The Do-it-Yourself Thread: A Home for Handymen and Artisans - General

Well he COULD put a sleeping bad on the ceiling (kind of... strange yet a cool idea) if he were able to locate a central beam that was structural instead of just for drywall. You could put up a rail system for sheets like that and you could totally remove it later on.

[QUOTE=ewitwins;38823871]Well he COULD put a sleeping bad on the ceiling (kind of... strange yet a cool idea) if he were able to locate a central beam that was structural instead of just for drywall. You could put up a rail system for sheets like that and you could totally remove it later on.[/QUOTE] He is just using it as a curtain basically, it's the only opaque sheet of anything that he could find. For whatever reason, his current curtain rods or whatever he uses is not adequate. Apparently he's just holding it up with five nails at the moment and it's too much of a hassle to be constantly taking it up and down, and he was talking about fitting it with some kind of electronic control he could put on a timer, so it would deploy at specific times of the day.

[QUOTE=Ardosos;38823902]He is just using it as a curtain basically, it's the only opaque sheet of anything that he could find. For whatever reason, his current curtain rods or whatever he uses is not adequate. Apparently he's just holding it up with five nails at the moment and it's too much of a hassle to be constantly taking it up and down, and he was talking about fitting it with some kind of electronic control he could put on a timer, so it would deploy at specific times of the day.[/QUOTE] He shouldn't be using a curtain rod in this case, he should be using a rail, it's much easier to put up and take down, and it's more stable. If he wanted to put a control on it, they make stepper motors that can slide into rail systems. It looks.. a bit hospitally though if he doesn't hide the rails. That can be done quite easily as well. [editline]14th December 2012[/editline] [QUOTE=Serj22;38783932]Carbon fiber looks good on anything. Even windows... maybe not but still. You literally just mix resin and apply.[/QUOTE] Seeing through your windows is still important you dork :v:

[QUOTE=ewitwins;38825069] Seeing through your windows is still important you dork :v:[/QUOTE] They got you covered: [url]http://simcarbon.com/transparent-carbon-fiber-wrap[/url]

Been working on a coffee table concept for the last month and I've finished it now apart from getting the glass top machined. I'm really pleased. The final product was made of quarter sawn cherry and steel. The glass top will follow the contour of the table and will be 3/4" thick with a slightly hard beveled edge. It is going to be displayed in the gallery on a white 3' pedestal base. In the coming week I should have pictures of it with the glass top taken in a studio setting as well. [img]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/ajackss/null_table.png?t=1355500829[/img] Breaking my hand this semester put a kink in my plans but I'm happy with what I produced. I call it "Hull" by the way, not sure if that will be the final name, it just has taken on a nautical feel.

[QUOTE=Ajacks;38828124]Been working on a coffee table concept for the last month and I've finished it now apart from getting the glass top machined. I'm really pleased. The final product was made of quarter sawn cherry and steel. The glass top will follow the contour of the table and will be 3/4" thick with a slightly hard beveled edge. It is going to be displayed in the gallery on a white 3' pedestal base. In the coming week I should have pictures of it with the glass top taken in a studio setting as well. [img]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/ajackss/null_table.png?t=1355500829[/img] Breaking my hand this semester put a kink in my plans but I'm happy with what I produced. I call it "Hull" by the way, not sure if that will be the final name, it just has taken on a nautical feel.[/QUOTE] I like it... Have you considered doing more of this stuff? I'd buy it.

[QUOTE=Ajacks;38828124] Breaking my hand this semester put a kink in my plans but I'm happy with what I produced. I call it "Hull" by the way, not sure if that will be the final name, it just has taken on a nautical feel.[/QUOTE] Did you steam bend straight pieces or did you laminate? Or is it a secret? The way each piece makes an S shape before hitting the stem is very subtle but cool.

[QUOTE=Serj22;38795991]Used a dremel and razor to clean up the edges, and then sanded with 200 gritt for a bit. The whole thing turns white when you sand it, thougt I had ruined it. Wiped it down with some clear coat just to see If I did. Impresive so far.[/QUOTE] Pile on enough of the resin and then cut it down totally flat, working up to like 800 grit and finish with a quality urethane. Glass.

[QUOTE=clutch2;38837229]Pile on enough of the resin and then cut it down totally flat, working up to like 800 grit and finish with a quality urethane. Glass.[/QUOTE] I actually did not pile on resin. I wish I had seen that earlier, but I actually sanded within the fibers. Luckily I did not sand them all the way off and the weave all stayed in tact. Next time I think piling resin to gt rid of the imperfections would be a much wiser choice. I finished the whole thing off with spar high gloss urethane (72 hr cure type) and did my accute finishing and sanding/polishing till it did resemble glass over carbon, just as you mentioned. [IMG]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e356/serj22/CAM00061.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e356/serj22/CAM00059.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e356/serj22/CAM00060.jpg[/IMG]

[QUOTE=Serj22;38832858]Did you steam bend straight pieces or did you laminate? Or is it a secret? The way each piece makes an S shape before hitting the stem is very subtle but cool.[/QUOTE] Thanks, it's actually just simply the wood doing what it wants to naturally, no bending processes, it's just the shape that results through the design and placements of the attachment points. That's one of the reasons I enjoy the piece, I allowed the wood to do what it wanted to do, rather than what I wanted it to do.

[QUOTE=Ajacks;38837821]Thanks, it's actually just simply the wood doing what it wants to naturally, no bending processes, it's just the shape that results through the design and placements of the attachment points. That's one of the reasons I enjoy the piece, I allowed the wood to do what it wanted to do, rather than what I wanted it to do.[/QUOTE] Interesting, I had no idea cherry would bend like that with no exterior pressure on it. Very cool effect, It reminds me of the battons we use on boat ribs.

Wait, hold up a second... Ajacks from the 3D design thread? You really are a man of many talents.

[QUOTE=woolio1;38841465]Wait, hold up a second... Ajacks from the 3D design thread? You really are a man of many talents.[/QUOTE] The same. Thanks, I have many interests. Sculpture is actually my major.

God damn, Ajacks, you're so fucking cool.

Now you need to get your MBA for your masters and you'll be gold.

That's gonna be such a pretty table. It actually looks like one of those 2000€ pieces in design furniture stores.

Anyone with tips for painting porcelain? I'm gonna "repaint" something for my mom for Christmas and I am not sure if it will work out, gonna ask the shop dude tomorrow but maybe you guys can help too, are porcelain colours mixable?

[QUOTE=ewitwins;38861891]Now you need to get your MBA for your masters and you'll be gold.[/QUOTE] I'm actually going to get my MFA in sculpture most likely and then go on for my doctorate in art history and teach as a professor. It's a great gig, the most laid back lifestyle, plenty of money and 4 months off a year. My grandfather and my mother are both professors and I'm already envious of their lifestyle. [QUOTE=Killuah;38863289]That's gonna be such a pretty table. It actually looks like one of those 2000€ pieces in design furniture stores.[/QUOTE] Thank you, I'm really pleased with it. I'm excited to work on my other designs I've got floating around. Also, here is a table I made earlier this year, It's cast concrete with walnut and acrylic inlays, the metal rod I used is actually polished rebar, I thought it went well with the idea of using raw concrete. [img]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/ajackss/Portfolio/Table_1.jpg?t=1337092309[/img] [img]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/ajackss/Portfolio/table_2.jpg?t=1337092330[/img]

[QUOTE=Ajacks;38865271]I'm actually going to get my MFA in sculpture most likely and then go on for my doctorate in art history and teach as a professor. It's a great gig, the most laid back lifestyle, plenty of money and 4 months off a year. My grandfather and my mother are both professors and I'm already envious of their lifestyle. Thank you, I'm really pleased with it. I'm excited to work on my other designs I've got floating around. Also, here is a table I made earlier this year, It's cast concrete with walnut and acrylic inlays, the metal rod I used is actually polished rebar, I thought it went well with the idea of using raw concrete. [img]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/ajackss/Portfolio/Table_1.jpg?t=1337092309[/img] [img]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/ajackss/Portfolio/table_2.jpg?t=1337092330[/img][/QUOTE] If I were a rich celebrity I would buy that off of you for a ridiculously high price, but since I'm not, you sir MUST design furniture for some celebrities, I heard they pay much more than what things are worth.

[QUOTE=andololol;38868583]If I were a rich celebrity I would buy that off of you for a ridiculously high price, but since I'm not, you sir MUST design furniture for some celebrities, I heard they pay much more than what things are worth.[/QUOTE] Not a bad idea for a quick fortune, and you certainly seem capable, Ajacks.

Just wander in some fancy shmancy store that only displays like 3 pieces in white rooms, show them your work and get rich.

[QUOTE=Ajacks;38865271]I'm actually going to get my MFA in sculpture most likely and then go on for my doctorate in art history and teach as a professor. It's a great gig, the most laid back lifestyle, plenty of money and 4 months off a year. My grandfather and my mother are both professors and I'm already envious of their lifestyle. Thank you, I'm really pleased with it. I'm excited to work on my other designs I've got floating around. Also, here is a table I made earlier this year, It's cast concrete with walnut and acrylic inlays, the metal rod I used is actually polished rebar, I thought it went well with the idea of using raw concrete. [img]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/ajackss/Portfolio/Table_1.jpg?t=1337092309[/img] [img]http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a345/ajackss/Portfolio/table_2.jpg?t=1337092330[/img][/QUOTE] that looks heavy

[QUOTE=ButtsexV3;38869498]that looks heavy[/QUOTE] It's actually just around 60 pounds, very easy for two people to move it around, except if that other person is a girl, then it's a herculean task of mythical proportions, this is from personal experience.

[QUOTE=Ajacks;38869940]It's actually just around 60 pounds, very easy for two people to move it around, except if that other person is a girl, then it's a herculean task of mythical proportions, this is from personal experience.[/QUOTE] That's about what my old TV weighed before I got a flatscreen... I carried that by myself. That said, a little handcart wouldn't be a bad idea. Or folding wheels?

[QUOTE=woolio1;38872701]That's about what my old TV weighed before I got a flatscreen... I carried that by myself. That said, a little handcart wouldn't be a bad idea. Or folding wheels?[/QUOTE] Wheels would defeat the purpose of the hairpin legs. I like this table. Very frank lloyd wrightish with 50s leg appeal.

Ajacks, next time you're going to work on tables or anything, make a thread.

A general question about MDF: Is it strong enough on its own to act as support for a piece of furniture meant to bear weight, or is it generally recommended to affix it to some other form of lumber, like a 2x4 frame? I'm going for a very sleek, modern sort of feel, like the MALM collection from Ikea, and I'm having some trouble with figuring out a strong and simple frame. Here's an example of the sort of feel I'm hopin' to achieve: [img]http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/malm-bed-frame__0159259_PE315697_S4.JPG[/img] My design is a bit different, but the general feel will remain the same. I'm guessing those support end pieces are made of 1" MDF, right? And it's strong enough for the job, or is there something I'm not seeing? This is mostly a just-for-fun project to learn CAD and furniture design a little better, but my buddy's dad has the tools and space I'd need to actually build some of this stuff, should I draft up some proper plans!

[QUOTE=Big Dumb American;38875962]A general question about MDF: Is it strong enough on its own to act as support for a piece of furniture meant to bear weight, or is it generally recommended to affix it to some other form of lumber, like a 2x4 frame? I'm going for a very sleek, modern sort of feel, like the MALM collection from Ikea, and I'm having some trouble with figuring out a strong and simple frame. Here's an example of the sort of feel I'm hopin' to achieve: [img]http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/malm-bed-frame__0159259_PE315697_S4.JPG[/img] My design is a bit different, but the general feel will remain the same. I'm guessing those support end pieces are made of 1" MDF, right? And it's strong enough for the job, or is there something I'm not seeing? This is mostly a just-for-fun project to learn CAD and furniture design a little better, but my buddy's dad has the tools and space I'd need to actually build some of this stuff, should I draft up some proper plans![/QUOTE] Yeah, it's MDF with a wood-effect vynl over the top for the frame, but the slats which actually support the mattress are usually a cheap pine. I've found generally they're rather easy to break though (I've broken/seen broken 3 in the past few years). As long as you load the MDF correctly it'll make a fine frame, like in your example make sure the downward force is going to be through the thickest MDF and make sure if you're going for the slat approach you use good thick timber or it'll just snap.

I kind of want to make a polished concrete worktop. But I don't need one.

[QUOTE=garry;38876562]I kind of want to make a polished concrete worktop. But I don't need one.[/QUOTE] Well, if it isn't the G-man himself, pardon the cheap attempt at a lame joke. Anyway, why not build one? Worst case scenario, you've got a huge stone table you can sell for quite a bit.