I need some help with a birthday project

[Michael_E_Tx]

Hi Harv. The main question I would have is how long has that log been laying around. A long time I hope. If not you'll start getting movement and shrinkage as soon as you cut it. Probably not too big a deal with blocks, but you will get checking, cracks that can open up pretty good in black walnut. I wouldn't be concerned with the child chewing on the black walnut as much as I would be concerned about chewing on whatever finish you put on them. I'm assuming you are planning on some kind of oil. I'd go with mineral oil or what they call salad bowl finish (also an oil). By the way, black walnut tastes really bad. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

The only thing that comes to mind about your pin and holes idea is swelling from humidity or even the possibility of getting wet from rain or some other source. Speaking of moisture, if it were me, I would definitely raise the grain on every surface of every block. Just dampen them with water, let them dry and then sand. They will look nicer in the first place and they will definitely wear better. Nothing shoots a nicely started "patina" than a little moisture to raise the grain.

Overall, your ideas have appeal. I might also suggest getting some of the log slabbed out thicker than 2'. Good luck if you decide to proceed.

Mike

 

[Michael_E_Tx]

Hi Harv. The main question I would have is how long has that log been laying around. A long time I hope. If not you'll start getting movement and shrinkage as soon as you cut it. Probably not too big a deal with blocks, but you will get checking, cracks that can open up pretty good in black walnut. I wouldn't be concerned with the child chewing on the black walnut as much as I would be concerned about chewing on whatever finish you put on them. I'm assuming you are planning on some kind of oil. I'd go with mineral oil or what they call salad bowl finish (also an oil). By the way, black walnut tastes really bad. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

The only thing that comes to mind about your pin and holes idea is swelling from humidity or even the possibility of getting wet from rain or some other source. Speaking of moisture, if it were me, I would definitely raise the grain on every surface of every block. Just dampen them with water, let them dry and then sand. They will look nicer in the first place and they will definitely wear better. Nothing shoots a nicely started "patina" than a little moisture to raise the grain.

Overall, your ideas have appeal. I might also suggest getting some of the log slabbed out thicker than 2'. Good luck if you decide to proceed.

Mike

 

[txdon]

Harvey here is a site that says it is poisonous to humans. But it does not say which part of the plant. Some other sites said that the poison, jugalone, is mostly in the roots, bark and hulls of the nuts.

 

[txdon]

Harvey here is a site that says it is poisonous to humans. But it does not say which part of the plant. Some other sites said that the poison, jugalone, is mostly in the roots, bark and hulls of the nuts.

 

[MarkV]

Harv, great idea but my mind is thinking that walnut is one of the woods that can cause skin irritation for some people. It may be a moot point with a good finish on it.

MarkV

 

[MarkV]

Harv, great idea but my mind is thinking that walnut is one of the woods that can cause skin irritation for some people. It may be a moot point with a good finish on it.

MarkV

 

[rox]

I do not get the idea of the holes and the rods and pins.

Is the child supposed to take the blocks shich ahve holes in them and kind of like beading a necklless put the blocks ont he rod? Where do the pins come in?

 

[rox]

I do not get the idea of the holes and the rods and pins.

Is the child supposed to take the blocks shich ahve holes in them and kind of like beading a necklless put the blocks ont he rod? Where do the pins come in?

 

[gotrocks]

I enjoy reading your post from time to time. This time I recognized the log and would have guessed black walnut. If you don't go with the blocks and rods (erector set???) how about finding a rocky horse plan and build a heirloom for the family.

 

[gotrocks]

I enjoy reading your post from time to time. This time I recognized the log and would have guessed black walnut. If you don't go with the blocks and rods (erector set???) how about finding a rocky horse plan and build a heirloom for the family.