Whoa... this sounds like a GREAT idea! Now, this old f*rt needs some help here -- what do you mean by a "plastic" eraser? Is it something I can get at Wal-Mart?

Thanks,

Bill

Some pictures of the floor tom. This project is moving slow. Im taking time to clean and polish every nut, bolt and washer. Look at the washer on this lug screw, they are copper.

Glenn, the dawn soak is working. Slow but working.

Jeff C

John's right, always edge first.

Thanks, I will do that, I ever get the shell that is.

Jeff C

That drum looks UNBELIEVABLE...

Just for comparison, here is my kit in the wrapped Koa finish:

Thanks DanC, your photo was the inspiration for the Koa veneer. It is really cool in person. I think mine are very close to yours as far as color but the grain looks a little different.

Jeff C

Hey Jeff,

Your work is amazing! Have you ever thought of becoming a custom drum maker?

I know there are more factors, besides finish, when it comes to making drums, but you already have the woodworking experience down. After you get your snare built, you'll have some idea on the other factors. I see you expanding your business opportunities in the very near future. ;) Most of all, to install drums, you don't have to hang them on walls.

Your comment about "we try to make wood look like plastic and plastic to look like wood" got me thinking. I don't want to steal your thread, so I'll start a new one. I'll call it "Wood veneer to look like Mahogany Duroplastic/Tiger's Eye".

I can't wait to see your finished kit. Did you decide on heads? Really depends on the sound you are looking for, but Remo Coated Ambassadors all around would be a good and inexpensive first choice. If you're not happy, then you could swap out the resonant heads with some Remo Clears and save the Coated heads for another project.

More pictures, please. :)

- Tim

Tim, thanks so much for following the thread and saying all those nice words about me.

Yes I have thought about tuning this into a business but,,, a few things here. #1, I have know experience other than wrapping drums.

#2, it would have to be basically an internet business with everything shipped out, I doubt a custom drum store front would go here but I could be dead wrong.

# 3 and most important, this would no longer be a hobbie. Now I would have to work on the drums no matter what. The way it is now they are something I can turn to when Im bored and my wife is bored of me. A long time ago, in Jr. high school I worked as a laborer for my dad building houses. Washing windows, sweeping out the jobs and moving lumber around. Well at that time cabinet building and wood working was a hobbie. Now its a business and I still love it but its different. Anyway you get the idea. On the + side, I have the pefect size shop and tool's to do it.

Still pondering on the heads. I recently learned that Remo heads are made in China and that turns me off. So, really looking at Evans 2 ply coated batters for the time being. Since this is for me and I dont have to get it done on time for any one, I have all the time in the world.lol.

Jeff C

PS, looking forward to your veneer thread!

And Jeff, not to discourage you... but you are dead right. I've always been into selling (yes, the largest percent through the internet & shipping) since I started doing this, BUT it was a lot easier and less stressful BEFORE I started taking on a few custom jobs (before, I'd build something then sell it, and while selling it I started building another, and so on). If I came home from work and didn't feel like doing anything, I did nothing. Now there are times when I have no choice. And, sad-to-say, I've been "behind" more times than I care to be... besides the fact I'm old enough that sometimes when I get home from work all I want to do is nothing...

So, something is to be said about it just being a hobby... or at least not being a "custom" builder or refurber (is that a word??).

Now please, nobody take that as advise given so that there's less competition out there for me... it truly IS advice I feel from my heart. Although we've never met face to face, through this mutual interest, this forum, and email I consider Jeff C. a good friend!

Bill