Woodsmith Mirror

[Martin Shupe]

This project was built at the request of my wife. She wanted a mirror to put in a hall that was on the way out of the house. The kids will hang coats and backpacks from the pegs, and she can look in the mirror as she leaves for work or errands. It is from a Woodsmith plan, one of the few plans that does not utilize plywood. :rolleyes: I know it is not authentic Shaker, but I like the design and the pegs. I did not make any changes from the Woodsmith plan. The finish started out as Sam Maloof's witches brew, but I didn't like the way it was building, so I switched to Waterlox Original. Perhaps a little shiny for my taste, but my wife likes it just the way it is. Waterlox is easy to apply, and it is rapidly becoming my finish of choice. This project was completed in 2004.

Now let's see if I cropped and reduced the pic enough...

[Martin Shupe]

OK, I hate it when that happens.

I got the "deal of the century" Kodak camera at Walmart, and I am just learning how to use it. It takes really nice photos, but the files are too big to post.

Could someone review some info for me?...like maybe the pic police could do it, since I am trying to please them...?

1. The Kodak "Easy Share" software does not seem to allow you to adjust pixel count or size. It says it will do it for you "automatically" when you email the pic. However, for Sawmill, you don't email it, you attach it. I also have HP software, which is a little easier for managing pixel count and size. So tell me, what size, in inches, of pic do I want to attach to a Sawmill Creek post?

2. I know there is a max limit on files, but I don't remember what it is, can someone tell me how big the file can be to get the best resolution and still post?

3. What is a good rule of thumb for pixel count per inch?

Any other photo tips much appreciated.

Ken, if you can resize the pic in my post to make it fit without scrolling from side to side, I sure would appreciate it. Thanks!

[Bart Leetch]

Martin

I use a Kodak Dx6340 & use the free (IrfanView) here http://www.irfanview.com/ down load the free version.

Then go to image & resize resample photo & select 680 x 480 or 800 x 600 then go back & cut in half & it shoudl work here to post pics. :)

You can right click on any picture on SMC & click properties & check picture size. ;)

[Martin Shupe]

Martin

I use a Kodak Dx6340 & use the free (IrfanView) here http://www.irfanview.com/ down load the free version.

Then go to image & resize resample photo & select 680 x 480 or 800 x 600 then go back & cut in half & it shoudl work here to post pics. :)

You can right click on any picture on SMC & click properties & check picture size. ;)

Thanks Bart, now let me make sure I understand...

800 X 600 is pixel count for each side of the picture? I did see where the Kodak software would do that, but I thought the pic would end up too small.

What do you mean by "go back and cut in half"?

Remember, you are dealing with a digital camera idiot on this end. Talk slowly and don't use big words. :D

[Robert Grady]

I feel your pain Martin. I am a bit on the TC ( technologicaly challenged) side myself.:) I have to get my wife or kids to come help me when I try to resize a pic.

Good looking bench. My neighbor wants me to build a few benches for her horse barn. I think this would fit the bill. Do you mind if I print the pic to show here?
Oops, clicked on the wrong post, meant to post on your shaker bench message. Don't know how to delete this post and move to the correct spot.....I am NOT going to call the wife on this one. See what I mean about being TC

[Bart Leetch]

Martin

I use (IrfanView) because its much easier & simpler to use than the Kodak thats the reason I directed you to it sometimes even free software is easier than what is sent with a package deal., Once you've saved your picture you open it by clicking on it you may have to select irfanview as your default editer.

The picture will speak a 1000 words it is of the Infanview control board. You'll save yourself a lot of frustration if you'll down load the free program. :)

If I remember right it was Jim Becker that directed me to this software & it has done everything I have needed. I don't do fancy photography & like to keep things simple.

[Steve Jenkins]

" The Kodak "Easy Share" software does not seem to allow you to adjust pixel count or size. It says it will do it for you "automatically" when you email the pic. However, for Sawmill, you don't email it, you attach it."

Martin you might try to email it to yourself then save it and post that one. Kind of a roundabout way but for us really challenged people it may be the easiest for now.

[Jim Becker]

Martin, I generally post pics at 600 pixels wide as they give enough detail to be enjoyable but will not distort the web display of the forums. You really need to use an external program to process your pics for SMC and other web posting...the free program that Bart mentions is one; I use Adobe PhotoShop Elements which is usually available for well under a hundred bucks.

[Terry Hatfield]

Martin,

Nice job on the mirror. It looks super good!!

Here is a resized pic for everyone's viewing enjoyment. BTW..I use Photo Impact and I really like it. Available for less than $50 from various places on the net.

<IMG SRC="http://www.terryhatfield.com/Mirror8.jpg">

[Tyler Howell]

Thanks Martin for sharing, and thanks Terry for fixing.

Nicely done on all acounts.;)

[Martin Shupe]

I feel your pain Martin. I am a bit on the TC ( technologicaly challenged) side myself.:) I have to get my wife or kids to come help me when I try to resize a pic.

Good looking bench. My neighbor wants me to build a few benches for her horse barn. I think this would fit the bill. Do you mind if I print the pic to show here?
Oops, clicked on the wrong post, meant to post on your shaker bench message. Don't know how to delete this post and move to the correct spot.....I am NOT going to call the wife on this one. See what I mean about being TC

Robert,

You are more than welcome to show a pic of the bench. It is loosely based on one from "The Book of Shaker Furniture" by John Kassey. I modified it a bit to make it fit the space intended. It turned out a bit "blocky" looking, for lack of a better term. Perhaps the top should be a bit longer, in order to balance the base.

[Martin Shupe]

Thanks Terry, for fixing the pix. I'll try to practice more, and download that free software that Bart mentioned, and maybe next time I'll do better the first time around.

[Joseph N. Myers]

Try "PIC resizer" - search the web. Free and real, real easy to use. You need to have the picture on your PC and go from there. As far as size, you want to keep it under 600 x 450 (and under 92kb which you did).

Regards, Joe

[Robert Grady]

Thanks Martin, nice looking mirrior also

[Alan Turner]

I use Px resizer, a free download. Here is the site. I too am TC.
http://bluefive.pair.com/pixresizer.htm
Alan

[Marshall Harrison]

Martin,

No need spending any more money. Just get hold of IrfanView as that is all you need. It's simple to use and the help is very good. I use it quite often and I own all of the big boys (ACDSee, Photoshop etc.). It's amazing how we keep going back to the simpler tools wether they be software or woodworking tools. There is a joy in using a simple tool and getting good looking results.

[Kevin Arceneaux]

I highly recommend IRFAN. I have been using it for a few years and it works great and is pretty idiot proof. It is a freebie.

It also works with no problems with my scanner.

[Donnie Raines]

Looking good Martin!

[Jason Tuinstra]

Martin, good to hear from you. And here I was thinking that you only liked starting projects and then "boom" I see this finished beauty :D Good for you! It's a real nice piece that will be a nice addition to the home. As far as Shaker is concerned, my operating assumption is that anything out of cherry with pegs qualifies :p