The first project of the new year was accomplished due to unseasonably warm temperatures allowing not only work in the shop, but even outside on the picnic table. I had this pepper mill, and another for some time to turn a base for, but ran into problems with the blanks that I got for them. They were too small even though I bought them in a set to go with the grinders. Instead, I found this piece from the pine tree Ben planted as a seed in kindergarten a perfect match for the size needed.
A collection of links and information from recent journeys through life and the internet. Irregular describes the schedule and the path. It’s a sort of occasional Magical Mystery Tour that helps me share these links as well as preserve them for myself.
Today in History, February 17 – The House of Representatives, breaking a tie in the Electoral College brought an end to one of the most acrimonious presidential campaigns in U.S. history and resolved a serious Constitutional crisis. I learn lots of things from the Library of Congress. Most come by way of email lists I have subscribed to or the inevitable rabbit holes they lead me down. Since there is a somewhat, I believe, false lull in the political turmoil (at least by comparison of the past four years, this link struck me. It sounds too much like today though it refers to 1801. You’ll have to click on it to see who the declared winner was.
Virtual Woodworking Show – In January of 2020 I finally got to travel to the Woodworking Show in Timonium Maryland after missing it because of work even though I worked in the area very close to when it was held. I traveled with Mike and his wife Lois from our scrollsaw club unaware that he would die just two months later. It was a good day. This year the show is virtual and stretches over all the weekends in March. Visiting the vendors is the best part and free. Classes cost a little something but are worth it.
Perseverance – Seeing a live space event, like the landing of the Mars Lander Perseverance on February 18 can still bring tears to my eyes. Being a part of these great explorations is pretty amazing these days watching it live from the Jet Propulsion Lab control room via my iPad. With this link the adventure can continue as you can virtually follow the rover around mars. I’m sure there will be additional Reflection links for the Mars Helicopter that rode along and of course pictures.
Bang – Whether they truly were “America’s answer to Black Sabbath” or a misfire, Bang was a Philadelphia group I discovered browsing the LP bins in the early seventies when an interesting dust jacket would result in a purchase. I rediscovered that they still have an internet presence with some free ringtone downloads if you’re into that kind of thing. Maybe it’s time I abandon the old man ringtone I have… a ringing phone. And on YouTube there are some songs from the album like The Queen.
Emerson’s Complete Works – In 12 volumes that you can read online or download from the Internet Archive. This search gives you a complete matching set from the Boston Public Library.
Cut this simple puzzle as a gift. Eliminated one of the cats in the pattern, which originally had another small cat within the one on the right. The one is was going to only has two cats, Waylon and Willie. I also added the tail to the mouse.
Made this little wooden Spinone from a sketch I made patterned after some graphics I found. Gave it as a gift so I have at least one more to make. Coincidentally I bought the sassafras at Exotic Lumber in Frederick, MD while we were at the Spinone National gathering last year.
Raspberry pi home-made oak case
A Raspberry pi is a small computer board that works as good as many old pc desktops or better. Even better, they cost $35, operate on Linux (meaning lots of free, open-source programs), and come with lots of useful software ready to go. They DON’T come with a case, so you have to make your own. The oak case here is one I made for an old version of the pi, but still my favorite case.
I was recently asked how many Ukes I have. It’s a recent passion, but I decided my web site might be the place to send folks for the answer. I can build the answer as I go and if perchance there is another instrument added to the collection. I can also add it effortlessly.
This was the one that started it all. I built it from a simple kit and added the scrollsaw wren pattern and initials. The idea was that it would be a precursor to building a guitar, but it got me forever stuck on ukuleles I think.
It’s an inexpensive kit from Grizzly Tools that comes with the body already glued and all other parts shaped. I think I got it on sale for $25. I paid more for the carrying case I bought for it later. A trip to Funky Frets in Boyertown, PA to get geared tuners to replace the friction ones provided and better strings led to me instead buying just the strings and a second ukulele. It’s shown here in my shop for obvious reasons.