It Ain't Always Easy...

I have been pretty anxious to get out more video, especially after all the effort I have invested in the infrastructure for creating better videos.

Well things did not go smooth for this video. I started out by setting a record for the number of takes to get a clean 1st scene. I don't know why my mind really kept dropping off. (I have a lot of crap rattling around up there.)

The next thing to happen was that after I got rolling on the video recording, I quit checking the playbacks very often because I felt comfortable everything was going OK. I have had an especially difficult time dialing in my audio, but after playing back a handful of shots I felt confident everything was recording good.

Boy, was I wrong. I knew that I was not dealing with a quality wireless mic system and that this was actually part of the problem. Well, that system really puked out on me altogether while recording.

Making Lemonade From Lemons

This was extremely disappointing, shooting video is very time intensive and this all equals wasted time. I was left with only 2 good scenes, but only 1 that had a good piece of woodworking advice. The other scene merely shared the application for my bent lamination to create context.

Other than that I just had the numerous outtake shots. OK, I figured, let's just make some lemonade out of lemons and so I put this video together.

So the video is basically a blooper reel but part of the good shot is at the end that has a real solid piece of woodworking advice. It is a principle that I exercise in my own shop.

I call the video "Crap to Gold Nuggets" and you will see why.

I have a new wireless system ordered & on the way. Hope you enjoy!

Your friend in the shop,

Todd A. Clippinger

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Old handrail and bookcaseOne of my current projects is not a full remodel, but a replacement project for a handrail, bench, and bookcase.

The house was built in the 1920's and the original design elements expressed much of the Arts&Crafts period. Many of these elements have been replaced over time as the house has been remodeled. Most of these changes occurred in the 1960's and 70's.

The clients wanted to do something new that would brighten the room. They wanted to replace these items, not get rid of them, and they wanted the look to be more period appropriate. I gave them some ideas and even went shopping with New handrail and wall.them to look at handrails.

The job progressed in a couple of stages. First, I tore out the handrail, bench, bookcase, and plywood wall. Then I replaced the handrail and installed sheetrock in place of the plywood.

We had talked about the bench and bookcase and I had given them rough ideas, but I did not get out any solid ideas until a few days ago. I presented a couple of ideas in SketchUp and they made a decision. SU makes an impressive presentation.New handrail and bookcase.

Today I will be working on an Arts&Crafts inspired bench that should look more like an original part of the house design instead of something uninspired that came from Oak Express.

So you will have to stay tuned and catch the progress photos as I step into the next phase of the project.

This project has been a fun one. Handrails are always technical with the angles and every cut is critical. This job has been calling on all of my woodworking skills to achieve a successful installation. I am looking forward to completing the bench and getting it installed.

I also start working on the Scott Morrison videos again. Since my schedule hit a big crunch I have not been able to sit down and edit the footage. Sorry to hold you guys up on these videos, but once I take money from a client, there is an impending obligation to fulfill. I went almost a week without posting anything at the ACW or LumberJocks, after getting sick I have been laying catch-up and I have not had the time to sit down at the computer.

That's all for now, I need to head out and cut some wood.

Your friend in the shop, Todd A. Clippinger.

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