Hampton Shop

Someone asked me on Friday about what happened to the Pismo pier wood patio bar. I realized I should explain whats going on with this project (which is still sitting on the workbench) During the process of rushing to get it done for the event deadline I ran into some snags on re-sawing the planks to the correct thickness. In addition to that I had some significant back pain and got an MRI done and found out that I have severe spinal stenosis and a pinched nerve at L2/S1. I ...am limited to lifting no more than 10 lbs and standing no more than 15 minutes out of an hour. SO, I am working with a neurosurgeon on solutions that may get me back to pain free; and in the meantime the project is on hold. I've posted pictures of the final rendering from the computer, and the top planks rough cut so you can see the general idea and use your imagination. I will finish this; hopefully in time for next years event.

Here's the rendering of version 3 of the concept. I lost the sink mostly due to time constraints, completed the diamond and added the stringer influence to the face. I'm considering 3 narrower rails instead of 4, and backed with weathered corrugated sheet metal for the final version.

Catching up on progress notes. This is the test piece from the pier lumber. Surfaced down to reveal the natural weather-infused stain within. The finished top will have liquid glass resin flood coated over the surface.

Mission successful! Lee and I were able to obtain 132 board feet of planks from the pier; complete with a hand-written receipt from the city of Pismo Beach - guaranteeing our project's historical source provenance.

So, I woke up at 5 am with the rough idea for the Pismo patio bar in my head and decided to get up, make coffee and create this (very) rough sketch. This probably was brought on by learning last night about the annual charity event "Wine Waves and Beyond" to which we have contributed other auction items in the past. It would be seriously amazing to be able to put together one of these for the silent auction. A pier patio bar made with reclaimed wood from the actual pier, auctioned off to benefit AmpSurf, among other charities local to Pismo. God willing, I'd like to see if I can pull this off in time for June 2nd.

So I recently learned that they are selling the wood removed from the pier at Pismo Beach. Since we are all about re-purposing. I'm thinking about buying and storing some of this landmark for later use in furniture pieces. Can you imagine a picnic table or outdoor kitchen constructed from bona-fide Pismo Pier wood? I can.

Remembering the man who created so much over so many years; selflessly sharing his craft with numerous local churches and sharing his art with all of us. All I have to do is look around me and I see your hand in so many things, dad. Happy fathers day to all men who are steadfast in their love and support; and give of themselves for their families.

Got back to some re-purposing this past weekend. Potting bench made from recycled pallets.

These are the construction photos of the final project made in the current Hampton Shop location (Dad's garage shop). It is the wooden case we placed his ashes in for burial.

Dad demonstrates the prototype wheel operation on 5-14-2013 in this short video.

Antique spinning wheel prototype. Dad was building it based on lots of research, but no commercially design plans. Lots of mechanical challenges to figure out with many moving parts, not to mention the skill needed to turn the wooden pieces on the lathe.