Wisp Woods

Boot-iful

dulschm — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 00:44:03 +0000

A carved Walnut boot, just for fun!

After completing a major project, I like to unwind with something a little different.

A couple weeks ago, I delivered a massive walnut table. Building that table stretched my shop (and my puny muscles) to the limit.

After the dust cleared, I noticed all the short but thick walnut scraps lying around the shop. What could I do with these scraps?

One day while walking thru (local big box store), I happened across the answer. There on the shelf was an immediate flashback to my younger days in the form of the Whittling Special Edition from Woodcarving Illustrated magazine.

This boot was the first project I tackled and I doubt it will be the last.

David J. Ulschmid

P.S.
If you love whittling wood like I do, you should definitely stop over to http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/ for more details and tons of inspiration.

Making Lumber

dulschm — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 01:40:05 +0000

A recent storm damaged many trees in the area. My brother's fence fell victim to this medium sized Ash tree.

Big bad deal for him, but on the bright side, it gives me a chance to work on my lumber making skills.

James Krenov always said that woodworkers should get as close to the source of their material as possible. Luckily for woodworkers, our "source" is all around us. The method for making lumber shown here isn't the safest way (I wouldn't recommend it to anyone) but it does get the job done.

Splitting the log makes it a much more manageable size. Ash splits pretty easily, but seldom very straight.

I start with metal wedges in the end of the log. Bang them in with a small sledge until they are stuck, then pull out the big guns.

In no time at all the clang of metal on metal will be followed by the sweet sounds of wood opening up.

If a tree is really stubborn, the metal wedges won't get the job done. Then it is time to make up some large wooden wedges to finish the job.

And if it is still stuck after the wooden wedges are driven home, you might just have to pull out your best ninja moves, as I did at about 0:22 in the video.

After the log is halved, attach it to the sawing cradles. Positioning the wood this was allows me to work with gravity while chain sawing a plank from the log.

All that's left is a quick trip through the planer and the drying process can take over from there. I mark each plank with the date and year and put it on the lumber rack.

Thanks for watching,

David J. Ulschmid

Fun on the lake

dulschm — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:31:54 +0000

This boat continues to delight me.

Built a few years back, I'm still enjoying the fruits of my labor.

Ever since I was a wee little lad, when I tried to build my own skateboard, I've had a passion for self propulsion and building things with my own two hands.

Well, my hands are much bigger now, so I've finally achieved my goal thanks to this boat.

I'm ready for summer, how about you?

David J. Ulschmid

A Pair of Oak Tables

dulschm — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 01:28:14 +0000

These Oak Tables were built on request for someone who needed a bit more work space.

Both tables are just 12" wide and 30" tall. The shorter three legged table is 28" long and the longer table is 55" long.

During the email conversation that started this project, I told my client that I never let anything out of my shop that I'm not thrilled with. And I meant it!

In the end, he was thrilled with the tables too.

The parts of the construction that I enjoyed the most were the drawbored pegs. They are in the both the table top breadboard ends and the long stretchers. This is an ancient woodworking joint that stands the test of time and I'm proud to include it on these tables.

If you have a custom request, like these tables or you need something like this entertainment center feel free to contact me.

Wall Clocks Available on Etsy

dulschm — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 02:43:33 +0000

The Wisp Woods original Wall Clocks are now available on Etsy!

After I build something, I like to live with it for awhile. During this time, I do my best to objectively analyze the design. I also get to see how it functions in everyday life, and if it fulfills its intended duty.

In the case of these clocks, I do humbly declare them a resounding success!!

I built these clocks over 8 months ago and I've really enjoyed my time with them.

But if you love something, you've got to let it go. And so here are the long awaited Etsy listings for the Stained Glass Clocks.

Check them out by visiting these links.

Oak
https://www.etsy.com/listing/126162442/wooden-wall-clock-with-stained-glass

Walnut
https://www.etsy.com/listing/126163768/wooden-wall-clock-with-stained-glass

It is a good thing that one cannot "run out" of love to give. In fact, it seems the more you give, the more you have. So really, parting with these clocks will not bring me the sorrow that I fear. It will be just the impetus I need to get started on the next clock!

David J. Ulschmid