Mostly A woodworker

[Brokenolmarine]

My stepfather was an anal contractor in the Metro Richmond area when I was in High School and taught me to strive for perfection in my work.  HE never advertised for jobs, and always had work lined up in the finest homes in the area.  Wives called him to build things, spending Rich Husband's money.   "Biffy Told me you built her addition, when can you start on a garage and Mother in Law's suite for me?"  Every aspect of the job had to be done to his exacting specifications.  Even those that the building inspectors would never see.  So I tried to do my very best later in life... 

My best never hit HIS skill levels, but I did MY best... LOL.

I used the best materials I could find, and didn't cut corners.  I rarely sold my work, preferring to stick to gifts for family and friends, or donations to charity auctions or presentations for the family's of vet's who passed.

Here is a pic of the cradle I built for my first grandson....  It's a pendulum cradle built from Walnut and Ash, and breaks down so the legs and spreader bar (underneath) store in the basket when the baby outgrows it to wait for the next.  When the baby wakes, and moves, it rocks them back to sleep.  Miss T made the mattress and rail pads.

 

[Brokenolmarine]

Next grandchild came along and the pendulum cradle was up again.  (The oldest daughter this time) Son had the first.

This one is Black Walnut, Mahogany, birdseye maple. Same design, with slight mods.  She got maple spindles in the edge for a touch of class.

 

[Brokenolmarine]

Splitting firewood, I noticed some nice grain  in a piece of walnut and tossed it aside.  The wife said we were splitting wood to burn not to save.  I ignored her.  After a year of drying, I ran the wood thru the band saw, the planer, jointer, and then used the planks to build MY Flag/Medals display box.  I have used this original design a dozen times to build boxes for other vets... as well as other original designs when requested.  The boss doesn't ask when I save a chunk of wood we come across any longer. 

[Brokenolmarine]

Miss Tina wanted a Jewelry Box, but asked if I could make it special.  I made this one by hand, from a single plank of curly cherry.  The trays inside from walnut, were bandsaw box style.

The trim outside was formed with antique molding planes, as were the edges on the top.  It took a while, but this is truly one of a kind.  It's about a foot tall, sixteen inches wide, and eight inches deep.

[Brokenolmarine]

An inside view of the box, before the hinges attached the top.  She stores boxed items below the tray.

 

[Sheilajeanne]

That is indeed some lovely work, olbrokemarine!

Your kids are lucky to have you, and I'm sure these things you've made will become family heirlooms!

[Spyros]

Welcome to the wonderful world of leatherworking where you don't have to deal with breathable dust and piles of shavings, your tools and machines don't wake up the neighbours, you never have to clamp anything or wait an hour for glue to dry, you don't need a dedicated shed, you never lose a finger, and you can absolutely do professional work on the kitchen table with just a toolbox worth of tools!

You've done some excellent work with timber, well done.   Time to enjoy a more user-friendly craft

 

 

[chuck123wapati]

your woodworking skills are amazing. your eye for detail and perfection will no doubt follow over into leather. And the good the good thing is Leather and wood go together in a lot of projects.

as well so do some of the tools and skills .

[Handstitched]

That is truly some quality craftsmanship. Love  the beautiful grains &  colours in the woods.

And yes, leather & wood go so well  together .Especially antique dyes . 

Absolutely amazing . 

HS 

[Brokenolmarine]

Thanks folks, I will continue in woodwork, knifemaking, and leatherwork, and combine all three. Lol.