Monday, May 29, 2006

We are In!


It has been a long weekend but we are now safely unpacked in our new home. As I sip a glass of wine and type this it all seems worth the time, effort and money involved. And Boy, am I tired ;)
The last cardboard box sits in the spare room, waiting to be dealt with. But apart from that we seem to have everything stowed away. And some of it we can even find.......
I spent some time arranging the workshop today (yes, the Missus took pity on me). Managed to get some shelving erected and packed a few boxes away. The hand tool and plane racks are up on the walls and most of the hand tools un-packed and ready to go. I need some electrical work doing before the machinery can be used but I won't let that stop me. The workshop has an electric door opener, which is quite hilarious to play with. Wonder what the neighbours think??
So back to work tomorrow but it will be good to come home to our new abode.
Cheers
Philly

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Here we go!

Well, wish me luck. Tomorrow is the big day!
I've just picked up my "workshop truck", a 7.5 ton beasty. Should be alright for fitting things in ;)
I'll let you know when we're safely "in".
Cheers
Philly

Friday, May 19, 2006

Packing It In

As the reality of moving has now sunk in it's time to get packing. And boy, there's plenty of it ;)
The Wife has been busy doing the boring stuff and, with the weekend ahead, it's time for me to get stuck in to the workshop (AGAIN!)
Many thanks for the well wishes from my faithful readers (you know who you are), it's going to be an interesting week!
Have a good weekend,
Phil

Monday, May 15, 2006

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


At last! We have finally exchanged contracts for our house move!
The champagne is out (well, the Cava. Better save the good stuff for the big day!) and stress levels are down.
I'll tell you more when it has sunk in ;)
Philly

Sunday, May 14, 2006

It's Truck Time!


O.k., so I couldn't wait!
Here's a pic of me and the truck leaving work early.
Cheers
Philly

Lots of Stuff


Hi Folks
Apologies for the delay, I have lots of news!
First up, the table. It is now complete-as you can see from the pic it came out quite nicely. I'll post more pictures on my website tomorrow. The spray job came out well, a little rubbing out and a handle-voila! Of course, now I have the "In-between-projects" problem to contend with........ ;)
My new Nissan Navarra pick-up was delivered on Monday so I have spent the week making excuses to drive anywhere. It is big and black and I am SPOILED! Good news, the Missus has given it the big thumbs up, so we are all happy.
Have a good week,
Philly

Sunday, May 07, 2006

I Spray, I Spray, I Spray....


Finished spraying the table with lacquer today. Used my cheapo B+Q HVLP kit, applied six coats. No drama, a good coverage and left with the "why do I fear spraying" feeling. It went remarkably well and I have already rubbed out some of the parts. I think that's one of the myths of spraying-if you spray it will come out perfect. It NEVER does, you still need to rub out any imperfections to bring it to a shine. It's just that lacquer is great for rubbing out! ;)
So I started on a handle. As regular visitors may know, I have a bit of a mental block when it comes to handles. But this time I just grabbed a bit of walnut and started wittling away with a knife. Nearly there, and the Missus likes it too!
As to the move, well no exchange yet. Sounds like Tuesday could be a possible. Maybe.......
Looking forward to tomorrow though-my new Nissan Navarra pickup is being delivered (touch wood...) Pictures to follow
Cheers
Philly

Thursday, May 04, 2006

The Finishing Line


Sorry about the pun-Yup, I've started applying the finish. Certainly is nice when a project starts coming together and I'm almost done. An easy week at work has allowed me to make serious progress.
A coat of Chestnut sanding sealer has been applied (after finish sanding-I do so love sanding) and knocked back. The weekend will see me wielding the spraygun in anger with some melamine lacquer. I think this project needs lacquer-veneer is not exactly "substantial" at 0.6mm thick.....
Noise from the Solicitors today means we may be exchanging tomorrow. Or not-call me Mr Cynical ;) If so the move is on and I may just finish this project in time to box the workshop up (AGAIN!)
Cheers
Philly

Monday, May 01, 2006

Go Fly A Kite


Twice in two days! Going for Blogger of the month............. ;)
Went to Poole Park this morning and had some fun flying kites. Spent almost as long un-tangling the cords when the two kites crossed paths......Lot of fun though!
Spent some quality time in the workshop too-the Wife has realised that if I don't get any workshop time I don't get to make anything. And then I can't write about it for Good Wood. And she does like to laugh at my ugly mug in the national press ;)
Finished veneering the edges of all exposed parts. Endured the much feared glue up. Had to wash glue squeeze-out off with a paintbrush and plenty of water. Hope it all came off ok or I will be in trouble come finishing time. Milled up some tulip for the drawers sides, cut the dovetails and grooved for the bottom. The top has been sanded smooth and, frankly, I 've made big progress. If I could easily access my tools and had more space to move in I still don't think I would of made much more progress.
Have a good week,
Philly