All

As I mentioned in passing a week or so ago, the younger daughter had to
build a bridge as her final projects in physics.  She chose a classic
trestle design (from a bridge in Baltimore I think).  We went to the
hardware store, guesstimated our needs (typical galoot project, huh?), and
bought some basswood and balsa wood.  Once we got home and started laying
out the components, and figuring the cuts, we realized we needed more wood
(again, typical).  So I started her cutting and gluing the pieces we had,
and went back to the store.  Of course, they were out of stock on the sizes
we needed, so had to buy bigger stock (again, typical).  Once we got the
few main pieces cut glued and clamped up, using all my available
lightweight clamps (again, typical), she got sidetracked (again, typical).
She decided some embellishment on the base might be nice, maybe carving or
stamping some words or dates into the standards.  So, I set her up with
some basswood blocks and the carving chisels, and away she went (again,
typical).  I took a nap (again, typical).  When I woke, she was still side
tracked on carving, and not on the 2nd round of glue ups (again, typical).
Got her back on track, and a bridge got built.  There were a few course
corrections and design changes along the way (again, typical), and
execution not being able to meet design standards (again, typical).  We
spent most of Sunday and a little time Monday on it.  Finished it well
ahead of schedule (not typical), but we thought we had a much shorter
timeline to due date.

The weigh off was today, the criteria to win, most weight held / bridge
weight, while spanning 2 benches.  She tied on the most weight held, but
the other girl's bridge was smaller and lighter.

Then, being the daredevil that she is, she asked me "Do you think the
bridge is strong enough to let a small person stand on it."  I assumed she
meant in spanning mode, so said no, only about 20#.  But, once she had her
grade, she was free to experiment.  With the bridge on the floor, it
finally failed at, 243 pounds.  One of the cross pieces let go, not quite
enough glue, the balsa fractured.  I was AMAZED it held that much.

My contribution to the project: Loaning tools and explaining how to best
use them, holding pieces while clamping, little bit of engineering and
geometry review, and financial backing

Tools used: mini miter box and razor saw, all my little clamps and some
clothes pins, small squares, Incra marking tool, dividers, drafting
triangle, sandpaper, Titebond
Diversion tools used but not part of project, carving gouges, mallets,
safety glove.

A few pics here
http://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Carly-Bridge-Project/23135936_Krh7zW#!i=1863802019&k=kgGBJx7

-- 
Kirk Eppler in Half Moon Bay, CA
------------------------------------------------------------------------

On 5/23/2012 11:15 AM, Kirk Eppler wrote:
> All
>
> As I mentioned in passing a week or so ago, the younger daughter had to
> build a bridge as her final projects in physics.  She chose a classic
> trestle design (from a bridge in Baltimore I think).  We went to the
> hardware store, guesstimated our needs (typical galoot project, huh?), and
> bought some basswood and balsa wood.  Once we got home and started laying
> out the components, and figuring the cuts, we realized we needed more wood
> (again, typical).  So I started her cutting and gluing the pieces we had,
> and went back to the store.  Of course, they were out of stock on the sizes
> we needed, so had to buy bigger stock (again, typical).  Once we got the
> few main pieces cut glued and clamped up, using all my available
> lightweight clamps (again, typical), she got sidetracked (again, typical).
> She decided some embellishment on the base might be nice, maybe carving or
> stamping some words or dates into the standards.  So, I set her up with
> some basswood blocks and the carving chisels, and away she went (again,
> typical).  I took a nap (again, typical).  When I woke, she was still side
> tracked on carving, and not on the 2nd round of glue ups (again, typical).
> Got her back on track, and a bridge got built.  There were a few course
> corrections and design changes along the way (again, typical), and
> execution not being able to meet design standards (again, typical).  We
> spent most of Sunday and a little time Monday on it.  Finished it well
> ahead of schedule (not typical), but we thought we had a much shorter
> timeline to due date.
>
> The weigh off was today, the criteria to win, most weight held / bridge
> weight, while spanning 2 benches.  She tied on the most weight held, but
> the other girl's bridge was smaller and lighter.
>
> Then, being the daredevil that she is, she asked me "Do you think the
> bridge is strong enough to let a small person stand on it."  I assumed she
> meant in spanning mode, so said no, only about 20#.  But, once she had her
> grade, she was free to experiment.  With the bridge on the floor, it
> finally failed at, 243 pounds.  One of the cross pieces let go, not quite
> enough glue, the balsa fractured.  I was AMAZED it held that much.
>
> My contribution to the project: Loaning tools and explaining how to best
> use them, holding pieces while clamping, little bit of engineering and
> geometry review, and financial backing
>
> Tools used: mini miter box and razor saw, all my little clamps and some
> clothes pins, small squares, Incra marking tool, dividers, drafting
> triangle, sandpaper, Titebond
> Diversion tools used but not part of project, carving gouges, mallets,
> safety glove.
>
> A few pics here
>
http://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Carly-Bridge-Project/23135936_Krh7zW#!i=1863802019&k=kgGBJx7
>
>
>
You both earned some pride there!
Don

-- 
I have tried too in my time, to be a philosopher; but I don't know how, 
cheerfulness was always breaking in. - Oliver Edwards
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Excellent story! Fine use of tools and clearly a well trained GIT tomake
a father proud. Can't see the carving though.

Michael S-thinking the next generation of Galoots just might be a
bunchof girls.

Then, being the daredevil that she is, she asked me "Do you think the
bridge is strong enough to let a small person stand on it." I assumedshe
meant in spanning mode, so said no, only about 20#. But, once she hadher
grade, she was free to experiment. With the bridge on the floor, it
finally failed at, 243 pounds. One of the cross pieces let go, notquite
enough glue, the balsa fractured. I was AMAZED it held that much.

My contribution to the project: Loaning tools and explaining how to best
use them, holding pieces while clamping, little bit of engineering and
geometry review, and financial backing

Tools used: mini miter box and razor saw, all my little clamps and some
clothes pins, small squares, Incra marking tool, dividers, drafting
triangle, sandpaper, Titebond Diversion tools used but not part of
project, carving gouges, mallets, safety glove.

A few pics here http://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Carly-Bridge-
Project/23135936_Krh7zW#!i=1863802019&k=kgGBJx7

--
Kirk Eppler in Half Moon Bay, CA
------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Way to go Carly & Kirk. Great project and astounding results!

Bill

On May 23, 2012, at 1:15 PM, Kirk Eppler wrote:

> All
> 
> As I mentioned in passing a week or so ago, the younger daughter had to
> build a bridge as her final projects in physics.  She chose a classic
> trestle design (from a bridge in Baltimore I think).  We went to the
> hardware store, guesstimated our needs (typical galoot project, huh?), and
> bought some basswood and balsa wood.  Once we got home and started laying
> out the components, and figuring the cuts, we realized we needed more wood
> (again, typical).  So I started her cutting and gluing the pieces we had,
> and went back to the store.  Of course, they were out of stock on the sizes
> we needed, so had to buy bigger stock (again, typical).  Once we got the
> few main pieces cut glued and clamped up, using all my available
> lightweight clamps (again, typical), she got sidetracked (again, typical).
> She decided some embellishment on the base might be nice, maybe carving or
> stamping some words or dates into the standards.  So, I set her up with
> some basswood blocks and the carving chisels, and away she went (again,
> typical).  I took a nap (again, typical).  When I woke, she was still side
> tracked on carving, and not on the 2nd round of glue ups (again, typical).
> Got her back on track, and a bridge got built.  There were a few course
> corrections and design changes along the way (again, typical), and
> execution not being able to meet design standards (again, typical).  We
> spent most of Sunday and a little time Monday on it.  Finished it well
> ahead of schedule (not typical), but we thought we had a much shorter
> timeline to due date.
> 
> The weigh off was today, the criteria to win, most weight held / bridge
> weight, while spanning 2 benches.  She tied on the most weight held, but
> the other girl's bridge was smaller and lighter.
> 
> Then, being the daredevil that she is, she asked me "Do you think the
> bridge is strong enough to let a small person stand on it."  I assumed she
> meant in spanning mode, so said no, only about 20#.  But, once she had her
> grade, she was free to experiment.  With the bridge on the floor, it
> finally failed at, 243 pounds.  One of the cross pieces let go, not quite
> enough glue, the balsa fractured.  I was AMAZED it held that much.
> 
> My contribution to the project: Loaning tools and explaining how to best
> use them, holding pieces while clamping, little bit of engineering and
> geometry review, and financial backing
> 
> Tools used: mini miter box and razor saw, all my little clamps and some
> clothes pins, small squares, Incra marking tool, dividers, drafting
> triangle, sandpaper, Titebond
> Diversion tools used but not part of project, carving gouges, mallets,
> safety glove.
> 
> A few pics here
>
http://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Carly-Bridge-Project/23135936_Krh7zW#!i=1863802019&k=kgGBJx7
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Kirk Eppler in Half Moon Bay, CA
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
> 
> To change your subscription options:
> http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
> 
> To read the FAQ:
> http://swingleydev.com/archive/faq.html
> 
> OldTools archive: http://swingleydev.com/archive/
> 
> OldTools@r...
> http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools

------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Wed, May 23, 2012 at 1:15 PM, Kirk Eppler wrote:

> The weigh off was today, the criteria to win, most weight held / 
> bridge
> weight, while spanning 2 benches.  She tied on the most weight held, 
> but
> the other girl's bridge was smaller and lighter.
>
> Then, being the daredevil that she is, she asked me "Do you think the
> bridge is strong enough to let a small person stand on it."  With the 
> bridge on the floor, it
> finally failed at, 243 pounds.  One of the cross pieces let go, not 
> quite
> enough glue, the balsa fractured.  I was AMAZED it held that much.
>
> A few pics here
> 
>
http://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Carly-Bridge-Project/23135936_Krh7zW#!i=1863802019&k=kgGBJx7

I look forward to seeing the pictures tonight (they block a lot of stuff 
here at work), but this is awesome!

Ed
------------------------------------------------------------------------

I helped my nephew a few years ago on something similar to this.  His
father, who is an engineer, kept trying to "over-design" the thing so
somehow, my nephew asked me to help him.  We kind if went more on instinct
than anything else.  We were also very surprised at how much the bridge
would hold.  I don't remember hour much, but it was in the 200 lb range.
Lots of fun too.

Doc
On May 23, 2012 3:19 PM, "Ed Bell" <neanderman@f...> wrote:

>
> On Wed, May 23, 2012 at 1:15 PM, Kirk Eppler wrote:
>
>  The weigh off was today, the criteria to win, most weight held / bridge
>> weight, while spanning 2 benches.  She tied on the most weight held, but
>> the other girl's bridge was smaller and lighter.
>>
>> Then, being the daredevil that she is, she asked me "Do you think the
>> bridge is strong enough to let a small person stand on it."  With the
>> bridge on the floor, it
>> finally failed at, 243 pounds.  One of the cross pieces let go, not quite
>> enough glue, the balsa fractured.  I was AMAZED it held that much.
>>
>> A few pics here
>>
>> http://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/**Woodworking/Carly-Bridge-**
>>
Project/23135936_Krh7zW#!i=**1863802019&k=kgGBJx7<http://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Carly-Bridge-Project/23135936_Krh7zW#!i=1863802019&k=kgGBJx7>
>>
>
> I look forward to seeing the pictures tonight (they block a lot of stuff
> here at work), but this is awesome!
>
> Ed
> ------------------------------**------------------------------**
> ------------
> OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
>
> To change your subscription options:
>
http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/**mailman/listinfo/oldtools<http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools>
>
> To read the FAQ:
>
http://swingleydev.com/**archive/faq.html<http://swingleydev.com/archive/faq.html>
>
> OldTools archive:
http://swingleydev.com/**archive/<http://swingleydev.com/archive/>
>
> OldTools@r...**edu <OldTools@r...>
>
http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/**mailman/listinfo/oldtools<http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What, Kirk?  Those timbers weren't mortised, tenoned and pegged?

Beautiful story!  Congratulations on having such a fine daughter and on 
her most excellent project results.

Always over-build 'em, says I.  No complaints ever come from that!

-bh

On 5/23/2012 12:45 PM, nicknaylo@a... wrote:
> Excellent story! Fine use of tools and clearly a well trained GIT to 
> make a father proud.  Can't see the carving though.
>
> Michael S-thinking the next generation of Galoots just might be a 
> bunch of girls.
>
> Then, being the daredevil that she is, she asked me "Do you think the
> bridge is strong enough to let a small person stand on it."  I assumed 
> she
> meant in spanning mode, so said no, only about 20#.  But, once she had 
> her
> grade, she was free to experiment.  With the bridge on the floor, it
> finally failed at, 243 pounds.  One of the cross pieces let go, not quite
> enough glue, the balsa fractured.  I was AMAZED it held that much.
>
> My contribution to the project: Loaning tools and explaining how to best
> use them, holding pieces while clamping, little bit of engineering and
> geometry review, and financial backing
>
> Tools used: mini miter box and razor saw, all my little clamps and some
> clothes pins, small squares, Incra marking tool, dividers, drafting
> triangle, sandpaper, Titebond
> Diversion tools used but not part of project, carving gouges, mallets,
> safety glove.
>
> A few pics here
>
http://kirkhmb.smugmug.com/Woodworking/Carly-Bridge-Project/23135936_Krh7zW#!i=1863802019&k=kgGBJx7

>
>
>
>
> -- 
> Kirk Eppler in Half Moon Bay, CA
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> OldTools is a mailing list catering to the interests of hand tool
> aficionados, both collectors and users, to discuss the history, usage,
> value, location, availability, collectibility, and restoration of
> traditional handtools, especially woodworking tools.
>
> To change your subscription options:
> http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
>
> To read the FAQ:
> http://swingleydev.com/archive/faq.html
>
> OldTools archive: http://swingleydev.com/archive/
>
> OldTools@r...
> http://ruckus.law.cornell.edu/mailman/listinfo/oldtools
>

-- 
Bob Hutchins
Temple, TX, USA
Preserving ASCII art with every post

    \|||/
   ( © © )
ooO_(..)_Ooo_______ _________
_____|_____| _____|___ __|____
___|____|___ __|_____| _____|_
Kilroy Was Here!

------------------------------------------------------------------------