al breed's Page

Al,
I am seriously considering taking the tea table 2 week class in 2012. Do you know when or if it will be offered?

This chair has a leather seat that covers the front and side rails.  I'd really like to do the same on mine.  I've got a somewhat clear idea of what I need to do, just haven't done it yet.  I guess there's no better way to learn than by doing...

Thanks Al,

I think it is an interesting chair, too.  Ever do any upholstery?  I've got to do the seat and am wondering if I should try it myself or have someone else do it. 

Rob

Hi Al,

I need to take some pics.  It is a mess right now - finishing up some carving for Sandra's weaving studio to highlight the window frames.  (quarter sawn red oak)  It is a bit of a pain to carve compared to walnut, cherry, or mahogany.

 

The Philippean guy's trip home got delayed, but hopefully I will have a sample to forward to you this year sometime.

 

You are right.  Probably one too many vices on one bench, but I just HAD to do it.  I really do like the bench though.  I will get some photos  up soon.  The double screw (Veritas) vice really is a good unit.  No racking which is a PLEASURE after using my old vice for several years.  I haven't used the shoulder vice yet, looking forward to a good jointery project to test it out.

 

I picked up a bunch of good cowhide at an Omish auction for a few bucks and lined all of the vices with it.  BOY is that nice.  This is really a good trick to do.  The leather holds your pieces really well with lower pressure and is soft enough to keep from doing any damage to the wood.

 

The demonstration went well.  We had fun (Sandra weaving and me carving).  Not a lot of people, but it was fun.  I had a puzzle box with a hidden compartment in the bottom of it that I filled with chocolate gold pieces.  That was a hit for people to mess around with. 

 

DJ

Hi Al,

 

Who is this Peacewade person?  Funny message he (she) is leaving everyone on the site.

Hope all is well with you and family.  Looks like your son is looking down at "old dad" these days!  I'm trying out a arts festival this weekend at Nauvoo, Ill.  I will be doing some carving and demonstrations.  We'll see how it goes, but I think it will be fun.  Just finished building a workbench.  Fun project, but I'm anxious to use it.  I put a shoulder vice, and Emmert vice, and an end vice on it.

 

The next one will be more traditional with a leg and tail vice.  This one has a future with some bench-on-bench stuff - I'll tell you if it works out....

 

Dennis

Hey Al,

Great to hear from you. I hope you have fully recovered from your ilness and all is well with you and yours. I'll get back to you with dates and times tomorrow. We both know Bonnie would love the Chocolate, The address is: 432 massachusetts Ave. Norflolk, Virginia 23508.

 

Thanks,

Steve

 

Thanks Al-- coming you that's a nice compliment. I've been fooling with the walnut for the last few years to give the mahogany a little rest. Its been fun actually. I got stuck on the bottom drawer fronts and found myself at Alf Sharps door. He fixed me up with some crotch into veneer sheets to match the lower drawer faces and give the desk some balance. What a nice guy.
I'd like to come up to see you and get this shell carving fine tuned. I'll be over to So. B on one of my visits to Bath.

till then
Dan O'S

Al, thanks for the welcome, and for establishing this site. I'd love to claim the architectural work in my photos...but must confess those are just photos from a couple of recent trips. The photo of the entryway is from the Benjamin Rush house in Philladelphia. The photo of the porch is an early 19th century home in Charleston. Not too many people who could do work of that quality today - and I'm not one of them either!

I learned the exact same way from my Dad, I usually draw a few key parts that need working out and then go. I always struggle taking any time with things like drawings, mockups, practice pieces, working on the shop, jigs, cleaning, etc. because what I love is the build - and the end product. Runs in the family if you know Ben at all. CH