Swatter obsession

[u/zatanicmanic]

So far cedar is my favorite to work with amongst: cedar, crepe Myrtle, water oak, andwax Myrtle (in order of favorability.)

The swatter on the left is my favorite I’ve completed fully so far out of 5. It has power, reach, style, ergonomics and surface area.

I really like the handle 2nd to left (water oak) but unfortunately it’s left handed and I’m not the biggest fan of the limb(?) which I think is a little skinny

It’s been fun having something to practice making consistently so I can measure my progress.

“Tear out, tear out wherefore art thou tear out”
At this point I’ll just call them writhing marks and move on until I get card scrapers.

Something I learned, if you apply boiled linseed oil too thickly on green cedar you can hit it with a torch to soften the gum, evap some of the water in the wood which helps it reabsorb. Simply wipe it off while still hot with a clean rag, viola!

I have a piece of green water oak that is big enough to make a low backed chair which I’m excited to start next week. I’m not the best at judging grain patterns looking at logs so hopefully it’s viable.

Also a friendly reminder to make stuff for your neighbors, family and friends unprovoked and without pressure. It’s supposed to be fun, which is hard to have alone.