Author Archives: Greg Merritt

Boxing Up the Scrap Pile

Posted on September 14, 2014 by Greg Merritt

The HB Tansu project that I just finished, made good use of the lumber that I purchased.  I designed it so that it would generate a minimum of scrap based on what is available at the Big Box stores.  Even so … Continue reading →

Posted in 8-Miscellaneous | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Meat Powered Bamboo Peg Cutting Machine

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Greg Merritt

The Hillbilly Daiku proudly presents: The Meat Powered Bamboo Peg Cutting Machine  While researching tansu I noted that the drawers where typically pegged together.  I little further research turned up a couple of videos, here and here, that showed these … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Hillbilly Tansu Joinery | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Bench Upgrade and Maintenance

Posted on September 7, 2014 by Greg Merritt

My shop time was limited this weekend.  There was grass to mow and several other household related things that needed doing.  Since I just completed a fairly large project, I’ve been making notes.  Some have to do with the construction … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Tools | 11 Comments

Solutions Present when You Least Expect

Posted on September 2, 2014 by Greg Merritt

I just completed the first Hillbilly Tansu and I’ve been evaluating all aspects of the project.  In truth I’m picking my work apart.  Those of us who create or build things tend to be most critical of our own work. … Continue reading →

Posted in Design, Knot Tying | 3 Comments

HB Tansu Progress-12-Completed

Posted on August 31, 2014 by Greg Merritt

Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye.  On this, the 31st day in the year 2014, the first iteration of the Hillbilly Tansu has been completed.  🙂 I started with an idea born from my admiration of the Japanese frame and … Continue reading →

Posted in Hillbilly Tansu-000 | Tagged | 10 Comments

HB Tansu Progress-11

Posted on August 30, 2014 by Greg Merritt

By all rights I should have been able to complete this project today.  However, the heat and humidity ran me out of the shop around mid-day.Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler and I should be able to apply the finishing … Continue reading →

Posted in Hillbilly Tansu-000 | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

HB Tansu Progress-10

Posted on August 29, 2014 by Greg Merritt

I took a day of vacation today so that I could squeeze out a four-day weekend with Monday’s holiday.  Today’s plans included only two things.  Install the handles and build the sliding doors for the HB Tansu.  Simple and easy….not so much. … Continue reading →

Posted in Hillbilly Tansu-000 | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

HB Tansu Progress-9

Posted on August 27, 2014 by Greg Merritt

All the drawers are fitted, the bead detail is applied, have an initial coat of finish and the knotted pulls are installed.  Not much to report as to the process.  Just more of the same that was involved in drawer no.1. … Continue reading →

Posted in Hillbilly Tansu-000 | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

My Thoughts on Liquid Hide Glue

Posted on August 25, 2014 by Greg Merritt

When I designed the Hillbilly Tansu, I made a concerted effort to make it modular.  Even so, it became apparent that glue-ups would be challenging.  Lots of joints needed to be seated with each stage of construction.  Experience tells me … Continue reading →

Posted in Hide Glue, Thoughts-Views | Tagged , | 16 Comments

HB Tansu Progress-8

Posted on August 24, 2014 by Greg Merritt

I wasn’t completely satisfied with the joinery at the rear of my first drawer.  I spent most of Friday evening trying to come up with a better layout.  I also wanted to make assembling the drawer easier.  The pegging system … Continue reading →

Posted in Hillbilly Tansu-000 | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments