Rikon Install

I spent this past weekend setting up and installing the new drill press and bandsaw that was generously donated to the show by Rikon tools.  I can't thank Jack Bransfield enough for his support of the show.

The band saw is Rikons model 10-325 14" Deluxe Band  saw.  This is a very solid, well built machine.  It has an 8" re-saw capacity.  The drill press is a 13" bench top model.  The machine runs quiet and smoothly.

Cape Town

The show has recently been picked up by a station in South Africa called Cape Town TV.

It airs on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The station broadcasts to more than 2,000,000 homes.

Christmas in April

 Christmas came early today.

Three large boxes were delivered to my door today compliments of Jim Krueger, the president and CEO of Pony/Jorgenson Tools.  Joe donated some clamps to the show.  I can't thank Joe enough.  The clamps are fantastic, especially the 90 degree parallel bar clamp called 'Cabinet Master'.  The clamp bars stay upright while gluing because of the built in supports and the jaws keep your material even at 90 degrees.  They have a quick action release, making clamping and gluing procedures much easier.

Thanks again Joe'

WSBE

This past week I received my agreement with WBSE, Rhode Island PBS in the mail.  WSBE has agreed to air thirteen episodes a season of the show 'The Garage with Steve Butler' for four seasons/years starting August 1st, 2014. I have only a couple of weeks to clean up the studio and rearrange the space.  I have some new equipment coming in courtesy of Rikon and Pony tools.  We start shooting the next episode on May 1st.  I'll be making a storage bench, re-using a cushion from a vintage ottoman I took apart. I'll be posting images of the project as it progresses.

  

The Big Freeze

I just couldn't wait. This past week the temperature finally reached  50 degrees outside. It's seems like it's been a very long winter this year so when the last patches of ice and snow finally melted I had to dig out all of the outdoor furniture I've made and set up the deck.  Just looking at it makes me feel warm.

The two round cafe tables are made from 4" x 4" post and a bulk head door that I used to cut two circular tops out of.  The two seater picnic table I built as a project for the show and the two Adirondack style chairs I built using the wood I got from an old bookcase I took apart.  The barn style doors on the shed in the background I made out of wood I got from some large pallets I took apart.  The wooden planter box on the left side of the deck I made as a project for the show.

Material Needs Exhibition

I'm involved in a group exhibition that will be held at Arts Worcester's Aurora gallery in September.

Last year I was one of eight people who received a material needs grant from Arts Worcester.  The grant is used to purchase materials for a project.  Each of us will then exhibit these pieces at the upcoming exhibition.

I am creating two round end tables.  The tables will taper, being larger at the top and narrower at the bottom.  The tables will be cladded in scrap metal pieces and then torched to create a beautiful patina.  The tops will be made out of mahogany.  I am re purposing two swivel bases I took off of a couple of old chairs that were thrown out and sitting on the roadside in New Jersey. The legs on the bases remind me of insects.  The metal cladding will look beetle like.  

Below are the swivel bases I'll be using.
The exhibition opens on September 12.
Please visit arts wocester to learn more about the exhibition and Arts Worcester.

      

Pony / Jorgensen tools has volunteered to help with the show by generously donating some product.

I can't thank these folks enough.  They will be sending some much needed clamps.

Thank you

Please check out their website at pony tools

for a list of great products

A television show such as 'The Garage wit Steve Butler' is costly to produce.

Materials need to be purchased for projects, equipment needs to be maintained.  All of these things add up.

Rikon power tools has generously donated some product for the show to help with our equipment needs.

Thank you
Visit rikon tools to see all of their great product