Peter Brown's ShopTime

As much as I hate to do it, I have to admit that I am not enjoying this drum restore. I convinced myself that I was in it to see the drums in good shape, but I don't think that's true. Yesterday was my first day of buffing out the finish. It just wasn't right. Some parts were perfect but it wasn't universal. I had small runs, orange peel and other imperfections that really showed after going to the buffing wheel. I took a deep breath and gave it one more try. I pulled out the sand paper and sanded down the drum yet again bringing it back to smooth 220 grit feel. I resprayed the lacquer and within 3 minutes I'd already spotted a run. It was too much for me. I got mad and kicked my very well constructed work bench. This stopped my in my tracks as my toe felt like I broke it. So much for cool and collected. I have no desire to fill myself with angst in the shop. That is not why I go out there. So I'm posting them up on craigslist and removing the temptation of gett...

Left to right: Maple & Mopani, Red & White Oak, Walnut, Maple & Lignum Vitae, B&W Ebony, Lignum Vitae

Gluing up pieces to make bowls. Still trying to get my technique down before shelling out money for large bowl blanks... Still having a hard time getting a good cut on my bowl gouge. Boy, this is a lot harder than I thought!

Here are a few more pens... From left to right: Maple & Blackwood, Marblewood, Walnut, Yellowheart & Maple, Purpleheart.

Okay... just tried some last week. I've been having some issues with my pen tubes staying put in the blanks. After a post on IAP and about a 10 thousand different opinions, I decided to try a tube of Gorilla glue. I applied glue to the tube, applied water to the hole and set it aide for 24 hours. I have yet to turn it, but, 'HELLO FOAM' My work bench looks like a root beer float explosion. Looks like I may need to rethink how much glue is needed. Honestly if this doesn't hold the tube in the blank, I will be blown away!

Spent most of Sunday spraying black lacquer on my drums. Somethings I've learned. No matter how hard I try, runs will happen Warm lacquer sprays better than cold lacquer. Black lacquer shows all your mistakes. Buffing works and is pretty good exercise! Over sanding means re-spraying. Think before you push too hard. This is going to take a lot longer than I though

This was my first tool handle that I ever made. It's mahogany on cheap Harbor Freight roundnose scraper. Seems like casting pearls before swine, but I just picked one at random... I've made dozens of tool handles since, but haven't taken picture of any others. Mostly out of walnut for my set of files, knobs, knockout tools, and anything else I want to feel better in my hand. I'd much rather use a lathe turned handle than a store bought one. In addition I now make a smaller ferrule and like using a brass fitting instead of a length of pipe.