Charlie James

Roger, I researched it pretty well before I built mine and contact cement was the way to go. It holds up very well to the rigors of opening and closing vs hide glue. Mine was built 21 years ago and still no problems with the canvas. As a matter of fact I lock the top and open/close it more than ever since the kids are here. The little guy climbs on top of the slats to get to the top. The older guys ride the cars on it because it makes a funny noise! Need any furniture tested? They seem to have lost their fascination with it for now but who knows? I was thinking of barbed wire but it may ruin the aesthetics of the first floor…

Roger, Very Nice!

Roger, I think the green tape looks good! Nice job on the desk, I think the sides worked out great, they look good. How’s the slats going? It looks like you’ll have it done by next show. Charlie

I am waiting for a garage sale to purchase some more paper. My hand does become hot when I hold the paper against the bit. Do you suggest I buy a block of wood at the next garage sale to hold the paper? What kind of wood? This will increase the cost of the manufacturing process and I will have to pass it on to my customers…

I am trying to reduce the diameter of the bit with a heavy sandpaper from a garage sale.I have to be careful that I don’t ruin the paper for future use so I only hold it on the bit for a minute or two at most. The bit and sandpaper smoke a lot and they get very hot but I don’t think that matters too much. It should only take a few days but I can have the exact size I want when I’m done!

Joe, I waited for a garage sale and bought 2 pieces of 80 grit even though I needed fine. I rubbed it on the tree outside until the paper dulled enough to use it. The tree is very smooth now, I hate rough bark, and I got an extra piece of fine paper put aside! I was thinking of buying a large diameter forester bit and drilling thousands of holes until it reduces in size. I’m not sure if that will work though. Any ideas?

Ben, assorted hand tools are old screwdrivers, pliers, crescent wrenches, etc.

I received pictures of the tools from Nancy. If anyone is interested in a particular tool email me and I’ll forward the picture to you. Charlie

When I first started woodworking I bought sets of bits, etc. Now I don’t buy a set of anything unless it’s some kind of sale that makes it worth it. I’ll just get the size (s) I think I’m going to use most and chalk it up. I’ll pick up forstner bits at garage sales if I happen to come upon them but who waits for a garage sale to make a project?

Christmas is coming so how about you drop some hints…..Not to me of course..