Monday, December 18, 2017

Something Roubo-esque Part 1

They are taking down some dead and dangerous trees around our place. If you have been following you will know that I have plenty of firewood. I decided to take a section on one tree and mill it up into slabs, freehand, with a chain saw. Not a job for the faint of heart. Then I proceed to “take the ugly” out of it with a router and sled. I am calling this Part One of “Something Roubo-esque” as I am hoping it is the start of my workbench build. Parts of this series will show up now and then on my channel as I obtain more pieces for it and go along with the build over time.



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Tuesday, December 12, 2017

A simple shelf (hand tools only build)

I uploaded this one a couple of days ago but You Tubes new algorithm is marking all kinds of things as "not suitable for advertisers".  I don't make much from my channel, but those first few days are the most critical, so I uploaded it as private and let it get tagged, then requested a manual review, which it passed.  Now that the extra hoop has been jumped through I have changed it to public and released it.

My wife wanted a small shelf for the bedroom.  She showed me the area it was to go and held out her hands and said "about this size", so I took it from there and decided to have some fun with a hand tool build.  It was fun and relaxing to do.


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Thursday, November 30, 2017

Bosch 1250 DEVS: Real time testing

This week I am checking out the Bosch 1250 DEVS sander/polisher. I am calling it the sander for people who don’t like sanding. The 6” pad covers significantly more area than your average 5” ROS, and the aggressive mode makes short work of rough surfaces. I don’t have the wiring in my shop done, so I couldn’t hook it up to a shop vac to see how the dust collection works. It would be nice if it had a bag for those situations.


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Thursday, November 23, 2017

Mobile home move

We had a new unit brought into the park this summer and this is how it went in.  The preamble was filmed today.  Gosh, I have a lot of work ahead of me.  It kind of explains why I haven't been editing much video....lol.


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Thursday, November 02, 2017

A pencil box

A rainy day today and finally some time to edit video. This is a small pencil box I made for my daughter in law who is going back to school to learn how to help people. My first grand child was born to her 6 months ago and I wanted to make her something that was a bit more common in my time, yet still practical now.



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Monday, October 23, 2017

Update for October

Things have been really busy around here.  I have been tied up with so many things I have not had time to edit video or turn the camera on.  I did take a few minutes this morning to go over some of the happenings around the shop and home and what may be in store for the future.  Thanks for the patience.


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Thursday, October 12, 2017

The car show at the Zurich Bean Fest.

A nice sunny day, a local event, and lots of cool cars and trucks to see.  A great way to spend an afternoon, and so we did.


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Thursday, October 05, 2017

No Lathe Chisel Handles

My first time using a draw knife. I needed some new handles for some old chisels. These will be a present for my son. The first chisels I ever bought will now become his first set of chisels.





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Friday, September 29, 2017

Deck build pt 2, done for this year.

The completion of what I am doing this year with the deck/landing. I ended up putting in more patio stones than I had expected to. I think putting them in is a job for someone younger and more fit than I am, it wore me out….lol. More of a vlog style. There was a lot of work went into it and it took a long long time, so that is my excuse for lack of content over the past while.


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Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Deck part 1

With the skirting done I can start on the deck build, which is what started all this.  I missed getting a lot of footage, but here is a pretty condensed version of what I did.


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Wednesday, September 06, 2017

Mobile Home Skirting.

Well, the wife has been waiting a couple of years for a deck off the patio doors.  The home also needs the skirting re done.  I don't want to put the skirting in by working behind a deck so that has to get done first.  At least up to the point where the deck will go.  So here is how I did the skirting.


I bet you can guess that there is a deck build video coming up.

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Friday, September 01, 2017

Fixin' the car and ranting.

I finally got a new switch for my car today.  It has been wonky for a while.  At first it stopped moving rearward.  Which is kind of inconvenient as I am 6' 3".  I am the only driver, but I move the seat forward to vacuum under it when I clean the car.  Not coming back is not good.  Lately it was not moving forward or back, and the front lift/lower was on the fritz too.

So along with some ranting and cussing, this is how to replace the switch.


Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Photo frame

Perhaps the longest title of any video I have made, and it could have been longer....lol.  It started out as a simple build, but, as is my habit, I complicate it a bit.  There is also joinery that I was not completely satisfied with, although it did come out OK for my first attempt at a half lap mitre, so I did a "fix" to it.  Sometimes accidents are a benefit.  Lots of hand work, which I love doing, but sometimes the machines just have to come out.




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Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Monster computer case pt 3

I get this project wrapped up with the finishing process.  My niece's boyfriend picked it up and was kind enough to send photos of it going together and done.


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Thursday, August 17, 2017

A great way to spend a Saturday

On the first weekend of August the Canadian Nationals happened at the Grand Bend Motorplex.  We got tickets and spent the day getting our recommended dose of Nitro-Methane fumes and tire smoke.  It's been a couple of years since we have attended, and that is too long.  A great show!



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Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Monster Computer Base Pt 2

Well, with a new sheet of (not Chinese) plywood, I get serious about getting this thing together. Nothing like taking a simple box and making it complicated. Everything fit well and square and the glue up was relatively uneventful. Next time, we start the finish.


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Monday, August 07, 2017

Monster computer base, a false start.

Finally, I am editing video!  The beginning of a base for my niece's boyfriend.  Bad materials wasted my time, but the footage at least shows some of what to look for when selecting material.  I was not happy with the wood at all.


Friday, August 04, 2017

Busy times

Summer time and the living is not exactly easy.  I have been really busy wearing myself out.  I have not had the time or ambition to do any video editing or posting.  I have been taking some video and just uploading it to the computer, so when I have time I will get around to publishing it.  There has been new skirting put on the home and I am in the process of building a deck/landing in front of the patio door.  The wife has been asking for one for a couple of years now, so it is time to get it done.  We scrimped and saved up enough money to get the material and the process is under way now.

We are going to get a new neighbour.  There is a new home being put in just down, and across the street from us.  I did take the time to get a couple minutes of video and publish that.  It shows a new (to me) way of installing the frost line footers.  Much easier than a shovel, and safer than an auger.


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Thursday, July 13, 2017

2013 American Special Stratocaster

As pretty of a guitar as you will ever see.  This one came in shortly after purchase to get set up.  The usual routing of cleaning it up and checking it over.  Yup, I gush over this one too.


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Tuesday, July 04, 2017

My new old draw knife.

Well, it has been a couple of weeks since I have posted anything.  It's summer and I am enjoying the outdoors and also naps....lol.  No time to be editing video.

I bought a draw knife at the barn full of old tools, so I spent a couple of hours cleaning it up and sharpening it.  It seems like it will be very handy.  I have never used one before, but I have seen them being used a lot and they look like just the ticket for certain jobs.


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Tuesday, June 20, 2017

A barn full of old tools

I met this guy a few years ago.  He is retired and now spends his time buying and selling tools.  He works on them a bit, cleans them up and brings them to shows and events to keep himself active.  He had many packed in his van to go to a show, and says he is a little low on inventory lately.  Hard to believe when you see what is packed away in the barn.

He does not do any business on line, in case you were wondering.  He likes to get out and meet people and chat with them and this is how he does it.  He travels all over southern Ontario and it keeps him active with his hobby.


Thursday, June 15, 2017

2013 Epiphone ES 339

I have had this footage for a while now. I finally got around to editing it today. A stunning Epiphone ES 339 which is a smaller bodied ES 335. Just a beautiful guitar in for a set up and a little bit of adjustment. Although pretty new, I have found that the guitars that need a set up the most are the ones that are just bought. Most retail stores do not take the time to look them over. They just take them out of the box and put them on the wall.


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Thursday, June 08, 2017

A little bonus

I threw this together last night.  A bit of a bonus video.


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Tuesday, June 06, 2017

Easy Clamp Rack

A short video this week.  Continuing to organise the shop, I finally replace the old clamp rack with a new one.  An easy build made with cut offs and left overs.


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Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Shop update: interior progress.

A bit more progress on the continuing adventure of my shop build.  It's going together a bit at a time as I can afford it.  As I clear space and organise, it frees up spaces to get the job done, between other projects.


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Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Making guitar nut and saddle blanks from bone

Gosh...I forgot to post this one here.  I guess I have been busy, or confused.  Any way, I sourced a piece of cow shin bone from a local butcher and after a lot of research figured out how to make it into stock for making saddles and nuts for guitars.  All of the fats have to be taken out of it because fat and glue just don't go well together.  There are also issues of fat seeping into the wood and ruining it and the finishes and also going rancid.  So, here is how I did it.


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Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Rita's nice rack

The weekly video this time is another key/mail organiser I did for my ex-wife.  She saw the one I did for my niece and asked if I could do one for her.  I kept this one short.  I couldn't seem to get the colours warm enough, but it is footage from the old camera.  I guess I get spoiled quickly.


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Tuesday, May 09, 2017

Record No 4 Vice refurb.

I got a great deal on a vise. Lots of grime and dirt on it, but in good shape. All it needed was a tear down, clean and lube and it should be ready for a life time of service.

I didn't think I would have time to get a video done today.  I surprised myself.


Wednesday, May 03, 2017

Tool Chest Pt 4 Done!

I got through the process of cutting the bottoms of the drawers and finally getting them assembled.  Then it is on to installing the fronts.  Then I make the handles and put them on and get everything finished.  I even make some organisers for it too.

I finally run into footage from the new camera on this one.  Oh, I didn't post on that did I?  Well, I sold my old Nikon D50.  It did not take video, so I have been using my wife's Canon S100 pocket sized point and shoot up until now.  I added $25 to what I got for the Nikon and purchased a Lumix FZ 150 from a guy I used to work with.  It is a learning curve!  Lots of features to learn.  On top of that, Lightworks, my editing software, went through a major upgrade.  I am now learning that too.  It operates a bit differently, and now I find I spend more time editing as I am doing more things.  Things like colour correction that you wouldn't notice because it now looks a bit more natural.  I am having fun learning it.

In other news, Seamus, my new grandson, is doing fine from what I hear.  It will be a while yet before I can make it down to see him.  Like all babies, he is really cute.


So, on to the video on the completion of the tool chest build.



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Monday, May 01, 2017

I can't wait to meet him

At 4:29 pm today my first grandchild was born.  I am pretty stoked.  A healthy baby boy from my son and his wonderful partner.  A few days until things settle down and I will make a trip out to see him.  His name will be Seamus.  The Irish equivalent of my name, James.  Everyone is doing well and I am anxious to meet him.


Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Spring tune ups

I gotta take a pause on the tool chest build because…well….spring! I wanted to get this out as it is seasonally appropriate. Winter is over and it’s time to get ready for the warmer weather and undo some of the things that go with winter. A whole slew of handy tips and things that will make life just a little easier. I gotta say, this is pretty much my favourite time of the year.



Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Tool Chest Pt 3

We come to the part that I am nervous about. Building drawers intimidate me. I probably over think it. First I make a prototype. Then, once I get that fitting, I use it for a pattern and set up jig for the rest of them.


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Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Tool Chest Pt 2

I get the carcass completed and put together.  The I get it put into place.  Quite a bit of work done and it turns out fine.

My editing software just went through a major upgrade, so I am back on a bit of a learning curve with it again.  It is supposed to be simpler, but once you get accustomed to doing things a certain way, change is difficult.  I find I am doing a lot more colour correction and using DVE's to try and get the shots looking better and focused on the work.  The new upgrade makes that easier and it is another toy in my bag of tricks.  It does make the editing process a bit longer, but I think the quality has a slight improvement.  Although it will probably go unnoticed....lol.


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Tuesday, April 04, 2017

Tool chest build

I need to clear a spot in my shop to continue insulating and sheathing the walls. I want to get rid of my tool chest, so I am making a built in unit to replace it. I start with making the sides of the chest.


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Wednesday, March 29, 2017

'64 Harmony Rocket pt 2

We get the guitar up and running, eventually.  I really liked this one, it has a lot of personality.


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Tuesday, March 21, 2017

1964 Harmony Rocket.

This one needed a lot of TLC.  The neck had a thick layer of epoxy put on it that had to be removed.  The frets had lots of life in them, but were a little beat up.

The guy who owns it got it from his grandfather and it was his first guitar so there is a lot of sentimental value to it.  He didn't want a full restore, just to make it playable so he could enjoy it again along with the memory of his grandfather.


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Tuesday, March 14, 2017

The coffee table finally gets done!

A long series.  I think I have "project fatigue" from not only doing the project, but from going through the hours of video and reliving it over and over.  It turned out nice and was a fun build for the most part, but I am glad that I am finally at the end of it.

On the other hand.  Things have been slow in the shop for the winter, so it gave me a lot of footage to tide me through getting a video a week out.  So there is a plus to all the mistakes and fixing them.


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Wednesday, March 08, 2017

Sally's Coffee Table Pt 14, The pain continues

We don’t get far in this episode but we do a lot of work getting there. In reality, I could have left all this footage out and no one would be the wiser. It could have been a completely sterile build on video, with no challenges or mistakes, but that is not real life.


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Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Sally's Coffee Table Pt 13, A disaster.

Finishing off the finishing process, failing, stripping it and starting again.  By the end of the video I still have not figured out what is going wrong, but I keep trying.


Thursday, February 23, 2017

A quick update

It has been busy around here for a while.  Too busy to edit video.  I quickly did a bit of a shop update this morning and got it posted.  Hope you enjoy it as much as I have been enjoying the weather.  With it being warmer I am taking advantage of it to spend a bit of time in the shop.  Also, Sally messed her foot up pretty badly last Sunday.  Nothing broken, but she has been off her feet for a while.  I had to jump in and help out around the house a bit more.  The food is not as good and the house is not as clean....lol.


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Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Doc's little docs 9 - Habits

Every once in a while I get an idea that leads to a tip or trick. I am as guilty as the next person for doing things a certain way because that is the way I’ve always done it. When I recognise that I try to take a look at my procedures and see if I can’t get a start on a better habit.



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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Mail and key organiser.

Tired of coffee table videos yet?  I took a break from editing it and put this one together.  Yes, a complete build in one video!  My niece needed a key and mail organiser for her new home.


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Tuesday, February 07, 2017

Sally's Coffee Table Pt. 12 - More French Polishing

I am taking the process much further than I have to, but I wanted to show it.  The shellac I am using is not dewaxed and I think that caused a few issues.  I have only used dewaxed flake shellac before.  We get a decent demonstration though.


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Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Sally's Coffee Table Pt. 11: Starting the French Polish

Starting out with the French Polish method of grain and pore filling.  A bit longer but after reviewing the take, I thought it stood on it's own.  So here is the beginning process of French Polishing.


Thursday, January 26, 2017

Sally's Coffee Table Part 10

I can't believe this is such a long series.  But the build was long too and had some issues pop up.  I figure there may be a couple more to complete the series, but in this one the last of the wood work gets done and finishing is started.  Worked out well on my end though because I have not been very active in the shop for a while and I still have things to post.


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Monday, January 16, 2017

Sally's Coffee Table Pt. 9

Here we go again!  This time some assembly, some mistakes, and the correction of mistakes.  My first ever draw bore tenons.  Not a success at first but we make it work.


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Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Part 8 of the Coffee Table build

We are slowly getting there folks.  I am prepping and starting the finishing process and finding out how bad this ash is for tear out.  It has some wild grain and, like ash is apt to be, stringy.  Hang in there, things are about to get interesting on upcoming episodes.


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Wednesday, January 04, 2017

Hair band deluxe

A while ago I got a BC Rich guitar in that needed some TLC.  It was an interesting instrument and had a few issues that needed to be straightened out.  Follow along while I bring back a guitar that goes well with spandex, leather and big hair.


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