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Gordon Dewald · 11-27-2017, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wroughtnharv

Today with a nap in between we did some more work on the poinsettias concept. Originally it was supposed to go on the flagpole but weight and wind concerns have changed that.

I thought I would see how it would fit in the front walk gate arch. Now the idea is to set it up on top of the arch using the arch as a ribbon and bow. I mean, heck, anyone can make a poinsettia out of steel rod, but with a bow, not so much.

Tomorrow we do a steel run. We need some stock for the anvil stand and some other projects. I've got a material list for the steel building to call into Phoenix. One of the interesting things about that is they are used to taking your size of building and then telling you everything you need. It will be fun to see how they take just a simple material list.

Lovely

Wroughtnharv · 11-28-2017, 08:44 PM

The days are full. Today we finished the poinsettias petals and leaves part of the Xmas decoration. The anvil stand is also done, critical mass for sure. We hope to start wiring up the decoration tomorrow.

The steel supply has been a disaster. I've been disappointed with two different entities so we will keep on hunting for that one we know is out there. The same for the materials for the new shed. Just about the time we think we have a winner we find we are wrong, again. So today we are trying a different tack into the wind, tired of being blown over by the "this is the way it's done" gale.

One of the fun things here is cuz's husband, CIL I guess, and myself play off each other pretty good. He was a real welder in a real shop doing real welding to real specs. He's also anal about perfection. I on the other hand was born with wings on the diapers and have been airborne every since. The other day we had our come to hay souix meeting. I explained to him that there's the real world where the eyes look at something and the priority is finding flaws. Then there's the art world. In the art world we don't worry about flaws because the eye of the beholder will see in it what they want. So we make what we want and they will see what they want, it's all good. "Hold on buttercup, we're in my world now." I think he's having fun. At least he isn't bored.

I'm having more fun than I should. And one of the benefits of living in the Foothills is those guys with cool old cars live up here. There isn't a day when I don't see a new old car to lust over. They're everywhere. I've known for years that the old guys are the only ones who can afford the really neat old cars. Now I know where they live. Frosting on a cake for sure.

The concrete table top is nice because a wire brush will clean off the burn marks and it's ready to use again. I saw some bearings the other day and had an "AHA!"moment. They make the bender better, twenty plus years and I've finally did an improvement.

olcarguy · 11-29-2017, 01:57 PM

Galdangit Sir.......I am jealous of that there anvil...sure is a nice one....We had a big one like that a work but never got myself a good one for my home shop, always made do. You know how it is, always some other expense gets in the way.

Wroughtnharv · 11-29-2017, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by olcarguy

Galdangit Sir.......I am jealous of that there anvil...sure is a nice one....We had a big one like that a work but never got myself a good one for my home shop, always made do. You know how it is, always some other expense gets in the way.

Cuz in law bought it about 45 years ago new for shoeing his own horses. He says it never has had hot iron on it, man is it in for a surprise! It's about a 120 lb farriers anvil. My anvil at home is a 212 lb Hay Budden.

Tomorrow will be finishing up the ribbon, paint, and then tying all the bulbs to the frame.

okmunky · 11-29-2017, 07:29 PM

Harvey, your neighbors are gonna be really jealous of your new decor! Can’t wait to see the final pics.

olcarguy · 11-29-2017, 08:04 PM

Thought it looked close to new. I get by with a 80lb China piece of. You know....

Lloyd in S.C. · 11-30-2017, 05:16 AM

Looks great Harvey!

Gordon Dewald · 11-30-2017, 08:33 AM

Nice

guardrail53 · 11-30-2017, 08:53 PM

Looks great, Harvey! Can't wait to see it with lights on it!

Wroughtnharv · 11-30-2017, 09:14 PM

Today was cool and the paint didn't want to dry. I didn't get to installing the lights until late and then I discovered the standard four inch spacing was too wide for the effect I was looking for.

Those lights will be pulled and then reinstalled with 2 inch spacing. Hopefully tomorrow evening we will have a light show.

Wroughtnharv · 12-01-2017, 08:30 PM

One of the advantages of being retired is time management. One of the things i realized last night was that there had to be a better way to tie those lights. Standing on a ladder was too much like work.

One of the things I had tossed into the belly of Jane for the trip was a selection of pipe clamps. So I decided I needed some saw horses made with the pipe clamps and some 1" electrical conduit. This makes it much easier.

While out getting the conduit, more lights, etc I did some more searching for my steel supplier. I might have found it. Pickers dream including 85 year old curmudgeon with a passion for negotiating. We're going to have fun, probably more fun for him than me.

The great advantage of owning vs renting is you get to do things your way. A big disadvantage is if it was done wrong originally, you get to do it over but right. We've found the wiring to the RV pedestals and casita substandard to the point of being dangerous. CIL and me have this.

Some of the thrifty types might appreciate the saw horses. Legs are 1" schedule 40 PVC conduit. Cross pieces are 1" schedule 80 PVC conduit. And the clamps are available in the chain link fence materials section at the hardware store for making gates. After the poinsettia is finished we will add some schedule 80 cross pieces to make this into a table and put the Hardi Back on it for our welding table.

Time management: Nap, steel supply search, electrical nightmare investigation, saw horse construction, = no poinsettia wiring

okmunky · 12-01-2017, 08:37 PM

So you sunk the PVC right into the ground? Did you cement them in place? That sure saves on materials!

Edit - now I see a second leg on each end. So they are free standing. I'm still impressed!

Wroughtnharv · 12-01-2017, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okmunky

So you sunk the PVC right into the ground? Did you cement them in place? That sure saves on materials!

Edit - now I see a second leg on each end. So they are free standing. I'm still impressed!

They're handy as a pocket on a shirt.

Come March they will be folded together and placed away until our return next November