heads or ......????

Hint for today, I finished up the "tailpiece". which is my own design.  Next to it is the fretboard,
which will get the frets and finish tomorrow.  I also finished the head today....but I won't be showing
any pics of that.  : )

"Unleashed"

Well, that's what I'm callin' it anyway...so your next "hint" is the following pic, which is of some black walnut that was 1-1/2" thick to begin with, but when I finally put the pieces into the heatclamp/jig they were a measley 3/32" thick.
By the way, some folks have guessed it's a guitar, some guessed a banjo....no and no, but I'll keep "stringin'" you along.   : )

The saga continues......

So for today, the hint will be a picture, albeit partially complete.  But don't....hmmm...."fret".  ; )
There's enough black walnut, maple and spalted beech inlayin' around !

Less Than One Month To Go !

Closing fast !  Weather is breaking, campers are showing up more and more each day, shows are opening....yep, spring is here !  Only one month to go and I've got alot to do.....but only one big priority.
I wasn't going to post anything, because it really should be a surprise...but I think I'll post enough over the next few days and weeks to keep everyone guessing, dropping hints and some sample pictures as we go.
It'll be fun, and I think everyone will be impressed with the end result,  So, let's get started shall we ??
First off, we need a name for "it"....hmmm, how about "Project payback" ?  Yeah, let's go with that.  First off, this is a surprise of sorts, for one person that reads this blog.  That person knows about this, but may have either forgotten or not taken me seriously about my offer.  Regardless, this person is in for a really big surprise.  They'll catch on shortly, I'm sure...but they will NOT get their surprise, nor even a completed picture of it, until around the first week in May when they will get it personally.  So how about a few pics to help add to the "hint" pile ?
                           First Hint:  "Weeping Heart", which is my design and hand drawn by me.

These are head cuts, which I did this morning.  Black walnut and

spalted maple to be exact.  Notice the six holes ? Normally, there is four...

but then, there will be nothing normal about this project.

So there's two picture "hints"...now I'll give you a verbal piece

of the puzzle.    

 "Mother of Pearl".

Spring ?!?!?!!?!?!?!?

8 MORE inches today ?!?!?!!?!?!?  Well, that's *supposed* to be the last of it. Beginning tomorrow the temps are supposed to rise steadily.  By Monday, temps are supposed to be in the upper 50's.  I'll head to Kentucky monday or tuesday to take the boat over...and the refrigerator and microwave.  Yeahhhh......we couldn't pass up the deal, over 60% off on a samsung s.s. fridge and a samsung s.s. microwave.

                                BTW,  Belle has obviously taken a shine to snow !

Washer/Dryer Mod Continued

We were delayed some with the passing of Lightning, and are easing back into finishing this mod.
I still have the exterior electrical and plumbing to do...but below are 3 pictures.  In order, showing the entertainment cabinet "before", then after it's removal the install of the wd, then the rebuilding and the "after" of that entertainment cabinet.  Hope you enjoy.

                                                                                                               BEFORE

"DURING"

"AFTER"

We Love You Lightning

It is with heavy, heavy heart that I'm letting everyone know that January 10th, 2011 at 11:50 a.m., Judi and I had no choice but to have Lightning put down.  After last week's visit with the vet, we were informed that Lightning's kidneys were about 75% shut down.  We brought him home, and prayed for the best...but to no avail.  Saturday and Sunday, Lightning wouldn't eat anything, and even pretty much stopped drinking water too.  At 14-1/2 years old to the day, Lightning has blessed our lives more than we could've ever imagined.  We are having him cremated, and upon our return to NY in April we will see to it that Lightning finally rejoins his brother Thunder, overlooking Dad's pond.  I will be laser engraving granite in memorial of both of them.

Lightning Bug, Mommie and I miss you something terrible already.  Thank You for 14-1/2 years of pure joy.  You will NEVER be forgotten.