Cedar Feeder.

The Right Wood for the Job.

Western red cedar. Looks good. Lasts a good long time too.

While assembling this bird feeder recently I realized it may be the last one I build. I am closing the workshop for custom work for others and birdhouses for large scale sales. 

It's time to do a few odd jobs for my own use, e.g., a large cedar table upon which I could do a bit of art work in future years. A rustic armchair or two for the front porch.

I have the wood, I just need the time : )

Photos from along the way:

 As I recall, I later added red paint to the roof trim

Great colours and great stability.

Please link to Last Projects 2017 (7)

Photos GH

Photo Files - Fine Birdhouses!

Two Custom Projects. Four-plex and Firehall

Both built in 2019.

Please link to Build a Library. Dig a Hole.

Photos GH

Build a Library. Dig a Hole.

They are My Last, and Will Last a Long Time.

"Yes, that is definitely deep enough"

Once I had an efficient design for a little library that I liked, I produced quite a few for front lawns in several neighbourhoods in London, Ontario. And though I liked the building and assembling process, there were other projects (writing and research, related to World War II) that began to take precedence. 

So, the libraries seen in this post were some of my last. They are a sturdy item, with lots of good lumber for the box and cedar deck boards for the roof, and they will last a long time.

Photos from along the way:

This is my favourite library project. Lots of work, but worth every minute.

Please link to Between a Rock and a Hard Place.

Photos GH

Between a Rock and a Hard Place.

Little Library vs Big Rock. Who Wins?

Meteorite? No, I hit this rock while digging a post hole. Ouch!!

Somewhere in Whitehills (in London ONT) a Little Free Library greets those eager to trade one book for another. An easy, understandable exchange, free of charge.

But digging that post hole was a challenge. Clay soil, lots of gravel and debris were encountered first. Then came a boulder big enough to fill the hole and break the oak handle on my "dearly departed favourite spade."

Sure, everything looks fine now!

Like most libraries I produced in my wee workshop, there was a lot of work to be done before I ever packed one into the back seat of my Civic with work gloves, a five-foot-long post and a spade.

Measuring and cutting lumber; sanding and assembling by the hour; painting this piece and that and lining them up - like ducks in a row - to be attached to the main body..

 Three or four libraries filled my shop at times!

 Turn left for more details

The base is ready to be attached to a post. 

When Whitehills subdivision was developed I don't think that all of the large stones were removed for my convenience. I think that this post hole (below) was the toughest one I ever had to lay my hand to, and - after breaking the handle on my spade and falling onto my backside - I needed lots of help from the home owner, who nicely ruined his own shovel!

But we prevailed, dagnabbit.

 Usually, we don't need a two-foot-wide posthole for a 4-inch-wide post!

 Ready to receive books for trading purposes. And my back feels better now.

Yup, I can laugh about it now but that was sure one hard dig.

Please link to Last Library 2018. Part 4. Metal Roof Helps Make a Sturdy House.

Photos GH

Early Swap Box.

Give a Clue.

How can one tell it is an early version?

The colour scheme did not change much over the years. Primary colours catch the eye.

However, as I got used to putting the pieces together I also got better at attaching the hinges to the sides of the unit and door so that they did not lie flat... out in the open for all to see.

 It was easy to slap on the hinges as seen above.

As with most projects, once I got a little practice  I started working harder at some of the wee details.

To see what I mean, please link to Swap Box Scene 6.

Photos GH.

A Fireplace Mantelpiece.

Lumber Courtesy of Joe Flagler's Dock

Rescued lumber has many lovely uses!

A few years ago I benefitted from the fact my oldest son managed a difficult task for his next door neighbour in Fenelon Falls, i.e., removing an old cedar dock and building a new model.

When it came time to dispose of the old western cedar he gave me a call:

"It is going to cost a fortune to send it all to the landfill site. Do you want it?"

"Hmmmmm.... yes!" I replied. And after paying for a rental truck (less than the cost of delivery to the dump) I had a pile of priceless lumber.

Three pieces about 5-6 feet long are attached to a hidden slab of newer cedar

And one of the many projects (for which the old cedar was perfect) was a fireplace mantel piece for a young couple in Old South London.

Photos From Along the Way:

 Here the newer slab of 2 by 10-inch cedar is visible

 Everything is attached nicely and ready for stain and varnish

 On the porch, ready for delivery

I've since learned that the mantel pice is well appreciated, fits in nicely with the couple's older model home not too far from where I live.

Thumbs up.

Please link to Bruce Street Mailbox

Photos GH