WR140 Binary observed by JWST

The star is actually a binary pair of rare stars in the constellation of Cygnus, and their interactions produce precise periodic eruptions of dust that are expanding out in shells into the space around the pair over time. These shells of dust are glowing in infrared, which has allowed an instrument as sensitive as Webb’s MIRI to resolve them in exquisite detail. See JWST Image Library

Pallet to Ecofriendly Bird House

Submitted by Terry McGuire

            The Wood Shop at Collington is an underutilized resource.  Woodworking is the perfect activity for residents of Collington.  Woodworking can challenge our minds, strengthen our bodies, and provide opportunities to meet other residents.  In addition, we can repair cherished a piece of furniture or create something for ourselves or as a gift.

            Wood working does not have to be expensive.  Collington throws away 100’s of wooden pallets each year.  I wanted to see how long it would take to turn a pallet into a bird house.  I selected the pallet shown because the slats were 5 ½ inches wide.  In addition, the slats were nearly 3/4-in thick. This type of pallet is very common in the Collington dumpsters.

Starting Pallet
Wooden Boards
Finished Birdhouse

          On Day One I moved the pallet into the shop to dry.  On Day Two,   I cut the pallet into boards using the circular saw.  In theory, there is enough wood in a single pallet for two to three bird houses.  However, a great deal of pallet wood is damaged and not usable. 

            The usable boards were the correct width (5 ½ inches wide) so I cut the pieces to length with the sliding compound miter saw.  I needed two pieces wider than 5 ½ inches for the roof.  I selected some reasonably flat pieces and straightened one edge on the jointer.  I then trimmed the boards on the table saw using safety bypass mode. These pieces were then glued and clamped to make wider boards.  I let the glue dry overnight.  Before I left the shop, I drilled the entry hole in the front piece.  The hole was sized for a Carolina wren using 1 1/8″ Fortsner bit. This hole is too small for a house sparrow.

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