Messages

1

Random / Re: Throwing in the towel

« on: March 18, 2019, 12:04:19 PM »

I'll probably get one of these to mess with, and then get something real once I am comfortable with it and confirm I'm actually using it instead of just collecting dust and taking space. It's all open source, like buying a Prusa printer. https://www.amazon.com/Upgrade-3018-Engraver-Controller-Extension/dp/B07DXMFY38  About 250 bucks.

I've been looking at them. That's likely the way I'll go but I'd like a bigger table than that.

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General Discussion / Re: Creek in Portugal - a travelogue in Vids and pics

« on: March 17, 2019, 07:13:44 PM »

So awesome...looking forward to hearing the stories.

3

Foil SUP / Re: Perfect Morning

« on: March 16, 2019, 06:29:06 PM »

I'm stoked but a bit apprehensive. I'm feeling like I'm flying all the time these days.

4

Random / Re: Throwing in the towel

« on: March 16, 2019, 06:24:06 PM »

The craft scene can be surprising. I met a woman at a small craft fair a few years ago. I was buying the parts for a weathervane from a place up in Maine and the fair was across the street so we went over. She was doing pyrography on a variety of woods. Lots of driftwood and branches, some old barnwood. Lot's of beach and lake scenes, simply but nicely done. I could easily do the same. She said she and her husband traveled from show to show and she sold on Etsy and the like. She did 2,000 pieces a year (she was crazy fast, she did one in the 10 mins we were talking) and they started at $25 and went up to $100. I wouldn't want to do that much but between carvings and pyrography I could certainly sell some stuff.

If I sell stuff I'll probably put it into machines. I'd like a CNC and maybe a laser. Skies the limit on what can be done with decent equipment. I'd like to do custom 3D maps. I've always been a fan of nice maps and I enjoy making them and the 3D could be a nice mix of tech and craftsmanship. I'm going to do one for myself just using my scroll saw and pyro pen.

That's a cool looking bike.

5

Random / Re: Throwing in the towel

« on: March 16, 2019, 07:26:31 AM »

I use a little bit of everything. From 100 year old hand chisels and mallet to the power carver, I've got a Dremel and all the assorted bits. For big stuff and removing lots of wood I have angle grinders setup with a carving disc and a chainsaw blade...and of course a chainsaw. All depends on what I'm doing. I started the big manta using the chainsaw disc on the inside of the log to remove excess and get the rough shape, then switched to the power carver for most of it, fine tuned with palm chisels, and sanded with the flex shaft and a 80 grit flap wheel....then hand sanded. Sometimes I even burn instead of carving. I also have a real nice pyrography setup. A mix of rasps is always good to have too. I have them from a big nasty course tooth beast that rips wood to shreads to a tiny curved luthiers file that polishes more than it cuts.

I'm building a dedicated carving/sanding/sharpening/pyrography station at one end of my bench. I bought a couple of inexpensive harbor freight 3" bench grinders with the flex shafts. I'm mounting them on a box that I can bring up onto the bench and lock down with a cleat.  The box will have the power carver and bits, and all the Dremel stuff. Reverse mounted and fitted with some plywood wheels they make an amazing sharpening system. Sharpening rouge on the wheels makes razor sharp tools easy, and sharpness is what it's all about. And the flexshafts are great for carving of course. I also a have an oscillating spindle sander there for shaping. The HF bench grinders are a steal especially on sale...$30, variable speed to 10,000 rpm.
The whole setup will be in front of a window with a hooded box fan so I don't have to worry about sawdust and burning fumes/smoke

I'm really just getting started with the carving but I'm really enjoying it a lot and want to see how far I can take it. Most pieces I'll either keep or donate to charity or give to family/friends. I may sell a few if I can to fund some more tools....

6

Random / Re: Throwing in the towel

« on: March 15, 2019, 09:56:33 PM »

I don't enjoy messing with the bits and pieces as much as my brother does but this looks pretty easy and he sent me a motor...all in for the rest is under $500. I'm not going to be trail riding or anything...strictly the road to and from the beach and then on the beach itself. I won't be going far unfortunately. I used to love to ride but I need to be very careful these days. I may try some slow rides on some wider trails locally. It kind of sucks because we have some great challenging riding trails nearby but I just can't risk those.

7

Random / Re: Throwing in the towel

« on: March 15, 2019, 06:54:28 PM »

This is it. I also got some Flex Steel power carver blades and a strop for them. Really enjoying how nice it works. Makes carving a less quiet activity but doesn't remove the enjoyment of the work and definitely far faster.
https://www.amazon.com/Dc-501F-Ryobi-Electric-Replacement-4989692/dp/B06XXDP22V/ref=sr_1_2?hvadid=241640161359&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9002048&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4532485569207306948&hvtargid=kwd-325333070075&keywords=ryobi+power+carver&qid=1552701052&s=gateway&sr=8-2&tag=googhydr-20

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Random / Re: Throwing in the towel

« on: March 15, 2019, 12:16:09 PM »

The carving is a somewhat new found talent. I've dabbled before but the power carver I got for Christmas is awesome...makes carving feel like drawing.

I'm building an e-fatbike now. I've had the pieces for a bit but just starting to put it together. Same build with a Mongoose that Pono did...he sent me a spare motor kit about a year ago, just some slight procrastination....... Fingers crossed I don't kill myself.

9

Random / Re: Throwing in the towel

« on: March 15, 2019, 10:13:15 AM »

I have not done anything about it yet. Stupid I know just didn't need yet another thing to be seeing a doc about. Far too much time in waiting rooms as it is. But I know I need to do something. I have an appt coming up with my GP.

It's a Gretsch
https://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/build/folk-and-bluegrass/g9121-ace-tenor-ukulele-with-gig-bag-acoustic-cutaway-electric/2732042321

Yeah I have a bunch of Uke lessons that I've subscribed to but just haven't done it yet. In addition to clumsy fingers I have fat finger tips.....then again I imagine Iz did too.....

My wife and I are finally in sync on diet...and I'm doing all the cooking these days. We've been slowly losing weight since. I need to get moving more again though....it's been a sedate winter. I've added a lot more anti-inflammatory ingredients into our meals. I really need to up my cardio. I think it needs to be my primary focus. I was also diagnosed with COPD....fucking rains it pours... 

I did get the genes for some artistic talent...I've always been able to draw. As for life force...not much choice but to punch back. And if anything I need to start punching harder......

Oh...the finished whale's eye.

10

Random / Re: Throwing in the towel

« on: March 14, 2019, 06:51:55 PM »

Thanks.
That's actually a Uke....that I have not yet learned how to play. No excuses now that I have time. I actually just pulled it out and tuned it. I have a good friend that is an amazing musician that has offered to teach...that and youtube hopefully will get me on the way. Not sure...my hands don't work like they used to. Arthritis taking hold. Hurts like hell after awhile carving but if I couldn't ignore pain I wouldn't be doing much of anything....

11

Random / Re: Throwing in the towel

« on: March 14, 2019, 03:30:48 PM »

I gave Mike the whale's eye. It's in the office at H4O, another charity org that he's starting.

I was going to use this for the auction at the CCBC this year but I put it up on the wall here and decided it's a keeper. I'll do another for the CCBC. I was real happy with everything on this but the cephalic fins...too small and not swept down enough. But it will look really nice with the coffee table I'm building. I ended up burning all the Manta's. I was regretting it at 1st but kept going and I'm happy with the results. Nice color and the grain still comes through.

I'm just getting started on the build of the table itself. I think it should go together pretty quickly. Just a web of criss crossing driftwood glued and screwed onto a heavy base. I'm starting cutting tonight.

12

Classifieds / Re: Creek 8'10" Hits the Brooklyn Blowout Ramp

« on: March 14, 2019, 01:53:25 PM »

I wish I was smaller....

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Classifieds / Re: Mavic Pro lands on the Brooklyn Blowout Ramp

« on: March 14, 2019, 01:52:08 PM »

I was interested in getting one then thought I would do the same thing...play with it until I get bored then it would collect dust. Though I was browsing through some the other day. Maybe someday when I can no longer get on the water.

14

General Discussion / Re: neck injuries

« on: March 11, 2019, 06:26:44 AM »

I guess it would depend on the size of the falls and how you landed. I've never been hurt contacting the water surfing other than some tweaks here and there but define big. I did hurt my back last fall in a wipeout on a wave from Maria but I got slammed into the bottom pretty hard too.

I was never even hurt by the water in high speed water ski falls but that was long ago. If I crashed like I did on skis when I was in my teens and 20's I'm pretty sure I would just shred and spew body parts all over now....

I do have a bad neck...blown disc and other damage. But it's all from other stuff. I think a water ski crash started it but it wasn't water I hit....I somersaulted into the beach on my head/neck/shoulders doing about 30 mph while trying to impress/spray my then girlfriend....despite that she still married me.....

15

Foil SUP / Re: In my head...

« on: March 11, 2019, 06:16:09 AM »

Whoa! Hell yeah dude.
You're like 70....look at that shit.
Who cares what's in your head.
In your head could you even imagine when you were 60 that when you were 70 you would be riding up in the air on some magic thing with some little helicopter floating around near you taking pictures at all?
Looks fun as hell.
Go man, go!

Perfect Luca