Wednesday Woodworking

 Wednesday saw more progress on the lobster trap project, complete with pictures.

We start by finding out what happens when the clamps are released on the slats that were being bent.  They straighten out a little, but are still curved and flexible enough that they should be able to be fastened in place with screws.

And sure enough, here is the first one attached at the #2 end.

After some more work, we have six in place.  Notice that the slats still need to be countersunk for the screws and painted; the ends need to be trimmed to be even, but that can easily be done after all of them have been put in place for a test fit.

And by the end of the day, seven slats were in place.  They are nice and sturdy, and once the holes have been countersunk the screws will go in even farther, so this structure will be strong and reliable.  Or your money back.

The two slats that will go on the bottom, below the ones pictured above, need to be even more bent.  So I removed a couple of slats from the frames and started to soak them again, hoping we can get a relatively sharp bend that way.  And several of the slats that were still soaking were put on the frames and bent.

I also did some work on the saddles for the #1 end, but it was too cold for caulking.  So that will wait for another day.

Let's check on what other guys were doing meanwhile.   Tim continues work on the side doors for the 1808.

Here we see Fritz carefully painting a door for the 160.

And Buzz was working on window sills and other parts for the Milwaukee Road caboose 5001.

He wants to make wooden window sash to replace the steel sash it has now.  Luckily, when the air conditioner was installed, they ran one of the old windows up into the wall and left it there, so he has a pattern for how the original windows were constructed, as well as the original paint.

Victor and Bill were working on the Pennsy bobber, as usual, but I didn't get any pictures.

Another thing I haven't gotten any pictures of is the development of Yard 12.  The Track Department was at work all day Saturday, and their progress is very impressive.  I'll try to catch up on it next time.