Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Wood of the Month: Olive Ash Burl


The term Olive Ash does not refer to any specific species of Ash (Fraxinus genus), but instead is in reference to the darker heartwood found in some Ash trees, which tends to resemble the wood of Olive trees in the Olea genus. And it should come as little surprise that Olive Ash can be a dead ringer for actual Olive, (with the exception of the porous grain structure, which gives its true identity away easily), because both Ash and Olive are placed in the same family: Oleaceae.

The dark-on-light stripes of Olive Ash are also vaguely reminiscent of Zebrawood; though interestingly enough, the darker portions of Olive Ash do not correspond to the growth rings on the tree, but are independent of them, as can be observed from the endgrain scan seen below.

Olive Ash is a sought-after veneer, as well as desired for turning blanks. Olive Ash burl in particular is a highly valued veneer for its unique colors and swirly grain patterns.which make finishing a problem since glue will seep throught these areas and bead up on the outer surface. The glue seepage problem is aggravated by the fact that the warping creates a requirement that strong uniform pressure be applied during glue curing so as to avoid an uneven final surface. For very small projects (a few square inches), I've solved the problem by laminating two or more pieces of veneer together with plastic food wrap keeping the glue from seeping onto the clamping blocks and then sanding off most of the glue seepage.

Monday, January 21, 2013

February Shows



February 15-17, Presidents' Day Weekend
50th Annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival
South of downtown Miami, adjacent to beautiful Biscayne Bay. It runs for 1 mile along the streets of McFarlane Road, South Bayshore Drive and Pan American Drive.
Miami, Florida
Saturday, Sunday & Monday 10am-6pm
$10, $5 residents of Coconut Grove Buy Online
Free for: Children 12 and under, Metrorail Golden Passport and Patriot Passport holders.

February 23-24
Naples National
The Von Liebig Art Center, Cambier Park & 8th Street South
Naples, Florida
Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
Suggested $5 donation
Free parking, free shuttle

Monday, January 7, 2013

Dream Shop Come True

It took two months, but my new shop is finally up and running. I am amazed what doubling the area can do. Good lighting, ventilation, dust collection and the ability to walk around without bumping into things can create a much healthier and happier work place.

Saw Stop and Drum Sander

Drum Sander, Belt Sander, Band Saws

Dust Collection

Friday, January 4, 2013

January Shows

January 5-6
Las Olas Art Fair
Las Olas Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
Free

January 19-29
Beaux Arts Miami
Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Miami, Florida
Free
Booth 171

January 26-27
Mile Marker 81.5
Islamorada, Florida
Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm
$5 for Adults
Free for Children 0-12, seniors over 65, active duty military, and disabled persons
Parking is in remote lots with free transportation every 15 minutes.