The 2010 Sawdust Chronicles Challenge

Nothing like waiting to the last minute. We are 20 days into the challenge and what have I accomplished? It seems like nothing. My designs are taking up space in the already crowded brain. After going to the sketch pad and looking at some of the drawings and ideals that I have had in the past, one item sticks with me. I keep coming back to this one design that I would like to do. The concern that I have is that it is going to be a challenge to keep withing the constraints, 32 x 32 x 30.

So just what has one contestant done:

• I have researched every one that Niel has talked about.
• Attended a Herman Miller exhibit. Which by the way had some Wendall Castle, Stickley and others on display.
• Keep revisiting the sketch book and doing more drawings.
• At the encouragement of Paul, Aka The Tiny Little Guy, Downloaded Sketch book and played with it for 2 minutes before closing it out.
• Keep thinking on how to do it - the best way, use of negative space, surface (s), jointery, etc

Time table:

Monday 9/20 Make up a mock up using cardboard, etc

Wednesday 9/22 Maybe get supplies, work on layout, mill some stock?
Thursday 9/23 Start assembly of the lower unit.
Friday 9/24 Finish lower unit assembly?


Keep checking back has I should be able to provide pictures and info about the build.

Sawdust Chronicles 2010 Build Challenge

Oh boy! Have I done it now. This sounded like a good idea at the time - over at the Sawdust Chronicles they have a Build Challenge going on. The theme is surface. Since I received the email very early Wednesday morning I have been burning up brain cells trying to figure out what to make. I came up with a design earlier this year that I would like to build. Still not happy with it, I've tried to come up with some other solutions. Lets just say the new sketch pad is looking pretty used these days. I have the basic design down - now comes the challenge part putting it into the cube shape dimensions given to us. Also I have some joints that one will have to figure out how to attach to some part. Can't say too much until the build gets underway. Then I'll post some pictures. If you know me and my tastes, you will know that this is way outside my comfort zone.

Lots of work still remains before hitting the shop - another day or two of drawing/dimensioning, figuring out materials, checking to see what I need and have. The only bad part of this, is I don't think I'm going to have to buy any tools. Someone was hoping to convince the wife that some new tools are needed for the challenge. Maybe someone should just buy them and if she asks, I have a prepared statement, "Rick Waters over at the Sawdust Chronicles told me I could spend $900.00 on tools."