Edward O'Keeffe

Milk paint is available as a powder. The best source I have found for the real stuff is here: http://milkpaint.com/ The web site has a good bit of background on what milk paint is and how long it has been around. Just look to see if you have a local distributor. Since you mix it yourself you have a lot of flexibility with results. Mix in a bit of black or white pigment to alter colors, make it real thin for more of a color wash effect. Just be careful with it, it does contain lime, and can be a bit irritating, especially any sanding dust. E O'K

That is great story, any updates since it ran?

Dam your eyes!

Alright, the game box is finally done. All the finish is all on, the handles are in place (3/4" hemp, with 5 lead turk's head handles) and the underside of the top is complete. Now no excuses for not playing backgammon. E O'K

It may, but the Lady is worth every penny. E O'K

Happy Birthday Love

A lock will keep honest people honest. I was at sea with a thief. He only stole from from CPO's, but he was thief none the less. I am glad I kept my locker locked on that cruise.

I could not help reading this thread..Are those not windows in that little shower?????????? Aye, they are windows but they can be ziped shut for privacy. I'm just picturing the sign advertising the showers at Blue Heaven restaurant...... Showers-$1 To Watch..$2 E O'K

My understanding of this is to allow access to individual chests when they were stacked next to each other, also to give extra stability by lowering the center of gravity. From experience, they are hard to tip over. Another suggestion is that the sloped front served to protect sailors shins as the ship heeled. E O'K

Harry, What can I say, our loss is your grand kids gain, Hope all goes well, and you keep us in your thoughts, as you will be in ours. It has truly been an honor getting to know you and working with you at the fort. I look forward to seeing you at Blackbeard's I still need to pry some information from you. And most of all thank you for opening your home to us and letting us have such a grand time playing in your wonderful yard. Fair winds and following seas mate. E O'K

Thank you all for you comments, I am glad you all approved of my attempt. Michael, I may be able to slap planks together and loop rope rope around itself, but man if I could sew like you, that would be helpful. Capt Sterling, Of course yours is nicer....you are the Captain. Oderlesseye....having worked the Marlinespike plans, if you have any questions, please drop me a line, I will be glad to help out if I can. E O'K

OOHH, OOHH, NAILS!!!!!! I need nails!

WOO HOO PRESENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alright, my sea chest is almost done. So it's time to post pictures. I used the Marlinespike plans, and adapted them to my taste. The box is rabbit jointed and nailed with forged square nails. All that is left from here is to put on the beckets, and install the till box. It is 3/4 pine, with poplar trim for stiffening, Milk paint and linseed oil finish. I used 7 1/2" hammered strap hinges, and a full mortise lock. Still deciding on whether or not the till box will get a separate lock. Comments welcome. E O'K

Captain Bloody Nice Spike Pierce, Good to see you again my friend, and welcome back. You have been missed. Look forward to seeing you and your merry band at Hampton. E O'K

Here are the first pics of the game chest I have been working on. It came out larger than anticipated, but it should have enough room for all of Lily's games with room for growth (and then some). Or it could double as a impromptu dinner table. It is made of 1/2" poplar with pine trim. The top was done with milk paint. It will be finish coated with shellac. Now it just needs the lid cut, hinges installed, and internal storage boxes assembled.

Hope ye find a few ye fancy...ye certainly had a steady stream of apprentices! I trust ye heard from Haunting Lily that I'm in possession of yer "pot holder"?! (or some other way I may find to put it to good use--if only it were 2 pieces! Let me know if ye'd be wantin' it to be postmarked to ye! Not worry, I'll just pick it up from ya next time I see ya. Or I might just throw together the rest of the pair for ya.

Thanks for the pics, our camera never came out all day. If it weren't for the kindness of others, we would never have pictures of anything. E O'K

OK, here is my version in progress. I tried to stick to period construction, wide pine, forged nail construction. I did use poplar for stiffening the lid, moldings, and bottom runners. Just waiting on the hinges which should be here this week. After that the whole thing get a coat of milk paint. Beckets are in progress. Will post more as I get things done

I have personally flown with my guns, in a hand-made wood box (you all may have seen Stynky post my Queen Ann's and their box for sale), through O'Hare Airport, in full kit ~ as recently as last year. Once TSA saw the FOID card, saw the guns "unloaded" (flint removed), I locked the case, buried it deep in my luggage (which also held my sword ~ golf club travel bags are perfect for this), watched it go through the x-ray scanner (twice), and I was on my way to my own "security check" (I have a full metal hip). The biggest problem ~ oversized luggage comes off the plane last. For those of you concerned about traveling with weapons ~ just have your FOID card, be in kit, and be ready to answer curious questions. Oh, and keep a few coins handy for the kids ~ Mary, The one problem with that is, not all States require registration of muzzle loading, black powder, antique firearms. NY for example has no restrictions on these firearms and therefore I have no documentation on any of mine. This might present a problem for me if I were to travel to or through a State which required finger printing or registration. As always forewarned is forearmed, and knowing the local laws, and proposed laws will only serve to keep us out of trouble.

Happy B-day Briar.

Thanks for the heads up, I generally drive, but my wife often flies. You did get me to look into the gun transportation requirements along the way. With the changing landscape of gun rights in several States I have to drive through, I don't want run afoul of any gun laws along the way. Aww it's just right to keep and bear arms anyway, who really cares nowadays. Security has trumped Liberty, I guess we shall have neither.

HEY Bent or not, when it comes to backstaffs, mine works fine. Sterling, I told you this would happen if you let Dutch play with yours.

It was me....It was me.... Thank you Syren for having me in your home, it was a pleasure to finally meet you and your wonderful family. I hope the wee one feels better. Next time my travels draw me to this area I will be sure to pack Lily in my carry on bag. Have a good night and thank you again. E O'K

Mister William, I raise my glass (and a slice of bacon), in honor of your latest successful circut of the sun. Happy Birthday my friend. E O'K