i can weld anything but a broken heart

Roth Residence railing

2012-02-02T12:47:00.002-06:00

2" sq. posts, 1/2" sq. solid pickets, 1 1/2" top rail. The top rail is removable so as to be replaced with a 2" OD brass handrail in the future. Satin black powder-coat finish.

Thanks, Joanne!

Peterson Resdidence deck railing

2012-02-02T12:33:00.002-06:00

What an enjoyable day of work doing an installation. I was in a t-shirt...outside...all day. Everything fit very well and the client was happy. Thanks Janet and Brian. Big thanks to Thomas Wright too...

60 degrees on February 1...

Reunion

2012-01-25T17:31:00.003-06:00

You can't keep in touch with everyone you ever meet in your life...just enjoy the times you do get to see them and don't regret having not seen them more in the past.

Cheers Eric!

In print...

2012-01-23T17:21:00.004-06:00

Pick up the latest issue of do it yourself, on newsstands now...A couple cool layouts of some railing we built this past summer...

Isn't that editor hot??!!

Punch the clock

2012-01-21T21:44:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Laura with The Rusty Pumpkin for the sweet time clock. I was able to fit some inked ribbon on the old bobbins, and she works like a champ again. Declan was put above of the clock to make sure everyone punches it...

Shop improvements

2012-01-04T10:00:00.002-06:00

Gotta keep the dust out of the reception area. Door, window, done. Well, some insulation and drywall too...

Distracted...

2011-12-08T09:46:00.004-06:00

It's been a great year for Factor II Fabrication. We've grown, matured and made new friends and clients...and are ready for a short break.

I haven't been on my snowboard in years...YEARS!!! I don't know why. But I'm rearing to go so bad I feel like I'm 14-years-old again - pining for snowfall every night...

Friends from the Cities, come join us. Welch Village in three weeks...

Finished table for COSC's EVERGREEN Fundraiser

2011-11-01T20:47:00.004-05:00

Here's a pic of the table we're donating to COSC's EVERGREEN Fundraiser event. Details in the prior post. THIS is going to be a killer event - NOT TO BE MISSED! See ya there...

Center on Sustainable Communities EVERGREEN Fundraiser

2011-10-30T20:09:00.003-05:00

This table is being donated to the Center on Sustainable Communities EVERGREEN Fundraiser this Wednesday, Nov. 2 at People's Court in Des Moines...Did you know William Elliot Whitmore is playing???...Yeah, it's gonna be a pretty, pretty...pretty sweet event!

Pictured here in its raw steel state, the table will be finished in a RAL #3003 Ruby Red powder coat finish. The square perforated adornments and accompanying hardware get a RAL #9010 Pure White powder coat finish. The table measures 24 1/4"W x 60 3/4"L x 12"H.

For more information on the event checkout COSC. See y'all there...

Barely wired...

2011-10-13T21:15:00.003-05:00

These pics were sent to me by Aaron Moon with the attached notations:

"Back story...working on an old car in rural Dallas county with a friend. We were in need of a tap and die set so off to the neighbors we go. There I stumbled upon this gem. Guy tells me he still uses those cables. Wowza!"

Those cables have to have two dozen rolls of electrical tape on 'em...damn. Still, an old, cool Forney welder similar to one Double D sent me a while back...

Mountain & Molehill Preservation Society Fundraiser

2011-10-12T19:43:00.003-05:00

Here's a coffee table (21" x 35" reclaimed 2 1/2" thick cedar top, with powder-coated steel frame) we put together for auction at the Mountain & Molehole Preservation Society breast cancer awareness event Saturday, October 15, 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm at Snus Hill in Madrid, IA.

$10 Cover (15 & under accompanied by an adult are free)
LIVE MUSIC BY: Ben2K & Danny Grause
POWDERPUFF & MEN'S FOOTBALL GAMES IN THE MORNING! (see separate event)
SILENT AUCTION & RAFFLE ITEMS
BIG G's Catering (for additional cost - more info to come)

It's a fun-filled night with great music, good food, and lots of laughs all supporting a great cause! Please try to stop out & see what we're all about!

Introducing the Gaucho Grill

2011-09-21T20:49:00.003-05:00

This has been an ongoing project for the better part of six months now. Mike "The Grill Guy" Schmitt approached me months ago about helping design and fabricate this fun cookout creation. I always take a fond interest in projects related to the food industry - especially this one. It's not a primary grill, but for anyone that consider himself or herself an outdoor chef, this charcoal/wood grill is gonna be tough to beat. Below is some text from Mike's press release along with his contact information.

It's been a pleasure collaborating on this project...and bringing back Mike's inner punk.

-Boonie

The Gaucho Grill is inspired by South American outdoor cooking. Argentinians typically build fires and cook over them in time honored methods that are starting to catch on in the United States. The Gaucho Grill is made in Des Moines, Iowa by Factor II Fabrication for Grill'N Out!

The Gaucho Grill is easy to use, easy to clean, flexible, mobile and built to last a lifetime. Cooks can Grill, Indirect Grill, Griddle, Skewer, Rotisserie, Roast directly on the coals and use Dutch Ovens or other cast iron cookery on the coals as well.

I designed The Gaucho Grill because I was tired of running out of fuel before I was done cooking? You will never run out of fuel again because you can always add fuel at anytime during the cooking process with our open firebox technology. Simply burn wood to embers or prepare Lump Charcoal to ensure even heat transfer then drag the coals under the cooking surface of your food. When the ashes cool, simply pull them off the grill into a trash receptacle.

The Current Model is the 5'. It has 10 square feet of flexible cooking space. Most grills are measured by sq inches! The size and construction lends itself to opportunities to customize, let us know what you'd like to put on your grill.
The Gaucho Grill offers a Customer Satisfaction Warranty on Firebox Burnout, all other components come with a one year limited warranty.
So, If you're fed up with small grills with limited space or limited cooking methods contact us today.

Mike "The Grill Guy"
info@grillnoutiowa.com
515-229-9713
www.grillnoutiowa.com

Sculpture - Daniel Hyland Design

2011-09-21T20:36:00.003-05:00

Finished this one a couple of weeks ago for Daniel Hyland Design. Client supplied driftwood mounted on raw, unfinished mild steel.

Schwertfeger Residence - reclaimed wood floor lamp

2011-09-21T19:54:00.004-05:00

Here's a floor lamp we fashioned out of a 8' reclaimed tree. The limbs were forged out of 1" pipe to allow for the wiring to be concealed. The flanges had holes drilled drilled in them before the limbs were welded to them. This allowed the client to run the wiring down the back of the trunk and through the base.

The globes...are another story. Jeremy and his wife found them in Italy, thinking they would be the perfect adornment for this project. They came packaged as geometric pieces that required "some assembly"...and a doctorate in advanced mathematical analysis. The instructions included some rough drawings...and directions in Italian. Luckily, Jeremy's father is known to feed on challenging, brain-busting puzzles. What we struggled with all summer, took him a few hours.

The result is this one-of-a-kind, rustically modern piece.

Goemaat tables for Deborah Philips Interior Design

2011-08-18T16:08:00.002-05:00

This has been a steadily planned project for a few months now. Interior designer Deborah Phillips approached me about building a few tables out of one retail table...basically, cutting what was to be two tops - now three - out of one of these.

What we ended up with were a desk (23 1/2" x 70"), a coffee table (28" x 51") and a round end table that has yet to be built. The huge slab of wood came from Restoration Hardware in one gigantic 77" x 62" slab with a thin-walled sq. tube frame beneath it.

At almost 2 1/2" thick, it wasn't the lightest piece I've ever dealt with.

The coffee table is composed of 2" sq. steel legs with a 1" sq. steel perimeter around the top and 1" sq. steel cross members at the ends on the bottom. This piece has been force oxidized and sealed with a clear powder coat finish.

The desk's frame is composed of 1 1/2" sq. steel tubing throughout. The center ring is 6" dia., 3/4" tubing. The "rays" are solid 1/2" sq. steel bar. The desk has been finished with "breccia smooth matte" powder coat.

Old school boy eyes some old school equipment

2011-08-17T22:06:00.003-05:00

My bud, Dan Dahle gets around...I don't ask doing what, he just gets around. Here, he spies another vintage welder in northwestern Iowa. It must have flooded there lately, the work clamp was plugged into "High Ground." Double D says this unit is still in use.

Hohanshelt Residence - exterior railing

2011-08-13T08:34:00.006-05:00

A LOT of railing for Melanie and Jason. Steel 2" sq. tube posts, 1 1/2" sq. tube top rails, 1" sq. tube bottom rails, 1/2" rd. bar laterals. Silver powder coat finish by Miller's Custom Powder Coating. Thanks for Melanie, Jason, Gardner Homes, "Broseph" Bryce, Logan for taking the time to drop off the last couple of stair rails yesterday and everyone back at the shop for helping knock out this project in short order...really short order - thanks Terry, Tyler and J.J.

Clean and contemporary. I dig it. Cheers.

Vintage

2011-08-02T22:15:00.002-05:00

Vintage welder still in use in northern Missouri. Spied by my bud, Double D.

We only keep these hours because our vendors do...

2011-07-27T21:08:00.002-05:00

A quote from a Banksy book I picked up while on holiday...upon reading it, I promptly texted it to my wife.

Welcome to Linweld!

2011-07-01T20:54:00.002-05:00

One of the new FIIF stickers on the front door of Linweld here in Des Moines...Thanks guys!

Want a sticker or two of your own? Send your snail mail address to >>>> info AT factoriifab DOT com

Have a safe holiday weekend...

Kindness of strangers...

2011-06-19T00:25:00.004-05:00

Many thanks to "Anonymous" in Tucson, AZ for sending the stickers. I particularly like the purple sheep straying from the flock. The little hatched chick ain't too bad either...

Cheers. Hope the monsoon season has treated you well....

Windmill

2011-06-17T18:17:00.002-05:00

Installed this afternoon...just in time.

Better pics and video of the mill in action to come...

Thank you so much, Paula...That this functions on more than one level is fabulous. Thank you again for the inspiration.

Cheers....

New shirts...

2011-06-17T01:06:00.004-05:00

"New" old shirts...Gildan's "Ultra Cotton," 100% preshrunk cotton tees. White on various colors. Medium, large and extra large. Get 'em here...

Custom wind mill

2011-06-07T22:44:00.002-05:00

This is the framework and beginnings of a custom-built "wind mill" for the Flynn Residence. Paula contacted me last fall about solving an unsightly "plumbing adornment" that so rudely invaded her large, expansive garden. After thinking about it during the winter, we took a look at it again this spring and came up with a mock wind mill that is to be sheeted with various metals: aluminum, galvanized steel flashing, stainless and some corrugated steel if we can find some. The mill is intended to have an organic, natural feel but still retain some "modern" elements. It will have a fully functioning vane and blade assembly. The 5/8" shaft will turn in two ball bearing assemblies concealed under a steel box to keep it out of the elements.

Zart 1312 window adornments

2011-06-02T22:00:00.003-05:00

These are the windows behind the bar placement at Zart1312 in Des Moines. We simply found various pieces of steel and stainless drop-off from the shop and started attaching them to the window trim. Galvanized, mild steel, oxidized, HVAC flashing all made the dance on this project. Not too bad looking...

All things considered, in a best case scenario, I'll be able to COMPLETELY pull out of 1312 Locust at the end of next week. After I get a few things tidied up on Maribeth's railing at Zart, I can haul my JoBox back to the shop.

Worst case? I never leave.......and end up tending bar at Americana with Pete and Chief.

FIIF and the family in print

2011-05-15T21:31:00.004-05:00

Here's some pics from the recent issue of Ready Made magazine. It shows us in the midst of our ongoing renovation of our American foursquare house. I absolutely love the pic with our son, Strummer!! He looks like he's about to eat the kitty cat!!

I also love the fact that I was allowed to wear my Murder City Devils shirt. Additionally, the URL for this blog was printed along with a pic of the reclaimed barn wood bed I built for my wife. Grab a copy on newsstands today to get the whole scoop on our project along with many more profiles!

Send me your stickers!

2011-04-23T23:14:00.002-05:00

I like to tag. My body is adorned with tattoos. My clothing with stenciled art. Many of my larger tools and cabinets are slapped with stickers. I need more...of everything I've listed. You can help - send me stickers. Anything: bands, automotive, food, sports but especially SLAYER stickers. I'll return the favor by dropping a few FIIF stickers in the mail back to ya. International? Even better.

Factor II Fabrication
5268 NW 2nd Ave.
Des Moines IA 50313
USA

Cheers,
Boonie

Americana Restaurant and Lounge

2011-04-22T21:59:00.003-05:00

Here's some pics of the wine racks going into the soon-to-open Americana Restaurant and Lounge at 1312 Locust across from Des Moines' Pappajohn Sculpture Garden. 1 1/2" sq. tube frames with 1/2" sq. bar. Each rack will house 60-70 bottles of wine. These will definitely be a fine focal point, among MANY more in what's shaping up to be a uniquely modern interior. More pics to come...

Remembrance Table Designs

2011-04-15T21:07:00.003-05:00

I don't get to fabricate aluminum as much as I'd like, so this job has been a welcome change of pace lately. This project is a prototype for Dave Fremming and his company,Remembrance Table Designs, in Ankeny, IA. Most of Dave's products are fashioned out of wood and adorned with ornate handles - the entire product built by various craftsmen from around Iowa.

Hopefully, the aluminum table will find its way to Dave's permanent line. Thanks, Dave! You are an absolute pleasure to work with. I'm always happy to help out another carpenter!!!

Marge's kitchen island

2011-04-14T21:51:00.003-05:00

Here's the completed kitchen island for my friend, Maggie Senn. 1" mild steel sq. tube legs with 1/2" solid round bar for the shelving in a "statuary bronze" powder coat finish. The top is a 1" thick maple butcher's block with 3" wide trim pieces wrapped around its perimeter. 2" locking casters keep the island mobile, but stationary when desired. Hidden under the block is a 1 1/2" thick piece of granite, supplied by Marge's, er, I mean, Maggie's mother, Jennifer. The block is removable so the granite can be used for baking purposes.

Thanks for your patience, Maggie! I hope this piece is integral in helping you prepare many, many fine dinners. Don't forget to KEEP THE WOOD OILED! Oh, and NEVER cut directly on the granite - you might as well bang your knives on the pavement.

Bon appetit.

2011 DSM Juice Mixies awards

2011-04-13T20:19:00.003-05:00

Thanks to my pal, Eric Rowley, for bringing the photo shoot into the shop for a session with one of this year's winners, Canby. Check out all of the winners at Juice or pick up a copy at your local merchant.

Zart 1312 forged railing...FIN!!!

2011-04-02T19:16:00.005-05:00

Well, it came down to the 11th hour, but the railing for Zart 1312 was indeed ready to go for Maribeth's first event on April 1. A few loose ends need to be tied up, but we're pretty much a wrap on this one. Though, Maribeth has a few more builds inside to complete. They should be great too!

Thanks go out to Terry Reeves for the milling of the mahogany molding, Nate Fetus for pitching in on the cleaning of the rails and especially April Moore for her undying eagerness to learn and heed constructive criticism. April's dedication to the build really made this job a success. Seriously, I couldn't have done a job this big in such a short period of time without her enormous contribution. You have a solid future in this field, girl!

Thanks, ALWAYS, to Miller's Custom Powder for their extraordinary generosity and hospitality.

Last but not least, thanks to Maribeth Trevillyan for trusting us in getting the job right and installed on time. It was a pleasure working on this one, despite the long, long days and nights and we look forward to knocking out that list of future endeavors.

So...cheers. I'm gonna go sleep for a couple days.

Zart 1312 forged railing - cont. Day 2 install

2011-03-27T21:06:00.003-05:00

...two more panels installed. Four down, five to go.

Zart 1312 forged railing - cont.

2011-03-27T00:00:00.004-05:00

Here's some pics from the past week. April and I started installation on Saturday and will continue everyday until it's finished. The mahogany molding needs to be attached to the top channel, but this is how they look inside of Zart.

Thanks Maribeth, Dennis, Daphne, Norm and "DELBERT!"

Zart 1312 forged railing

2011-03-17T09:54:00.005-05:00

We're hard to work on the interior railing for Zart 1312's new space in downtown Des Moines. Hundreds and hundreds of feet of 3/8", 1/2" and 3/4" round steel bar has to be forged to give the appearance of growing vines...and the forging is done cold. Needless to say, we've had our cores shaken.

While we take care of the steel fabrication, Terry Reeves (below) is fashioning a mahogany molding to cover the steel channel. Finish will be raw steel with the client applying a satin oil-based polyurethane.

16th Annual YWRC "Sit On It!" benefit

2011-03-10T19:27:00.005-06:00

This will be the third year I've proudly donated some furniture pieces to the Young Women's Resource Center's annual "Sit On It!" benefit. This year is a little different, as I've collaborated with interior designer, associate and all-around-swell-guy, Daniel Hyland These tables measure 18"h and 12"w fashioned out of 1/4" x 9" mild steel, designed by Daniel. They are shown here prior to being powder-coated.

Please make plans to attend the event on April 16th at the Polk County Convention Complex featuring these tables, and many other items built and donated by other Des Moines artists and builders. Contact Christina Jarck with the YWRC at 244-4901 for more information.

Matt Gardner Residence - installation

2011-03-05T22:00:00.002-06:00

'Twas a chilly day for an installation this morning. Luckily, everything went off without a hitch. Thanks to Matt Gardner of Gardner Homes for allowing us build for his personal residence. Another BIG thanks to Brian Miller with Miller's Custom Powder Coating for shooting the stair rails on this job on a Saturday morning. Your generosity and kindness has no boundaries....

This build was fabricated of 3" sq. tube posts, 1 1/2" sq. tube rails and 3/4" sq. tube pickets. The rails were powdered with a 20% semi-gloss black finish and anchored to the deck with 5/16" lags.

Matt Gardner Residence

2011-03-04T13:24:00.002-06:00

Here's some shots of yesterday's activities in the shop. The stair rails for the Gardner Residence were mocked up and fit yesterday. Everything was plumb, and the posts hit each tread just like they're supposed to. Pickets were tacked in place, and final welding needs to be done later today before installation tomorrow. It's gonna look great.

Daniel Hyland Design

2011-02-23T19:50:00.002-06:00

Daniel and I delivered this table to the Niegsch Residence in Ames this afternoon. The powder-coated finish is actually "statuary bronze," intended to feign a well-worn bronze piece. This finish, coupled with the simple, clean lines makes for a very elegant piece if I do say so myself. With the table to the wall, there are absolutely no visible welds. This simplicity, in my mind, is due to very thoughtful and intelligent design.

The expression "less is more" is an understatement with regards to this piece. Well done, Daniel! Thank you for allowing me to fabricate it...

Daniel Hyland Design

2011-02-22T17:53:00.002-06:00

Here's a table I finished fabricating today for Daniel Hyland Design. 1/4" x 12" plate was used to build a side table 36"H x 48"L. The powder finish will be similar to that of an oil rubbed bronze.

Herron Residence railing installation - part ii

2011-02-21T23:17:00.003-06:00

Here's the finality of railing for the Herron residence in North Liberty. Thanks again, Kent, for the your extreme generosity, patience and hospitality. Hope we can work together again!

The Lift installation

2011-02-16T19:26:00.005-06:00

'Twas a gorgeous day for an installation this afternoon. I'm usually very satisfied with the projects I create. I won't send them out if they aren't, but I'm VERY happy with how this sign came together. I just looks "classy." Clean.

"Thanks to the Academy" goes out to Amedeo Rossi and T.J. Wood. Cheers fellas!!!

The Lift

2011-02-14T22:54:00.003-06:00

The original sign for The Lift (see above), on 4th St. in downtown Des Moines, is a little worn out. Here's the work being done on the new one. The background is a 4/4 cypress wood glue-up. The framework, scroll work and lettering is all 1/8" mild steel that was cut on a water jet. The steel is attached with 1/4" x 20 NC studs through the wood. This'll be an improvement for the long haul indeed. Thanks to TJ and 'Deo...

Herron Residence railing installation

2011-02-13T20:29:00.003-06:00

Here's the completed installation of the Herron residence railing from Saturday. Actually, this is "Phase I" of the job. A portion of the deck that is wood and not the rubber membrane was built out to be flush with the fascia of the garage. That will be fabricated and hopefully installed next week. Thanks to Kent Herron for his incredible hospitality and patience! I wish every client was as kind and generous as you, sir! A big thanks to my bro-in-law, Clint Haight, for throwing me a lending hand on the install on one of his days off. Always appreciated. Clint didn't want his picture taken...see below. They're actually a couple of nice shots...

Cheers...

Kent Herron's rails

2011-02-07T23:37:00.003-06:00

Here's a 20' section of railing being built for a client in North Liberty, IA. The sections of railing are to be side-mounted to the fascia with 3/8" lags through 3/8" thick 4"x6" flanges. Tubing is 1 1/2" square with 1/2" sq. solid pickets. Finish will be a black powder coat finish.

The rails are side-mount due to the deck actually being the roof of the client's garage. The roof in turn is a rubber membrane, so putting holes in it is being avoided for obvious reasons.

This photo is at the beginning of the build. Fabrication is complete with only a little grinding left before having them shot. Installation should happen at the end of the week.

Pauly

2011-02-07T23:33:00.001-06:00

Magazine rack

2011-01-08T22:57:00.006-06:00

Busted this out today. Hard maple. 4" D x 10 3/4" W x 30" L. Based on a client-provided pic. Custom woodburning and a water-borne polyurethane finish.

Haiku - stainless steel counter top

2011-01-08T22:38:00.003-06:00

What a week. I can't even begin to explain what a daunting undertaking constructing a 24' stainless steel counter top can be. Just the sheer physical size of the project is more than enough for a one-man shop. The actual welding of two 14 ga. stainless steel joints measured at 32" is a monster I had yet to face. I barely...barely slayed the beast. Learn a lot I did on this one! So much so, I'll have to really evaluate taking on another one of these. I have a newfound respect for stainless steel.

Obviously, just moving this thing takes a few guys. No shortage of thanks should be paid to everyone at Miller's Custom Powder Coating. JJ, Terry, Bob and Pauly - thanks for loading, unloading, flipping and moving this thing around over the past week. Big thanks to Brian for use of the trailer! A HUGE thanks to Jim Howe at Howe Welding and Fabrication in Ames, IA. Jim was INCREDIBLY generous to open his shop up to me last week in order to do some stress relief on the stainless joints. Howe's generosity is seldom found these days. Thank you.

Now, I just have a day of polishing ahead of me this week.

New sticker...get some.

2010-12-30T23:04:00.004-06:00

New black on white 4.25" x 2.75" stickers will be here in a few weeks. Want a couple? Drop me your snail mail here ----> info AT factoriifab DOT com

Haiku - "Yes...Good Day" - The triumphant return of "JG!"

2010-12-28T20:48:00.005-06:00

"Yes, good day, Terry!"

Today was quite the productive and prosperous undertaking. Terry and I managed to demo what was-to-be the original counter substrate yesterday and build all the carcases for new cabinetry today. One 8' carcase and two at 42". The spaces in between will house a 4' reach-in cooler for the sushi chefs. Terry will be trimming all the faces in 3/4" x 1 1/2" red oak tomorrow.

But...and "listen to me now..."

This progress wouldn't have happened today if it weren't for Terry suggesting we "bring JG onto the job." JG is our trusty jobsite Craftsman table saw. Earlier in the year at the London Underground in Ames, we found JG next to an empty Miller Lite keg in the basement one morning. Yeah, he may have had a few pints the night before, but he performed like a champ that day.

Funny, JG is just where you'd expect to find him - bellied up to the bar. Too bad nobody told him the Miller guy has yet to drop off any inventory... GOOD DAY!

Haiku - booth installation...many days

2010-12-25T22:16:00.005-06:00

Here's the progress of the Haiku built-ins after a week's worth of installation work. 2x4 frame construction with true 4/4 solid white oak. I spent the good part of Christmas Eve staining the entire build a water-based "Espresso" stain with Terry's HVLP gun. Initially, the plan was to have only a clear polyurethane topcoat - then the chairs and tables arrived. Both are finished dark. Very dark.

The booth runs are 20' and 30', respectively. Hopefully Haiku will be open within the month. Sushi anyone?

Haiku - booth construction, day 3

2010-12-12T15:38:00.002-06:00

Lots and lots of glue-ups...

Haiku - booth construction, day 2

2010-12-08T20:46:00.003-06:00

We be jammin'...

Frames are done and we moved on to some sizable glue-ups.

Haiku - booth construction, day 1

2010-12-07T20:49:00.005-06:00

Here's a side view drawing of what is going to be 50'+ of seating for a new restaurant by the name of Haiku on the Drake campus. Plywood? Hell no. The backrests and seats on this installation will be solid 5/4 white oak.

Bob and I tore through over 200 bf in the planer with a couple of passes on table saw as well for preparation of glue-ups tomorrow. 2x4 frame construction 16" on center is probably overkill on something like this, but that's the way I want it. Besides, who's to tell me I'm wrong? I've been accused of over-engineering before...and I honestly don't mind it.

Gabriel's platform bed - video footage

2010-12-02T15:40:00.001-06:00

la cama from Gabriel Saenz on Vimeo.

Thanks, Gabriel!!!

Hohanshelt Residence railing for Gardner Homes

2010-11-29T19:33:00.004-06:00

Unfortunately, I forgot my Canon today - so we have to settle for cell pics. I really wish I would've had a real camera, because the cell phone doesn't do these rails justice. I'm thrilled with how they turned out. The silver looks so clean on the horizontals against the maple - VERY modern indeed! THANK YOU to everyone at Miller's Custom Powder Coating, especially Brian and J.J. - I really appreciate the FAST turnaround! Installation couldn't have gone any easier either. The spacing between of the 1/4" flanges was perfectly fitted between the newel posts.

Enjoy your new home, Family Hohanshelt!

A BIG thanks to Matt Gardner of Gardner Homes for taking a chance...means a lot.

Cheers,
Boonie

Railing for Gardner Homes

2010-11-26T19:47:00.003-06:00

These rails were finished up today for Gardner Homes of Ankeny, IA. 1 1/2" sq. tube rails and posts coupled with 3/4" round horizontals. The biggest challenge was making sure the 1/4" x 2" flat bar that acted as the flanges that the horizontals terminated into, remained exactly plumb against the bottom newel posts and the trim build-outs at the top of each set of railing. The other challenge was getting the bottom horizontal as close to the noses as possible due to the tread heights and runs being at their maximum making the IRC 6" rule tough to obtain. They're there...but just barely.

These will be powder-coated Bengal silver for a finish. Installation pics next week.

Colombian church pew

2010-11-20T19:43:00.004-06:00

As I pointed out in some recent posts, Gabriel Saenz's mother and stepfather both work in the trades in Colombia as a carpenter and steel fabricator, respectively. With my limited knowledge of Catholic furniture, I'm betting these pews are just that with the permanent knee rest on the backside. No padding? Hmm... sadistic indeed. Must be a tough monsignor...

Looks like steel framing with wood seats and backrests. Gabriel says they built 34 pews in total. Nice. Thanks for passing on the fine work from south of the equator...

Gabriel's platform bed - delivered and assembled

2010-11-20T19:17:00.003-06:00

Here's the final product in the fabrication process of Gabriel Saenz's platform bed. As you see above, the second photo is of the production bed this commission was based on. The feet have a little more of a sharper bevel on them and the headboard is flush with the side rails, but those are about the only differences. Oh, that, and the fact that the Factor II Fab build is ACTUAL WOOD, not particle board with some veneer glued to it.

Thanks again, Gabriel.

Screwed

2010-11-17T20:40:00.004-06:00

I happened upon these yesterday at Lowe's. They were marked down to $7 due to them being "special order - returned." These should be on every shelf in every big-box and ma & pa store around. I hate having to use crappy, flathead decking screws on projects. Why is it SO HARD to find a legitimate Philips panhead wood screw like this? These totally RULE! I need to go back and buy the rest of them.

Large head wood pans forever!!!

Gabriel's platform bed - final fabrication

2010-11-17T20:04:00.003-06:00

Well, fabrication is finally complete on Gabriel's platform bed. Today I finished by cutting some notches in the rail cleats with a corresponding rabbet on the end of each bed slat that will fit inside each notch. The slats will then have some thin OSB laid on them to further support the mattress with there being no box spring.

The feet were fastened today as well with some 1" dowel joints. A 3" length was glued in corresponding 1 1/2" deep holes in both the rails and feet. A couple of coats of Varathane and...done.

Thanks so much, Gabriel!! This was a lot of fun to build. I can't wait to see it assembled and shot by a professional photographer like yourself.

Cheers, mate.

T-Shirt designs...One of the three, please...

2010-11-16T22:38:00.002-06:00

1

2

3

Okay, here's your chance to have some input. You can cast your vote here, or on the FIIF Facebook page. The first run will be 20 shirts. I'll do more if there's enough of a demand for 'em. Gonna be affordable: $10 for white on black 100% preshrunk cotton. $4 shipping within US.

I'll entertain "write-in" ballots if you have drawings...post 'em on the Facebook wall.

Gabriel's platform bed - headboard assembly

2010-11-15T19:58:00.003-06:00

Too tired to explain everything...it should be done this week though. Hoping to get to polyurethane tomorrow.

Gabriel's platform bed - headboard dadoes

2010-11-14T21:16:00.005-06:00

Straight edge, circular saw and a chisel equals some dadoes for the headboard to slide into. Getting closer!

Shirts...coming soon

2010-11-14T00:26:00.005-06:00

Within the next couple of weeks, there's going to be some FIIF shirts available just in time for the holidays. I'll order some black ones to have my buddy Nate Fetus screen for me. They'll be available here on the blog for the low price of just $10 + shipping. I'll get sizes M-XXL. If you're looking for something larger, let me know.

...I can't believe Christmas is six weeks away.

Royal Mile flags

2010-11-11T16:04:00.004-06:00

Flag poles and wall mountings by Factor II Fabrication.

Gabriel's platform bed - rail connections

2010-11-08T20:26:00.003-06:00

Here's what will be the "hidden" connection of the rails (top) with the foot rail (below). The view of the foot rail in the picture is of the bottom. The bolts will fasten through the interior face of the foot rail and be tightened with two washers and nuts each. Unless you're cheek-to-the-floor, one will never see it - seamless.

Basically, fabrication of all the pieces is finished. I put a bevel on a huge piece of beam approximately 6" x 8" that four feet will be cut out of. Unfortunately, my camera batteries went dead and I wasn't able to grab and pics. I'll snap some first thing in the morning before cutting each individual foot. Being Mr. Smartypants, the degree of the bevel is 15 degrees, which is exactly the angle the headboard will be reclined at.

One more day of tidying up the cuts and then a full day of sanding. I need to get over to see Toby Larsen in Ames for use of his wide-belt sander to surface the headboard. Should have no problem delivering this next week after a couple of coats of Varathane.

Cheers....

Gabriel's platform bed - rails

2010-11-05T20:14:00.003-05:00

All of the biscuit slots were cut today, but I failed to make sure I had enough #20s to glue up the headboard. In lieu of that, I selected the rails and "faced" them. Didn't get to any mortising - that'll be tomorrow.

Gabriel's platform bed - headboard

2010-11-04T19:55:00.002-05:00

Here's a preliminary mock-up of Mr. Saenz's headboard for his platform bed. Like all our other glue-ups, this one will also be biscuit-jointed. That glue-up will be done tomorrow along with a whole lot of time on the mortising drill for the rail connections.

ISU Memorial Union - front desk signs

2010-11-01T22:40:00.005-05:00

These signs have been a LONG time comin'. It was in the best of intentions to have these done and installed about five months ago before former Union employee, Kathy Svec, retired. Well, due to some unforeseeable circumstances (floods - long story) and some planned circumstances (a newly arrived son), they will be dropped off tomorrow awaiting installation by the Jim and Ed in the Union's Mechanical Dept., a former employer of mine. Actually, I was employed by the Memorial Union for almost 10 years during high school and college.

The signs were built out of oak the Union harvested during the most recent renovation when the Sun Room was extended south towards Lincoln Way. Not pictured is a 1/4" thick 1" wide border that is inset 1/4" from the edge of the perimeter. It follows the contour of sign where then two "C" scrolls meet in the center at the top of the sign.

Correct punctuation.

Oops. Of all the letters, symbols and punctuation cut from 1/8" steel, it was two commas that came up missing. Well, if you'll check the last pic in this post, you'll see was is the negative space of one of two commas that did make it off of the plasma table. I then carefully used a cut-off wheel to ever so carefully cut out two additional commas for the second sign. Slight variations? Yeah, but 10' in the air, it'll be tough to see with the naked eye.

Thanks to Rod Simpson and Kathy Svec for their collective patience with this job. I hope retirement is everything you had hoped it'd be, Kathy!!!

Gabriel Saenz's bed

2010-11-01T22:14:00.002-05:00

Long time "i can weld..." blog follower, Gabriel Saenz, recently commissioned this platform bed through Factor II Fabrication. The bed is actually a mass-produced piece from a large company, but is literally just plywood with some stained veneers glued to it. I checked out one in person and was less than impressed with the construction. For Gabriel, we've decided to build his queen-sized commission out of reclaimed barn wood; like so many of the other recent jobs being done around here in the wood shop!
I really enjoy building with the reclaimed stuff. I've said it before - when this stuff is gone, it's gone forever. We'll never see lumber or construction techniques like this ever again. It feels really satisfying to preserve some heritage while hopefully passing it on to future generations. Thank you so much, Gabriel.

And, it's not as if Gabriel doesn't know quality - or lack thereof - when he sees it. This is a photo he sent me of a door his mother and step-father collaborated on in Colombia, South America. (I believe you told me Colombia...correct me if I'm wrong!) His mother is the carpenter, while her husband tends to the fire forging the steel and welding. This set of doors is for a church under construction in their town. Absolutely gorgeous! I'd love to head down south to work a few weeks on something like this with the two of them. That'd be a great working holiday...

Royal Mile flagpoles - cont.

2010-10-16T16:59:00.002-05:00

Fabrication is finished on the flagpoles for the Royal Mile. The painters' scaffolding wasn't up on Thursday, so installation is going to have to wait until next Thursday or Friday. The gloss black powder with fizz can sprayed gold finials turned out pretty sweet....I think.

Oxy-acetylene cart

2010-10-14T05:45:00.003-05:00

I finished up my oxy-acetylene cart today. Heavy duty - this one's built to last.

Royal Mile flagpoles

2010-10-14T05:18:00.005-05:00

Here's some fabrication pics of four flagpoles headed for the Royal Mile on 4th St. in downtown Des Moines. Hutch wanted a ball finial on each pole, so I sacrificed a few ornamental ball caps. The actual poles themselves are simply electrical EMT. It was chosen for being light, but still relatively strong and a modest galvanized finish to reduce the onset of oxidation. A few chain links were cut in half and welded to the poles as attachment clips for the flags. Another link was welded down by the bottom that will have a safety cable fished through it and then fastened to an additional fish-eye anchor on the exterior wall.

The flanges are 6" x 8" 1/4" mild steel with 1/2" holes spaced to be on center of the bricks' mortar joints. A hole was drilled into the tube that accepts the poles. A bolt and nut will then be run through the holes to keep the poles from coming out. There's really no such thing as over-engineering when fixtures all overhead of public right-of-way areas.

The poles are being shot gloss black powder with a fizz can painted gold finial. Install should happen in the next day.

Bike frame stool

2010-10-07T21:04:00.003-05:00

Here is another repurposed use of a bike frame...this time, into a stool. After cutting off the seatstays and chainstays, the remainder of the frame was stood up on its seat tube. A 2" was inserted in the crank housing to stabilize the frame as it now stands. A cope was put on the handlebars and welded to the front of the head tube while an upholstered seat is suspended between the bars. At the request of the client, a footrest was created using a discarded seatpost. Designed by Dan Koenig of Ichi Bike.

To check this, and all of the other bike sculpture done by Factor II Fabrication, out in person, head down to Ichi Bike in the East Village of Des Moines on October 16 for their big grand opening in the much-needed bigger space. 311 East Walnut St. right next to Subsect Skateshop.

Randomness and poor grammar

2010-09-30T22:13:00.003-05:00

So, I received the following email today. Somehow, my spam folder didn't catch it. I ALMOST believed it had it not been for the poor grammar and misconstrued syntax....yeah, almost.

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Hellickson Residence planters w/ flowers

2010-09-30T19:56:00.002-05:00

Floral decor by Susan Hellickson.

Ichi Bike - women's clothing rack

2010-09-30T14:25:00.002-05:00

This is the second clothing rack for Ichi Bike's new location in Des Moines' East Village. This one was built out of two Schwinn women's cruisers. I like the fact that these are staying their original paint. The factory names and misc. stickers are just cool the way they are. I'll post pics of them once they are mounted and displaying some goods.

Ichi Bike - clothing racks

2010-09-29T23:37:00.002-05:00

The point of view is a little skewed here. I tried taking a pic from right over the rack on ladder and this was the best vantage point I could get.
If a bike could be a Transformer, this is what it would turn into - a clothing rack. Well, at least in the mind of Ichi Bike owner Dan Koenig's. This utilized the entire framework of a men's Schwinn. The seat stays and chain stays were cut from the rest of the frame and refashioned to become gussets. The forks were turned upside-down and now rest in the crank housing to hold a spotlight. The rest of the frame will be used to hang t-shirts from. This being a men's bike, it only seems fitting that it will display men's clothing. Tomorrow, I'll finish work up on the women's display. The gals get two frames though. That one is going to be really sharp since both frames are identical Schwinns. If Dan's ready for installation tomorrow, we'll do that too.

A sprocket becomes a wall flange. I wanted to use sprockets on the top as well, but Dan insisted on galvanized plumbing flanges.

Bombay Bicycle Club - billiard chandelier installation

2010-09-28T22:21:00.003-05:00

Earlier today, I finished the fabrication on the Bombay Bicycle Club bike chandeliers. Since the frames were going to stay their original paint jobs, it was going to be a snappy installation. I dropped the frames off with Jeremy this afternoon and came back this evening to find them fully functioning...killer!

A big thanks to everybody who donated the frames. An extra special thanks to Dan Koenig at Ichi Bike for the numerous frames and chains. I'm finishing up a job for Dan this week that will be installed in Ichi Bike's new location in Des Moines' East Village on Walnut right next to Subsect Skateshop. Last, but certainly not least, thanks Gus, Jeremy and Mike for allowing me to do something cool and original for ya'll's new tavern.

Here's to the "cherry on top."

Punk rocker

2010-09-25T21:50:00.002-05:00

Shocker sends a photo of his album shelving his wife commissioned me to build for him for his birthday. Looks like you need to hit a record show or two there fella...

Bombay Bicycle Club - light fixtures for the chandeliers

2010-09-23T20:13:00.001-05:00

Hellickson Residence - planters installation

2010-09-23T06:32:00.005-05:00

I'm quite pleased with how the planters turned out for Jason and Susan. The biggest challenge with this project was building the boxes in halves while making them seem as seamless as possible. (See previous posts for details.) J.J. at Miller's Custom Powder Coating did a terrific job laying down the "statuary" color. Planters were constructed out of 11 ga. mild steel, 1" sq. tubing and 1.5" sq. tubing - 30" x 30" x 15" tall.

There's a few more projects coming up for the Hellickson Residence...stay tuned.

Bombay Bicycle Club - billiard chandelier completed fabrication

2010-09-23T00:46:00.007-05:00

The pile of booty before fabrication...

This was the second frame composed mainly of women's cruisers...

This is the last of three frames to be fabricated. A couple of men's mountain bikes, a 10-speed and a woman's mountain bike. Some ghastly ugly ones.

What a terrible name for a bicycle. I have a hunch about the history of this bike. Judging by the color scheme, I'm guessing this was sold at a Wal-Mart store in the early '90s. The kid that rode it sported a Detroit Lions Starter jacket during the cold months and Hypercolor t-shirts and stone-washed jeans when it warmed up. Oh, and those jeans? They were tight-rolled. He was one of the last to let go of that fad. His mix-tape was a soundtrack of who's who of early '90s Top 40. "Whoop, There It Is" definitely made the list. As did the Proclaimers, EMF and Jesus Jones. Did I hear some Bel Biv Devoe in there? Damn skippy, I did.
You know, for all the shit the '80s gets for its over-indulgence and hideous fashion, the hangover that was the early '90s trumps it. Silk shirts. 4 Non Blondes. Polos. Garth Brooks. Fresh Prince of Bel Air. I don't miss the mediocrity that was the '90s at all. And the "Fugitive" here, well, it represents all that was lame about that decade. I pray there's no nostalgic reprise of any of this.

Bombay Bicycle Club - billiard chandeliers

2010-09-18T23:11:00.004-05:00

Here's a fun little project I need to finish this week. I'm a little behind on this time-wise, but I have a legitimate reason - see the previous post. The newly opened Bombay Bicycle Club, 8410 Hickman Rd., is where these billiard lights will be heading. Co-owners Gus Ramirez and Jeremy Mahler asked me to fabricate frames and forks only into a square fixture suspended over the tables by the bikes' chains. I'm still looking for some shades to direct some of the light, but may end up fabricating those with some 22 ga. steel myself.

This is the first of three chandeliers to be built. Crusiers, BMX, mountain, 10-speed - there's a little bit of everything going into these. I thought I had enough bikes, but was one short of the required dozen. So, today I headed over to my folks' place and grabbed my childhood two-wheeler - the chrome Murray. It was the perfect size in relation to the rest of these smaller frames, so I made the sacrifice. At least I'll know where it'll always be.

*BTW*...Lest you think there's no "cool" place in West Des Moines - where people have their cake AND eat it too - I ask you to visit BBC. With Gus involved, the place definitely has a vibe and subtle look to it reminiscent of Hairy Marys...

Thanks to all those who answered the call for bikes on Facebook. A big thanks to Ichi Bike's owner, Dan Koenig for the numerous donations to the cause.

Strummer Douglas Boone - 9.13.10

2010-09-18T22:37:00.003-05:00

Last week, my wife and I welcomed our first child into our lives. Strummer Douglas Boone was born 9.13.10 at 10:23 am weighing in at 7 lbs. 7 oz. and 20" long. He is, without a doubt, our greatest creation.

Hellickson Residence planters - part II

2010-09-12T23:09:00.003-05:00

Here's the progression of the Hellickson's planters. They're all finished and awaiting powder on Monday. They're gonna be shot a color by the name of "statuary" by Miller's Custom Powder Coating. Installation pics by mid-week.

Hellickson Residence planters

2010-09-10T23:31:00.004-05:00

Here's a couple of planters I'm in the process of fabricating for the Hellickson Residence here in Des Moines. The obstacle in this job was the column right in the middle of planters. Thus, they have to be built in halves and assembled after powder coating. Initially, I was going to build the planters and saw them in half through the center and then build some kind of fasteners to reattach them. I never really liked that notion and then the idea of attaching in the corners hit me.

I'll drill a couple of holes in the angle iron for some 1/4" x 20 bolts to fit through and fasten to the 11 ga. 1" sq. tubing that has been tapped. The top edging of each planter will have 1" sq. tubing around the perimeter to match an existing piece on their patio. Each planter will sit 1 1/2" off of the ground with an expanded steel bottom to allow for water dispersement.

Overall dimensions: 30" x 30" x 14 3/4"...11 ga. mild steel.

Happy Birthday, Shocker

2010-09-07T22:11:00.002-05:00

This table was commissioned by Lindsey Schacherer for her husband's birthday.

1" sq. tubing, 5/4 reclaimed barn wood and gloss black powder coat finish on the steel. We estimate the 5' shelving unit is large enough to accommodate almost 600 pieces of vinyl. Get to work, Rob Gordon.

All American BBQ Bash

2010-09-07T20:55:00.005-05:00

Labor Day weekend in Ames, Iowa saw the inaugural All American BBQ Bash organized by husband/wife, and Factor II clients, Ryan Newstrom and Sonya Stoltze. Ryan and Sonya were kind enough to ask me to create the trophies for the competition categories including brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, grand reserve and grand champion. For a quick turnaround, I was thrilled with how the plaques and Grand Champion prize turned out. Looking forward to next year. Thanks guys!

Boonie presenting Moe Cason from TLC's show BBQ Pitmasters, with a third place ribbon and cash prize.

Team TippyCanoe BBQ Crew took home the Grand Champion trophy and over $3,000 in cash awards.

The Grand Champions with competition organizers, Ryan Newstrom and his wife, Sonya Stoltze.

The Grand Champion trophy. 1 1/2" angle iron, reclaimed barn wood and a couple of horseshoes.

***Photos by Alica Duncan***

Glory Bound

2010-08-17T15:56:00.003-05:00

Last weekend, I headed down to Kansas City for Mike Vallely's Glory Bound Skatepark Tour. It was epic...

Here's my review of the show coupled with an interview with the "Master of Disaster" Duane Peters (above)...

North Liberty deck addition & railing

2010-08-11T01:41:00.004-05:00

For some reason Clint and I thought it would be a good idea for me to do this welding job in the middle of one of the hottest streaks this year during the hottest part of the day. After we were done today, I headed to Kum & Go and bought a store t-shirt to replace the totally drenched one on my back. This was miserable today...

The only existing railing was on the steps leading up to the stoop. We added the support post that is directly below the outside corner of the newly finished deck Clint added to the second floor. To the give the post a little more function, it now also acts as a railing post, with the addition of another right next to the house against the siding. All posts are 2 1/2" sq. tubing. The railing is 1" x 2" rect. tubing turned on edge. The homeowner will provide the finish via enamel paint.

Even though I could have gotten by using solid, mild steel MIG wire, I opted for .030 flux core wire with additional gas shielding. The welder was powered with a 5500W generator with a single 3-pole, 220V twist-lock outlet. We built a converter setup wiring a 50A receptacle into an L14-20 plug. My welder doesn't pull more than 20 amps, so I wasn't too concerned about overworking the generator, or tripping any breakers. The beads laid down looked pretty freakin' good. This made for a tidy little portable setup.

Thanks to Clint Haight of Custom Projects and Homes for taking the "action" pics of me under the hood.

Hot show, dude...hot

ISU - Oak/Elm dining hall shelves

2010-08-04T23:37:00.005-05:00

Today's post is an update on the shelving being fabricated for ISU Dining in the newly renovated Oak/Elm Hall. Check out this entry from a couple of weeks ago for a drawing of the design.

Thanks goes out to Eric at Colony Heating and Air Conditioning for busting these oak and elm leaves out for me on Monday. Fast turnarounds rule. The leaves will be cold forged and welding to some vineyard bar under the shelf, running the length of the fixture. Again, go back to the drawing for a clearer explanation.

I drew these leaves in Adobe Illustrator CS5 and was able to save each as an AutoCAD .dwg. I absolutely love Adobe.

After not being able to find the shorty tri-pod my wife threw away, I improvised with a 1/4 x 20 bolt, Vise-Grips and my Jawhorse. For what? As if fabrication pictures aren't boring enough, I've been recording footage of myself in the highly entertaining act of fabricating on my Flip for a compilation video of this ISU job. We'll see how it turns out after installation is complete and I can edit all the clips together. I'm having a hard time coming up with an accompanying tune to go with welding, grinding, drilling etc....Any suggestions?

Gift - Kathy Svec

2010-08-02T22:42:00.002-05:00

Here's a sculpture I was asked to do for Kathy Svec, formally of the Memorial Union at Iowa State University. I was handed a couple of pieces of stone and some wood used around the interior of the Union to construct a retirement gift. The above is what I came up with - the exterior facade of the north side of the Union by the water fountain.

Kathy did marketing, among other things, at the Union for 32 years if I'm correct. I had the pleasure of working in the building with Kathy for more years than a college degree should allow, but if nothing else, she ALWAYS had a smile on her face whenever I saw her. Not everybody was that way...just her.

Much love and longevity to her and husband, Dorian.

Tall-back chair

2010-07-28T00:07:00.004-05:00

Here's a current drawing I threw together in Adobe Illustrator CS5. Like many others, I know Photoshop reasonably well, but never had the chance to dabble with Illustrator. This past week, I kind of threw myself into this drawing as a little crash-course.

This drawing is a takeoff of an Arts & Crafts chair featured in Judith Miller's exhaustive tome, Furniture. In keeping with period correctness, it's my intention to use as much quarter sawn white oak as possible. The legs may seem a bit chunky at 3" x 3" each, but with the back ones at nearly 5' tall, the height should put them into an appropriate proportion to the eye.

Construction will be pinned, mortise and tenon, though the pinning is not pictured in the drawing. I just need to finish up some paying jobs before I can get to this fun one. If you're interested in a set of four, I'd be willing to wheel and deal. Hit me up:

info at factoriifab dot com

"Book" book-ended shelf

2010-07-24T23:01:00.003-05:00

I finished fabrication on this barn wood shelf on Friday. The books were inlaid about two inches deep to a snug fit without requiring any adhesive or fasteners. All that's left to do is construct an apparatus to hang the shelf on to give it a floating appearance. This particular piece is for my folks to replace my mother's outdated P. Buckley Moss ('80s anybody?!) prints. I can't wait to hang it for the two of them.

Coffee talk...

2010-07-17T02:17:00.003-05:00

Coffee table above is 20" x 36" and about 18" tall. The lower section of the table will accommodate a shelf that I glued up earlier in the day. Entirely constructed of reclaimed barn wood with pinned, mortise and tenon joinery.

Both tables that will be for sale at Jazz In July art show on Tuesday.

Here's a bent wood, laminated coat rack constructed of maple, walnut and faced with zebrawood. Two gussets will be mounted right behind the face of the rack, just right and left of center. They will then meet on a lower mounting plate that attaches to the wall approximately 36" below the coat rack. The mounting holes are spaced 48" on center making installation into two studs easy...as long as you find them.

Some candies...

2010-07-15T00:16:00.005-05:00

Not really any candies...but if you knew a Bosnian production manager that worked at Sticks named Ned, you'd get the joke. And I couldn't think of another title for this post.

Really, who IS the Squiggy though?

Above is a mock-up of one of two end tables for our house. Bethany and I picked out a piece of zebrawood last night at Woodsmith Store. The grain orientation can be really wild at times and makes power-planing difficult as the wood develops checking and chatter marks quite easily. I'll have my buddy, Toby, run these through his wide-belt sander to surface the tops. The frames are 1" square tubing that's been rusted and sprayed with polyurethane.

This is one of two reclaimed barn wood tables. The 1 1/2" thick table tops measure 20" x 36", with the one pictured above standing 34 1/2". Both are constructed with pinned mortise and tenon joinery, as shown below. The other table will be coffee table height.

It seems like I'm building everything in pairs these days, and this shelf is no exception. The books are actually going to be recessed into the wood and act as "book" bookends. The spines will be set back (as shown) so the recessed couple of inches won't be seen. These were inspired by Juxtaposed:Power from Blankblank. I can assure you mine won't be $3K...no kidding, follow the link.

Looking in my rearview mirror while leaving the shop, I had to pull over and take some pictures. This was around dusk, 8:56 p.m., as a nasty cell was rolling in...

Lots o' pieces this week...

2010-07-14T10:37:00.006-05:00

Above are some drawings of some shelves I'm fabricating for ISU Dining in the newly renovated Oak-Elm dining hall. 1 1/2" square tubing with lots of vineyard bar and hand-forged oak and elm leaves.

One of three windows the shelves will be mounted within.

An upside-down mock-up of an occasional table made of reclaimed barn wood.

Above is a drawing of one of two signs being fabricated for the Memorial Union at ISU. The oak lumber below will be planed and glued up to 2' x 3'. This lumber was harvested on the grounds that used to exist just south of the Sun Room on the south side of the Union. The text on the sign will be cut from 3/16" mild steel and adhered to the wood with construction adhesive.

Zart! Gallery custom doors - installation

2010-07-10T23:16:00.003-05:00

Well, a slight hiccup yesterday delayed the final installation of these doors. I'll own up to the oversight - it was mine.
When designing, planning or fabricating, I like to have small reveals. This means I wanted an ever so slight gap between the bottom of the door frames and the tiled floor in front of them. Well, I failed to account for the bowing in the tile. On Friday, the doors would only open a foot or so before becoming bound up. To remedy this, I had to cut out a 1" section on each of the vertical uprights, weld them back together and grind 'em smooth.

With that done late Friday night, I left them outside overnight to rust the bare metal areas I had just ground. DB helped with the install again today and everything went off without a hitch...like it was supposed to on Friday.

Above is the view from the gallery looking into the back area. Below is a shot looking out into the gallery. Zart 1312 owner, Maribeth Trevillyan, adorned the backsides of the doors with fabric in order to completely block off view into the back room. We'll get some pics of that in the near future...

Thanks to Maribeth, DB, Kevy and as always, Bob Wagaman(!) for their help/input/support in one form or the other...It's always appreciated...