January 2023 Workbench

[benp]

Well as 2023 rolls in I walked out to my shop and noticed all the in finished projects that are cluttering the space and decided I really need to catch up on things. Having 3 young boys makes for little time and painting the decoys that are stacked up is a challenge since I might be pulled away at a moments notice with paint drying when I'm not ready for it to dry so picked out something that would be easier to complete with more flexibility. So pulled out the drawings I had started and never finished from... well some over a decade ago, makes me feel old. So here is a drake mallard in color pencils that I work on during lunch break and after dinner sometimes.

Where it was left off 8 or 9 years ago



Where it is at tonight

 

[Steve Sanford]

Ben~


Sweet rendering! I used colored pencil a lot in my earlier years. I believe I bought a good set in recent years but have not yet put them to work. You got me thinking.....



I mailed these Al McCormick heads - a baker's dozen - off a week or so ago. They will be put on Bean's bodies by the owner/his nephew.









And, I just delivered another South Bay Duckboat to Long Island.










The owner was satisfied.






All the best!


SJS

 

[benp]

Steve,
It's been a long time since I'd used color pencils, it's nice to be able to stop at any point and not have to worry about it drying like paint. Plus I can take it anywhere to work on easier than paints.

Here is where it's at after todays lunch break.

 

[benp]

Finished the drawing, just need to get it matted and framed now.

 

[Vince Pagliaroli]

Ben,

That's a mighty fine colored pencil drawing.

Two thumbs up!



Between Mary Lee and I we have a large selection of colored pencils, and good sharpeners. Watercolor pencils as well that I'm sill messing with. Both very good for having handy in the vehicle to grab and sketch, or full tilt indoor projects.


Best regards
Vince

 

[David Clites]

Nice work Ben!

I remember when we had 3 young boys in the house, seems I was always going a Mile-a-Minute but somehow managed to find some time to myself in my workshop or outdoors. And of course some getaway time with my better half. I think that is how I saved my sanity all the way into retirement (although some friends and family might argue that I really didn't succeed).

 

[Steve Sanford]

Good morning, Ben~


Very nice job on that Woodland Mallard!


I have several projects going - and will post some photos later today. In the meantime, here are some rehabbed Herter's From the Bench of George Williams:






These are cork-bodied birds with Herter's Model 72 heads.






I believe he has some Drakes as well - but I'll let George tell you.






Each has a wooden keel and a brass tag.







Anyone know the vintage? I'm thinking these are the later days of Herter's? Maybe when they were sold through Cabela's. My collection of Herter's catalogs runs from the '40s into the '60s - but does not include this model.


All the best,


SJS

 

[Steve Sanford]

All~


As promised, here's some proof that my bench, too, is active.


This fine Brant decoy was carved by an old Long Island friend, Jim Marran. Jim never got around to painting it before he passed - so I got the honor of putting on its "full battle dress". About half-done with the topcoat, working my way forward from the stern as always.






This Mallard had been de-billed. I was asked to keep as much original paint as I could. So, only the all-new bill and much of the face got contaminated by Sanford paint. We're not sure of the carver - or owner. It is signed Wm. J. Town......... Towne? Townsend? Anyone know?????






These 4 are Herter's Model 63s. They came to me as unidentifiable "water birds" ? Ringnecks? Coots?







They are now on their way to becoming a pair of Mallards and a pair of Blacks. The heads were coated with epoxy + fine sawdust; the bodies were coated with epoxy + Homer Coat ground walnut shells.







This Mallard Hen is another of my ever-growing flock of old Superior Model Wildfowlers. I have several that need finish paint before I can hunt over them next Fall.






Of course I have some boat work on-going as well. And Susan just handed me an antique drawer that needs my attention.



All the best,


SJS

 

[george w]

Steve, the owner wanted all ladies, except for three blacks, which were also herters, without the metal on keel. They were stamped, and the bodies were different-sans shoulders. I actually got onto the bandsaw toay for the first time since the bout with pneumonia, which laid me up for around three weeks. Still have all my fingers. tomorrow, i will do ome final cutting before tackling the Foredom. Thanks for the post..

 

[Steve Sanford]

George~


Here are your Blue-wings - From the Bench of George Williams:


Sawn out....







Carved.








Here is the same species in my shop....






He's curing next to the stove overnight. (and I've already done a bit more on the eyes.....)









This is the first of the 4 Model 63s - all done and ready-to-rig. The Brant just needs its necklace







Stay tuned!


SJS

 

[D. Hinton]

Test

 

[Steve Sanford]

Good morning, Dax~


I only see the word "Testing". Were you trying to post an image?


BTW: My Blue-wing has been under-painted and sanded - awaiting a thinned coat of Spar Varnish for sealing.








I won't be able to begin the topcoat until later in the week.


All the best,


SJS

 

[D. Hinton]

Mr Sanford,
I was having trouble posting with the new update, but things seem to be going smooth now