Nothing can duplicate the look of old wood. I predominantly use oak that is rough cut, air dried and still has the old time circular saw marks on the surface. It comes in a variety of colors from dark brown, brown, gray and tan, depending on the environment it has been stored. I also use old painted barn wood that I find from time to time, mostly in white or red. I look for barn wood where the paint is faded but not chipping off. I travel to western Maryland often in my quests. Sometimes I am meet with success but more often it is bust.
The century old wood changes over time. Piles that have been insect ravaged or warped, cupped and bent are of little use to me so I pass. Now the wood I do buy is solid but as I said rough cut so handling it with gloves is a must unless you want a fist full of splinters. When I do find a truck load it is carried to my basement where I have a dehumidifier running 24/7 for further drying for about six months before I use it. As the moisture is pulled from the wood it will continue to shrink. Failure to get the moisture content down to 3% or lower can result in gaps in the joints especially when gluing up table tops or edge gluing planks together on a finished item.
Working with this old stuff presents its own challenges. While it was dimensional when it was cut, it is often not so much now. A 2” x 6” can be off as much as a 1/2”. Of course a joiner or planer can remedy this in short order but then the patina of the old wood and circular saw marks are lost. So when it is time to start a design I select the wood that is close to the same dimensions and if it absolutely necessary to use a joiner I make certain those edges will never be seen. For instance, when gluing up boards for a table top I run the edges of the boards thru the joiner to obtain a true edge on the boards. The middle boards get joined on both edges with the outer boards just one edge so the patina on the outer edges remain in tact. If there is some cupping I run the bottoms of the board through to get a flat surface on the bottom and it will not be seen.
I the construction of a case for a piece I am putting together the boards are not perfect in that they may have a slight cup. While this is not noticeable on the surface, at the connection of another board a slight gap will be present. Any gaps that catch my eye are covered with weathered copper or another piece of wood.
Once I have selected all the wood I will be using for a project gets a light sanding to brighten up the wood and smooth it enough so remove the threat of splinters on the finished piece.
Matching up the colors on a piece is another challenge. Even with all the lumber I have it takes some time to find all the material I need with similar color. This issue can at times be remedied by sanding darker boards to match lighter colored boards and the finish that will be used.
I always test the finish for color changes in the wood when it is applied. Some boards are more porous than others which means they will absorb more of the finish that can change the color and it can also result in some boards having a higher sheen to them. So I play and test until I get a finished piece that is pretty much the same color with the same level of sheen whether it be flat, satin, semi-gloss or gloss.
Sometime I can go a whole day absent an idea or thought on what to make next. It disturbs me when that happens. You see I don’t relish idle time in my life. I like challenges and really like it when others appreciate a never before seen piece when I am finished. Completely unique, one of a kind, hand made with antique, vintage, reclaimed materials.
There is only one thing to do. Search my hoard, some may call it collections, it is old and many things I have had for 50 years, that I bought because I liked them. My inventory is always at hand, I look. Not having the most organized, labeled or knowledge of all that is near, sometimes significant effort is called for. I still have boxes that I have not opened for decades.
All of that being said my pursuit was on, my task set and a rummaging I went. I am always delighted when I find something that immediately generates the light bulb in my minds eye. You following this – generator, electricity, lights the bulb, a metaphor - idea. An idea on a new piece of art is formed. I use the word art because that is what others often call it, me not so much.
As I pursued a stack of boxes that have not been attended to for I don’t know how long my quest led to their opening. After opening a number of boxes and finding really cool stuff but nothing particularly motivating I did at last find one that did. This box contained a dozen or so of World War I bayonets marked 1903. I knew I had them but had not seen them for some time. I know I bought them 40 years ago.
Voila! Game on. Included in my wealth of useless knowledge is history, military history. I had found my center piece for my tribute, a World War I bayonet. I now began piling up complimentary items. This piling up process led me to my container of antique and vintage military insignia, and a shelf with WWI model 1907 leather rifle slings marked 1918 with the manufacturers stamp and the military inspectors initials and a box of old 30-06 Springfield ammunition in stripper clips that was used in WWI.
Selection of the right century old reclaimed oak planks, old brass frames and some one inch hemp rope and it was now a matter of creating a display that was aesthetically pleasing to me, I hope to others and does the military of WWI justice.
Shrinking my brain I did recall that as part of General Pershing’s American Expeditionary Force to France was a contingent of United States Marines. Further, they were nicknamed Devil Dogs as a result of there courage, tenacity and fierceness in battle. I find this fascinating. So with a dangerous mind I pay tribute to those brave U. S. Marines and the sacrifices they made for their country during the Great War.
So how is it that I come across all this cool stuff, my raw materials that is turned into something that tantalizes you so? Time, effort and opportunity is the answer. Some of my journeys are long and it is always a roll of the dice for most are a bust, but no risk and no reward.
It is fortunate for me that most just don’t see the potential beauty in the old things that attract me or if they do they don’t have the wherewithal to transform them into a unique and useful piece of art (not my term).
From time to time I look at ads that may have one item listed that I find interesting. The price is reasonable mostly because the item is in poor condition at best and no person in their right mind wants anything to do with it. Since I am not included in that group a road trip may be in order. Of course it is. A rendezvous is scheduled and away I go.
While I most often purchase the one piece I am after, from time to time I find more. Much more and return with a pickup full of, for me, must have items, that I have no idea what I will use them for but eventually they find there way into a piece that someone must have – Like You.
For instance, just this week I found myself headed west at the crack of dawn in search of some old rough cut oak lumber that had been stored in a barn for who knows how long. Ninety miles later I am there as the sun rises and meet with the seller. Yes, he has a big pile of boards alright. Problem, most are checked, warped, bowed or just unfit for my needs. I pick out a few good ones and he tells me that he would prefer to sell the who lot. Not a problem. Did I just drive ninety miles one way for five boards, I hope not. He had a barn full of stuff so I queried if he wanted to rid himself of some other things. He did and I searched. I found a few doors and shutters. Did I have a use in mind? I did not but the doors came from an old school house in western Maryland, century old by the hardware and a couple were hand grain painted. The shutters were century old by the hangers and hinges, that had seen better days, but the wood was flawless, my guess red wood or cedar (I haven’t got into them yet). He gave me a price, I gave him cash and I was on my way with a truck loaded with five, seven foot doors and twelve, six foot shutters. Oh yea, and five oak boards. Success? I think so, but I haven’t developed a use for them yet. Stay tuned, you will see something very cool in the future. Moral? No risk no reward.
A little while ago I saw an ad for an old teak sailboat rudder. I liked it and it seemed reasonable, I guess, since I don’t sail and it is a little out of my bally wick but I took a drive. I showed at the agreed time and liked the rudder. It was in his garage, that happened to be filled with junk. I asked if he had anything else he wanted to sell. He said he recently had a yard sale, that was not exactly a success, so yes he said make a pile. I did. I left with a pickup full. Wood oars, paddles, teak boards, another teak rudder, running lights, brass port holes, a brass rudder and a couple of buckets of brass items and sailboat rigging and a couple of boxes of things that I will have some useful purpose as soon as I figure out what they are. I am a land lover don’t you see. Now that I possess your interest – several nautical items are in your future – I hope. I am sure your very sharp eye noticed that everything is painted or covered with a sickly varnish. Guess that is why it failed to sell at his sale. Moral? My gain – your gain. At least in the future. For sure.
Nothing can duplicate the look of old wood. I predominantly use oak that is rough cut, air dried and still has the old time circular saw marks on the surface. It comes in a variety of colors from dark brown, brown, gray and tan, depending on the environment it has been stored. I also use old painted barn wood that I find from time to time, mostly in white or red. I look for barn wood where the paint is faded but not chipping off. I travel to western Maryland often in my quests. Sometimes I am meet with success but more often it is bust.
The century old wood changes over time. Piles that have been insect ravaged or warped, cupped and bent are of little use to me so I pass. Now the wood I do buy is solid but as I said rough cut so handling it with gloves is a must unless you want a fist full of splinters. When I do find a truck load it is carried to my basement where I have a dehumidifier running 24/7 for further drying for about six months before I use it. As the moisture is pulled from the wood it will continue to shrink. Failure to get the moisture content down to 3% or lower can result in gaps in the joints especially when gluing up table tops or edge gluing planks together on a finished item.
Working with this old stuff presents its own challenges. While it was dimensional when it was cut, it is often not so much now. A 2” x 6” can be off as much as a 1/2”. Of course a joiner or planer can remedy this in short order but then the patina of the old wood and circular saw marks are lost. So when it is time to start a design I select the wood that is close to the same dimensions and if it absolutely necessary to use a joiner I make certain those edges will never be seen. For instance, when gluing up boards for a table top I run the edges of the boards thru the joiner to obtain a true edge on the boards. The middle boards get joined on both edges with the outer boards just one edge so the patina on the outer edges remain in tact. If there is some cupping I run the bottoms of the board through to get a flat surface on the bottom and it will not be seen.
I the construction of a case for a piece I am putting together the boards are not perfect in that they may have a slight cup. While this is not noticeable on the surface, at the connection of another board a slight gap will be present. Any gaps that catch my eye are covered with weathered copper or another piece of wood.
Once I have selected all the wood I will be using for a project gets a light sanding to brighten up the wood and smooth it enough so remove the threat of splinters on the finished piece.
Matching up the colors on a piece is another challenge. Even with all the lumber I have it takes some time to find all the material I need with similar color. This issue can at times be remedied by sanding darker boards to match lighter colored boards and the finish that will be used.
I always test the finish for color changes in the wood when it is applied. Some boards are more porous than others which means they will absorb more of the finish that can change the color and it can also result in some boards having a higher sheen to them. So I play and test until I get a finished piece that is pretty much the same color with the same level of sheen whether it be flat, satin, semi-gloss or gloss.
Sometime I can go a whole day absent an idea or thought on what to make next. It disturbs me when that happens. You see I don’t relish idle time in my life. I like challenges and really like it when others appreciate a never before seen piece when I am finished. Completely unique, one of a kind, hand made with antique, vintage, reclaimed materials.
There is only one thing to do. Search my hoard, some may call it collections, it is old and many things I have had for 50 years, that I bought because I liked them. My inventory is always at hand, I look. Not having the most organized, labeled or knowledge of all that is near, sometimes significant effort is called for. I still have boxes that I have not opened for decades.
All of that being said my pursuit was on, my task set and a rummaging I went. I am always delighted when I find something that immediately generates the light bulb in my minds eye. You following this – generator, electricity, lights the bulb, a metaphor - idea. An idea on a new piece of art is formed. I use the word art because that is what others often call it, me not so much.
As I pursued a stack of boxes that have not been attended to for I don’t know how long my quest led to their opening. After opening a number of boxes and finding really cool stuff but nothing particularly motivating I did at last find one that did. This box contained a dozen or so of World War I bayonets marked 1903. I knew I had them but had not seen them for some time. I know I bought them 40 years ago.
Voila! Game on. Included in my wealth of useless knowledge is history, military history. I had found my center piece for my tribute, a World War I bayonet. I now began piling up complimentary items. This piling up process led me to my container of antique and vintage military insignia, and a shelf with WWI model 1907 leather rifle slings marked 1918 with the manufacturers stamp and the military inspectors initials and a box of old 30-06 Springfield ammunition in stripper clips that was used in WWI.
Selection of the right century old reclaimed oak planks, old brass frames and some one inch hemp rope and it was now a matter of creating a display that was aesthetically pleasing to me, I hope to others and does the military of WWI justice.
Shrinking my brain I did recall that as part of General Pershing’s American Expeditionary Force to France was a contingent of United States Marines. Further, they were nicknamed Devil Dogs as a result of there courage, tenacity and fierceness in battle. I find this fascinating. So with a dangerous mind I pay tribute to those brave U. S. Marines and the sacrifices they made for their country during the Great War.
So how is it that I come across all this cool stuff, my raw materials that is turned into something that tantalizes you so? Time, effort and opportunity is the answer. Some of my journeys are long and it is always a roll of the dice for most are a bust, but no risk and no reward.
It is fortunate for me that most just don’t see the potential beauty in the old things that attract me or if they do they don’t have the wherewithal to transform them into a unique and useful piece of art (not my term).
From time to time I look at ads that may have one item listed that I find interesting. The price is reasonable mostly because the item is in poor condition at best and no person in their right mind wants anything to do with it. Since I am not included in that group a road trip may be in order. Of course it is. A rendezvous is scheduled and away I go.
While I most often purchase the one piece I am after, from time to time I find more. Much more and return with a pickup full of, for me, must have items, that I have no idea what I will use them for but eventually they find there way into a piece that someone must have – Like You.
For instance, just this week I found myself headed west at the crack of dawn in search of some old rough cut oak lumber that had been stored in a barn for who knows how long. Ninety miles later I am there as the sun rises and meet with the seller. Yes, he has a big pile of boards alright. Problem, most are checked, warped, bowed or just unfit for my needs. I pick out a few good ones and he tells me that he would prefer to sell the who lot. Not a problem. Did I just drive ninety miles one way for five boards, I hope not. He had a barn full of stuff so I queried if he wanted to rid himself of some other things. He did and I searched. I found a few doors and shutters. Did I have a use in mind? I did not but the doors came from an old school house in western Maryland, century old by the hardware and a couple were hand grain painted. The shutters were century old by the hangers and hinges, that had seen better days, but the wood was flawless, my guess red wood or cedar (I haven’t got into them yet). He gave me a price, I gave him cash and I was on my way with a truck loaded with five, seven foot doors and twelve, six foot shutters. Oh yea, and five oak boards. Success? I think so, but I haven’t developed a use for them yet. Stay tuned, you will see something very cool in the future. Moral? No risk no reward.
A little while ago I saw an ad for an old teak sailboat rudder. I liked it and it seemed reasonable, I guess, since I don’t sail and it is a little out of my bally wick but I took a drive. I showed at the agreed time and liked the rudder. It was in his garage, that happened to be filled with junk. I asked if he had anything else he wanted to sell. He said he recently had a yard sale, that was not exactly a success, so yes he said make a pile. I did. I left with a pickup full. Wood oars, paddles, teak boards, another teak rudder, running lights, brass port holes, a brass rudder and a couple of buckets of brass items and sailboat rigging and a couple of boxes of things that I will have some useful purpose as soon as I figure out what they are. I am a land lover don’t you see. Now that I possess your interest – several nautical items are in your future – I hope. I am sure your very sharp eye noticed that everything is painted or covered with a sickly varnish. Guess that is why it failed to sell at his sale. Moral? My gain – your gain. At least in the future. For sure.