Ralph, of the "accidental woodworker" blog mentioned the use of 4/0 steel wool for that. I've tried that before, but the steel wool I've used has tiny fibers and just creates a lots of steel dust. And forget about using it to apply wax! Well, I found some "long filament" 4/0 steel wool on Amazon and ordered some and that should be here in a few days. Looking forward to trying that on at least one of the other chairs.
In the mean time, I've already lightly sanded, waxed and buffed (with shoe-shine brush) the first chair. I just love the way it shines after that.
 |
| Nice, shiny leg top |
 |
| Firm 2" thick foam, cover material and plywood |
The 24 x 48 piece of plywood will give me three 15 x 18.5" seat bases. I could buy the foam in 15 x 15" or 22 x 22". Of course, the smaller one is just a little too small, so I had to get the larger one and create waste. I got a little extra of the cover material so there will be a little flexibility in choosing a pattern that will show nicely on the top of each seat.
My mom lives during the Winter at my sister's house a few miles away from me. My sister is on vacation this week, so I'm staying at her house and taking care of my 91 YO mom. She's in decent physical health, but has severe dementia. Fortunately for all of us, she is very happy and laughs a lot. I'll gladly give up a little time in the shop to help out with her care. After all she did for me and my eight siblings for so many years, it's the very least I can do. Man, I'm getting a lump in my throat just writing this ...
My mom lives during the Winter at my sister's house a few miles away from me. My sister is on vacation this week, so I'm staying at her house and taking care of my 91 YO mom. She's in decent physical health, but has severe dementia. Fortunately for all of us, she is very happy and laughs a lot. I'll gladly give up a little time in the shop to help out with her care. After all she did for me and my eight siblings for so many years, it's the very least I can do. Man, I'm getting a lump in my throat just writing this ...
 |
| Mom and me taking a walk |
Your mom doesn't look like she is that close to the century mark. My wife's father (86)is in the early stages of dementia. It is a very difficult thing to deal with especially so when they no longer now who you are.
ReplyDeleteOne caveat on the steel wool on end grain. It tends to stick in the pores and even a vacuum won't suck them out. I use a rag dipped in alcohol to remove them. I think it is worth the extra dance steps as I really like the steel wool feeling over sandpaper. BTW - I get my 4-0 steel wool at Wally World and I use it to wax with too.
Thanks Ralph - I'll look out for the end grain effect.
DeleteHi Matt,
ReplyDeleteoh the leg top looks pretty nice.
Regarding the steel wool. If I could not get some or I can't use it (on Oak for example) I have started to use scouring pads like Scotch Brite (these yellow sponges with the green top). That works well too.
Cheers,
Stefan
Thanks for the tip, Stefan. I'll have to try that and see if the pad is tough enough to smooth the shellac.
DeleteIt is nice to know there are families with many children and that children take care of their parents.
ReplyDeleteMisha
p.s. I have already bookmarked your blog.
Thanks, Misha. It's always the right thing to respect our elders and take care of them as they took care of us.
DeleteNot many people have that many children anymore. But that is probably a good thing, as I think there are about 5 billion too many people on this planet.
Matt
Whoa, Matt, you've been busy! Chairs are looking good.
ReplyDeleteHey Derek, good to see you here. I haven't posted a project on WWMC for a while and this is why. Man, these chairs take a lot of time.
DeleteHi Matt
ReplyDeleteYour Mom story reads like mine except that mine is 94 this summer. I understand very well your feelings...
Bob
Hi Bob. It can be tough at times, but I try to enjoy every moment. I hope your mom lives not too far away and that you get to see her often.
Delete