The Blue Mirror

[Claw Hama]

This one is a little different. The client rings me and says, "we have an antique French window that is a mirrow that needs some repair can you do it"(not sure it is French, could be from anywhere). They appear at my workshop a short time later with this rather unusual piece. A long time ago it was a window with shutters and turned wooden bars for security, quite well made. Then at a later date it had a very rustic pessant style arch added to the top. Very poorly made with rough cut timber and fretwork patern. It has then been removed from wherever it was and has had mirror fitted to what was the inside and some 3ply tacked to the back in two sections. The sturdy bottom section and the pessant arch were not attached well. This is only to be tidied up and hung on the clients wall. To tie the top and bottom together I will just use new thicker ply 7mm and go top to bottom.

This is just a quicky so today I sliped the shutters off (one does need a new hing too), removed the 3 ply and all nails pins etc, smashed out the old mirror that had been glued in with silicon blobs on the turned wooden bars. I have kept a lot of the smashed mirror, it may come in handy on future art projects. Glued up any loose bars and other bits. Gave the whole thing a light sand to get rid of any bumps and rough patches and then a bit of a wash to get the last 50 years or so dirt off it.

I went for a little cruise and ordered the new mirror called by Mr Ply & Wood and picked up a sheet of 7mm ply and back to the bat cave. Cut out the one piece backing plate and pre drilled and screwed. Sanded and cleaned the shutters and hey presto the new mirror is ready for pick up, out and back. Mixed up a little touch up paint from some sticky under coat mixed with a little Budgie Blue paint, brush on any plain wood spots and blot off with a wet rag. Beuwdiful.

So I just have to put one recycled hinge on in the morning slip the mirror in and screw the back on, done!

Photos are pretty ordinary sorry. Will take a few more once I get finished tomorrow.

[Claw Hama]

Added an auxilary hinge, installed the new piece of mirror and screwed the new back board into place. Added another couple of long screws into the frame and its right to go home.
The clients appeared, had a good look at there stabalised window mirror thingy, paid and headed off home very happy. I may have to go to their house to hang it for them in a week or so. Anyway another job done and dusted.

[wheelinround]

I swear I posted a comment yesterday

I would have liked to see it all cleaned up and refreshed but obviously the clients want it just the way it is.

An interesting piece none the less one which makes me feel I have seen it or similar somewhere before. I like the security bars effect.

At this rate it will be finished this afternoon

[Claw Hama]

Hi Ray, finished and gone yesterday, it was realy just stablisation and didn't have to make it look better as such. They took it home and sat in the room its to live in and thought it was great so again if the customer is happy I'm happy

On to the next project, I have another dining table to make and a pedistal for a small bronze statue of St Mary Mackillop for the convent at Lochinvar. Have to find the right piece of timber for that one though.

[Sawdust Maker]

Quick job there CH

Re Saint MM pedestal you'll have to get something that has been chewed by worms or beetles ...
So it's nice and holy!

I'll be excommunicated for that

[Claw Hama]

You're not too far from where we're heading with that Nick.
I'm looking for a free pass through this job.

[wheelinround]

I am sure Mal would have a nice stump down the paddock somewhere only need a short one she wasn't tall I believe.

[Claw Hama]

I have aquired a couple of pieces already, the advantage of carring a chainsaw in the back of the Jeep. Cuts down on people honking the the horn too if they can see the blade poking up past the back window.

[Sawdust Maker]

I have aquired a couple of pieces already, the advantage of carring a chainsaw in the back of the Jeep. Cuts down on people honking the the horn too if they can see the blade poking up past the back window.

So I should get a spare blade n chain and poke it out the back window!

[Claw Hama]

No one messes with a man who has a chainsaw

[NCArcher]

Maybe you could get an old gun carriage from Fort Scratchley.
She is being CANONised

Nice quick job on the blue thing.