exams, class trips etc.  Makes for a nice paycheck but I don’t get much done in the shop. 

Anyway, here’s the bench.

It came out pretty good.  The blue tape is there because No-one said anything about a handle.  I asked but got no answer.  It was originally going to have horizontal dividers in the cubbies but we determined that the openings would be too small to be useful.  A funny thing about this bench.  I made a pair of end tables for this same customer (I think that’s going to be my next furniture story) and part of that project was four flat panels.  I made them too small by just a little bit, but I kept them for whatever.  Turns out, they were the perfect size for the drawer front on the bench.  Sometimes things work out.  The drawer is full extension and has a divider down the middle fron to back.  Not sure why, but it was part of the specs. 

As for the new project, the coffee table.  I sent the customer some wood samples, walnut, cherry and bird’s-eye maple.  He liked the cherry so much, he changed his mind and decided he wants it in cherry instead of walnut.  Too bad I already got the walnut.  He also decided aainst the inlay around the aprons.  As it turns out the lack of inlay offsets my added cost in material and I don’t have to charge more for it.  I like when that happens.  Here’s a drawing of the table.  The darker wood is cherry and the lighter is bird’s-eye maple.  The square on the apron is a drawer.

The top will be frame and panel with the panel recessed 1/4″ for a piece of glass.  Should be nice when it’s done.  I’ll be getting going on it in the next week or two.  After I finish on the bus, I have a couple of things to get caught up on first.  I’ll keep you posted.

Now I want to rant a bit.  I have discovered that nothing is immune to spam.  When I first started this blog, I got a few spams here and there in comments.  It’s now up to 50 or so a day!!!  That’s right, A DAY!!!  These spammers have got to stop.  We can do our part by not respinding to it.  EVER.  They wouldn’t send it if it didn’t work.  My website guy, Tom at VT Web put in some software to fight it and it helps but it doesn’t get it all.

OK, I know i have been rambling but that’s all for now.  Thanks for sticking with me.