Anything Happening

I just finished this as a Christmas git to a friend.

My wife bought new stainless and we needed some better organization. Built a two-level organizer. Each level is two inches deep. Should have done this a long time ago. Nothing glued up yet - will likely add some relief to some dividers to make reaching in a bit easier, although it isn’t too bad as is. 

Drawer did not originally have full-extension drawer slides and when I built the top tray, I couldn’t get it in without removing the drawer. Then I added the scoops to the back of the tray so it could be inserted/removed without removing the drawer. Then I added full-extension slides (negating the need for the scoops I already added) to give me access to the back compartment of the sliding top tray.   

Planning is not my strong suit.

Started to work on two soapbox derby cars for my grandchildren.

I made a couple things for family this Christmas:
For my older daughter, I turned a 9" dia., 2-serving, salad bowl out of Bishopwood, first time I ever worked with it. It's very hard and stable, turns well, takes forever to sand and sucks up finish like a sponge. Very unusual. I sanded it to 600 and gave it about 5 wiped coats of walnut oil, which finally resulted in a workable luster.
For my younger daughter, I made this charcuterie board: Sapele, w/ maple stripes, 16" x 24" x 5/8"+, hand planed, finished with(3) dilute coats of spar urethane. The board floats on two foot rails that keep it flat and raise it ~1" off the countertop. (Sorry, no pic of foot rails.)



For my better half, I was working on, but so far haven't completed, a 72-note Orpheus music box, in some really tasty Madrone burl, with Brazilian rosewood lining, interior view glass and a fossil ivory actuator button in front. The resonator platform is hand-planed Port Orford Cedar. The plinth, when I get around to it, will be  quartersawn wenge. Here are a couple progress pics. I'll post more as construction continues.

Cheers, and happy holidays to all!
Ellis

Had a 60 foot oak blown down about three weeks ago. Cut. haul, split. I am old so it will take me a long time.

House warming/Christmas gifts for friends (bedside tables, if this is not obvious  ) ...



With bow fronts ...



Regards from Perth

Derek

Hi Derek,
 If you ever need another friend, let me know.   I'll bet those folks are happy campers, in a very warm house.
As for the tables, I love the bow fronts, the ropey wood grain, the levitating boxes, the simple, structural bases and the interesting drawer bottoms. Did you rely on glue for the case miters, or did you use your Domino or Lamello for reinforcement?

I hope you had a good holiday down yonder.

Ellis

Thanks Ellis. I like your box - the simple design disguises the tight joinery and the wood chosen. It is so relaxing to look at.

In these cabinets, the mitres are simply glued. No splines. Really, they are unnecessary when the wood grain all runs in the same direction (eliminating differences with temperature-related wood movement). I have made many of these over the years and none have produced gaps. 

The weather here is hot and sunny. Not a cloud to be seen - possibly for months - and the temperature is in the mid-30's (Centigrade) to low 40's with minimal humidity. That does made it a little warm in the workshop when doors are shut (to reduce noise for the neighbours). It's a quiet time with family visiting from interstate. In mid-January we will drive from Perth to Esperance, which is 700 km South, and a 7 1/2 hour drive in my old (now considered in the "Classic" age range) Boxster. Looking forward to this with the top down. 

Perth in summer ...



Esperance ...



How are you travelling? Is the new house complete? Workshop?

Warm regards from Perth

Derek