DD, on the road to LCG

[S. Heisley]

Thanks, Gary. I'll read up!

[aggie79]

Gary,
I like what you've done with the cushions. Thanks for the "how to" link. I'll probably give my first try at stitching together some curtains.
Take care,
Tom

[StPatron]

Ahh, go for the gusto, Tom.

It might sound odd, but horsing together cushion covers, IMO, is easier than dainty curtain sewing. It's like building a workbench vs. a jewelry box. You might have to baste instead of using blue tape, though.

Oh, and I've been meaning to ask you something. Have you misplaced your beer?

[StPatron]

The cushions are now complete, construction supervised by my wonderful tailor's assistant.

Dewey, dad loves you but this ain't working. Want some chicken? That always works.

Curbside seat and back.
I cut and sewed the cushion covers to the exact measurement of the foam but they seem to have a tendency to retain wrinkles after you sit on them awhile. Could be due to the upholstery fabric I used? During my research, I discovered that the pros wrap the foam edges in batting for a softer edge and plumper look. Might revise them later if it bugs me.

Street side

Table dropped. Forgot to snap a pic of the cusions all slid together, too anxious to try out the bed! The bed is very comfortable.

Bad news today, my Craftsman drill died. Quit spinning. I opened the case and got the motor and gears to turn, never discovering what caused the jam but it spins well now. The white wire from switch to motor is now detached at the switch end, I think it came loose during the autopsy. It's not obvious which slot it is supposed to fit in, the switch has numerous slots. Hopefully I can research that and repair the drill.

Good news,,,, I got a gift certificate for Home Depot as a Christmas present!! Isn't that one of the signs that your family knows you're building a camper?

[Lookfar]

Nice job on the cushions, Gary. Good colors on the fabric also.

[StPatron]

Thanks Butch. I thought brown was good, something that doesn't show dirt.

Cost of fabric: $12.00
Cost of foam: $58.00
Cost of thread: $2.00
Being able to say, "I made this entire camper myself": PRICELESS!

I haven't been able to locate Dewey for several hrs. Hmmm, wonder if that has anything to do with those fabric wrinkles?

[2bits]

Hey the cushions look great! I like the fabric!

I totally had a friend of mine sew my door curtains for me! When I did the moon roof curtains, I got tiny safety pins and made a hem for the rod to slide through, worked for me! haha

[aggie79]

Gary,
The cushions look great. I bet they are comfortable. That Dewey seems to be quite the helper.

As far as the beer mug hat, it's a good campfire story.

Take care, Tom

[StPatron]

2bits and aggie79: My thanks to both y'all, my Texas friends. Coming from two top-notch builders your words mean a lot. I didn't have much room to tease ya, Tom, with my avatar pic showing me wearing a lizard print, neoprene bill paddling hat. Looking forward to hearing your beer mug hat story.

I just recently said that I was going to put detailing the cabin on hold but the cold weather nixed that and I was anxious to do something. I'm happy to have the cushions done and that step checked off the list. Still working on the galley but it's all the little stuff now. Seems it's always a juggling act: finances, parts, time and weather,,, while trying to keep the build sequence in proper order. Always a challenge, but that's good. Shift gears and move on.

[S. Heisley]

StPatron wrote:

Seems it's always a juggling act: finances, parts, time and weather,,,

Amen to that!

Gary, your cushions look good and I wouldn't worry about any batting. Adding more will just drive you batty. (...couldn't resist a pun.)

[pete42]

Gary most drills die due to the fact the brushes are worn out.
looking at the rotator in your picture it looks dark use a fine piece of
sandpaper to burnish it and make sure the brushes aren't to short and they move freely in their holders.

[StPatron]

Thanks for your review and tips, Pete!

I was able to locate a parts diagram @ searspartsdirect.com and re-attach the white wire. Then, I used some emery paper to put a shine on the dark surface. The brushes appear to be ok (they are plenty long and fit tightly) and the motor turns now. But, it's throwing a lot of sparks and eventually comes to a halt. It may have given up the ghost. 17 degrees this morning, good day to stay inside and watch football.

[Shadow Catcher]

Did you check the bearings?
Sears power tools are not what they once were!
The Devilbas company here in Toledo made the compressors for Sears, and lost the contract when they lasted too long

[StPatron]

Did you check the bearings?
Sears power tools are not what they once were!

Thx for the suggestion. Yes, bearings are fine. It's an electrical problem.

I'll spend more time checking it out later, replacing it now isn't in the cards. If it has to go to the tool graveyard, I'll just remind myself that it drove thousands of screws in the last 10 yrs.

[grizz]

Great progress Gary.

I have found Dewey a Cat Santa Suit which I will send off as soon as I have a chance.
I am not sure what she will make of it in 2011.