Table project rock

[wroughtn_harv]

This is after I've wire brushed it.

Keep in mind this is what the whole frame will look like when it's been sandblasted and then powder coated a clear finish.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

I might be wrong, have been, will be, nature of the beast. But I've decided at my age those little imperfections you see where I moved when I shouldn't, didn't when I should've, are signatures instead of flaws. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

One of the greatest freedoms a person can have is to fail. When we lose our fear of failing we can go on to try. I have been accused of being without shame. They might be right. But I think it's more about accepting failing as another step forward in the process.

Here's how I cut three cm granite.

 

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Another view.

This is a framer's Dewalt worm drive with a diamond cutting blade. The blade cost more than the saw. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif But a regular circular saw doesn't have the grunt to cut like a worm drive will.

The water is important. Just as important is having GFI breaker real close when working a hundred ten and water. I've got to get me one of those. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

What will surprise some folks is some of the best granite counter top craftsmen do it just like this. They'll have their sheets of stone delivered to the job site. Put up a temporary shade and go to work. And their work will be just as good as some of the stuff cranked out of the shops. Sometimes better.

No magic, just effort and patience, how do you think Rome was made?

 

[wroughtn_harv]

I've got to finish up the stools. Finish welding up and cleaning all the welds on the table too.

I'm going to epoxy some stops under the table to fit snugly inside the frame. That will enable us to dismantle and deliver the table.

I will take some grinding wheels and shape the stone to my desired shape. Then it will go to the granite shop. They will router a bullnose edge and do a final polish.

I want the bullnose because it will compliment the pipe framework.

It's coming together. I like that. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[wroughtn_harv]

This is the rock at the granite shop after I rough cut it out.

That was last week. If I get the time we're going to have them do their magic while I'm there to photograph it. It might be this week or next week. That will take the granite shop and me coordinating our schedules.

 

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Here's the router that does the deed in action on another rock with a different bit that what we're going to use.

This thing is awesome.

 

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another shot

 

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I finished one of the stools today.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

It's funny how these things seem to work. I start off with a concept and then the project sorta kinda takes off and I'm just along for the ride.

This isn't what I originally had in mind. But it led me to a better place. I like and need that.

 

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I thought someone out there might enjoy seeing how I made the seat cushion.

First I had to bend a piece of quarter by half bar stock to fit inside the pipe frame.

 

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I use a Craftbender a friend of mine makes and sells at swap meet--trade days. It's handier than a pocket on a shirt for doing stuff like this.

The trick is making lots of little adjustments, lots and lots. The bar stock starts out straight. Then usualy the first half the one eighty goes pretty easy. The second half will curl hair on a bowling ball. But with enough bends and unbends it comes out okay eventually.

 

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Another shot of making a fit without having a snot slinging one. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

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The "fabric" is twenty six gauge sheet metal punched out to look like wicker material.

 

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Sheet metal scissoring one oh one and we have "fabric" for the seat.

 

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Then it's a simple matter of welding twenty six gauge to quarter inch stock. Simple. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

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Then it's to the anvil and my Uri hammer to do the fold over.

 

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That Uri hammer is about as good as it gets. My hands don't do it justice. But I'd kill if anyone touched it with bad thoughts within a block of their mind. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[wroughtn_harv]

All that's left is to put some welds underneath when the frame's been all ground and polished.

You know I have to wonder if Ibrahim probably rolls his eyes everytime he sees me start one of these projects. All that bandwidth...........all b.s. (band stuff)

And there's a chance it might end. I've been offered a job more appropriate for my age and disposition. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[bgott]

I really love your pictorials. I learn something out of every one of them. I have seen hammers like yours at the blacksmith meetings I've attended, I would love to have one. I'm a little loath to spend the $100 they get for them, however. I need to practice up and forge my own.

I'll bite, tell us about the job offer!

 

[wroughtn_harv]

If you ever get to see a Gunther demo, don't miss it. He's not only smarter'n most folks that like hammerin'. He does super high quality work. He also makes hammers. His design is the best in my book. And I have the Uri. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I assumed the man with the biggest hammer could move the most metal. Then Gunther showed us how a little hammer hitting more often does more than a big hammer without the wear and tear. Typical working blacksmith, right arm much more muscular than the left one.

Are you going to be at Hammerfest?

A company wants to hire me as a consultant.

Right now it would be to evaluate and suggest ideas. What intimidates me is the thought of committment if they want me to help implement those ideas.

I've been a free spirit too long. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif