A Secure Foundation

Let's asses the situation. This weekends goals:

1. Finish Ruckpositiv (glue skin, touch up paint, etc...)
2. Cut shelf to size
3. Cut choir loft molding to size
4. Experiment and different color stains for choir loft molding and corbels.
5. Stain shelf

For this week, I certainly got more of the set goals accomplished as compared to last week. All but number 5 has been done plus a little more. Let's take a look...

One thing I've forgotten to mention in the last few blogs concerns the base and the Oberwerk. Initially, I was going to use a latch to secure these two "modules" of Opus 1. However, after some thought, I've decided to glue the Oberwerk to the base/keydesk area. Before this is done, a few things need to be accomplished.

I cut up a piece of 2x4 and placed them in each corner of the base. I also threw in some of the wood left over in there as well, making the base "a secure foundation." When the shelf is made, this base will be screwed into the shelf. The screws will be screwed into these four corner blocks. After this is done, I will then permanently glue the Oberwerk to the base/keydesk module.

The four blocks will be used to mount this base to the shelf.

The finished Ruckpositiv (L), Oberwerk (C) and Hauptwerk (R)

Now that the Ruckpositiv is finished, this means that the organ as a whole is now 100% complete. What remains is all that needs to be done to the shelf and mount all the pieces together. Let's start with the preparations for the shelf.

I went ahead and cut the shelf to size, that being 24 inches long. Next came the preparations to cutting the 1.5 inch deep notch for the Ruckpositiv to fit into. After taking the appropriate measurements, out came the jig saw. With some instruction from my dad and practice on a test piece, the notch was cut out successfully and no blood was shed or finger lost! (I still cannot believe this!)

After some sanding, pilot holes will marked and drilled for the two corbels, the mounting brace for the Ruckpositiv as well as the four holes for the base/keydesk.

Ready...aim...FIRE!

Great Shot!

In the midst of all this, I went ahead and started staining some test pieces. With same strips of pine as the shelf, I stained one of them the pewter color that will be used predominately on the shelf. However, on another strip, I primed it with polycrylic first before using the pewter. As for the molding, I stained one the pewter color and the other "outside white." Next week, I will continue working with various staining methods until I have what I want for the "choir loft." The three solid stain colors I will be utilizing are the two just mentioned, pewter and outside white, along with ivory.

At the end of the day, I went ahead and dry-fitted everything together. I leave you with a montage of photos. Next week will be strictly devoted to figuring out my staining methods for the choir loft and applying those methods to the actual pieces.

Until next time...

Gloria in Excelsis Deo!!

Ash Wednesday is this week!  This means that the season of Lent will be upon us whereby we anxiously wait for Christ's resurrection on Easter day. However, amidst the Lenten themes of prayer, almsgiving, and mortification (penance), the construction of Opus 1 will continue! Now, how does this relate to what I have done this weekend? Well, I intended that the angels be attached to the Oberwerk by today, thus the subject title. (Latin: Glory to God in the Highest) However, I figured since the Gloria is omitted during Lent, I'll use this title now and think of another clever subject title that's more Lenten specific when they are attached.

First, I finished section 1 of the Hauptwerk by touching up the molding, along with creating the top skin. I then glued all three sections together. After the three sections became one unit, I went ahead and glued the bottom pipe shades for section 1. Just like that, the Hauptwerk is now finished!

I had considered gluing the Oberwerk to the console area/base. However, I'm thinking for future transportation, the more sections to break it up into, the better. This is why I didn't glue the Hauptwerk to the Oberwerk, which was my original plan. So, another idea came to me to secure each section of Opus 1 together...a clasp! Yes, a clasp will be used to secure the Oberwerk to the console area as well as the Hauptwerk to the Oberwerk. I found one that should work. However, I'm going to do some brief internet searching before finalizing on this option.

Center section of Opus 1

Possible Clasp

As for the angels, it should be apparent that they are next. I went ahead and created small dowel fixtures, cut at 30º and 60º angles at each side, to support and position each angel. After this is completed, I cannot believe I'm saying this, but it's time to start Ruckpositiv...the LAST division of Opus 1!! At the same time, the final base needs to be built. Instead of attaching the Ruckpositiv to the base of the console, It will be attached to the shelf. The shelf will then become part of the model. I wanted to shy away from this idea. However, I think in the long run, it is a good idea.

With that said, the end is certainly in sight. Until next time...

"Oh my, yes..." - Prof. H. J. Farnsworth

Touch Down! Goal!

Yes, It's Superbowl Sunday! I certainly scored a few touchdowns this weekend when it comes to Opus 1. When it comes to the actual sport in question, I don't care. Like I have always said, why do they call it "football" when you don't even use your feet? I side with those who like real football, or what we here in the US of A call soccer. But I digress...

The Hauptwerk (HW) is about 90% complete. I first glued the top pipe shades for the two section 1 modules. I also went ahead and cut, seal, prime and paint the bottom pipe shades for said section. They will get glued on once the entire HW is glued into place on top of the Oberwerk.

I then focused my attention to section 3 (center). The top and bottom grills needed to be glued in place. When it came for the molding, which all the parts were cut and ready to be glued, I noticed that the top grill was not completely tangent to the sharp corners where the molding is glued onto. Thankfully, everything worked out. As with all the molding, especially the larger kind, I needed to sand down some areas and add some wood filler.

Next came section 1. I went ahead and painted the small molding that will go at the top. I had to make the two small ends that made to section 2. (see picture above) They all fit together nicely. Although, I did need to use some wood filler on one of them.

After looking at the St. Bavo organ, some of the molding toward the top is very large. So, I decided to do a row of large molding on top of the small molding. This cuts were a little tricky as I needed to line them up with the corners of the current molding. I must admit, the are not completely proportional (respectively). However, the sides that matter - the outermost side - both came out the way I wanted it to.

Yes, pretty large, wouldn't you agree? Next weekend, I need to do a bit of sanding and re-painting for both of them. Afterward, I will make a skin for the top.

Stepping back and looking what I have accomplished in just a little under SIX MONTHS is quite impressive. I need to remind myself sometimes that this entire undertaking is a first for me. As I progress with the model, I think, "Oh, I should have done that like this!" or, "I should have used this material and not that material" or even, "Damn it's crooked! I'm Ray Charles when it comes to cutting wood!" 

Either way, I can honestly pat myself on the back and admire my work for something so original as this model. It is certainly playing a big role during this chapter of my life. It symbolizes many things, some that I cannot even articulate. That is, ultimately, the creative spirit in all of us. Such expressions of creativity keep the mind and imagination going. Any medium, i.e., music, painting, dance, exercise, cooking, gardening, creative writing, etc., assist us in our journey in life. The gifts that God has given each and every one of us help define our individuality. We must, in turn, use our gifts for good and direct them to the Good, God Himself, thus doing everything for the glory of His name. Every composition that J.S. Bach composed started with the initials J.J. for, "Jesu, Juva" (Jesus, help) and ended with S.D.G., or, "Soli Deo Gloria" (to God alone the glory).

Once again, I digress. Until next time...

The Hevenly Choir of Angels

Although I got a step ahead this weekend with the construction of the first two sections of the Hauptwerk division, I feel that not much was accomplished. Be that as it may, there are several little things that need mentioning. First, to reiterate, I went ahead and made the first two sections of the Hauptwerk division.

Section one (LT) and Section 2 (RT)

I was starting on section 3, which is the middle section, but I've been noticing that my blade is becoming more dull. It goes to show how much I've been using it. I'm at the same point before I bought this one, I'm pushing the wood through instead of the blade doing all the work. There are burn marks on the wood (which you can sort of see in the above picture). So, I went ahead and placed an order for another blade as well as some lubricant to preserve the life of the blade. I'm sure it will allow me to complete all my cutting for Opus 1.

Section 3 will reside in the center

I actually had to change my design slightly which affected this division. The reason is for the four angels that will go in the four "pockets"created between the top of the Oberwerk box and the bottom of the Hauptwerk division. The far left (LL) is created from the left pedal case, the top of the Oberwerk and the left side of the Hauptwerk (Section 1). The center left (CL) and center right (CR) are created from the Hauptwerk and the center section of the Oberwerk. The far right (RR) is created in a similar fasion as LL. You can sort of see them in the below picture.

Point two concerns the angels. Due to the specific size of these "compartments," it has been difficult to find angles that I like and are modeled after the ones on the Müller organ at St. Bavo. I found a company in Italy that does very nice woodworking. I've been communicating with him for the past week, seeing which ones would fit. I first ordered two 10cm angels for the CL and CR spots and 6cm angels for the LL and RR.

After looking at them, I love the 10cm angels, but not that comfortable with the 6cm. I had my reasoning behind the height difference, but went to look through the website again to see if there are other options. After asking for some actual photos of several options, I decided on four angles that are "flying," meaning they have no base. After getting the picture of the artist today, I was happy and they should be shipped in the next day or so.

How, you may ask, will I be mounting these angels if they are supposed to hang from something? Where there is a will there is a way. I'll know a better answer when I have them in my hand, but it will be comprised of a mounting block and a connecting dowel set at an angle. So, they will still look as if suspended in each compartment.

That's all there is for now. I received my shipment of the large molding. However, I'm now waiting for the small molding and that small book of Gregorian Chant which will be placed on the music rack. I forget if I brought that up in my previous posts. Either way, when it comes, you'll see it!


Let's enjoy some Bach at St.Bavo's Church, Haarlem (The Netherlands)