I take many (many) breaks during the day to go downstairs and let Chance out. While he’s digging up the back lawn, chasing squirrels or barking at the neighbor’s two German Shepherds, I visit with Eric (and bug him as much as I can). What annoys him the most lately? Yup. You got it. My five questions series. So I decided to see what he does all day and do some official documenting. (To see larger image of photos, click on the pic).
What are you doing?
Eric: I’m making mini splint.
Why?
Eric: Because, without these weavers there will be a lot of unfinished baskets at the Georgia Basket convention next month.
What are you doing now?
Eric: I’m sanding some brown ash materials that I’ve already prosessed down into ¼” strips.
I should know this by now, but I don’t. What is that machine you’re putting it through?
Eric: It’s a drum thickness sander. I use it to sand the Ash down to the right thickness. I haven’t had this tool for very long and I’m still learning what it can do.
What are you doing now?
Eric: I am measuring the material’s thickness with a Micrometer. This tool measures in 1000th of an inch increments. I’m looking for a finish thickness of 12 to 14 1000th of an inch for my mini weavers.
That’s Cool! Let’s measure the dog’s ears when he’s done outside.
Eric: Uhm… NO.
What are you doing now?
Eric: I’m grabbing a piece of Ash that has been soaking.
(editor’s note: do not drink the water after materials have been soaking in it. That would be gross.)
Okay… now what are you doing?
Eric: Aren’t we done yet? I think you’ve asked more than five questions.
No. This is the last one.
Eric: I’m going to cut the width of the weavers. You see, this tool has a bunch of razor blades separated by tiny spacers. If I carefully pull the splint through it, it will slice my weavers to the width I need.
That’s what Eric has been up to today! Now I need to let the dog in and get back to my own work. (Next week I’ll try and ask him some embarrassing questions).
Eric – do you actually talk to your tools???
Thanks Michelle! But working from home, it eventually becomes a job too. Sort of… You have to work every day but you can do it in PJ's and hang out with the dog if you want.
Hi Michelle, Don't call you drill lowly, your drill might have heard you.
Thanks for the insight into the daily routine of a professional basket maker! My lowly drill that I have for rims seems so meager compared to all the things you have. Probably why I still have my job, and only dream about what you do. ….Michelle