Friday, November 27, 2009

Cider Update

Hey everyone! So, I managed about a week ago to transfer and re-rack my cider. My buddy Matt came over with an extra brew bucket, and after sanitizing we syphoned the cider out of Carboy #1 and into the brew bucket. The amount of yeast sediment on the bottom of the Carboy was astounding, and... a little gross but a good sign.

After the syphon did its job there was a small amount of cider at the bottom, I didn't want to tip the Carboy to syphon the last bit out because I wasn't keen on the idea of sucking up any of that yeast sediment. So, I tipped it and syphoned it into a glass for a first taste of what's to come. It was light in color, tangy with a yeasty quality but the apple flavor was there and there was no off flavors. GOOD NEWS!

After I cleaned out the Carboy and sanitized it it was time to move the cider back into the carboy. The transfer was complete and the airlock and plug were placed, I covered the carboy in a towel and moved it into my closet. Now it's a mere two-three more weeks until it's time to bottle. Hopefully I'll take some pictures then, we needed all 4 hands to do the syphoning so there were no photo ops.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Keeping Track of Time By Bubbles!

So, although I don't have any new pictures, I do have news to report. The bubbles caused by the fermentation seems to have hit its stride, she's bubbling constantly at a six second pace, "Blurp!" One. Two. Three. Four. Five. "Blurp!" On the six second mark, Your could set your watch by it!

The cider is also beginning to settle out, much of the heavy particles are settling to the bottom of the tank and the top inch is a distinctively lighter color. It's kinda parfait looking. I'll try to get a picture of it, although I'm not sure if it'll be easy to distinguish through the photo. It's only been what? A few days and I'm already obsessed with bubbles (although that could be a result of my rather slow nature) and I'm already counting down the days until bottling. It's gonna be a slow couple months.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

It's Alive

I returned home after work yesterday, went over to my cider and gave it a little once over. It seemed that nothing had changed and it seemed to be dormant. But, as they say, "A watched carboy never bubbles." So as soon as I turned I heard a "blurp!" I spun but not quickly enough to catch the action, so I waited, and some time later, "bulrp!" a pocket of air pushed past the water in the air-lock and burst forth with fermenting jubilance!

I tried not to let this small triumph go to my head, and I proceeded with my evening fully aware that if I were to listen for the tell tale sign I would surely drive myself insane! So as I turned my attentions to other events, like the Yankees loosing! YEAH! The evening quickly wasted away and it was time for bed.

It was there that I began to lay awake unable to sleep that I began to notice the "blurp!" in the still of the night amongst the breathing of my chubby Elkhound sleeping on the couch. I tried not to listen to it again fearing for my sanity when I noticed the noise much more frequently than before, the fermentation was really beginning to happen, "It's Alive!" I muttered in a Gene Wilder voice and slowly drifted off to sleep counting the "blurps!" in my head. So although it will be sometime before I'm singing "Puttin' On The Ritz" with my jug of cider, I was resting easily with the knowledge that I was creating something.

More to come soon, pictures of the Cider as the sediment begins to fall and the cider's future becomes clear!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Ferment Me Baby!!!

So, I picked up my cider yesterday and oh how pretty she is! Rich delicious cider calling out, "Ferment Me Baby! Please Ferment Me!" to which I replied, "You Know I Will!" So this morning after bringing the cider up to room temp over night I mixed up a yeast starter and blended it into the cider inside the Carboy named EBISU!


Here's another pic of the Carboy, these aren't the best pics, I'll try to get a few good shots in some natural light later today. If it isn't dark by the time I get home. I clipped out the background so you can't see how messy my apartment is! HA! Marvel at the Cidery Goodness!!! So I know you're all excited to taste it, but alas, it'll be near Christmas when I bottle it! So those of you lucky enough to taste it are going to have to be very patient! The Fox Hollow Cider Experiment has begun!!!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

My New Ventures

As this blog was actually set up not just for the boat, (which I fully intend on completing at some point and time) I'm here to tell you all (whom can still be found here) about the newest project I'm up to.

Hard Cider. Yep, that's right I'm making my own Hooch! I'm a huge Beer Nut and have always enjoyed the fruits of my own labor, so what better way than make my own beer right? Well, I will. But, in the mean time with some suggestion from my pal Mike, I've taken a slightly lazier approach. The approach of what I am speaking is of course the aforementioned Hard Cider.

So let's start from the beginning. I was down at my favorite local brewery ITHACA BEER tasting some of their delectable brews and looking at the home brewing equipment for sale and chatting with my pal Mike about home brews and the joy of drinking something you've made, and while this only wet my appetite for brewing I knew that my bank balance wasn't as into the idea as I was. It was at this moment where Mike informed me of his intention to go the "lazy" route, making hard cider. Un-pasteurized cider is full of Wild Yeasts and bacteria that will basically do the whole thing for you, and if you're really feeling energetic, you can add your own yeast, such as a champagne yeast and some extra sugars and really go balls out.

So, after thinking about it a couple days I decided that Hard Cider would be my fall project, so after buying a new 3 Gallon glass carboy, and air-lock, a packet of champagne yeast and some organic raisins (for extra sugars and yeast nutrient) I was in business. We dropped off our carboys at Little Tree Orchards, run by a delightful Jerry Garcia looking guy who informed us that they'd be juicing soon and that we could return in a few days to collect our carboys full of fresh un-touched apple cider.

After I pick up my carboy (tomorrow) I'll start the fermenting process, where the carboy will sit for approx. 1 and 1/2 to 2 full months letting the sediment drop to the bottom and the yeast to do its thing. Then I'll be bottling it into 22oz champagne style bottles where it will continue to age for 3-6 months. I'll be adding pictures and updates as I go, look for the first images early next week, for now, I'll leave you with my label design for Fox Hollow Hard Cider.


Monday, September 28, 2009

Hank Aaron Signature Mitt completed!

I have recently finished my second complete baseball mitt. You've seen the before pictures, the tan lace had begun to dry-rot from the years and I have replaced every bit with new matching red leather lace. I had the lace custom cut by a local tanner and this thing is gonna be a great glove. Here are some new pictures.


As you can probably see, the custom cut leather is a lot "thicker" than the original lace, which made it hard for me to keep flat. But, I'm confident that when I order me new lace for future projects I'll make more progress. This lace is very strong, so the glove needs to be worked in with some hard line drives and throws. It's a sweet glove, and is for sale, as well as my Bobby Bonds signature that I finished a couple weeks back.

Furthermore, if there is anyone out there who's reading that either has a project glove that they have no need for I'm looking for my next project glove (softball or baseball). Or if you have a glove that needs repair, my services are available. I'll post the Bobby Bonds mitt later this week. Although I don't think I have any "before" pictures, but I bought it for .99 so you can imagine it needed a lot of help!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Time For An Update

Well, it's certainly been awhile since I've written anything here so I think it's time that I update you all, if anyone is still checking up on the status of my canoe. I am at the moment at still trying to build up enough money to re-start work on the boat. I'm hoping to pick up some part-time work to help with the costs of the boat and I hope to resume work as soon as Mid-November. I also hope to post some of my other projects/small ventures here soon.

For instance I have begun re-lacing baseball mitts and have recently completed my first glove start to finish and have a 1960's - 70's Hank Aaron model that I'm in the process of fixing as well. I'll post some pictures soon. But for now here are some "Before Pics" of the MacGregor Hank Aaron Model.




Pretty sweet right? I've finished the pocket and the finger lacing and now I'm working on the inside lacing on the heal of the mitt. This is no easy task, so I'm taking my time. Check back on Saturday or Sunday, maybe I'll finish it this weekend. The new lace is custom cut, dark red. It's the tits!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

The Need To Produce!

Hello all, yesterday was a great day. My brother Tristan got his first wooden boat on the trailer and out of the shop. See: http://longpointskiff.blogspot.com for the construction of his Tom Hill designed Long Point Skiff.

On my side of the things, I'm sad. The fact that as usual I got myself so stoaked for building my first wooden boat, all be it a little smaller than Tristan's first venture. I'm pretty bummed out at the lack of forward momentum. I'm very hopeful that this winter will prove much more productive. Anyway, check out Tristan's progress at his blog.

Thanks All

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Payson's Pirogue

Checking out some photos on www.woodenboat.com I found another picture of Payson's Pirogue, it's the same boat that my brother took a picture of but at a different angle, so it gives you a different feel for the boat. This version of the Pirogue doesn't have any outer gunwales, I'm not sure whether of not they're supposed to be there or not, I think I'll put some on, it looks better.


As anyone who has followed probably knows, I had been fairly set on naming my 6-hour canoe, The Whimbrel. I thought it sounded elegant, but the more I say it and hear it, it seems old-fashioned and well kind stuffy. At the same time I have no real connection to the name and since this project, when I finally get around to it! is such a personal project, I think it would be better to name it for something that reflects myself. Therefore, I am officially scrapping the name. At this time I don't know what the name will be, but I'm sure it will come to me down the line during the building process.

Sorry for the confusion, but as many of you know I can be quite indecisive... And besides, I'm the only one with a vote!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

A Quick Rendering

Here's a little look at what I'd like the final look of UNTITLED to look like, it's a little rough and there are a few small pieces missing such as the interior gunwales which I couldn't really draw in without the plans handy, and as I drew this on my lunch break, I didn't have the book.

I put short "AirBoxes" probably to be filled up with styrofoam of something buoyant(spell?). A deep red or maybe a seafoam green like my favorite boat from the Skaneateles Boat Show (see older poasts), most likely a little richer than this looks with a cream(ish) interior and natural Gunwales/accents. The side view isn't really true to what it would look like from the side but it gives you enough of an idea I guess. Anyway, the fact that I can't do any work right now is causing a bit of cabin fever and anxiousness. Therefore I did all I can; A little drawing.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Dilemas & Revalations

So, as you may remember from the post below, my boat project has halted due to lack of expendable funds. Now that I have way way too much time on my hands I found myself thinking and reading about other small crafts that would fit my needs the way the 6-hour canoe would.

In my reading of "Instant Boatbuilding" by Dynamite Payson (which is a collection of the late Phil Bolger's plywood boat designs) lies Payson's Pirogue, a stitch and glue 13' open kayak. After reading about the boat, and it's instructions about three times, I picked up my 6-Hour Canoe book and started making a list of pros and cons for each craft. Given my size and my intentions for the craft I'd made a desicion that Payson's Pirogue is a better fit for my needs and ambitions. The constructions is relativly simple (as is the 6-Hour Canoe) with a few more challenging aspects to its construction, including a full sheathing of fiberglass on the outside of the hull, and the stitch & glue process as well as far less detailed instructions leaving more for me to suss out on my own.





The two black and white pictures are from the "Instant Boatbuilding" Book of the Pirogue and the fiberglass step. The color picture is of a finished Pirgoue at the Wooden Boat Show in Mystic, CT courtesy of my brother Tristan. I have no idea who the fat guy in the background is....although he doesn't seem to pleased with Tris.

Anyway, enough about that grumpy bastard. The Pirogue project is penciled in to start this winter, it should be a good project to fill the dreary winter months for a Spring time launch. I will continue to write (poorly) about the Pirogue process and plans. All in all maybe having no money is a blessing in the end...

p.s.
In addition to this small craft being better suited and all that jazz I wrote above there is another reason for wanting to build this model rather than my previous plan. Phil Bolger took his own life recently due his slip into dementia and his desire to end his life before having it be ruined, and as I searched for people like me who have the drive to build a small craft, and more specifically the passion to build Payson's Pirogue I was stunned to find nothing. I could find no pictures or accounts of someone building the boat. So, I will thoroughly document and share the process of building Payson's Pirogue: A Phil Bolger Design.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Updates

Hello all,

I wanted to take some time to give everyone an update as to where I am with the boat. Production has been slowed and pushed back a bit due to lack of funds. I was hoping to have the canoe built before the end of this summer but as the weeks have been flying by it seems less and less likely. I'm going to be seeking some part time employment to help build some savings for UNTITLED. Rest assured the project is alive and well, just on hold. I'm hopeful that I can save up enough for the project come fall and it should be a fun project to work on during the dull fall & winter.

Thanks for following my blog entries and they will continue despite the slow progress.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

A Few More Gems

So I couldn't help but add a few more pictures from my first boat show. It was unfortunate that I couldn't get as close to some of the boats in the water, I'm sure I missed out on a lot of details. But, seeing as I got to see more delicate small and older crafts (which I really love) I'm not too upset. Anyway enjoy these extra images, we've got a great little steam launch, a skinny long runabout, a sweet wooden catamaran, a strip built sailboat, and a mahogany powerboat with the "Tower of Power" Merc inline six, that everyone has told me didn't work for shit but the boat did hold a speed record at 88mph set back in the late 70's I believe.

So if anyone wants to go to Skaneateles next year for the show hit me up, cause I'll be there. Maybe I'll even bring my boat and paddle around one of the nicest of the Finger Lakes.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Antique Boat Show

So Saturday found me in Skaneateles, NY at the Antique Boat Show. There was really a great showing of boats ranging in style and age from 1800's Adirondack Guide Boats to 1930's Runabouts to a 2009 electric boat. Here are some of my favorites including the one I voted for.

A C B S - Voted Fan Favorite By ME

I wasn't fortunate enough to speak with the owner of this amazing 1930's Lapstrake Row Boat. As you can see I did take the time to look at all of its details, hoping that the owner would notice me and come back to his boat.

Rusticulo

Pine Cone

Painted Lady

No Name

There are so many more pictures from the show but it would take up three pages just to get half of them in, so if you're interested in more images I'd be glad to email you some more of the "greatest hits" from my trip.

On a side note Johnny Angel's Heavenly Burgers are just that...Heavenly! WHOOO Baby that was a messy and delicious burger!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

13 Visits From Brazil?

To whoever or whatever was cycling through my blog page from notebooks.brasil.blogspot.com Quit it...You're not wanted...Cause you're not reading...Dick

Monday, July 13, 2009

What A Beauty

I was down at the Ithaca Farmer's Market about a week ago when I saw this beautiful wooden 1960's Herreshoff Sailboat. It was too bad I didn't get to see her moving out on the lake with her sails up cause it was pretty blustery day, but ah well maybe when I'm out on the lake myself.

I'm headed to Nantucket on Wednesday morning, so I won't have anything to post until I return, but I'll be meeting again with Justin and should head full steam into production/assembly of The Whimbrel.

As well as images from The Whimbrel's assembly I'll be headed to the Skaneateles (Skin-E-at-less. That's a tough one) Antique Boat Show the weekend of my return and I will fill my blog with pictures of the best and most unique boats I can find.

A pic from last years boat show lead me to the conclusion that I'm gonna see some really amazing crafts out there. Also the town is apparently a) really fucking nice... and b) tastey food, including a sweet diner with DYNO-MITE Burgers!!!!!!

Anyway, I'm out look out for pictures of boats, and my boat actually looking like a boat!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

DAVID MILLAR COULDN'T HOLD THEM OFF BUT THE THOR GOD OF THUNDER TAKES THE STAGE!
STAY AWAY FROM THE PELETON DAVID!!!

Monday, July 6, 2009

The Stern Stem

So I know that I haven't posted pictures in a while, here is some stuff that I've been lazy about putting up. This is the work on the Stern Stem for The Whimbrel, I used my electric planer and finished with my block plane and sanded it. I even made a little movie when I was trimming off some excess.

Stern Stem


Toggle The Timer To Make Me Dance

So, I didn't want to make the video to long and there isn't any sound, so just imagine a deafening "NNNEEEAAAAOOWWWHHHH" when the planer starts spitting sawdust and shavings through the air. I was taking down the top part of the 2x4 so that when I began planing the angles I wouldn't have to deal with all the extra wood. It's important to get nice even cuts along the stem to ensure a tight bond with the sides of the hull. Having nice "clear" and high quality wood is a big help.

Planing Away

You Can See The Stem Taking Shape

So now that I have two completed stems I'm set to work on the frame. Justin (The Shipwright) is back in Ithaca and we're gonna get together and work the plan out for getting the boat done in a timely manner. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get anything else done before my trip home, but I'm sure that upon my return I will into the full swing of things and hopefully, progressing nicely. I hope to have some more things done, and I'll post some pictures from my trip. Thanks for reading....

Friday, July 3, 2009

Enough *&%#ing Around

So, the forecast is finally clear for two days, Saturday and Sunday. I doubt I'll have much time on Saturday to work being July 4th, but I'll at least take a few pictures of what I've made. Sunday should be a little better I hope to put the frame together and also pick up some epoxy/fiberglass. Thanks for putting up with the lack of progress for those of you who are still interested in this slow slow project.

On a side note, the shipwright should be returning soon and once I'm able to move inside it should be so much easier to move things along. I've emailed him to see if he's out of the Atlantic soon, my trip home will disrupt progress a little bit, but who can argue with a week on the beach. NOBODY!\

Check back Monday for some pics of the Stems, Frame and my smiling face.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Today's Forecast: WORK WORK WORK

As so many other places in the east, Ithaca has been rained on non-stop for the past 1 1/2 weeks. It's been a serious drag, every-time the sun finally comes out, all of my work space (outside) is so wet that I can't work on anything. But although there is "Scattered T-Storms" in mix today I think I should be able to work some things in and finally take some pictures. We'll see...

I JUST WANT SOME SUN!

I hope that sometime in the near future this blog starts to show a boat coming together, but until Justin returns from his adventure, I'm stuck dealing with the elements. Now, I'm not a religious man but I'm pretty sure it didn't rain until Noah was done with his boat....so WTF?!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Weekend Work

Well, as expected the weather put a serious damper on my weekend progress, but I did get some work done in between downpours on Saturday. I whipped through two stems, a bow and stern as well as a small side project (pictures to follow). My new planer is working very well and I'm really getting the hang of making nice straight and even passes.

Although the forecast for the next ten days calls for thunderstorms, I'm hopeful that this week will grant me a few possibilities to get back outside, finish the stems (a little finish work, sanding ect.) and take some pictures of the stems.

On a side note it should only be a few days to maybe a week until the benevolent shipwright returns from his month+ long Atlantic Voyage aboard Penny Rover (His Wooden Cutter Designed & Built)and I can begin my indoor work/assembly. It seems everyday that I drive down the road past Cayuga Lake I want more and more for this project to be finished, especially when the water looks so flat and peaceful. It makes me want to get out and cut a line right through it with the bow.

Penny Rover

The Benevolent Shipwright

Pictures and Progress to come, thanks for reading.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

A Lack Of Photos, Not A Lack Of Progress

So I picked up my new (used) Planer yesterday and I couldn't be happier with the results. Sharp blades, well taken care of, and it's pretty quiet, until that is when you start cutting the wood, in which case it becomes quiet deafening. So with some cotton swabs jammed in my ears and and a rag wrapped around my head I set off planing, which went pretty well, taking off only 1/50th of an inch at a time I made great progress, consistent progress as well.

I ran into some problems holding the stem in one place while I planed because I've run out of places to anchor the stem with a clamp. I've tried to wedge the stem to keep it still but it continues to move out of place, not good when you're trying to plane in nice even strokes, If anyone has any ideas I'd be more than happy to hear them.

Pictures to follow.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Today I Move Forward... and Backward... and Forward Again

This afternoon I'm going to pick up a 3 1/4" Electric Planer. Chicago Electrics, and it should look similar to the photo I've placed below. I've decided to back track a bit and re-do the Stern stem, I wasn't in love with the way it came out, and then the *expletive* warped on me. So in for the benefit of speed, I'm upgrading to this...


With the additional task of planing at least one paddle, most likely two, I deduced I would need a Planer for at least 2 days for the duration, which if you're renting one from Home Depot... It costs you $17.00 for 24 hours. As luck would have it, I got one on craigslist for $30. Sharpen the blades and AWAY WE GO.

So, it all comes down to the fact that I'll have some pretty pictures of both stems and the progress I make with my new planer. Look for my next post tomorrow!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

The End Of My Paddle Dilema

If you remember a while back I was having trouble deciding what kind of paddle I should use for The Whimbrel, (upon completion) and after some poking around and what would seem to be dumb luck I think I've settled on shaping a version of the Greenland Paddle, created by the Inuits of Greenland and since then been perfected by modern woodworkers. Its unique design and shape make it easier on the muscles for longer trips and they still move you around just as quick using a sliding stroke, kind of a combo between paddles/paddling styles.

3-Piece laminated version

The neat aspect of this paddle is that it can be made with tools that I already posses, except a spokeshave, but I should probably own one of those anyway. And depending on the wood you choose, it can be made for under 20 dollars. A far cry from the 100-300 cost of buying one. I found some plans online and it seems fairly straight forward. This will be a project for after The Whimbrel is finished, but it should be a cool expiriment and a cool hamdmade paddle to go along with my handmade Canoe!

Friday, June 12, 2009

What's The Time? Lumber Time!

This weekend should be relatively exciting as I will be going up the lake to a great lumber yard (as detailed by Justin the Shipwright) to check out supplies of the plywood that will soon take the shape of the hull. As well as the plywood I'll be looking for the timbers that will be used for the chine logs and gunwales.

On a side note, I've been wondering about paddles. Should I go with a Kayak style double-ended paddle or should I get a Canoe paddle? Maybe both? I dunno, I think a classy wooden Canoe paddle would be pretty B.A. but I think that the Kayak paddle will 1) Make it so much easier to get around, and 2) The boat is designed so that you can use a Kayak paddle. "Can't decide, Can't decide....BRAIN ANEURYSM!"

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

The Plan

So after thinking about this little trip (and I know I'm ahead of myself here but it's fun to think about) I checked out a couple maps and inquired about easy paddling stretches of the river I've found a pretty sweet trip.

Starting at the top of MA, we pick up the river as it flows out from NH and VT (the black dot and the orange) on DAY ONE and travel probably the longest stretch of the trip ending in Greenfield County right before the Connecticut Water Trail. DAY TWO will consist of traveling the length of the Water Trail indicated by the yellow in which we would finish the day near Hadley. DAY THREE is a nice stretch of water leading us down into the middle of MA near North Hampton in green. On our last day on the water DAY FOUR is a shorter stretch to help pick up cars and travel home in the pink ending in Holyoke.

Now, to be perfectly clear, I have no idea how long any of these stretched are, it could be anywhere from 14-20 Miles... Maybe a lot less, so really I would just play it by ear and have a good time. It could take two days or maybe even five, but what's an adventure without some uncertainty? Right?

So all you need is a Canoe or Kayak, Minor Camping Equipment, Beer, and A Sense of Adventure!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Looking Ahead

With the start of a new week I'm looking forward to PROGRESS it will be a great feeling to get some work done after a bit of a lull in work. On my drive back from a friend's house in Albany this weekend I found myself thinking about the possibilities of my soon to be "Light Watercraft." Where I will take her and where she'll take me. As she is designed for slow moving and smaller bodies of water I think it would be ideal for a short distance, maybe 2-3 day trip down the Connecticut River.

Connecticut River (NH)

While I am currently dreaming of such a little adventure, it really isn't to outrages and I believe could be easily planned/executed. The trick is to cruise the flat lengths of the river between dams. Those interested in such a journey need only talk to me about it, I think it'd be a ton of fun and a different way to camp than I've done before. What do you say Tris?

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Not A Lot Of Progress

Sorry to anyone (who actually follows my blog outside of my brother Tristan) that I haven't posted anything substantial recently, I hope to start making a lot more progress in the next two weeks. We haven't had great weather, and on the good days I find myself always busy doing something else. But with Little league wrapping up by next week I should have a few more bright afternoons to work on getting things together/finished so that when I move into the new space I will be able to put it together much like a kit. My next step is to buy the plywood that will become the hull, and to build the "frame" which helps by adding stability and the shape of the craft.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

I'm now able to update any of my networks without logging in or anything...pretty neat, pretty lazy
Trying to figure out Ping.fm

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

The Whimbrel Has A Home

Friday afternoon I was lucky enough to meet with a local Shipwright in his shop, amazingly he was the only person who replied to my criagslist post inquiring about any available space to work in. Out of the 29,000+ people who reside in this town, it's truly amazing that he saw my post. Anyway, upon his return from an Atlantic sailing trip on his 30' Wooden Cutter "Penny Rover"(Designed & Built By Him) I will have a small space to call my own for the duration of the build. The stems are coming along nicely and if we get any good weather this week I will post finished pictures of them. I hope to get everything together, so that when I get into the shop it will be like a kit that I can put together. It's all comming together!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Day Two

Ok, so my mantra didn't work quite so well, I started work as soon as I got home, but I was interrupted by the task of roasting a "Dr. Pepper" Chicken that was amazing, I dare anyone to turn that chicken down. Delicious!

Anyway, after cooking and eating I didn't have that much time left but I have a really good feeling as far as where I'm headed. After fiddling with the blade height and angle for a bit I really hit my stride. The angle I'm planing is straight and right on and now that I'm having an easier go of it I can already see it taking shape and I'm glad I'm doing it by hand. I'm feeling really good about it. Lucky for me, right after work I get great light on the back porch so I snapped a few pictures to show that I am making some progress.

Here's the Bow Stem fitted with the new clamps

Planing the Bow Stem, Self Timer....Oh yea

Nice Line, Lots of Shavings Too

I know this isn't the productivity that I'd hoped for but I'm not worried, with a pretty light three day weekend I'm looking forward to getting a lot done. A finished Bow Stem and possibly a completed Stern stem as well? I don't know my other 2"x4" split (shitty), I don't think Home Depot will take it back, whatever, only $1.77

To Be Continued.....................................................

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Day One

I started! All be it not that much got done as the light was fading and I had to spend most of my time farting around cause I had forgotten to get some strapping to make a little jig on my railing. Instead I had to search for a few bits of scrap just so I could get started (I'll have a new "fancier" and much more effective jig by Wednesday which will be the next time I can plane). I cut the "clear" lengths of fir for the Bow and Stern Stems and marked them carefully.

With the Bow Stem marked I began to plane, quickly noticing that the direction of the 2"x4" was going to make it difficult but with the limited range of my clamps there was noting I could do about it, I'm going to get a couple large "quick clamps" today with my gift card (Thanks Penny & Chuck) so that I might hold the timber in a fashion that will make planning the correct angle a little easier. "It's a learning process for me." But the most important thing is that I know what I need to do now!

The Whimbrel's First Pieces of Timber. Beer pairs perfectly with boat building!

That's gonna be pretty! It already looks like a boat! Maybe not.

So I started planing the bow stem but in reality I didn't get enough planing done to warrant a picture, you'll see it when it's finished on Wednesday. IT WILL BE FINISHED! That is my mantra for Wednesday.

On a Side note I may have found a place to construct The Whimbrel in doors! I local shipwright saw my Craigslist Post and may have space for me to work in, which would mean it could be done even sooner then I anticipated. WHOOOO!

Thanks for reading, next post should be Thursday. IT WILL BE FINISHED!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Inspiration

As some of you may know, it was my 24th birthday yesterday and I'm happy to report a new wealth of inspiration and reading materials. "Instant Boat-Building" by Dynamite Payson, "Fifty Wooden Boats" by The Editors of Wooden Boat Magazine, and "Wood, Water & Light" which is a beautiful photography book that tells the stories of some of the more beautiful wooden boats I've ever laid eyes on.

These wonderful gifts have me chomping at the bit, so... I bought two pieces of Fir 2"x4"x8' to begin the process of beveling the bow and stern "stems" where the side panels will meet in perfect alignment to give The Whimbrel her shape. I will not be shaping them on a band saw or using any other electric tool for this job, I'll be using a block plane to carefully shape the stems, Pure old fashioned wood-working. I'll be posting some images as soon as I get started!

Get Ready. This is the start of something GREAT!

Monday, April 27, 2009

My Work Around Ithaca

Now that I've been working in Ithaca for a little while some of my work has begun to spread itself around, I've had a couple billboards but nothing too cool, but this I am proud of. My Cornell Dasher Board right in front of the Cornell Bench with Captain Collin Greening right up front. The board had to be repaired a few times due to its placement.

GO ISLANDERS!

On Saturday, April 25th "The Islanders" Cal Ripken Little League Team Sponsored by Island Health & Fitness won their first game 4-2! With great pitching and a few amazing plays late in the game, including a great backhanded grab by our first baseman and a great relay to the plate held the other team to only one run in the 6th. Great pitching, defense and a ton of teamwork, congratulations Islanders, you're 1-0!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Funny

Check out this link to a YouTube video that Hobo and I accidentally got caught in twice in the fist minute or so of the video. click here

Progress

I'm happy to report that I have begun to accumulate some of the final tools I'll need to build The Whimbrel. My latest acquisition was a whole mess of clamps so that the process of attaching the Chine Logs and Gunwales will be oh so much easier. Plus I won't have to put to many drywall screws in to secure them while the glue sets. The change is still adding up and I plan to get a semi accurate count on soon. Also, I'm thinking about adding "Google Ads" to my blog, good idea? Supposedly every time someone clicks on the links I get money, which is cool. Will anyone click on the links to help support my canoe fund? Let me know.

There are other things going on out here in central NY. I am helping my friend Matt with his Cal Ripken Little League team and I've been playing with a couple slow-pitch softball teams. The Cal Ripken Team, "Island Health & Fitness" (Sponsor) has their first game this Saturday. It should be a real blast and I hope to cover all the games and keep their current record up here. The main softball team that I'll be on "The Blazing Saddles" will also be updated on here once we begin our season. I may even start a second blog, concerning baseball, softball, little league. Who knows.

Thanks for reading, my next post should be Saturday or Sunday.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

OPENING DAY 2009

Because the New Year doesn't start until Opening Day I thought I'd say, "Happy New Year To All." Although the season opened on Sunday, Today is the Big Day where The Boston Red Sox play their first regular season game against the Rays (Thumbs Down). Go Beckett, Go Sox, I'm looking forward to another great season of Red Sox Baseball.

Prediction:

AL EAST
STANDINGS*
1. Red Sox WINNA WINNA WINNA
2. Rays 3 GB
3. Yankees 4.5 GB
4. Orioles 16 GB
5. Blue Jays 19.5 GB

* I knocked on wood after typing this.

Monday, March 30, 2009

The Whimbrel

I found it very difficult to come up with a name for my "boat-to-be". After a lot of searching I cam across a Seabird called a Whimbrel from then on I knew that was the name for my canoe. So I toyed around with fonts, colors, designs and I think I have what I want.

This will grace the bow of the craft in white on the red baase color of the boat. Should get the attention of other boaters I think. I've been toying with the idea of putting a larger version of either the whole logo or just the bird on the under-side of the boat, it might get a little scratched up but what the hell, I like it. Feedback?

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

A Glimpse Into The Future!

To give you an idea of where I'm headed I thought that I could share with you all a picture from one of the many owners/home builders of the "Six Hour Canoe".


I hope that soon, rather than a picture of "this guy" it will be images of me building and enjoying this fine water craft. If anyone has any color ideas, I'm thinking red. But let me know.

Friday, March 20, 2009

The Change Is Piling Up!

I am happy to say that this is my first Blog posting ever! Due to the Blogs of friends like, Ryan, Des, Jeremy (Jer the shell looks awesome) and others I have decided to track the growth of my many projects so that I may share my expirience with my friends scattered around the world.

Now, back to that part about change. I have been collecting all of my spare change in a jar hoping to accumulate enough to by supplies for "The Whimbrel" A.K.A The Six Hour Canoe. Introduced to me by Tris who is currently building a beautiful 17ft Wooden Skiff. (Which can be found under the name "My Boat" on Facebook. I can't wait to get started, it's going to be a blast to build and a great way to explore the Finger Lakes.

Along with the construction of The Whimbrel I will also be building myself a new fishing rod from the ground up. I hope that everyone will continue to check up on my blog as I begin to make process. I will be adding pictures as I go as well as some good pics of Hobo Dogg.

Thanks Everyone!