New 8 x 20 camera - am I insane???

Hi Jim,

Your Tripod looks terrific - I never considered trying to build a tripod, but after seeing yours, I may start thinking about it. Obviously, the film holders and camera come first.

My last reponse to you indicated that I was just trying out the oil finishes and that I like the Minwax tung oil better than the Watco. Last night I did some reading up on oil finishes and learned that just because the label on the can says Tung Oil, that doesn't really mean thats what it is. Seems the generic team "Tung Oil" is used pretty loosely by the finish manufacturers for systems that can range from Boiled Linseed Oil to Thinned Varnish, to Oil/Varnish mix. Tried both systems and learned a lot. I tried Ray Lancon's technique with both the Minwax and Watco oils, and boy was I surprised. I used both on wood samples of Makori (African Cherry) sanded to 220 grit. I believe that the Minwax product is actually thinned varnish or polyurethane because as I let it soak into the wood, it started to get tacky in a way the looked like it was curing. The Watco didn't react the same at all. I had to quit on the Minwax product after about 10 - 15 minutes because adding more oil was only making things worse. Watco in fact is an Oil/varnish mix. I am now 1000% convinced that the Watco system is far superior to the Minwax. The material went on easily (however, it is a little messy) just as Ray Lancon's article indicated. I let it soak in for about a hour and 15 minutes then wipped of the excess oil. The finish looks absolutely beatiful and this is only after the first coat. I'm supposed to wait for two days before I put the second coat on, and am anxious to see how it looks then. I would like to pursue this finish system on my new camera and holders, but I have to figure out how to make it work with the holders. The problem I have is that I need to do some final/finish sanding after they are assembled, but it will be very difficult to apply the oil finish after final assembly. I'll have to give this some more thought because I really like this finish.

The first film holder is just about ready to start assembly and all looks well. I've dry fit it together and will try to take a couple of pictures (have to wait for my batteries to charge up). I'll try posting the photos later tonight.

Thanks again for the recommendation for the Oil Finish,

Dan

Dan, what you might want to do on the holders is finish sand them to 400-600 with dry sandpaper. Then when you do the finish instead of sanding get a white polishing 3m pad and wet polish with that. Then after you do your touch up sanding just apply a little more oil and wipe down with the pad, let it dry and you are done. I would love to see the film holders when you get them done. I hope to have the front standard done tomorrow am. Remember if you get a good base built up with the oil by letting it soak in you can touch up after sanding and it should look great! Makori sounds like a great wood. I'd love to see it.

Stay Focused!

Jim

For those of you following this thread, my first 8 x 20 film holder is nearing completion.

Things I have learned so far -

1 - This type of film holder is pretty complicated and requires very tight tolerances in dimensions. It is patterned after the old style wooden holders. I don't recommend trying to build this type of holder unless you have the patience, skills, and tools to accomplish this.

2 - Plan everything out very carefully and do a lot of research. There is a lot of information on the internet about how to make holders (this forum has a is probably the best resource).

3 - When you start cutting your wood, also make extra pieces out of an inexpensive wood like clear pine to use for test cutting. You will need it or you will be wasting a lot of your nice hardwood with mistakes.

Here are a few photos of my progress to date.

One last thing - per recommendations of several people who have responded, I'm starting to write a "journal" of my experiences in making my 8 x 20 camera and film holders and will include photos and drawings. At some point, I plan on making it available to all APUG subscribers who are interested (please don't make requests now - this process will take quite some time).

Thanks,

Dan

Dan, the holder looks great! I to need to update my journal on the tripod and the 8x20 I'm doing. It's great to have this forum to bounce ideas off of each other, cry over our mistakes and take pride in what we've done when it comes out right. If we can save someone some time in their building process I'm all for that. It does take a lot of time!

Jim

Update on the film holder construction - holder is now complete. I've discovered a few things that make me want to change the design a little. I'm coming up with some simpler joint conditions and changing the side rail design.

Now that I know that there is a "camera building" forum (never panned down the forum page that far), I'll continue with a new thread on that forum as updates become available.

Thanks to all for the input so far.

Dan

Yes, you are clearly insane.


You also have my profound respect, and admiration.

Dan, how's the 8x20 coming? I started work on the extension rails and base. The ULF tripod is done! I posted pictures. It's not that bad to make. It's heavy but solid as a rock!

Stay Focused.... or Soft Focused!

Jim