www.GaryOverman.com

2011-12-10T21:38:00.001-06:00

Best always, GaryO

Love, Laugh, Live, Give
Move from where you are to who you are.

95% done... At least with carving :-)

2011-12-09T18:05:00.001-06:00

Best always, GaryO

Love, Laugh, Live, Give
Move from where you are to who you are.

Jack tile on new carving stand

2011-12-06T20:57:00.001-06:00

Best always, GaryO

Love, Laugh, Live, Give
Move from where you are to who you are.

Jack Daniel tile coming along ...slowly

2011-11-28T19:56:00.001-06:00

Best always, GaryO

Love, Laugh, Live, Give
Move from where you are to who you are.

Rock the vest.

2011-10-20T22:37:00.002-05:00

Blasted by hail this afternoon!

2011-10-18T18:27:00.000-05:00

Best always, GaryO

Love, Laugh, Live, Give
Move from where you are to who you are.

2 of 4 new work stations completed

2011-10-05T20:54:00.001-05:00

Wish I'd built these years ago. Full sheet of pegboard on backside for hidden but organized storage. Power strip and lights attached. Milk crate or roll away storage underneath.

Here's just one of my Labor Day projects.

2011-09-05T15:02:00.000-05:00

It's been a 3 ring circus this 3 day weekend. New wax product "Mirage" in test. This project build.... oh and the video itself. Today's rain helped keep me focused.... really.

Here's a video of my latest studio project. It'a an amazingly compact, but vestaile tool for storing and accessing all the tools needed for small scale sculpting and jewelry making.

http://www.youtube.com/user/garyowillowproducts?feature=mhee#p/a/u/0/jXbUQSzLasQ

Finished!

2011-07-02T21:59:00.001-05:00

Here's the finished document camera. It can take 10 mega pixel photos of an open book about 5 seconds a page allowing for the user to turn the page.

LED lights are bright, white, and very importantly cool.

Plexi lids keep docs flat when needed, but can be removed when desired for really fast page changing.

Height is perfect for easy viewing of camera display, and still convient to work the document.

Camera and lights do double duty, so the total project cost is less than $50

Best, GaryO

Document camera

2011-07-01T17:32:00.001-05:00

Well I hate to admit mistakes.... but my previous angled design worked... but it's main flaw was that the angled platform kept me from doing simple vertical adjustments easily.

So this design corrects that flaw and the added legs that is perfect for viewing through the camera's display.

All that is left is to mount the 2nd light and paint the unit.

Best, GaryO

New direct melt casting torch

2011-06-26T12:42:00.001-05:00

Well I change my plans a bit...

I now plan to use direct melting with a propane and compressed air melting torch .

the metal will be held in the small crucible & holders that you see laying on the top of the stool .

I've got to make a fire brick stand to take the place of the wooden stool of course :-)

I bought the german made casting torch from Otto Frei. it uses a standard air compressor and a standard propane tank like you would find on a back yard grill.

Properly adjusted , one can achieve a 4000 f degree reduction flame . This enable a master to quickly melt metal without having to heat a whole furnace just to melt a few ounces of metal. The crucible gets heated along with the metal and its small scale feels safer... at least in my mind.

Best, GaryO

Double rainbow in Charleston.

2011-05-15T09:51:00.001-05:00

Even though this shot that ends on the church steeple doesn't reveal it, it was an awesome double.

Hamming it up.....:-)

2011-05-01T14:45:00.000-05:00

Best always, GaryO

Gary Overman

High speed, high resolution document camera

2011-04-18T11:47:00.001-05:00

Based off Sony digital camera, adjustable LED lights, 1/2 inch acrylic lid, and wooden base. Adjustable camera holder off EBay find.

Total cost less than $200. Can copy 200 page book in 15 mins.

Best, GaryO

Homemade fire pot

2011-04-17T21:29:00.001-05:00

Burns 90 mins on 1 charge of gelled alcohol charge.

Best, GaryO

It's my best design by far.

2011-02-28T20:42:00.000-06:00

Could have filled it neater... but functionally this wheeled tall cart is dabomb!

Finished bookcase

2011-02-27T18:46:00.001-06:00

well it is certainly heavy duty .

empty, it weighs in about 100 pounds

but it will hold about 600 pounds of books

Tall rolling library cart

2011-02-21T17:32:00.000-06:00

as you can see it looks naked without finish , I think of the design is finished.

It's got 5 shelves for books ... or you can use the bottom shelf for milk crate storage .

it is 71 inches tall , so it will fit it on the 6 foot hipped wall that will become our library .

Trying to get it all together

2011-02-19T23:00:00.001-06:00

I decided that since I can't afford to hire a valet, I built one.

The top tray holds wallet,keys,watch,cell phone, charger, pens, etc.

The top drawer holds meds., calculator, camera, first aid, etc.

The second drawer holds portable hard drives, old pocket planners, etc.

The bottom nests a milk crate hanging filer. All the bills, receipts, phone books, ref docs and such are neatly accessible since the crate slides out for easy access.

Now just to apply the theory :-)

Angel cat ? .... or Devil ?

2011-02-18T21:57:00.001-06:00

Best always, GaryO

Gary Overman
WWW.WillowProducts.com

Proto rolling library cart ... 6 footer

2010-10-19T17:41:00.000-05:00

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Not a scene from War of the Worlds!

2010-09-10T21:40:00.000-05:00

Though it does look almost alien!

Furnace shell is securely held by 3 pipe legs.

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Shiny copper plate hardware...

2010-09-10T20:15:00.000-05:00

The new leg attachment hardware looks expensive, but they are called "split ring clamps" and I bought them at the local home improvement store for less than $1.50 each. The thick copper plate gives them good corrosion resistance. They are held onto the Stainless Tube shell with 3/8-16 stainless steel bolts, a stainless washer and nut.
Mobile: Gary Overman

Hot legs... You make me sweat...

2010-09-09T21:12:00.000-05:00

At $15 each, the legs as a total will probably be the most expensive "part" of the furnace.

But to be fair, they are the only component that has a multiple of 3 .. Actually every thing else is a single component.

But it is clear that without a solid base, all else is futile.
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You can learn something everyday !

2010-09-09T19:44:00.001-05:00

Despite using what I thought was adequately thick material for the legs, in reality they acted like giant springs> With heavy hand pressure I could make the tube bounce up and down by 4 inches.

It seemed crazy, but that' s what the geometry and material produced. I decided to go with 1/2 pipe fittings to try and get a good structural integrity... I think it will work!
Mobile: Gary Overman

Here's a 3d render of what I want my new Rocket Micro Metal Melter to look like.

2010-09-03T21:58:00.002-05:00

Sketch of the design

2010-09-01T12:27:00.000-05:00

Often I'll use 3D modeling to create a model.

Truespace and Alibre are 2 I use now.

Truespace is now free and Alibre can be purchased for as little as $99.

But since I'm traveling, it's sometimes hard to beat a good sketchbook and colorful highlighters!

Mobile: Gary Overman

Far side of golden gate

2010-08-29T19:57:00.000-05:00

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Procrastination

2010-08-27T16:45:00.001-05:00

Avoidance of mowing the yard has really helped speed this project along.. But I have to get yard mowed before heading to San Fran.

Maybe some mowing elves will visit tonight :-)

Mobile: Gary Overman

IMG00077.jpg

2010-08-27T16:33:00.000-05:00

Here's the crucible mounted in the refractory too plate.

Getting exciting!

Mobile: Gary Overman

IMG00076.jpg

2010-08-27T16:31:00.000-05:00

Here you can see the burner lined up to shoot the flame straight up the tube!

Mobile: Gary Overman

Not a rocket...

2010-08-27T15:19:00.000-05:00

Here's the start of my attempt to make a miniature bottom fired crucible furnace.

The atmospheric burner is designed to pull in cool air from the venturi effect produced by the jet of propane fuel which it uses to produce the flame.

The flame will be directed into the bottom of the stainless tube body which will be lined with ceramic fiber refractory. The graphite crucible will be suspended by a refractory plate at the top of the tube.

I haven't a clue whether this arrangement will work or not... It seems plausible, but only finishing it and testing it will decide its design merit.

I'll have to give it a rest until next weekend, but I'll post as much as I can!

Mobile: Gary Overman

Taking it easy

2010-08-22T10:04:00.001-05:00

If you don't hear from me from a while you'll know why.... I've got a sore throat and I can barely talk.

Waiting for the antibiotics to kick in.

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Quita likes to ride!

2010-08-21T19:11:00.000-05:00

She really wants to go clothes shopping.

Mobile: Gary Overman

Goofball(s)

2010-08-19T18:18:00.001-05:00

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Blue ribbon winner(s)

2010-08-19T18:17:00.000-05:00

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I stayed at the Algonquinn on my last trip to NYC..it's history is awesome!

2010-08-19T13:29:00.001-05:00

Hotel traditions

The hotel has a tradition of keeping a cat that has the run of the hotel. The practice dates to the 1930s, when Frank Case took in a stray. Hotel lore says actor John Barrymore suggested the cat needed a theatrical name, so he was called Hamlet. Decades later, whenever the hotel has a male he carries on the name; females are named Matilda. The current Algonquin cat, a Matilda, is a Ragdoll that was named 2006 cat of the year at the Westchester (New York) Cat Show. Visitors can spot Matilda on her personal chaise longue in the lobby; she can also be found in her favorite places: behind the computer on the front desk, or lounging on a baggage cart. The doormen feed her and the general manager's executive assistant answers Matilda's e-mail.^[11]

Although the Algonquin was "dry" even before Prohibition (Case closed the hotel bar in 1917^[12] and had harsh words for those who ran speakeasies^[13]), nevertheless the hotel does have an eponymous cocktail, composed of rye whiskey, Noilly Prat and pineapple juice.^[14] More recently, a newer drink has hit the Algonquin's menu, the "Martini on the Rock," consisting of a martini of the buyer's choice with a single piece of "ice," a diamond, at the bottom of the glass.^[15] Hoy Wong is a notable bartender at the hotel and is the oldest person to hold such a position in the state, still serving aged 90 in 2006.

In keeping with Frank Case's long-standing tradition of sending popovers and celery to the more impoverished members of the Round Table, the Algonquin offers lunch discounts to struggling writers.^[8] Formerly, writers on tour could stay one night at the hotel free in exchange for an autographed copy of their book^[16] although the practice has been amended to include a discount on standard room rates.

Morgie!

2010-08-14T18:47:00.000-05:00

Isn't she pretty!

Mobile: Gary Overman

District Cabinet Meeting

2010-08-14T13:21:00.000-05:00

VDG Linda, Dr. Frye, and I attended at the new Murfreesboro Medical Center.
Mobile: Gary Overman

Binky wishes I'd turn off light!

2010-08-13T20:56:00.000-05:00

Poor poor Binky.

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Hearing Screening now in full swing!

2010-08-13T19:37:00.000-05:00

Tammy will be REALLY busy for next 2 weeks.

And I'll be busy too...

Tomorrow is Summer Cabinet meeting for District 12S .

And the audiometers I ordered shipped today... yea!!!

Mobile: Gary Overman

Back again

2010-08-13T18:28:00.001-05:00

I decided I really ought to be using this site more... Mainly to avoid Facebook.
I mean really... Email, 3 blogs, a cell phone, text, etc. Etc. Etc.

Oh... And I opened the comments so you can post. Make it right though or i'll delete it and block you!

Mobile: Gary Overman

Happy Father's Day !

2009-06-19T21:48:00.001-05:00

If you're lucky enough to still have your dad, then let him know you love him!

If you're like me, and he's passed on... tell a story to the family about him... or make a toast in his honor.

Enjoy the day!

We have such talented catneighbors

2009-05-11T18:10:00.005-05:00

We have such talented catneighbors... that is cats that come to visit and entertain us, but don't "belong" to us.

Sox will often anounce his arrival with the ringing of the bell... much like the NY Stock Exchange.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T10:58:00.001-05:00

To all the mothers...and those who give their motherly love to sustain us all. It's the day where we pay homage to the spirit of motherhood knowing that none of us would be here without our mother's care from the first nine months and on.Enjoy your day!Mobile: Gary Overman

Make your own sculpting tools with my simple design!

2009-05-10T10:54:00.002-05:00

You can get a complete tutorial here:
http://www.willowproducts.com/media/documents/DIY_sculpting_tools.pdf
You deserve the best tools.
You can have the best tools.
And still afford a decent meal ( I pray )

Tammy Update

2009-03-18T21:11:00.001-05:00

Just a quick update and a thanks to everyone for their prayers, kind thoughts and words.

I took Tammy to Nashville today to get the stitches removed and a new cast set.

Today is the first time I really got to see the severity of her broken leg.

WOW!!!

The spiral fracture was amazing. Best way I can describe it is:

a) make a paper letter "O" about 2" in diameter
b) Cut it once
c) spread it into a spiral about 1.5" TALL.
d) Now you have a 3-d profile of the fracture in her shin.

I also got to see the post-surgery x-rays and review them with one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the South. She's got 18 screws and a 14" long plate.

The good news is that while she'll be in a wheelchair for another month, the prognosis is very good.

It's been a crazy 4 months:
1) My mom died.
2) Tammy's mother had a breast removed and is now on chemo.
3) Tammy's dad had to have carotid artery surgery.
4) Tammy broke her leg.
5) I got to do all the cooking and cleaning ( whine... whine...whine...)
6) My aunt ( mom's sister) is on death bed, but we got to see her last time this afternoon on way back from Tammy's appointment.

No sympathy requests here.... Just a reminder:
Whoever coined the phrase " If you have your health, you have everything." was as wise as anybody could be!!!

Thanks...

2009-01-26T17:49:00.003-06:00

I'm pitifully slow at sending out thank you notes...

Thanks to all the family ( both Mom and Dad's ) , friends, co-workers, Lions, and especially Tammy, Cassi, and Christina... for being there... and for the food, flowers, company, kind words and prayers during Mom's passing and the holiday season.

What more could one ask for?

What more could would need?

Love to you all,
Gary O

Mom passed today

2008-12-15T05:42:00.001-06:00

After 86 years and having survived the great depression, the loss of my dad , the difficulties of raising me as a single and older parent, my mother passed this life.

She had a stroke and for a week battled to survive until Dec. 2nd, my dad's birthday.

Since I am an only child, she is survived by myself, and my 2 adult daughters, Cassi Teague and Christina Overman.

Additionally she is survived by brothers Walter Franklin and EJ Franklin, and sisters Doris Franklin and Edith Winland.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ethan Allen and Icie May Franklin as well as her husband and my father, A.D. (Don) Overman, her oldest sister, Neva Walls, youngest brother, Herman Franklin, and twin sisters Lilly Lambert and Lillian Glascoe.

Services were at Tullahoma Funeral Home and graveside at Maplewood Cemetery.
Mobile: Gary Overman

Thanks to friends and family...

2008-12-08T11:30:00.002-06:00

Thanks to friends and family...

My mom died at 86 on December 2nd ( what would have been my deceased Dad's 88th birthday).

She has suffered a most severe stroke and while it may sound cliche, after watching her pretty much non-stop for over a week, saying the final goodbyes was made easy as it was seen as a blessing of mercy for the whole family.

The pain was also easied by the "ocean" of family, friends, co-workers, Lions Club members, our website customers, and friends from the virtual world of the art forums, who said kind words, prayed, called, visited, sent flowers, sent cards, brought food,and hugged us all.

Sadness shows up at seemily odd times (to me).... but after her last 6 years in a nursing home, there is also relief in her passing.

I can only hope/pray that I inherited some of her "toughness genes".

Again, Thanks and love to all,
Gary O

2008-10-26T20:25:00.001-05:00

You download this software free!

2008-09-25T20:32:00.003-05:00

Please don't ask me questions... while I use version 6 of Truespace, I just got the free 7.x version and want to tell the forum about it... I just don't have time to repsond to any tech questions as I am not the expert on this subject. After using Calagari Truespace since version 1.0 ..... and after a decade of it being sold for as much as $500 ..... You can now download the latest version free just for "registering" on-line. This is not a timelimited or downgraded version, full-up power. Be warned that it does have a learning curve because it is 4d ( realtime 3d + time) . They are also giving away complete on-line manuals and VIDEO training. As I understand it, Microsoft bought Calagari and wants to make it the new standard for 3d mapping and virtual reality and are doing so by giving it away. I downloaded, installed it and ran a few tests in about an hour. Don't pass up this freebie! Here's where you can download directly off Calagari's website: http://cart1.caligari.com/web/Truespacemainreg.aspx
you can read more here: http://www.techmixer.com/free-3d-modeling-software-from-truespace-microsoft/
http://www.snowball.be/Caligari+TrueSpace+Now+From+Microsoft+AND+Free.aspx_
http://willowproducts.blogspot.com/
http://www.willowproducts.com/
Order form: http://www.willowproducts.com/order.php
Catalog: http://www.willowproducts.com/media/documents/Catalog.pdf

Why this Blog was created

2008-09-21T16:54:00.002-05:00

If you came here looking for Studio wax products at WillowProducts.com, please see the links section. It has redirects that will guide you along the way.

This blog and the domain name http://www.garyoverman.com/ has a few goals:

1) Make it easier to manage my multiple sites.
2)Share other links that are near and dear to me
3) Post a mangled conglomerate of ideas without polluting my "FOCUSED" websites.
4) Anything else I wanted to do as an electronic forum

See the links and list sections for now... and know more is to come!

Gary O

Mom's 86th Birthday picture

2008-09-21T07:13:00.000-05:00

She had a good time!