Paint is Tough to Choose

Trying to decide which paint will match the wood better. They are very close. The sample on the left has some bronze flecks. Probably the sample on the right.  It’s a bigger decision than just his one piece of furniture.  This scheme of white oak, black Rubio, and black metal will be used throughout the house.    Trying to get the right color of paint is challenging.  When a good color is chosen, run your fingernail on the paint.  See if it changes.  A few shades were ruled out because of the lack of durability.  Try to think of as many minor types of damage it can get, and try it on a scrap.

Trying to decide which paint will match the wood better.  They are very close.  The sample on the left has some bronze flecks.  Probably the sample on the right.
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Template time

Woodworking on the desk project is at a point where some staining needs to happen.  Unfortunately, the weather is not warming up enough for the stain to be applied.  The woodworking is being set aside.  The legs on the other hand are metal.  Cutting the metal is easy.  Cutting it precisely is more difficult. 


Templates are a good way to figure out sizes and angles needed to assemble a combination of pieces.  In this case, even with a drawing, we know the length of the individual pieces and even the angles.  There are some details that are hard to translate from a drawing to the material.  Unless you have fine metalworking tools, angles can be difficult to make precise.  Sure, we know I need an 82.3 degree angle.  We don’t have a way to make the angle cut.  I have a grinder and a porta-band.  They are both handheld tools that are only as accurate as I can hold them.  Here with a template, I can take little nibbles from the metal until they match.  Once all the metal is cut, the metal can be held down to the template and tack welded to check fitment.  Once one table leg is complete, the second will be easier.

Template time.#diy #doityourself #maker #makersgonnamake #handyman
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More pockets than stuff I need to carry. #shopapron

More pockets than stuff I need to carry.  #shopapron
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I never thought I would wear an apron.  Vanity is decreasing, and functionality is more important.  Tool belts were a thing for me.  They tend to tug on my hips.  So, I’m trying an apron.  Having the weight rest on my shoulders is more comfortable than feeling like my pants are falling off.  Another advantage to an apron is the amount of storage.  Tape measures, pencils, ear plugs, and RZmasks.  The obvious bonus is protection from wood chips and dust.