I Can't Believe My Eye's

The Oberwerk is really moving forward and it is starting to bring Opus 1 together. With that said, it should be no surprise that I spent this weekend moving forward on the Oberwerk box. As I started piecing everything together, I did run into some issues that I had to work around.

Gluing the two pedal boxes to the main case

After I created the two pedal boxes for the "pointed" pipe set, I noticed that the triangle shapes were not lining up with the pipes. I decided to cut off those triangles and make separate ones that I will glue on later, making sure that everything lines up. You can notice this in the above picture. You may also notice that the dowel support proved to be a success rather than using wooden planks.

Completed Box

Of course I was multitasking while piecing this box together. I went ahead and made the pipe guides for the "pointed pipes" as well as for the "round" pipes. I was running into a similar problem that I faced when making the guide for the pedal pipes. This time, the holes are SO close together, the guide ended up breaking. So, I decided to keep the drilled holes to the lowest common diameter, which was 1/4in. For those pipe diameters bigger than that, I went ahead and sanded down the ends to fit such a hole. Once in place, I poured glue on the top and let it dry.

After all this was complete, I started sealing all the Oberwerk pipes with sanding sealer. They now have enough coats on them to start priming and painting the pipes. However, I do need to shave down some wood on the guide for the "flat" pipes so to fit in their respected area in the case.

Overall View

Close Up

The above pictures shows a very dry fit of the pipes. You can tell, even from the empty spaces, that I need to do some custom fitting for those flat pipes. The larger molding, like the pedal boxes, will be attached flush with the top box. That is why there is such a big gap from the top of the big case to the actual pipes. As for the two side wings, the large molding will rest on top. The smaller molding will be flush up against the bottom of the case, thus connecting the bottom keydesk section to the Oberwerk.

The only thing I neglected is the bottom molding for the two pedal cases. I don't know what it is with the molding that makes me a little hesitant. Maybe because each and every piece is custom fit that it takes a little more time and patience. Either way, its safe to say that I'll need to buy another pack of small molding and another long piece of the large molding to finish the overall project.

This week, I plan to start designing the grill work for the Oberwerk division. At the same time, I hope to fit those flat pipes into their respected area of the Oberwerk case. Like the subject says, I cannot believe my eyes. This project is really starting to take shape which leaves me very excited and optimistic about the rest of the project.

Since Halloween is approaching, I end this post with one of Bach's famous compositions that is typically played during this time. Yes, his Toccata and Fugue in d-minor. The toccata is more famous that the fugue as it is played more. Since the toccata is so overplayed, I don't care for it that much. For those who know me well, they would think that I just blasphemed by saying I don't care for one of Bach's pieces. It's nice, but I'd rather listen to others. The fugue, however, is beautiful and I would much rather listen to the fugue than the toccata.



The piece is played on the Great Organ in the Town Hall of Sydney, Australia. This is one of only two organs in the world with a full length 64ft pipe, the Contra Trombone. (Check it out!)This organ is certainly on my "bucket list" of organs to play before I die. To find out more about this beautiful instrument, visit my website!

A Step in the Right Direction

This past weekend was completely free and devoted to the project. Due to this, I have made some great progress! During this past week, I went ahead and painted the top molding. This was just to get it some sort of base coat as I will have to repaint it once they are glued onto the pedal boxes. On Friday, I glued them to their respective pedal boxes

Left and Right Top Moldings Respectively

Now, onto the fun stuff. I planned on continuing with the construction of the Oberwerk division. Looking at all the pieces, I decided to start by gluing the center box together that will hold the 10in pipes.

The side and it's center support

Completed resting on the base that it will be attached to

At the same time, I decided to make a sheet to cover the top of the molding. I was not going to do this as I already put on on when the box was put together. However, seeing the top of the molding and all the pieces, I thought it would be best.

Gluing the top skin to the left pedal case

A before and after with and without the top skin

I did a lot of multitasking. So, amidst all this, i glued the small pipes for the Oberwerk division. I originally was going to make a flat guide with holes in it to insert the pipes. However, since the pipes are so close together, the guide broke every time. So, I decided to glue them against a 1/16in thick piece of wood. I will probably glue a thicker piece of wood onto that, which would then get "wedged" in place and glued.

"Flat" pipes for the Obwerwerk division

Last but certainly not least, I continued piecing together the Oberwerk box.I'm up to the point where I need to glue the sides to it. Afterward, I can go ahead and make the individual chambers for the above pipes.

After I make the console area, the Oberwerk will be slightly higher than how it is positioned in this photograph.

Indeed, I would say that it was a VERY PRODUCTIVE weekend. I'm excited and pleased with how everything is coming out. During the week, I will paint the top molding and skin. Next weekend, I will begin cutting the bottom molding for the pedal division and hopefully paint and glue them in place. Not to mention continuing with the construction of the Oberwerk division.

Also, a small change in how I will construct the small chambers for the Oberwerk. Currently, I have 1/4 think wood that will support the horizontal "floor" for the small pipes. However, I thought it would be easier to cut thick dowel's and use that as support. I had some spare 1/2in diameter dowel's that I have cut to length. Once I finish the overall construction, I will get the final dimensions for each small chamber and glue them in place.

Thanks again for taking the time to check up on my status. 436 views from people all accros the globe! The joys of the internet! Thank you.

A Very "Organ"ized Weekend

This weekend completely revolved around the pipe organ, and not necessarily around this project. On Saturday, I went up to Gainesville, FL to visit my Alma Mater - The University of Florida! The organ studio, which I was a part of throughout my four years at the university, presented a Pipe Organ Demonstration. These are better referred to as "POD's." This event, which happens once a semester, explains exactly what an organ is and how it works. The beautiful Andrew Anderson Memorial Pipe Organ, located in the University Auditorium, is used for such an event. It was during my time that these POD's were first started and it gives students at the University,  as well as anyone in the greater Gainesville area, a venue to learn more about the pipe organ. Afterward, there was a Master's recital by one of the students.Everything was a great success.

Andrew Anderson Memorial Pipe Organ - V/99 (5,396 pipes)

It was very refreshing to be back at the university, especially with the studio under the direction of Dr. Laura Ellis. I'm very fond of the Anderson organ mainly because it was the instrument I studied upon. The first performance on the instrument was in 1923 and built by the Skinner Organ Company. The instrument has an extensive history, which I researched during my time as a student. Information about the organ can be found on my website: The King of Instruments

Today was centered around the project and I certainly got some stuff done. First and foremost, all the top molding for both pedal divisions have been cut!!!!! It really is a pain, as each piece is custom fit. Even after gluing them onto the case, I will still need to use some putty to fill in some gaps. As it stands, I will give a base coat of the red on the molding then glue it on. Once it's in place and I fill in any gaps, I will finish painting the molding. This will be done next weekend...hopefully.

Since I finished turning down all the pipes for the Hauptwerk Division, I proceeded to put the mouths on all the pipes. The total count now, if my calculations are correct, Opus 1 contains 171 pipes!!

Pipes for the Center Section of the Hauptwerk Division

Last but not least, I went ahead and created the base for the Oberwerk. This is the next step in starting to put together the entire case. I first glued the three pieces together that create the base.

I then, for added strength, traced the shape onto the 1/64 Birch Pine sheet and glued it to the bottom. This will only add to the strength for these three pieces. Remember, this entire case will rest upon another support which contains the keydesk.

I would say that it was a successful weekend. Now, let's see what this week brings!

What an Accomplishment!

First, let me start by saying that last Friday was two months to the date that I made my first post. (In the Beginning) What do I have to show for the past two months...well, let's take a look at where I'm at!

After touching up the pedal towers, I was finally ready to start gluing the pipes in along with both grills. I went ahead and positioned the bottom guides in first so that the bottom tips of each pipe can press up against it, thus keeping the round shape. Then, added a few shims to the top to make sure those pipes were in good.

The end result by Saturday night

Sunday morning came and I got right to it! I finished the gluing process and was very happy how it turned out. 

While the glue was drying, I started cutting all the stock for the Oberwerk division. With the new table saw blade, it went very smooth.

Proof that I'm actually building this thing!

By the end of the day, I have completed 98% of all the raw stock. I need to get some 1in think wood as well as another large 1/4in piece of wood for the back support.

...and it all fits conveniently in a tote! (Most of it anyway...)

Before I closed up shop, I started to take a closer look at the molding. Eariler, I discovered a flaw with how I was cutting the angles. I will have to remake the bottom molding due to this. I'll dry fit the pieces with "sticky-tack" to see if I'm going in the right direction or need to remove some more wood. Once I'm comfortable with the cut border pieces, I will paint them just enough for them to start matching the rest of the case. Then, I will glue them on, fill in the cracks and do some sanding. Lastly, I will give the completed molding one more coat. I'll have to be extremely careful, as I don't want any red on the grill or pipes.

As I come to the close of the day and preparing myself to what will be a busy week at work, I want to take this moment to pray for my brother seminarians at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary (Boynton Beach, FL) and St. John Vianney College Seminary (Miami, FL) as they enter or are about to enter midterm exams. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Good luck!

Anticipation

Dry Fit