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Martian
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 02:16pm
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Among several projects I have going is a bedroom closet sliding door. The customer originally commissioned a "barn door" look, but after seeing the wood I have to work with, I wanted to create a work of art. After hearing the idea, and seeing pictures of the wood, they said I could create whatever I want. Cool!
The wood is Hedge. It was cut by a friend and sawn at a local mill. At $10/bdft, Hedge is pretty expensive. Its also hard to get in long lengths. But, my buddy had found a tree with a large, straight trunk. Cutting it into firewood just didn't seem right. He's been storing it for 15 years. We were working on a remodel project for some folks from California, and they wanted to use a local wood for several accent pieces. We suggested his hedge wood for the mantel, this door, and maybe a coffee or end table if there is enough after the door trim is made. He's really glad he saved this wood now!
This is what I had to work with.
The first step was to square the edges and rough sand the "good" side.
Then it was edge glued using West epoxy and Hedge biscuits I'd made. The cracks go all the way through; so I needed to stabilize them.
Using the sanding dust( from the original rough sanding) and epoxy, I made a paste to smear into the cracks. That was followed by a rag, soaked in Acytone, to press the paste below the surface; this step had to be done outside because the fumes are really flamable. Thankfully, its cold; so I had plenty of working time. In fact, its so cold, the epoxy still hadn't set this morning. So, I moved it inside my little shop and stoked the stove.
I'm still waiting for the epoxy to completely cure, but its looking good so far.
The cracks will still be there, but they are sealed.
I still need to turn it over and do the same to the back side before I start the final sanding. Its about the same color as it will be when its finished, but over time, it will darken some.
There's about 300 bucks of wood in the door and a bunch of sanding belts, epoxy, and time. I love getting to do this stuff and get paid for it!
So, what do you think? Is it worth $1200? There will never be another like it.
Tom
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hattie
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 02:20pm
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Wow that sure is a beautiful piece of wood. Nice work on it!!! Whew - $1200? That's a lot of money, but I suppose if money is no object, getting a door like this would be well worth it. It is more art than a door I'd say! Nice job!!
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Martian
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 02:30pm
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Hattie, I'd say money was the least of their concerns, but I have to admit, I'm not even keeping track of my hours. It would probably make me sick to know how cheap my labor is on this project. But, I do get to create a piece that will be funtional and artistic. That has to count for something, right?
Thank you for the compliments.
Tom
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DaJTCHA
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 03:14pm
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Can't wait to see more and as it progresses. Is it worth $1200? Sure it is! I've got customers that pay that much for my custom fishing rods so why not for a completely unique and custom solid wood door?! I might even suggest that it is priced at a bargain!
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neb
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 04:30pm
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Nice!
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SE Ohio
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 04:42pm - Edited by: SE Ohio
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Does anyone else see this as a Rorshak (sp?) image? Kinda modern art?
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Martian
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 04:57pm - Edited by: Martian
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I see a woman's shape in the cracks............But then, I think of women a lot!
DaJTCHA, You're right. By the time its finished to my vision, $1200 will be cheap! But, there is a great deal of satisfaction in showcasing what God created.
Thanks, Neb.
There is a pile of 1 1/2"X up to 20"X8' of hedge sitting in my store room. Its was logged 15 years ago and sawn for 5 years. There's roughly 200bf. I'm going to make a 7+' table from some of it and see what I can get for it. If nothing else, I'll have a really nice workbench.
Tom
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Rossman
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 06:17pm
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Beautiful!
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wakeslayer
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 06:33pm
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Tom, what kind of West Systems are you using? Is it fumey? I have used about 20 gallons of 105/205 on boat resto's. Never had fumes. Acetone vapors are bad but that flashes off pretty quick.
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avan
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 06:42pm
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For a project like that, If you start to count your time, you reach $1200 very fast.
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Martian
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 07:06pm - Edited by: Martian
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Quoting: wakeslayer Tom, what kind of West Systems are you using? Is it fumey? I have used about 20 gallons of 105/205 on boat resto's. Never had fumes. Acetone vapors are bad but that flashes off pretty quick.
Its the acetone fumes I was most concerned with. The shop is heated with a wood stove. My shop is really small; so I am very aware of fumes and ignition. Since I was literally dumping acetone onto the wood, I didn't want to take a chance. The chances are small that it would ignite, but when you have no insurance, you don't take chances.
I, too, have used many gallons of West System in boat repairs and refits. Its how I made my living for over 20 years; working in and managing yacht repair yards. Kemah, TX, just off Galveston Bay, was my last port before leaving the sailing life.
In what part of the world do you live? We may have crossed paths if you're anywhere along the Gulf Coast, East Coast, or Caribbean.
Tom
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silverwaterlady
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 07:58pm
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Very nice wood! How are you hanging the door?
We are adding a sliding barn door to our pantry this summer(ran out of time last summer). Bought the hanging system at Tractor Supply. It's not fancy. It's the same kit farmers use to hang barn doors. There are some really nice kits Online but they can be expensive.
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silverwaterlady
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 08:04pm
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Had to go over to my phone for photos.
Pantry
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Idea door
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Like this one for the bathroom
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trollbridge
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 08:06pm
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The door is beautiful Tom. Not only is the wood itself quite alluring, but you clearly are a talented craftsman too! What kind of hardware are you planning on using? I hope you post a picture of the finished art-that really is what a door like this is-gorgeous wood turned into an exquisite piece by a true artisan  simply stunning!!!
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Martian
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 08:06pm
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This door will be suspended from 200lb rated Johnson hardware. The door weighs about 100 pounds. I did a cedar door a while back and used track and cars from and old barn. It fit the decor and worked fine after being lubricated.
Tom
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trollbridge
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 08:09pm
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Silverwaterlady...doors like that will be great to close your pantry off!
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Martian
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 08:14pm
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Quoting: trollbridge I hope you post a picture of the finished art-that really is what a door like this is-gorgeous wood turned into an exquisite piece by a true artisan simply stunning!!!
How could I ever deny a request like that!? You shall see the finished product.
How is the new baby doing? I'll have to check your thread for recent pics.
Tom
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wakeslayer
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 08:43pm
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I live in central MN. I am just a hobbyist. I restored an old 16" Correct Craft Mustang for my wife. I also restrung a 67 Ski Nautique, but have since lost interest in the project.
Lots and lotsa West and glass. I actually miss the smell of epoxy a bit.
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Martian
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 09:38pm
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Quoting: wakeslayer I actually miss the smell of epoxy a bit.
It is a distictive aroma. I like working with epoxy and wood. WEST System epoxy is terrific stuff unless you add fiberglass. I hate fiberglass.
One boat I rigged out was for a doctor doing research on the effects of fiberglass dust on the lungs. He wouldn't come down to the boat after I had been fiberglassing unless everything had been vacuumed and rinsed off. He said it would be the next asbestos because once it gets into the lungs, it stays there. He went on to say, if you smoke and work with fiberglass, don't bother saving for old age.
But, I'm drifting off topic. If you ever find yourself in the neighborhood, swing by. I'll let you sniff the pumps!
Tom
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aktundra
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# Posted: 13 Jan 2013 09:52pm
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Martian -
Door looks awesome!
I am thinking of a track door (smaller) for bedroom so I will be interested in how yours turns out!
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silverwaterlady
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 02:30am
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Looking forward to seeing your finished work of art!
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Martian
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 08:57am
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Quoting: silverwaterlady Looking forward to seeing your finished work of art!
Me, too!
Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I have to go back to work on a bathroom project this morning, but I'll post updates as progress is made on the door.
Tom
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wakeslayer
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 09:18am
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Quoting: Martian I'll let you sniff the pumps!
Funny. I still have a couple gallons left. I need to find something to fix.
On both boats, I had to do massive amounts of grinding. Outside only, Tyvek suit, respirator, goggles, super windy day, etc. The absolute worst part of it.
I didn't really mind the layup part until the pieces got huge, then the race is on. Hot potato!!
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Martian
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# Posted: 14 Jan 2013 09:42am - Edited by: Martian
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Down South, working with epoxy was really tricky. The Summer heat would allow it to kick off soooo fast......even using the 'slow' hardener. It really sucks when you have to grind off a layer of glass because the epoxy kicked before you could get it completely rolled out.
As I worked myself up the employment food chain, the first task I quit performing was glass work. If someone asked me to do glass work, I didn't tell them 'no', but I did give a price so high that I could hire someone else to do it and still make some money...... if the owner was stupid enough to pay it.
Every now and then, I take my hardwood scrap pieces and make cutting boards for friends. Everybody appreciates a custom cutting board. I get some shop space back, and it helps keep my stock of epoxy fresh.
What I really miss is being able to buy it wholesale. Paying retail sucks, but I don't use that much of it anymore. However, I do keep a fresh gallon kit in the shop at all times.
Tom
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