Retirement plaque, history in pictures! :) Updated, New Pictures

[dansnow]

I first posted about this in the "Different kind of works in progress post"

 

I started with the stack of wood received for the project,

 

Second pic is gluing the panels. Valuable lesson learned here. Run the panel through the planer BEFORE gluing. Would've saved a couple hours of sanding if I had.

 

Third pic is the backer and middle layers cut out. they were stack cut as they are same size. Walnut layer is smaller so will be cut separately. Also still need to cut center gear and wrench ends.

 

without the wrench ends the plaque is 16.5" high and wide, 

Edited March 22, 2015 by dansnow

[amazingkevin]

I have other plans for that wood send it over please. I also like your concrete clamps,whoa! , they work!Keep going looks nice!

 

I first posted about this in the "Different kind of works in progress post"

 

I started with the stack of wood received for the project,

 

Second pic is gluing the panels. Valuable lesson learned her. Run the panel through the planer BEFORE gluing. Would've saved a couple hours of sanding if I had.

 

Third pic is the backer and middle layers cut out. they were stack cut as they are same size. Walnut layer is smaller so will be cut separately. Also still need to cut center gear and wrench ends.

 

without the wrench ends the plaque is 16.5" high and wide, 

[Scrolling Steve]

Coming along nicely Dan! You are going to have a winner!

[dansnow]

Here it is with the walnut top layer cut to size. The wrenches are just a trial cut to double check size. Not sure yet if they will be oak or maple, plain or stained. The center gear still needs to be cut. Once I sand everything I will be putting 3 coats of cayenne red stain on the walnut to get it to the color the customer wants.

 

Counting the wrenches it will be approximately 19" high and 21" wide.

 

 

Edited March 18, 2015 by dansnow

[dansnow]

All the pieces are cut, and the first coat of red stain is on the walnut center cross. 

 

 

[courdorygirl]

That's gorgeous!  Loving it so far!

[dansnow]

Almost done. The customer first said he thought the wrenches would look better in black than natural or stained wood. Okay, i had made an extra set of wrenches so I painted one set black. 

Then he said he wanted the center of the gear to be black as well. Okay, good thing I hadn't glued the two parts of the gear together yet.

 

I actually like the result. I'm almost ready to do final assembly. The walnut and maple crosses will be glued together, bt the wrenches and the center gear will be screwed in place.

 

Sorry for the crappy pictures, will get better ones.

Edited March 22, 2015 by dansnow

[bobscroll]

Your doing real well Dan, Thanks for showing photo's

Bob       

[Scrolling Steve]

Looking good Dan!!

[dansnow]

The black has been giving me fits. I've had to sand and repaint the wrenches twice to get them where I want them. The center of the gear i thought was ruined but I actually like the result. I sprayed the recessed center with 3 coats of black lacquer, let it dry then glued the two pieces together. I then sprayed clear lacquer over the gear, which for some reason caused the black to develop a network of fine cracks, giving it a crinkled texture. I like the results, but I'm curioous as to why lacquer over lacquer caused this, unless it was the pigment in the black?

[Scrappile]

Looks like you are doing one heck of a nice job on this project.

[heppnerguy]

what  a wonderfully designed plaque. You are doing a truly great job making this item.  I love it.  what a great imagination.

 

Dick

heppnerguy

[dansnow]

Thanks everyone. I'm waiting for them to get the brass plaque that goes in the middle. Talked to the customer yesterday and they haven't decided on what it's to say yet! Hope they figure it out before the guy retires towards the end of this month.

[amazingkevin]

The black has been giving me fits. I've had to sand and repaint the wrenches twice to get them where I want them. The center of the gear i thought was ruined but I actually like the result. I sprayed the recessed center with 3 coats of black lacquer, let it dry then glued the two pieces together. I then sprayed clear lacquer over the gear, which for some reason caused the black to develop a network of fine cracks, giving it a crinkled texture. I like the results, but I'm curious as to why lacquer over lacquer caused this, unless it was the pigment in the black?

I'm thinking that the lacquer went on too wet and melted into the other and stated a lift?Just guessing ,as when i spray things i try for the high gloss wet look spraying to wet and things like this happen to me.Since then i let most of the thinner escape in the air and just have the paint with a little thinner touch the project.

[LarryEA]

The black has been giving me fits. I've had to sand and repaint the wrenches twice to get them where I want them. The center of the gear i thought was ruined but I actually like the result. I sprayed the recessed center with 3 coats of black lacquer, let it dry then glued the two pieces together. I then sprayed clear lacquer over the gear, which for some reason caused the black to develop a network of fine cracks, giving it a crinkled texture. I like the results, but I'm curioous as to why lacquer over lacquer caused this, unless it was the pigment in the black?

First, Your design is impressive. You do quite nice work.

Now as to the 'cracking of the lacque... A warning on some lacquer containers states that the second and subsquent

coats must be applied within a few minutes, if not, then it needs to dry for 24 hours before applying the next coat.

Or crackinh may occur.