Friday, February 15, 2013

Introducing myself

I'm Bill Pauwels.  In the sunmmer of 2012, my wife and I started running our own company, Manitowoc Carpentry and Woodwork LLC.  Our website is www.ManitowocCarpentry.com if you'd like to learn more about the company.
 
Between the new business, ten years of interior carpentry construction at Burger Boat Company, the most recognized custom luxury yacht builder in North America, and nine years of experience installing high-end custom cabinets and casework, I have learned a lot and will try and share that information with you through my posts.  At Burger Boat Company, I advanced from a cabinetry/casework installer to the team leader/coordinator developing intricate knowledge of how things function and work together from hull construction to final finish work and delivery in multi-million dollar yachts. I continued to improve carpentry and cabinetry skills through projects such as modifying a pre-fabricated round staircase and creating unique areas and storage systems throughout the yachts.
Recently, my wife and I spent a good portion of our time raising funds and making repairs to a vintage Case farm tractor as well as numerous implements that have been sent to Chipole, Tanzania, Africa to be put into service at a nutrition school.  My hobby of antique farm equipment repair and demonstrating has led to many overhauled projects of all types of older machinery as well as my current position of president of Mid-Lakes Rustic Iron, the local antique farm machinery club.  I hope you enjoy reading my experiences and that the suggestions help you.  I would be happy if you left a comment.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

sanding blocks

sometimes a joint on a project needs to be touched up a little to make it perfect.  A piece of coarse sand paper adhered to a block of wood makes an excellent sanding block.  I used to buy rolled paper and use contact glue to stick it to the board.  Now, I find that using self adhesive paper that is used for floor sanding machines is much more economical and lasts much longer.  It comes in a variety of grits, is flat for easy storage and with the paper on back, the adhesive stays active for a long time.  Just use a utility knife to cut to size.