Hello from Holly Springs

Hello from Holly Springs · 03-09-2010, 10:56 PM

I joined about 6 mos ago, looked up some information on local wood suppliers, then got tied up with several projects and haven't been back since. I finally got some time to come back and start reading, reading, reading.

My most recent woodworking projects involve making celtic drums (or "bodhrán"). I use a steam-bending process and laminate three 1/8" thick sheets of ash. I also turn the beaters called "tippers" (or gaelic: cipín). Here is a photo showing what this is all about.... I also sew the carrying cases.

I've been blogging my construction technique on bodojo.com... unfortunately, you need to sign in to actually view the blog, but if anyone is interested, it's at: http://www.bodojo.com/social/my-blog...ar-part-1.html

I've also recently become involved with TechShopRDU (www.techshoprdu.com) (formerly TechShop Durham... just moved to a location near RDU airport). I know some members here are also active with TechShop. They offer some great opportunities to use some serious tools and equipment, including a fairly well-stocked woodworking shop, machine/metal shop, a Shopbot CNC router and laser cutter/engraver (among many other tools). More projects await.. possibly a kayak build with my son.

sushinutnc · 03-09-2010, 11:02 PM

Oh, and I'm a proud owner of a 1957 ShopSmith that was bought new by my dad. Thanks, Dad, for teaching me about woodworking some 30-something years ago!!!

CarvedTones · 03-10-2010, 05:14 AM

Hey, I am just up the road where Holly Springs confronts Cary and Apex near 1010 and Kildaire. I also like to make a few oddball instruments and have been known to scarf a little sushi

. Is that shop the one suggested in an earlier thread about brand making?

woodArtz · 03-10-2010, 06:41 AM

Hey Mike! Welcome to the group. Glad you found your way here.

red · 03-10-2010, 07:01 AM

Welcome to the forum.

Red

Ray Martin · 03-10-2010, 08:55 AM

Hi Mike,

Welcome to our little sawdust pile. Glad you joined us. Woodworking is terrific, and all the more so when you get to work with one of kids. Good luck with that Kayak. I can't wait to see some photos of it.

Canuck · 03-10-2010, 09:21 AM

Welcome to the site, Mike!

Great looking drums there.

I have always been fascinated with the art of steam bending. Don't get a chance to see many projects using these techniques. (except the Roy Underhill shows sometimes on Sat. afternoons)

Plenty of great folks here at the site willing to share plenty of their talent and expertise.

Post often and continue to share the great pictures of your projects.

Wayne

sushinutnc · 03-10-2010, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by CarvedTones

Is that shop the one suggested in an earlier thread about brand making?

Hey, Andy... having just returned to the forums, I'm not up on recent threads. I searched and found this one, but I don't see any reference to making them at a particular shop:
http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/f...d-stamps-30177

That being said, TechShop does have casting equipment, as well as at least one metal CNC mill.

What kind of oddball instruments do you make? Pics?

sushinutnc · 03-10-2010, 11:27 AM

Originally Posted by Canuck

Welcome to the site, Mike!

Great looking drums there.

I have always been fascinated with the art of steam bending. Don't get a chance to see many projects using these techniques. (except the Roy Underhill shows sometimes on Sat. afternoons)

Thanks, Wayne, for the kind words (and everyone else for the welcome). Funny, but I consider my version of steam bending as less art and more "rig it and hope it works."

Here are some pics of my "dumpster diving steam box" (PVC pipe, some scrap metal conduit, a $6 Walmart teapot, and $18 Walmart hot plate... oh.. and a plastic funnel I had lying around and a bunch of tape).

CarvedTones · 03-10-2010, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by sushinutnc

Hey, Andy... having just returned to the forums, I'm not up on recent threads. I searched and found this one, but I don't see any reference to making them at a particular shop:
http://www.ncwoodworker.net/forums/f...d-stamps-30177

That being said, TechShop does have casting equipment, as well as at least one metal CNC mill.

What kind of oddball instruments do you make? Pics?

This is your welcome thread, but since you ask...

I have done string instruments and I am working on woodwinds now.

Here are a few oddball string instruments:

Yeah, I had to do some of that fun bendin' stuff...

As far as woodwinds go, I am pretty much in learning and stockpiling stages right now. I have made a few test whistles that are camera shy (for good reason) and have been turning a lot of green blanks to set aside.

I also want to do some percussion stuff; a marimba and/or wood xylophones.

I go off on tangents and turn unrelated artsy objects for a while, or carve or...

I don't really have a strong focus right now, tthough my plan is to semi-retire one day turning out woodcrafts of one sort or another, probably with some instruments in the mix.

Oh yeah, I also scroll and that has even ended up mixed in with the other interests from time to time...

sushinutnc · 03-10-2010, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by CarvedTones

This is your welcome thread, but since you ask...

Yep... my thread... I can do what I want. Yes?

I've thought about trying stringed instruments, but it looks daunting. Your instruments would fit in well with the celtic music sessions I've joined downtown Raleigh at Tir Na Nog... particularly the fiddle and mandolin. Beautiful. I've actually become interested in several other lutes that are commonly associated with celtic music-- the mandocello and the Irish bouzouki.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandocello
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_bouzouki

CarvedTones · 03-10-2010, 02:24 PM

I know those instruments as well. I have toyed with Irish a little. I do play a store bought mandolin also; not particularly well, but when it consumes me for a while I get reasonably okay with some practice.

I tried mandocello for a while, but I was playing a rather bizarre one I cobbloed together (and eventually sold). It was a "classical mandocello" that I made from an old classical guitar:

String instruments are not all that hard to make, but they are hard to make well. I haven't made one yet that compares favorably to anything high end, but all of them have played as good as an entry level plain jane model. Whistles have been harder; some have ended up in the fire...

McRabbet · 03-10-2010, 08:27 PM

Welcome to our virtual chip pile, Mike -- pretty instruments you've made. We look forward to your involvement in the forums.

Partman · 03-11-2010, 06:01 AM

Welcome to the site, glad to have you join.

Danny

sapwood · 03-14-2010, 07:40 PM

Welcome to NCWWer, Mike!
Look forward to your input and progress on music makers

Roger