"Your speed doesn't matter. Forward is forward." ~ Unknown
The shop smells of sealer and stain - low VOC of course.
The weather has finally warmed to the point I can stain the wood panels which will make up the tabletop for my custom work table. The shop is an unheated space. Actually it has a gas wall heater but I refuse to leave that running - too much of a fire hazard. For the sealer and stain to set properly the temperature had to be at least 55. I know we're in Alabama, but it still gets cold, so I've been patiently waiting.
The sealer and stain is from Sutherland Welles. I went with the Interior Polymerized Tung Oil Sealer and the Old World Concentrated Stain in Antique Maple. Tung oil has been used for centuries to waterproof items such as sails of ships and finish furniture. Obtained from the nuts of the Tung Tree, the oil was shipped from overseas (usually China) until Tung Plantations were started in the US in the Gulf States. Following Hurricane Camilla in 1969, the American Tung Plantations were destroyed, resulting in having to import the oil once again.
The application was smooth, using a 3" brush. For the stain, I mixed 1 tablespoon of stain with 4.5 tablespoons of sealant. I sanded between each coat using an orbital sander with #220 grit paper. The rich color after two applications of stain is perfect, exactly what I was looking to achieve. Paired with the truffle color of the apron and legs, this table is going to be a beautiful piece of furniture. At 4'x 8' it will be assembled in place as it won't fit through a doorway.
The slow and steady approach is the only achievable goal I have right now - to keep moving forward. The cold weather and the monsoon season of Alabama in Spring is always detrimental to my joints already affected by SLE. I get frustrated and frequently remind myself that I am:
- One person
- Working a stressful full-time job
- Balancing off time with several things that need to be done
- Still having time to rest and recuperate from stress.
I take photos and keep time sheets to show myself not only progress and how much time I have invested in making the changes to my space. In addition to working, I also knock some books off the list of "Want to Read" by listening to audiobooks while I work. Currently, I'm listening to "A Secret Garden" a classic favorite, but I have several more on the list. Hopefully, I can remember to call my local library and obtain my password (which I've long forgotten) to be able to load the Libby App and get books on my Kindle that way.
I'm leaving you with another picture, a testament to the idea that all creatures need love, even dogs. This is a photo of Duke and Cookie asleep, but purposefully touching each other in their sleep.
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