As I suspected I have some gaps to fill under the top shelf because I cut the relief too wide and then add a bunch of sanding on top of that error and the compounding faults leave a hefty void I now need to fill. Fear not! I have some Cherry bands that I can sand, stain & insert underneath to close the gaps, so that should alleviate most of my troubles. The mitres aren’t as tight as I’d like, but hard to quibble with it now it’s got glue and nails in it! Ha. I will add the Osmo tomorrow and do my little tidy up then too. I can have it indoors by Saturday afternoon or Sunday depending on how busy we are with Halloween.
So we aren’t as long as I’d hoped for. Not as wide, and not as tall. We do have the shape I was aiming for, and the hardwood held up to my ministrations. The joinery I spent hours on had to be cut off because I was misaligned, so not a great finish to a project, but on the other hand I feel like done is way better than perfect, and I can move on to the yard work here or at the farm without this storage unit weighing heavily on my mind. That’s a good thing.
It looks ok, a tad amateurish, but what can you expect. I aimed high and came in a little lower, but it should serve its purpose. I can now choose to add little rubber feet or soft pads to float on the floors here. Our dog has ruined the hardwood by dropping his animal leg bones everywhere so I’m not all together that worried about fresh indents on the flooring. Soon enough we will be able to reclaim several feet of workable space at our front entrance way, and for that I am happy, happy, happy.
So no custom orders just yet around here, but one day I’d love to build us a dining room table, and a couple of desks for the kids. Nothing too crazy or elaborate, but elegant and tasteful. Made in Walnut or Cherry. It would be cool to add a Padauk or Purple Heart element to those items, but we will see how things go.
Thanks to those whom unwittingly followed along as I stumbled through this latest furniture build. I will post one last update once I get it put in place and tear the dogs crate down. Look for that on Sunday or Monday.
Also, not a fan of working directly on the floor, but this item is so long that I could not do the assembly on my bench. Trying to manoeuvre it into position by myself was a task I’m loathe to repeat, but if I want to get better and improve I need to continue to make stuff for the house. It’s not hot today so the glue gave me slightly longer working time which I am appreciative of. Also, not going to lie, I was pretty happy that my two centre shelves slid into place with little fuss. That was a happy little moment I’d gladly revisit on my next project(s).
I think moving forward (excepting the wood I already have in my possession) I will buy S4S wood from the local mill because my planer is a joke and I can start the build immediately without having to process the rough lumber. Saves me time, but will cost more. I’m ok with that. I think it will be some time before I can afford a new thousand dollar planer to replace the failing one I’ve got now. I can go right into panel glue ups, and cutting my pieces for joinery elements. Could be a game changer.
I personally always wanted to go from rough sawn lumber to finished project all by myself, but now I no longer consider it cheating to by good quality lumber that was surfaced on all four sides. I certainly would have far less dust & shavings to contend with if I did so. I have loads to burn! Better make an added stop at the farm to the burn barrel for my cut offs and sawdust/shavings. They smell lovely but get everywhere and add a tonne of additional cleaning to every single build. That’s all for now.
Take care out there. Ciao Bella!
