I bit the bullet, and finally tackled my entire pile of dirty lath. I strung the scrubbing out over a few days, and even had a little fun with the drying process. With that roadblock out of the way, I can really get into some of the bigger pieces I have planned.
In each of these, the lath is mounted to another piece of unaltered, salvaged wood. Three of the compositions use varying lengths of 2x12, and the last image in this list is tacked to 1/2" ply.
Except for the frame, Good Fences(below) is lath in its natural, clean state. All other works have been brushed with linseed oil.
Good Fences 12x19.75
Since the house that I pulled these boards from was just down the alley, I thought an homage to neighbors was in order. (There was a beautiful wrought iron fence post in that yard, but I just couldn't get it out of the ground).
Family Tree 12x38
In most instances in woodworking the knot is an undesirable attribute. Knots form in a variety of ways; this one is partially encased (also called 'loose'), and most often happens when the tree grows around a dead branch. An intergrown knot is the base of a living branch. I've chosen to highlight this one for what it really is, growth in a new direction.
Desert Scene 12x21
...because who doesn't like clues that hint to ancient civilizations being so much better at things that we can't even comprehend? The high technology of the Stone Age, presented in wood!
Speaking of dry, I decided to be a little more free from the constraints of rectangles with this cocktail inspired piece.
Shaken, Not Stirred, 18x28.5
This piece does not actually float freely in space, though I am working on a model that does. Eleven elements of SNS are held in place by compression force only, no nails or glue. So far, changes in humidity haven't had any discernible affect.
I could really tighten up those gaps if I started sanding and planing. However, that process is a dust storm I'd rather avoid for now. Though, I do see future works being painted and stained (which means sanding).
And, I finally set up a winter work bench in the garage today. My next panel, made from pallet planks and shipping crate pieces, is ready at 22.5x70. Time to get to work.
Wow! I haven't posted anything in so long that my browser didn't even recognize the address.
Five lath based pieces are in the works. The only thing I've really been slacking on is getting good pictures, and sitting down long enough to put the final stamp on things. But, the hectic holiday season is over, and I'm out of excuses.
Meanwhile...
A few weeks ago, when temperatures plummeted to single digits, and our entryway became a place that was cool enough to hang meat, I started tinkering with the solar powered convection heater, the one that uses black soda cans to conduct and channel heat.
One problem, I didn't have any cans. We don't buy soda, and we don't drink beer. All I had on hand were pie pans.
The testing of my pie pan version led me to seek out cans. The efficiency of PPv1 is low, but I could see the benefit of waiting for the right parts.
Jackpot!
SCORE!
Last weekend I tended bar at a wedding that only served four beverages, all in cans.
As with everything else, they have to be cleaned. So, I drew them a nice hot bath, let them soak quietly for a while. I may have lit a candle.
Then I turned them upside down to dry.
A Challenger!
Of course, such an arrangement couldn't last; 75 aluminum cans precariously balanced on the window sill over the bathtub were a cacophony waiting to happen. With two cats and a Cate, it could come at any time.
As soon as she saw it she asked... no, stated, that she wanted to knock them down. We agreed on a grace period during which they could continue drying, and on stipulation that a good record was made of the demolition.
Vent vs. Vent, Last Can Standing! With her frustrations in tow, Cate chose her wrecking ball.
...in 3.. 2..
Fun times! Now that they're clean and dry, I have to punch holes in the bottoms.
