Bookends for Maddie

We got an order for a set of bookends from Sydney. ..... I do hope these are not over the top.

Garage Sale Bonanza

Today was a great day's shopping at the garage sales. Prince of the finds was an OK brand British Standard Whitworth tap and die set make by a US company called the Greenfield Tap and Die Corporation. I have been looking for a good set for some time now and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it. Only problem was that in a very small garage 30 bargain hunters had collected and three dealers stood between me and the tap and die set. I kinda eased my way over and then down on my haunches to reach thru at knee level to get my hands on it. Having done so, one of the dealers groaned and ruefully congratulated me on new prize. It is at least 70 years old, belonging once to a guy who would today be in his 90's, passed on to his son in law, finally to be sold at this local garage sale. I spoke with the lady owner a bit later who said she that it was her Dad's and that she had hoped it would go to a good home. I reassured her that it would and was definitely not destined for the Sunday Market.

According to Wikipedia: The largest tap and die company to exist in the United States was Greenfield Tap & Die (GTD) of Greenfield, Massachusetts. GTD was so irreplaceably vital to the Allied war effort from 1940–1945 that anti-aircraft guns were placed around its campus in anticipation of possible Axis air attack. The GTD brand is now a part of Widia Products Group.


Interesting Link: http://www.americancenturies.mass.edu/collection/itempage.jsp?itemid=18392

and another: http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/showthread.php?t=36608

Shooting Board

After a lifetime of doing mitres with a 4" angle grinder and sanding disk, I decided to give my ears a rest and build a shooting board and mitre jig. I drew upon Derek Cohen's experience and copy his design at: http://www.inthewoodshop.com/ShopMadeTools/Setting%20Up%20and%20Using%20a%20Shooting%20Board4.html  Thanks Derek.
It takes nice shavings and cuts true angles. Nice --- and quiet too. The first project was a small box from offcuts of the cyprus pine I used for Gaye's music box. Cutting the grooves for the lid and base was rewarding too using my new (old) Record No 43 plane. It was great to use, and quicker to set up that the electric router.---- and quiet too.

Music Box for Gaye

The timber for this little music box I slabbed in Bacchus Marsh some 35 years ago. It is cyprus pine and just beautiful to work with. Ok I'm a bit slow on some projects. Had to wait all that time for the wood to tell me what it needed to be made into. I decided that dovetails were needed to do it justice.

The little musical movement plays Amazing Grace. I had picked it up a couple of months ago at a garage sale.

Maddie's Verbal Skills

Vic, John, Maddie and Amelia have just returned to Sydney after a delightful week long visit. Well the girls that is. John's work commitment meant he could only make it for 4 days.

Maddie is now 2 1/2 Will be three in November and her comprehension and verbal skills are blowing us away.

"Daddy never listens to me any more". Said quietly and reflectively to her self, this one came out as John left the room on some errand which did not involve doing something at Maddie's direction.


'Mom, you be careful now." After a Melb to Syd flight from hell Vic found herself locked out of the house at 11:00pm and sheltering from the cold wind and driving rain and flashing lightning. (Actually the worst storm to hit Sydney in 10 years,) She had sort refuge for herself and Mia and Maddie  on the neighbours porch. Not willing to stay there all night Vic decided she would have to break in. Mia at 6 months was bundled up in the baby back pack and couldn't be left behind, but Maddie was given the choice. She elected to stay. Vic steps out into the storm, just a little concerned that Maddie might get frightened on her own. Halfway down n the steps with the wind whipping about, Maddie calls out "Mom!!!". Expecting that Maddie had changed her mind about staying behind on her own, Vic turns to hear Maddie say " You be careful out there now."

Lucky Owen and Alannah get some Furniture

Just goes to show, you don't have to make everything from scratch for your grandchildren. Yesterday Gaye found some chairs and a dresser at a garage sale. Great price, a lick of varnish and they will make great furnishings for Owen's cubby.