Shopsmith Forums

Well, this week, the latest project is almost comming to a close. Here is what it looked like when I went into the shop this A.M. By A.M. I mean still before noon - about 9:30.
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Chuck --

My wife would love to have you make some of those for our house! How difficult on a scale of 1 to 10 are doing those things? They wood appear to be in the 5-8 range I would think -- mostly due to ensuring you do the proper planning up front to reduce possible mistakes.. Anyway, they look great!

They certainly do look good, Charlese. They also attest to both your skills and to the value and versatility of the OPR.

osx-addict wrote:Chuck --

My wife would love to have you make some of those for our house! How difficult on a scale of 1 to 10 are doing those things? They wood appear to be in the 5-8 range I would think -- mostly due to ensuring you do the proper planning up front to reduce possible mistakes.. Anyway, they look great!

Hi Rick!, I'd put them at an 7. But there's a number of different operations. Making the frame is a 2. The hardest part, at least the most confounding, was the planning. Louver width, spacing, sources of shutter hardware and plastic pivot pins. Once the planning is done the rest is a 6. Assembly has some challenges, but that should be thought about during planning.

Although not an expert, I'm only making my third one, I am available to anyone wanting to ask questions about making shutters.

P.S. - - Oh Yeah! The cost of DIY is about 1/4 of having some made.

Chuck:

9:30 am? That's way too early for me to be working. Just getting into my first cup of coffee.

As usual, the shutters look great!

Personally I haven't done any woodworking since my last blog. Too busy pruning our overgrown apple tree, and doing other outdoor chores. A fast growing elm is next on the list.

We also took time for a trip this weekend to the Thousand Islands area to celebrate our 52nd anniversary. Stayed at a beautiful victorian B&B in Gananoque, ON. and though rain was forecast, the weather co-operated so everything was good.

Have fun.

John

Ps: Thanks for continuing "the blog"

john wrote:Chuck:

9:30 am? That's way too early for me to be working. Just getting into my first cup of coffee.

That's funny, John! Actually you were probably out enjoying your lawn furniture.

First of all, Congratulations on your (both of you) on your 52nd anniversary, and your celebration Holiday! We are just now coming up on our 51st, and today, I was trying to think of an appropriate gift. Your special trip was a good idea.

Sounds like you have been getting your exercise, even though not in your shop! Whew! My arms and back almost ache for you!

Stay careful and don't over-do!

Thanks for your kind comments!

dusty wrote:They certainly do look good, Charlese. They also attest to both your skills and to the value and versatility of the OPR.

Thanks, Dusty! The OPR is getting to be a better tool, every time I use it! So much of it is adjustable, it was a little tough for me to get used to. Also there are many positions along the way tubes it can be attached. Now I have found what, for me is the very best placement. Nick's showing of the fences and the sliding table (and plans) were indispensable for providing the complete versatility of the equipment.

I guess the OPR would come in real handy for routing the slots in the outer frame for each of the shutter ends (sorry -- I'm not up on shutter lingo) among other things.. Mind if I ask how each slat was made? What did it start out as? Also, what type of wood is it made from?

osx-addict wrote:I guess the OPR would come in real handy for routing the slots in the outer frame for each of the shutter ends (sorry -- I'm not up on shutter lingo) among other things.. Mind if I ask how each slat was made? What did it start out as? Also, what type of wood is it made from?

The wood I use is poplar. Balsa is probably a better choice, (that's what Norm Abram used) but poplar is suitable, paintable and available. Used 5/4 rough poplar - cut 5/4 edge jointed blanks - re-sawed to 1/2"+ blanks - then routed using a base molding bit.

I had made a home-made table and fence for this purpose, but am now working on a jig for use on the OPR. I think the latter will be better, as I can affix double wedges on this new jig. (I think) In my first efforts, I was limited to just one wedge. This led to a bit of instability. (Professionals use a molding machine)

Built another box type jig for drilling end holes and pilot holes for staples in the louvers. (not shown because of lack of room)

Nice job, Charlese. Well planned and well executed. Congratulations.