Any way it's done is okay with me, though the clear finish would be pretty.

Cari

I had a tail piece from the same redwood 2 x 4, so I decided to cut it in half and use the 2 x 2 pieces for the mitered blocks under the center circle. They're a better match. I wasn't happy with the color variation between the two pieces and didn't notice until too late.

(Leftover Piece)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]548313[/ATTACH]

(2 x 4 Split In Half)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]548314[/ATTACH]

(Better Blocks)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]548315[/ATTACH]

I like this much better. Using the very same piece of wood, while requiring a little more effort, assures a good color match. I'll make a mental note of this, in case this ever comes up again.

Now, I'm not happy with the dark screws and think maybe the center circle should be a little larger, just for looks. Maybe nickel plated screws. I'll keep working on these details.

I was supposed to be sanding by now, but got side-tracked with the color of the blocks. So it still needs to be sanded and finished with something. Some of you have suggested a clear satin finish, so I think I may try that. I'll post a picture of it when I get that done.

John

I disassembled the stand completely into its seven pieces to do a final sanding, first medium, then fine. After that, I applied two coats of satin Deft to each piece. Since redwood is very porous, the first coat soaked in very quickly. The second coat sealed the surface much better. After the second coat dried, I used steel wool to smooth the surface to an almost glass-like feel. A final coat of satin Deft produced the finish shown below.

(Redwood Base Satin Deft)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]548548[/ATTACH]

I replaced the black screws in the support blocks under the center circle with plated ones. I think the silver color looks better with the natural wood finish. They now match the lag screws used on each end.

I couldn't resist painting the center circle white, as an accent.

More soon,

John (OurWorkbench)

I really like that. I'm hoping this week to start planning my new shed/shop, so the timing looks good for both.

Cari

You are an artist, for sure. The finish looks terrific

John, thank you for the stain info I got today. Really anything you have or like put on it. I am not picky just thought the wood looked great. If they are all painted go ahead and paint mine too as I don't really care, just happy to get it.

SECOND SWING FRAME

I had a fun and productive day at the welding shop. I'm very pleased with the results of the second metal swing frame I had him weld using the holding jig that I made. The effort in the jig was worth it as the frame turned out perfectly. Everything straight and square. The raw metal frame is shown below.

(Second Swing Frame)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]548871[/ATTACH]

(Swing Frame Bottom)
[ATTACH=CONFIG]548872[/ATTACH]

This swing frame has the holes spaced half an inch differently than the original frame. I want to test the balancing compared to the first frame.

It needs a cleaning and paint. I should know more soon from the test. I'll post what I find.

John

Nice...looks perfect.
The first thing that occurred to me:
Duplicating the bottom picture in watercolor or ink would be a great exercise to hone one's painting skills.
Not to mention rendering perspective.

WOW fantastic! And if I can comment again on the gig, Awesome & Amazing!!!

Sincerely

"gig", well, I can't make one, nor spell it! Meant jig