Heath's Woodworking Projects

[robinson46176]

Without being able to see the pics yet I would say that it sounds as if it may have been a gravity ground feed blender or even a grain blender. At most sites if they get in a batch of kind of bad grain they blend it in with good grain in a cut that will still keep the quality of the whole batch above the level of contamination that they will get docked for as the grain moves on down the chain of shipping. They can also blend in load of very dry grain in with a load of very wet grain and they will balance with each other.
I have also known of them having a big bunch of very dry (way too dry) grain and run it through a blender / feed mixer while spraying water on it. Once it is all mixed it will stabilize at an acceptable moisture level and they get to sell some free water.


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[bffulgham]

Without being able to see the pics yet I would say that it sounds as if it may have been a gravity ground feed blender or even a grain blender. At most sites if they get in a batch of kind of bad grain they blend it in with good grain in a cut that will still keep the quality of the whole batch above the level of contamination that they will get docked for as the grain moves on down the chain of shipping. They can also blend in load of very dry grain in with a load of very wet grain and they will balance with each other.
I have also known of them having a big bunch of very dry (way too dry) grain and run it through a blender / feed mixer while spraying water on it. Once it is all mixed it will stabilize at an acceptable moisture level and they get to sell some free water.


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Think you may be referring to a little more modern equipment than what I saw, Francis....
Think I have the pics fixed......

[heathicus]

A dear family friend is fighting cancer and my parents have organized a "poker run" to raise some money to help with medical expenses. They asked me to make something for a raffle or auction they plan as part of it and I was more than happy to do so.

This was what I came up with. I glued up the pieces last night and made this bandsaw box today.



Aromatic red Cedar.

My question is, what is the best finish for this? Something that would really bring out the character of the grain, be hard and durable, and be cheap and easy. Is that a simple enough question?

[beeg]

How about boiled linseed oil, with a top coat of shellac?

[beeg]

How about linseed oil, with a top coat of shellac?

[bffulgham]

This does amazing things for popping the grain. Right in line with Bob's suggestion, but dries much faster than the first coat of BLO.

Great project.

Edit: "A Homemade Wipe-on Finish for a Clear Topcoat" is what I was suggesting from this article.

[shipwright]

Cetol. They have several kinds but the original Cetol Marine is still the best. You'll find it under Sikkens finishes. I've used a lot over the years and nothing wears like it, especially in a severe environment.

Paul M

[heathicus]

I can't seem to find Cetol locally, but I haven't been everywhere yet.

I did pick up some BLO and tried it on a test piece, but it seemed to mute the colors. The reds and purples tuned into browns.

[heathicus]

I made this one today.





I goofed big time and forgot to take a slice off for the back before cutting out the drawer(s). There was originally 3 drawers - the one seen and the two wheels. But the circles were far from perfect and, with no back, I thought it looked more interesting with just open wheels. I added a small tab to the back to keep the drawer from sliding all the way through.

The wood is mahogany and maple. I also tried the BLO on a test piece of this and was also displeased with the look. My test piece using Watch Danish Oil (natural) looked much better.

[nuhobby]

Great looking boxes!

For small models and crafts I sometimes use Zinsser Spray Shellac. Shellac has its durability merits questioned sometimes, but the best advice I heard is that people see its great beauty and naturally handle it carefully.