American Heirlooms - May 2020

American Heirlooms - May 2020

302-653-2411

MAY 2020

FLYING A CESSNA 150, PART 1

Finding ourselves with more time on our hands, my boys and I have been perusing “The American Boy’s Handy Book.” We are thoroughly enjoying the how-to information we have been finding in the book. In that spirit, I wanted to share the first piece of a three-part series on how to fly a small plane. I would encourage you to learn more and try it on your own, but here’s a brief introduction to preparing for takeoff in a Cessna 150 from my personal, firsthand experience! To begin, you have to plan your flight, and this starts with navigation. The maps pilots use are called sectionals, and the course is plotted with visual checkpoints. Today, people can bypass this with GPS, but the training I took required me to use cordless, paper sheets that could be drawn on. I recommend learning the same way so you know how to use the analog version. Next, you must plan for the weather. For example, wind will push you off course, but if you know the wind direction and speed, you can compensate for it in your planning. In addition, thunderstorms and high winds create turbulence that can be uncomfortable and unsafe. (I had an instructor compare turbulence to potholes in a road: No one enjoys them!) Overcast skies may mean that the clouds are too low for you to steer around if you are flying under the Visual Flight Rules. And rain often restricts visibility. Even if it doesn’t, you run the risk of flying in low cloud cover rather just having rain splatter on the windshield.

Then you must complete one of the most important steps in your process: fuel planning. It’s usually best to begin with a full tank, unless a load of people or baggage does not allow it, which is related to weight planning. Planes are rated to only take on certain weight limits, and this can mean restricting your fuel. It’s important that you do not exceed the weight limits.

Finally, you’re ready to complete your takeoff checklist on the little Cessna 150.

• Turn on the master switch and move the plane’s flaps all the way down. This allows you to visually check the hinges and linkages. • Visually check the fuel level by taking off the fuel caps, and don’t forget to check the oil level. • Take fuel samples to verify no water has accumulated in the tank. If water is present, begin draining the water from the fuel tank (into a container) until the fuel is clear. Keep in mind that the fuel is lighter than water, so the water settles out at the bottom of the tanks. The sumps are put at the lowest places for this very reason. Water will make your engine miss, lose power, or — even worse — shut off, which adds more adrenaline and variety to your flight than most folks enjoy. • Walk around the outside of the plane and visually check all the tires, wheels, and brakes for anything odd.

• Disconnect the tie-downs and remove any covers from the engine intake and pitot tube. The covers keep birds and bugs from taking up residence in the machine while it’s parked. If the weather allows you to fly and the machine checks out okay, you are ready to remove the chocks and get seated. From there, adjust the seat so you can reach the rudder pedals. Fasten your seat belt, test the brakes, turn the master switch on, flip the fuel handle on, and turn carb heat on, the mixture to rich, and the ignition to both. Then throttle it out one-fourth and shout “clear prop” out the window. Lastly, turn the key to start, check for climbing oil pressure, then out the window as you taxi up to the run-up area.

Tune in next month as we discuss more about getting your Cessna into the air.

–Ethan Zimmerman

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Heirloom quality furniture pieces are special and more durable than mass-produced furniture pieces. While heirloom furniture can stand the test of time and be passed from generation to generation, it also requires special care. The most important thing to remember about heirloom furniture is that craftspeople, who are experts at what they do, created it. If a piece of your furniture breaks, cracks, or sustains damage, the best thing you can do is take it to a craftsperson or woodshop for repairs. They can provide you with a diagnosis and treat the furniture’s wounds the right way, the first time. Our craftsmen could tell you many stories about the botched home repair jobs they have seen! Monitoring the humidity in your home is key to taking proper care of your heirloom furniture and cabinets. Keep your home’s humidity level between 30–40% so the wood retains its moisture and doesn’t become too dry or oversaturated. Varieties of pieces are going to respond differently to humidity, too. For example, changes in humidity can cause large tabletops to expand or contract further than their smaller counterparts. Finally, be mindful of how you use your heirloom piece. Many people want to display their heirloom furniture and use it as much as they can, but in doing so, they may be causing more damage. Furniture is meant to be used, but in order to ensure it lasts for generations, you Yes, there will be football season, basketball season, and soccer season, but right now, it’s gardening season. That means it’s time to roll up your sleeves and play in the dirt. If you’ve been searching for a way to get the children away from technology and engaged with the real world, gardening is the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy. Not only is it fun, but it’s also beneficial for your children’s development. For example, gardening can improve your children’s analytical abilities. As Dr. Wendy Matthews says, “Gardening exercises important reasoning, initiation, planning, and organization skills.” Furthermore, several studies, including one at Texas A&M University, suggest that gardening improves a child’s attitude toward fruits and vegetables and may make them more likely to choose them as snacks. Gardening helps children identify with where their food is coming from, and nothing tastes better than a freshly picked strawberry or pea pod they grew themselves. Jack Gilbert, a scientist at the University of Chicago and a parent himself, and his co-author, Rob Knight, emphasize the health benefits of garden time in their book, “Dirt Is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child's Developing Immune System.” The two found

that exposure to different microbes, like those found in a garden, strengthens a child’s immune system and makes them less likely to develop allergies. If this is your first time gardening, you don’t need much to get started. Grab a few shovels, a pair of gloves for each family member, and fresh potting soil, and you’ll be set. Then, you can decide together which plants you’d like to grow! Carrots are fun because of the surprise factor — just imagine your child discovering that the part they eat grows below the ground! Peas are tasty and fairly easy to grow, as are strawberries. The options really are endless. Depending on the growing season in your area, you can choose to buy seeds or opt for rooted plants.

Last but certainly not least, the best part of gardening as a family is the healthy, fresh produce you’ll get to enjoy all summer long!

will have to cover it, be mindful of where it’s placed, and be cautious with children or young pets. Going back to the table example, any time you eat on an heirloom kitchen table, it should be covered with a table cloth. This eliminates the damage that banging silverware or putting hot plates on it can do. By following these simple steps, you can guarantee your heirloom quality furniture will last your lifetime, if not longer. If you have questions or need guidance on caring for your furniture, contact our shop.

2 • THE SWISS CRAFTSMAN

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If you look out your window or stroll through the woods, you may notice white tree trunks dotting the landscape. Distinct from other forms of trees because of their unique trunk coloring, birch trees have left their mark in history and continue to impact the world of woodworking today. More than 50 varieties of birch trees grow across the continents it’s native to, including the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Native Americans and colonial voyagers once revered birchwood, and used it for trading purposes. Its value was found in the tools it helped create. Birchwood was often used in the construction of canoes, bowls, and other daily household items these civilizations needed to survive.

forms of wood, including particleboard, fiberboard, and plywood. Some forms of birchwood are stronger and thicker than others, and these kinds of birchwood are durable choices for some interior projects. However, birch is not a suitable choice for outdoor projects. Because of its nature, birch is susceptible to rot and bug infestation when left outside for too long. It’s a great choice for indoor projects like kitchen cabinets. Birch is a hardwood best molded with power tools instead of hand tools. It has a fine, straight-line grain that doesn’t often stain evenly. Some craftspeople opt to retain the natural light coloring found on birch rather than stain or paint it.

look no further than your campfire. Because of its composition, birchwood burns without popping or cracking, even when it has been frozen or wet. This eliminates the possibility of dangerous sparks and makes birch one of the safest options for firewood. So, as you walk past white trunks this spring, remember birch trees are not just uniquely colored. They can also be used in many different ways and have been for centuries.

Today, one of the most common places to find birch is as a veneer overlay on other

If you’re looking for a use for birchwood outside of the workshop or your kitchen,

Dessert Recipe Credit: The Snader Family Alaskan Cookbook

INGREDIENTS • 4 1/2 cups water • 1/2 package Kool-Aid • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/3 cup cornstarch

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1 3-oz box Jello

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1 qt of sliced strawberries

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1/2 of a baked angel food cake

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Whipped cream

DIRECTIONS 1.

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water, Kool-Aid, and sugar to a boil. 2. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup of water and the cornstarch together, then pour into the boiling mixture. 3. Remove from heat, then stir the Jello and strawberries into the mixture until Jello is dissolved. Chill until firm. 4. Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes 5. In a large serving pan, layer half the cubes. 6. Spread half of the strawberry and Jello mixture over top of the cubes. 7. Spread whipped cream on top. 8. Repeat steps 5–7 or layer the desserts individually and serve.

Photo Credit: Heather Brooke Zimmerman

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Brought to you by KCS Builders of American Heirlooms and Penns Creek Furniture The Swiss Craftsman

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P.O. Box 280 • Kenton, DE 19955 • Phone: (302) 653-2411

Inside this Issue

Take to the Skies and Prepare to Fly Page 1

What Is Gardening Good For?

Proper Care Techniques for Heirloom Furniture Page 2

Considering Birch? Here’s What You Need to Know

Strawberry Angel Food Trifle Page 3 Bird-Watching for Beginners Page 4

WHY MAY IS THE BEST MONTH TO START

Bird-watching is like a lifelong scavenger hunt that you can play anywhere on Earth. The activity provides a mixture of science, travel, and beauty, and it’s a chance to get outside for feathered adventures and quiet reflection. The month of May is a great time of year to go birding because rising temperatures prompt spring migration. So if you're eager to begin bird-watching, there’s no better time than now. Here are some tips to get started.

binoculars. And they don’t have to be fancy. As long as they can zoom in on faraway trees and perches, they’ll work for now. You can always upgrade later.

Educate Yourself

Go Exploring

Thousands of species of birds span all corners of the globe. That’s why finding them is an exciting prospect — there’s no end to the hunt! Start by researching birds that are native to your location. Purchase a field guide with pictures of each bird and maps of their range and use it to figure out where different birds live. From there, it’s easy to pick your first spotting goal. You can even get yourself extra excited by watching a few bird documentaries.

Your very first birding excursion is important because you don’t want to be overwhelmed or underwhelmed. So use your field guide to home in on a single bird and go find it. It may be local, or you can plan a trip to a specific bird’s natural habitat. Stay focused and don’t get distracted by other species. The thrill that comes with spotting your first bird will keep you coming back to find the rest. Bird-watching is a wonderful hobby because it’s easy to get started and can last a lifetime. As long as you can walk, drive, or look out a window, you can be a birder. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and find some birds!

Gear Up

One of the best things about birding is that you don’t need a lot of equipment to do it. As long as you’ve got your field guide and comfortable walking shoes, the only other thing you’ll need is a pair of

4 • THE SWISS CRAFTSMAN

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