4 Glass Storage Boxes Loaded to Capacity

I loaded my 4 beginner glass storage boxes to capacity! I need more boxes made. I probably have enough completed plates in the 11x14 to 14x14 size left to fill another 3 boxes!

The boxes are so-so built with limited storage (9-12 plates each) but I feel they are much safer in the boxes than lying around everywhere, waiting to be stepped on or knocked over. 

They The boxes should provide enough protection in my home to prevent breakage. On the road I am unsure how much they prevent glass from breaking.. I will need to do some real life testing after adding foam etc. to the inside of the box.

Note* In the photo you can also see a bunch of workshop made frames. Bit by bit quality is improving and I am building both boxes and frames for my Ambrotypes!

2nd Glass Plate Box Design

Completed my 4th 11x14, 14x14 inch glass plate box today. Everyone I make the building becomes easier. Number 4 is still rather rough but each new box build is a tiny bit nicer than the previous box.

I have decided to try making a larger box using heavier plywood. I will make the box 25 inches long from the current 16 inches and it will be 15 inches tall. I will use 3/8 bought plywood instead of scrap 1/4 inch plywood and will use 1/2 inch for the bottom board allowing  16 - 1 1/2 inch screws to hold it in place. I will also add foam to cushion the bottom of the box to cushion the plates and either U or V groves for the glass. 

I am hoping the new box can hold 20 11x14 or 14x14 (3mm-4mm) glass plates. Will check the weight and strength of the box before moving forward and making a 2nd box in this style.

Drawing Improving?

I have started drawing again, boy is it difficult! Any improvement? Limited improvement at best.

A Peace

 

Carpentry Workshop up and Running!

The workshop is up and running now. I am making boxes for carrying my completed ambrotypes and unused glass. Am still figuring out the design and my working methods. Still figuring out how to use all the machines as a matter of fact (learned about the router two days ago).

I think this plan should work thou. I can make boxes for all my coming ambrotypes for the AMBROTOS KANATA project. All the way up to 24x24 inches and potentially even 35x35 inch boxes.

The retirement is starting to feel more normal now. I have time for things like my mancave and workshop! Now I need to get the wet plate trailer up and running before winter.

11 Plates in the First Box

I placed 9-11x14inch 3mm thick Ambros and 2 14x14inch 4mm thick Ambros in the first completed plate box. Seems OK, heavyish but not crazy heavy. I will need to see how the boxes hang together in the trailer and motorhome while traveling Canada. So far so good. 

Will probably make 8 more. Am quite happy to have these now, made from garbage wood in the garage. They are rough but seem functional and relatively strong.

2-14x14 Glass Plate Boxes Completed

 Finished my first 2-14x14 inch boxes. 2nd a bit nicer  than the first but both very rough. Will use them and see how they hold up. If they breakdown too easily, will go to the dove tail jig.

Note* Made from scrap wood and cast off paint. I ended up using most of my tools, including jig saw, band saw, table saw, planer and drill press.

More Man Cave Photos

A few more pics and f my man cave. I enjoy, reading, watching movies and listening to music here. A great place to learn and grow.

New Reading/Music/Movie Area

Set up this new reading, music listening and movie watching area in the basement of the house. As you can see I have a few books to catch on, plus a huge DVD collection and all of Dennis's classical music.

 

11x14 Tree Ambrotype put on display

A few books to read

Dimsum has moved in!

2 More from THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY

A couple of new images from THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE UNDER THE FREEWAY project, shot a few months back.

Khun Yao 75 sleeping outside under the freeway, and Khun Jem alone in his room.

Hopefully I can go back at some point to the slum, to continue the donation and photo work. Still looking for an exhibition for the series, 7 photos and their stories, will be in FRAME magazine in 2026.

Khun Yao

Khun Jem

2nd 14x14 Box

Working on my second 14x14 inch glass plate box. Very basic and rough but I think they should be functional. I am using scrap and free wood. 1/4 and 3/8 inch plywood found in my dad’s garage and pallet boards I scavenged last winter. Painted with a $15 can of paint, which I picked up at the ReStore (Habitat for Humanity).  

If these boxes are strong enough, I will make 8 more. 

Will move up to 1/2 inch plywood for my 24x24 inch boxes, probably attach wheels to those.

The woodworking shop is starting to pay for itself, plus I enjoy the creating. Making something out of nothing is FUN!!

Homemade Boxes for Ambrotype Plates

Pictures are of the simple rough box I am making for 14x14 inch glass plate Ambrotypes. Still working on the box in my new woodworking workshop behind the garage!

Note* Just had a thought. Dovetailed 1/2 inch plywood cases for 24x24 inch plates but add lovkable wheels to the cases. Then I can roll them in and outa the darkroom trailer or RV.

Trees Diptych

Time to start making Ambrotypes again for the AMBROTOS KANATA project. Will try to do up this Diptych in the next 2 months. I first need to get my darkroom trailer up snd running.

The plan is to later do 24x24 inch sized Diptychs of the oceans around Canada.

Bring Back Ektar Lens and Speed Graphic?

I have a bunch of broken glass from larger failed  plates. I will cut them down to usable (non broke) 4x5 inch size. I should be able to scavenge 10-15 4x5 inch glass plates.

 I was initially thinking I would use the glass for workshop students. I think now thou that bringing my funky Speed Graphic and funky Aero Ektar lens out of retirement, might be a better plan!!

Today’s Calgary Book Buys

 Today’s book buys in Calgary!!!

Transit Hotel

 Lived in the Fort Road area of Edmonton for over 60 years. Today for the first time in my life I visited  the historic Transit Hotel built in 1908. Lots of history here, an Ambrotype possibly?

Note* Love the goat/pig/cattle and horse and carriage historical photos.