NJ/PA Make and Take-June

[trishaanne]

If we are going to be doing our meetings the 2nd Saturday, that would make it the 11th of June I believe. Are we on for that day? Do we have a project or will it be one of those "bring whatever it is you're working on and work on it while hanging out with everyone" type of meetings? I just told a possible new member that it looks like it will be a bring a prop to work on type of meeting, but then again, I HAVE been known to be wrong on numerous occasions.

Just wondering what's going on. Feel free to start chiming in.

[Joiseygal]

I have my calender marked for June 11th. I like the idea of finishing up a project Make and Take, but would it be possible to maybe have a lesson on welding also? I know it was brought up before in past meetings and it is something I'm very interested in learning.

[niblique71]

My calender is Marked as well. If anyone wants to finish thier grabber, speak up. I'll bring the stuff for us to make some hands. We might need an extra tub of Latex if anyone has some to share. Cheesecloth, Burlap, Old clothing or any other fabric can be used to "Dress" your grabber. Otherwise, I'll just bring another project to work on. I'll remind everyone what to bring if they choose to make "Greg" style hands.

If Ken wants to bring his welder and accessories, I'll bring a few pieces of steel to practice on and extra accessories. His welder is much better suited for Newbie welders. If there's enough interest, we can actually take an hour or two for a quick welding "Class" before turning everyone loose.

Rich, If you still want some help with your "Custom Grabber" geometry, We can make that happen as well. I'm also ALWAYS willing to help out with beer consumption.

This would be a great time to Re-open a project list for future consideration, whether we make something in June or July. Let's get our minds back in gear, after all there's only 168 days left till Halloween. Feel free to throw out a few suggestions.

[GhoulishCop]

I'm in for the 11th!

Who the heck knows welding? Might be fun to see, though I doubt I'll have much use for it myself.

I was just looking back through the April thread where we were discussing possible projects for may, and one of course was using Greg's technique for making hands, as well as a possible Pepper's Ghost.

I might be interested in seeing how a Pepper's Ghost prop is put together though that's another I'm not sure I'm going to be use immediately.

I'll probably bring my Grave Grabber mechanism to get it fully function and start work on a body for my Gravedigger prop. It will be built mainly out of Monster Mud, but my idea is to use the technique IMU used in building his pirate photo-op prop:

http://hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=20175

Or maybe I'll work on my obelisk tombstone. I can bring my nifty new foam cutter table with me to carve down the foam I need and glue it up. One of the two I'll be working on anyway.

Looking forward to a full get-together though.

Cheers,
Rich

[MizLiz]

I'm a newbie to the group. I got some details from Pattie and looking forward to it. I was thinking what I could bring and I have a failed prop from last year. A shiatsu massage grave grabber. How great to know that's on the radar! Mine is basically built, I think the main problem is the dude himself. And the cloth getting caught in the motor.

But I'm up for learning anything. Welding, peppers ghost, etc. I will be bringing my other half, if that's ok? He's involved in all our prop building. Toe pincher, ground breaker coffin, giant web, etc. Shoot, I should post some pics on my profile.

What time is the m&t? 7am scares me.

[trishaanne]

I'm hoping that the weather will be MUCH more cooperative than in the past meetings. Even if it's raining at least it will be warmer. I'll put the covers back on the car ports if we need it.

I won't be doing any welding...hell, I can barely remember LED wiring! :googly:
I'll be working on the invitations and decorations for the party, but as always, you guys can work on whatever you want. Not sure about the food yet...I still have a few weeks to work on it, but since it's the week after our daughter is getting married, I'm guessing whatever it is will be simple!

MizLiz, bring anyone you'd like, the more the merrier. Besides, most people need a designated driver when it's time to leave..MUWAHAHAHA!

As for the time...let's shoot for maybe 10:00-10:30? Anyone that goes to the flea market gets here early...not everyone! As usual, I guess we'll break around 5:30 or so for dinner, depending on what's going on.

[GhoulishCop]

MizLiz,

Looking forward to meeting you! I'll be making adjustments on my grave grabber so we'll be able to work it together. Greg will be a big help there.

I was in Lowe's tonight and looked at the welding equipment there. Taint a cheap hobby to start I'll tell you that. The stick welders start at just under $300 and the other units, whatever they're called, go for $500 to $600 or more. However, I do want to get a welder's mask so I can be like all those guys I see on TV who snap it closed with a quick nod of the head!

As for food, Pattie, I don't see why we can't go with the pizzas we were going to have last time. Besides, pizza and beer is like the breakfast of champions!

Rich

[madmomma]

Hi all. I'm marking my calendar for June 11th. Just hoping I can make it this time. I'd like to work on the grave grabber too. I've been out of the loop a little while and need to get back into the swing of things.

[FRIGHTGUY]

The 11th sounds cool! The peppers ghost is a quick tutorial and easy to do so id be happy to bring what is needed to show and tell. For anyone who is looking to add that extra something to their graveyard a peppers ghost is perfect. Not sure ill be investing in welding but id be happy to watch and see how its done. I will probably brimg some mache projects im working on or will working on some of my carnival freaks for my haunt. PS..ill be doing another Blogtv this week (Thursday maybe?) It was fun last time, thanks to Noahfentz, Ghoulishcop and joiseygal for stopping in to chat live with me. We had the bloodshedbrothers on, chris davis of davis graveyard made an appearence and a slew of other haunters! Haunt talk overload I tell ya! It was a blast.

[grimghost]

Have you guys passed on your meeting date to Rev at Hauntcast? Now that you guys are having regular meeting times (2nd Saturday of the month), send to Rev so he can announce it to better further your plans for world domination, oh I mean prop building.
The show drops on Friday May 27th, so I would send it this week.

I am planning to send a note for the Jersey Devil NJ make and take Devil and I are trying to get of the ground also.

With the help of Hauntcast, New Jersey can dominate the prop make and takes of North America!!! (lol).

Later
Grim Ghost

[MizLiz]

Hi grimghost... Love the intensity!

Got a quick ques. Has anyone taken summer tiki torches, cut a hole through a blucky skull, corpse it up, then slide it over the top? Thinking about it this year. Just saw the tiki torches for 4 dollars at AC Moore.

Thanks. Liz

[trishaanne]

I did something similar a few years ago but I have no video or pictures of it. The dollar store around here had the torches for, well, a dollar one year and I got a bunch of them. I took the caps off the chain link fence and put the torches in there so they were high enough not to get hit by anyone. You have to be REAL careful using open fire in a haunt. Lucky for us the firemen come by here every year and go through our yard (along with their wagon full of beer) and they never give us any trouble. However, I know a few people who have had to remove any type of fire because of complaints from the police riding by or whatever. Last year I had a few lit in the yard near some of our volunteers just to they could warm their hands....it was FREEZING last year.

[MizLiz]

Interesting. Never thought the FD or PD would care since summer parties and BBQs are full of them. Currently, the only open flames are tons of tea lights (actually mix of real and fake) in pumpkins and luminaires. I'll ask you more about it at the M&T and hold off on the torch buying. Thanks!

[Devil]

Hi grimghost... Love the intensity!

Got a quick ques. Has anyone taken summer tiki torches, cut a hole through a blucky skull, corpse it up, then slide it over the top? Thinking about it this year. Just saw the tiki torches for 4 dollars at AC Moore.

Thanks. Liz

I made some last year. Will post pics tonight.

[GhoulishCop]

Liz,

I've used them every Halloween for the past few years without problem. Only one year did I not light them because the wind was God awful, but otherwise I spark them up!

http://i740.photobucket.com/albums/xx45/GhoulishCop/P1010052.jpg

Never bothered to corpse them, but I like that idea and may do it this time around.

Rich

[trishaanne]

I think it may depend on where you live, how friendly you are with the authorities, etc. I think they just worry about kids running around with costumes flapping in the breeze getting too close. Like I said, I don't have a problem but I have heard of people who do. I say GO FOR IT!

[niblique71]

I know this is EXTREMELY short notice, But our town is having it's Huge townwide garage sale tomorrow. over 100 homes. Anyone interested in joining me in an adventure?? They have this every year in May. In case it makes a diference I live near Clinton NJ, about 5 minutes off of rt78

[GhoulishCop]

Greg,

I would have but I gotta got to a friend's birthday party. Why are 40 year old men have birthday parties? Sure it's a reason to drink beer, but I can come up with that reason any day of the week. And, as a matter of fact, I do!

Anyway, good luck with the hunt!

Rich

[Devil]

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q129/fastcat72/Halloween%202010/006-1.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q129/fastcat72/Halloween%202010/009-1.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q129/fastcat72/Halloween%202010/026.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q129/fastcat72/Halloween%202010/046.jpg
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q129/fastcat72/Halloween%202010/034.jpg

[MizLiz]

Love the skulls!

[FRIGHTGUY]

Devil, cool pics! Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who joined me for Blogtv this past week. We had a nice amount of people from our group involved and it was great talking to all of you! I will be doing another one soon and am trying to put together a live prop build episode soon too!

[madmomma]

Awesome pictures Devil! Great job. Gives me more ideas...

[Tinman]

MizLiz,

However, I do want to get a welder's mask so I can be like all those guys I see on TV who snap it closed with a quick nod of the head!

Harbor Freight has this welding mask on sale, which might better fit the Halloween theme :biggrineton::

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_1711.jpg
Red Skull Welding Helmet

Item # 66177 Manufacturer: Redtail

Skull-design, Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet is solar-powered to switch immediately from clear to dark when you start welding - $69.99

[Tinman]

Love the torches! We always have some torches lining the garden along the walkway (away from the TOTs). This year I found tiki brand torch fuel with different colored flames (red, blue, green) at the local Wal-Mart. Plan to get some while they are still available for Halloween. See video here:

YouTube - ‪Tiki® Brand Colored Flame Torch Fuel‬‏

[niblique71]

Cool Torches Tinman... I'll look into those.


On a Side note, has anyone see or heard from Karen or Ken?

[Devil]

I got to get color flames for this year haunt..!

[MizLiz]

I saw the colored flames sold at home depot this weekend. Kinda pricey. About $6 for one and says that they only burn four hours. Will have to price compare online first.

Also, i mentioned that ac moore has bamboo tiki torches for $4, well they're on sale this week for $2.

[FRIGHTGUY]

Hey Guys and Ghouls!!!

I will be doing a Blogtv tomorrow night at 8PM! Here is the link http://www.blogtv.com/People/Frightguy

I will be on for a few hours so feel free to stop by. I will be talking about how to make your own aged and creepy photos, website aids to help make or update your own websites and finally I'll be going over the details for the first ever Blogtv Make and Take!

Of course there are always some strip tease that happen and other random acts of sheer madness so you won't want to miss it!!! Hope to see some of you there!

[GhoulishCop]

Figured I'd let everyone know that Michael's is having a Memorial Day weekend sale. They have coupons for 50% off any one regular priced item (good for Sunday only) and 25% off entire purchase -- including sale items -- for Monday.

I'll probably be getting another jar of liquid latex on Sunday. Michael's tends to be slightly more expensive than AC Moore, but the 50% off will make up for it, even when compared to the 40% off you can typically get at ACM.

Get there early and be back in time to grill for the BBQ!

Rich

[trishaanne]

Just for the record, we still have some of the latex here from that gallon Jeff brought a while ago.

[niblique71]

Figured I'd let everyone know that Michael's is having a Memorial Day weekend sale. They have coupons for 50% off any one regular priced item (good for Sunday only) and 25% off entire purchase -- including sale items -- for Monday.

I'll probably be getting another jar of liquid latex on Sunday. Michael's tends to be slightly more expensive than AC Moore, but the 50% off will make up for it, even when compared to the 40% off you can typically get at ACM.

Get there early and be back in time to grill for the BBQ!

Rich

Thanks for the Heads up on that one Rich, I did manage to get some more Latex AND some Air brush paints for my new Airbrush. That 50% off was great and I got an additional 25% the remainder of the purchase.

As for our meeting, it sounds like a Drink and Think and General "Finish or Fix a Prop Day". I still have some leftover hardware for the Grabbers, and I have the Hand Jig as well. The Latex skeleton hands are relatively easy and quick as well as Light weight. Start to finish a pair of hands should take around 2-3 hours (less painting).

As for a welding Demo?? Ken?? Can you bring Yours? I can bring materials to practice on and do a brief demo if Ken can bring his welder. Speaking of Ken.......Is he OK??

[FRIGHTGUY]

Drinking and Thinking Sounds good to me!

[trishaanne]

You guys can drink and think, make and take, finish projects, start new ones, whatever ya want. I'll be working on party invitations, walk of fame blocks, or other assorted Halloween party items that I don't get a chance to work on during the week while the kids are here.

[GhoulishCop]

Drinking and Thinking Sounds good to me!

Can't we just drink? Thinking is so hard.

Rich

[hauntedkimmy]

Hi all! Newbie here! I just read the info about the make and take and I'm in central PA. Is this anywhere close to where you all are at? I would love to meet other haunters...there's not too many around here in the sticks of central PA. :)

[trishaanne]

We have members from the Scranton/Wilkes Barre area and they say it's about a 3 1/2 hour drive. If you want to hang out you are always welcome to join us. If you want, I'll PM you the info.

[hauntedkimmy]

I think my hubby and I would so enjoy something like this! I don't think we can make the June one, but possibly another month! Thanks soooo much!

[Joiseygal]

HauntedKimmy welcome aboard!!! :)
I'm going to bring my foam cutting table because I need to finish setting it up. I bought a sturdy wooden folding table that I want to use to set it up on. I hope someone can help me finish it, so I can start making some tombstones! :)

[GhoulishCop]

Sharon,

I'm by no means an expert on them but having just built one myself it's still fresh in my mind so I can help. Of course, if Joe is there, he'd be the one to seek out since my table essentially copied his design. Barring that, though, I'll add my two cents.

Rich

[FRIGHTGUY]

So because I am being lazy and dont feel like going back in the thread when is our meeting? The 11th?

[niblique71]

Sharon,

I'm by no means an expert on them but having just built one myself it's still fresh in my mind so I can help. Of course, if Joe is there, he'd be the one to seek out since my table essentially copied his design. Barring that, though, I'll add my two cents.

Rich

I would love to see a demo of a hot wire foam cutter. Right now I just use a Jig Saw with the Pink foam and it makes nice clean cuts. But for thicker material the hot wire system might be a better choice. Has anyone tried it on the pink or Blue stuff??

[niblique71]

So because I am being lazy and dont feel like going back in the thread when is our meeting? The 11th?

Yes, our meeting is the 11th (Next Saturday). Are we doing Pizza??

[FRIGHTGUY]

Ok cool thanks. I was thinking a nice sushi platter with lobster tails as the main course followed by a creme brule for desert and some fine wines and cheese but I mean if you rather have pizza then thats cool too! = )

[MizLiz]

FYI about the food... it's the same weekend as the Seafood Festival in Belmar, NJ which happens to be about a ten minute drive from the M&T. (I go every year and will be there Sunday.) I know it's not a possibility for the M&T, but I thought it was funny Frightguy mentioned lobster :)

Still not sure what we're bringing to the M&T. Spent Memorial Day weekend corpsing two Budget Barts. Just started some paper mache pumpkins with hopes of creating scarecrows like these: http://www.pumpkinrot.com/images/scarecrows1.jpg
And I fell in love with Roots: http://www.pumpkinrot.com/pages/Page17.htm
(I'm thinking an Army of Roots would be perfect!)
Who is this Pumpkin Rot guy anyway, and can I steal his leftovers???

Speaking of leftovers. Pizza sounds good to me!

[trishaanne]

Jay (FRIGHTGUY), there was a time when the group was much smaller and I would actually make that for everyone. Now, however, I'm not working and I think hubby would frown on blowing my entire grocery budget for the make and take group. :p Not that I don't love you guys but I really need to draw the line somewhere!!!!

As for projects, I'll be working on party details as mentioned, However, the foam cutter is something that may speed up the process so I may be interested.

[Joiseygal]

Rich or Joe that would be great if you can help. I have a wooden folding table that I want to try to set it up on, so I can take it out only when I need to use the foam cutter. As for the food I'm not sure what I will be bringing, but are we bringing food or buying pizza?

[FRIGHTGUY]

Id be interested in the foam cutter project too! I dont think that was ever a project we discussed doing but a tutorial on how to make it would be great and useful to a lot of us.

Trishaanne, just joking about the seafood of course lol! Pizza is perrrrrrfect!!! Looking forward to seeing you guys again, it's definitely been too long and at least now the weather is nice.

[GhoulishCop]

I would love to see a demo of a hot wire foam cutter. Right now I just use a Jig Saw with the Pink foam and it makes nice clean cuts. But for thicker material the hot wire system might be a better choice. Has anyone tried it on the pink or Blue stuff??

I've used it on the blue foam, though only the 1-inch thick stuff. Works great. Real intricate patterns are possible, though perhaps for long straight cuts the jigsaw would be better. Quicker anyway. The hotwire cutter requires a slow steady pressure to feed the foam through...well, if you want a straight cut anyway.

I've clamped a straightedge to my table to make fairly straight cuts. I think if I designed the table again, I might use an arm that's not so tall. It introduces a lot of flex in the wire. One that's only a couple of inches high might be better, particularly since the foam itself is only 2 inches thick.

I'm actually going to be working on making the height adjustable to rein in that flex. It will also provide some flexibility should I have larger peices or want to resaw one thinner. I'll bring my table and handheld cutter with me to the meeting.

Rich

[trishaanne]

Jay, seafood would have been possible, but, well, the seafood festival is right down the street about 4 miles, so why would I try to cook seafood when the pros are already doing it? :D The only problem is that they are VERY pricey and if you're not there at 9 AM, you can forget getting anywhere near the place.

And yes, we can do pizza. That makes it easy, although if you guys would prefer, we can do burgers and stuff on the grill. Your call, just let me know.

The foam cutting tables were a project that we did in the past I believe. I passed on it then, but I may have a use for it now. Not that I'm looking for perfection on any of my cuts with these blocks but it may make it easier. Either that or I'm getting one of the foam cutting wands instead of the curvy kind.

AND CAN SOMEONE PLEASE GET THIS BLOCK OF FOAM OUT OF OUR YARD....hehehe

[GhoulishCop]

If we can't have Pattie's lobster (damn, I joined this group too late if she was making lobster for everyone) I vote for pizza! Pizza and beer...the breakfast of champions! And I do mean breakfast.

And Greg, bring Uncle Fester with you. Love the movement on him. I'd like to see this in person.

Rich

[Joiseygal]

We made the foam cutters at one of the make and takes awhile back, but the ones that didn't make one should definitely use this meeting to make it. I just have to get my foam cutter adjusted on the table, so I can start making tombstones. If I do get it hooked up than I might be starting a tombstone at the meeting to try the foam cutter out! :) Joe might have a supply list still together from the last time we made the foam cutter table???

[Joiseygal]

LOL...we all decided to post at one time! Oh and yes please bring Uncle Fester he is cool!

[NoahFentz]

I'll be making more chicken/rooster feet. (NOT for dinner either.)

A reminder:
It is summer time. Heavy traffic of people going down to the shore. Start out early and prepare ahead. Especially folks who want to stop off at the Flea market....

This will probably be the first June meeting that I have attended. I have always prepped for Ironstock in the past....I need this...

[niblique71]

I'll be making more chicken/rooster feet. (NOT for dinner either.)

A reminder:
It is summer time. Heavy traffic of people going down to the shore. Start out early and prepare ahead. Especially folks who want to stop off at the Flea market....

This will probably be the first June meeting that I have attended. I have always prepped for Ironstock in the past....I need this...

That's Too funny Noah, As you were typing about Ironstock, I was ressurecting Ironman's "Biggest Damn Plant" thread. How is Ironman doing??? Have you had ANY contact with him or his Cohorts?

[FRIGHTGUY]

Hey all...not to get off topic but my Interview with Joisey is up on the Blog so feel free to stop by and take a gander and don't be afraid to comment!
http://grimlockmanor.blogspot.com/2011/06/interview-with-bloodcrest-manor.html

I am ready to do my next interview so if anyone in the group is interested please let me know!

[NoahFentz]

That's Too funny Noah, As you were typing about Ironstock, I was ressurecting Ironman's "Biggest Damn Plant" thread. How is Ironman doing??? Have you had ANY contact with him or his Cohorts?

He's been pumping out props right and left. Check out his youtube channel. Alot of new ones....

http://www.youtube.com/user/Namnori69

[FRIGHTGUY]

I love the cotton candy prop! I need that for my haunt this year!

[GhoulishCop]

Jay,

"Hey all...not to get off topic"

If there's anything we expect from you, it's for you to go off topic. But it's a great interview nonetheless!

Rich

[FRIGHTGUY]

This is true Rich...Im not one for topics much am I..so not to get off topic but!... =)

[trishaanne]

Just a little warning......wear old shoes and nothing the color white!!! The mulberry tree is in full bloom and is making a horrible mess in the driveway and the back yard. I'll hose the driveway down as much as I can, but there are berries EVERYWHERE, and eventually, you WILL step on some! THIS HAS BEEN A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT!

[Joiseygal]

Just a little warning......wear old shoes and nothing the color white!!! The mulberry tree is in full bloom and is making a horrible mess in the driveway and the back yard. I'll hose the driveway down as much as I can, but there are berries EVERYWHERE, and eventually, you WILL step on some! THIS HAS BEEN A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT!

Cool...I can bring my clothes for my zombie props and roll around in the driveway! YEEHAW!!!!

[FRIGHTGUY]

Maybe we can tie dy shirts for our make and take project using the berries!

[trishaanne]

The berries falling out of the tree onto your shoulders and back pretty much make it easy to "tie dye". I'm HOPING to get the pool open by this weekend, but not sure if it's going to happen with our schedules. We haven't had a free weekend to work on it at all!

[Joiseygal]

Ok I just want to announce that I'm going to the flea market before the meeting. Anyone else up for going to the flea market???

[GhoulishCop]

Hey Sharon,

If I can roust Jeff out of bed early enough I'd like to go to the flea market. Watching all these vlogs has me interested in seeing what I can find now. I think I was a little to narrow minded before about what I could get at the flea market so I'll try to be more expansive this time. What time are you thinking of going?

Rich

[trishaanne]

If you guys are meeting up here, just let me know what time. Nothing like being woken up by a rowdy bunch of haunters climbing in through the window!

[NoahFentz]

Hey Sharon,

If I can roust Jeff out of bed early enough I'd like to go to the flea market. Watching all these vlogs has me interested in seeing what I can find now. I think I was a little to narrow minded before about what I could get at the flea market so I'll try to be more expansive this time. What time are you thinking of going?

Rich

It sounds like a plan but we shall see how traffic is. We can set out early for the Flea Market but odds are we will probably get to Patty's by noon. I would like to hit the Flea Market...looking for steel animal traps....

[Devil]

What time is the M&T starting?

[trishaanne]

I'm guessing around 11 or so. Since everyone is going to be working on individual projects, it will be a little less structured and time constricted.

On another note, to all haunters that are joining us.....it's 100 degrees outside and the INSIDE of my house is 92. Therefore, I have not done a serious cleaning and there is dog fur and dust all over the house. Everyone that has walked outside and then come in the back door has tracked berry stains all over the floor, and I'm NOT scrubbing them right now (not till after berry season). The grass probably won't be cut nice and neat, there are berries all over the fricken yard and there's a chance of rain, which means that we'll have to throw the tarp over the frame for the carport. I know you all well enough now to NOT have to fuss over the house, when just BLINKING is causing us to break out in a sweat right now! I can apologize, but, well,,,, NAH!!!!!

[sharpobject]

In case you haven't already figured it out - I will not be able to attend this Make and Take. Way too much stuff to get done and packed and it seems that the weekends are the best time to do it. Try to not have too much fun without me.

Hopefully we'll be in better shape that maybe Ralphie and me will be able to come to the July meeting.

[sharpobject]

Ralph took this pic the day he got to Florida. The beach is 1/2 mile from where he's staying.

[niblique71]

Ralph took this pic the day he got to Florida. The beach is 1/2 mile from where he's staying.

I vote to have our next MnT (July) there....A "destination" MnT??

[trishaanne]

WOW.....that's really nice. I hope everything is going well for Ralph. I know you're anxious to get down there with him. Please give him our love when you speak with him. We'll miss you, but of course we understand.

[Joiseygal]

Elaine you are a bum! :( I will miss you guys so much! I wish you the best though.

As for the time for the flea market I would like to go early because I want to avoid the traffic on the Parkway. I figure if I get to Pattie's around 9am than we could head off to the flea market?? Let me know if that will work????

[GhoulishCop]

Sharon,

That sounds good. I'll pick up Jeff at 8 and we can make it down to Pattie's by 9. I'm hoping I can convince him to bring his newest family member Billie with him so we can see the completed project.

Actually, I'm just thinking we'll probably run into a bunch of Shore traffic on the way back and it would be fun having Billie sitting back there in the bed of the truck for people to gawk at (though perhaps not as much fun as having a body with its head wrapped in plastic).

Rich

[trishaanne]

Just to remind everyone that is headed down this way from the north...traffic headed south SUCKS! Also, the seafood festival is this weekend only 2 towns over, so, well, you know...traffic will SUCK! The pool is open, but since we just took the cover off last night and are still working on cleaning up the water, you can feel free to jump in to cool off but I will not be held liable if you get rashes or some kind of creepy skin disease..lol. BTW, Rich, I still have your shorts here from last year when you went in the pool. Man, I HATE it when the haunters start leaving their clothes behind. No wonder our little group has such a reputation! :eek:

Everyone drive safely and I'll see y'all when you get here.

[hpropman]

Hi everyone I am sorry but I can not make this one family stuff and a leaking sink that needs to be fixed. I have posted the thread to my foam cutting table and if you have any questions I will be on again tonight and maybe tomorrow night if I get home at a reasonable time. Have fun everyone. The only suggestions that I would make about the table is to add a small ceramic tile or small square of cement board under the half moon plastic under the table, Drill a larger hole (1/4 - 3/16) in the PVC plastic pipe (half moon) and drill a small hole in the tile to hold the bottom of the guitar string. The string needs to be strung very tight.

http://www.hauntforum.com/showthread.php?t=16712&highlight=foam+cutting+table

[GhoulishCop]

Pattie,

"Rich, I still have your shorts here from last year when you went in the pool."

You sure they're not Carl Weathers' or Taylor Lautner's? Hmmm. How did my shorts come off anyway that you ended up with them? Must...not...drink...so...much...beer...

Rich

[Devil]

On my way to meet up for the fleamarket outing.

[NoahFentz]

Its raining up here so it might not be so bad going down....just waiting for GC to pick me up....hope the suns out down there...

[GhoulishCop]

On my way to get NF... see y'all soon! Yay, rain!

Rich

[FRIGHTGUY]

Ugg...I gotta miss out today (for good reason though) need to take my dad to the doc, he's not allowed to drive and good ol mom is working.

Miss you guys, have fun today!

[madmomma]

It's killing me that I've been out of touch for a while. Everything and everyone is okay here it's just I've been SOOOOO bogged down with school, trying to find a part-time job, helping Vanessa study for finals, remodeling and helping Chris with the businesses.

I really miss everyone and hope the M&T is successful. I'll try my best to get there next time because I really need to get cracking on more props for this year. I always check the site to see what's going on with the group so I'll be looking forward to seeing what transpired today.

The traffic from NY to NJ, no matter which way we go, is always horrendous; three hours of stop and go is extremely frustrating and tiring. I'm thinking of leaving at the crack of dawn next time to get a better head start and leave Chris more time to hang at the restaurant.

Patti, hope Ken is doing well. Miss everyone. Don't party too much and keep you're shorts ON! :D

[DoomBuddy]

Hope you guys have a good time. (I do not miss the summer time traffic but do miss the group). Post pictures and semi clean descriptions.

[NoahFentz]

Just got home....nice relaxin make and take. Got to chat with some haunters and work on more rooster/chicken feet. Very productive. A good collection of assorted props were worked on. GhoulishCop working on Paper Mache boots, Tinman working on his grave robber hand, MizLiz and Hubby working on Paper Mache pumpkins, JoiseyGal completing her Hot Wire foam table and TrishaAnne catching up on her invitations. The Flea Market was slim pickins but was fun digging. Nice meeting new members MizLiz and Hubby and Devil....

Thanks again trishaAnne and BooBooBunny for letting us raid your yard...

[NoahFentz]

A Toast to

Absent Friends...

[MizLiz]

We had a great time meeting the rowdy bunch! John's already snoozing :)

[Joiseygal]

Yes it was a relaxing Make and Take! :) Thanks once again Pattie and Kenny. It was nice meeting MizLiz and hubby John. Good to see Devil once again. It was great seeing all the different projects that people were working on. I'm happy to have my foam cutting table completed and thanks to Rich for helping me. Looking forward to next meeting!

[trishaanne]

A relaxing day, yes, but very weird too. Nine haunters, all at my house, and not one bit of trouble, nothing set on fire, welded shut, broken into, etc. I'd like to thank Sharon for allowing me to take over her foam cutting table for a little while to cut out the tombstones for the invitations. And thanks to everyone for agreeing to get pizza for dinner so I was able to work on projects, spend time with everyone and not have to cook, although with a cooler temperature finally it wouldn't have been so bad cooking in here. I look forward to seeing everyone again next month.

Oh, BTW....there was one small casualty. Whoever washed out their latex covered brushes in my downstairs bathroom sink didn't REALLY wash the sink out afterwards. There is now a layer of latex all over the sink that I have to go downstairs and scrape off with a putty knife. Thanks....great way to start off a Sunday morning...lol.

[niblique71]

I had a Blast seeing everyone again. This was the first time since we've been meeting that I didn't build anything, which gave me time to see what others were doing. I was a skeptic of a foam cutting table as being useful, Boy was I Wrong!!! That thing is better than sliced bread, and can do things with foam that no mechanical cutter could ever come closed to. Thanks Sharon and Rich for opening my eyes to yet another cool project. I enjoyed having the free time to socialize and watch.
It was nice to see our new members, MzLiz and John. Hopefully we can have more newbies in for initiation at the next meeting.

Fester thanks you for all of your adoration :) We can build one any time if there is enough interest. I have to get a tutorial together anyway, so just le me know.

[Tinman]

Fester thanks you for all of your adoration :) We can build one any time if there is enough interest. I have to get a tutorial together anyway, so just le me know.

Fester is even better live than he was in the video. I vote for making an army of them at the August meeting (I will be out of town for the July meeting)

[GhoulishCop]

Greg,

"We can build one any time if there is enough interest."

Um...yeah! It's really that good. Fester looks like he's actually pushing itself up and is not all herky jerky like so many prop movements. Very smooth. I want one!

Rich

[niblique71]

For those that want to build a "Fester".

Fester will be a 2 meeting project. It's Highly unlikely we'd be able to finish him in one meeting. So here's what I suggest, Most of us need Hands for the grabbers that we already made and possibly a skull too. Fester also needs two hands and a skull. We can probably make the hands and rough skull(s) in the morning (July MnT). For those that prefer to buy a skull, feel free to do so.
We should also rough out a few of the wooden components for Fester in the afternoon. Having some of the wooden pieces Cut to length will greatly expedite the construction on day#2 (August). Also in our July meeting we should get our "Vent motors" working (they need some minor "Tweaks" to work reliably) and get the basic crank arm attached. That will mean that we'll need to bring our vent motors and a power supply (12V Wall wart), to test them and make sure they are up to the job of making Fester struggle out of his grave for many years to come.

So in Summary, a Fester build will be:

July Meeting- Hands, Skull, Vent motor prep, and cut certain Parts to length and size.

August Meeting- Drill, Cut, Assemble Fester.

All of this of course is subject to majority approval from the group

We can also ask Joe if he has any extra vent motors from that huge order he placed last year. They are much cheaper than the Deer motors at around $3 + S/H.


Let's get some feedback in our July thread (Patty??) as to what everyone wants to do. Fester will be a challenging build even for experianced haunters. He needs some "Tweaking" to make him run smooth and problem free. So we'll need an early start, especially for the Second build day.

[hpropman]

Hello All - Sorry that I missed the meeting Sound like you guys had a nice time - I would love to build a fester! How did the foam cutting table come out? Pictures please. Did you lower the upper arm like someone mentioned? Also did you add the heat shield (Tile or cement board) under the table to keep the plastic pipe from possibly melting? Greg I do not have any more leftover motors from the group buy. I do have plenty of 12 volt wall wart power supplies (500ma) if anyone needs any please let me know.

[GhoulishCop]

Hey Joe,

I haven't lowered the arm just yet, but my idea is to use a 3/4" PVC pipe as the riser arm with a 1" tee fitting that would slide up and down, probably reduced to 3/4" again for the PVC extension arm that would stick out over the table. I'm thinking of locking the arm in place in one of two ways: (1) drilling a hole in the tee fitting so you could tighten down a wing nut or knob against the riser arm, or (2) cutting slots through the riser arm and passing a bolt through the tee fitting and the riser arm so the it could be locked down.

I may go with larger PVC pipe though since I'm not sure 3/4" would be sufficient. Maybe 1" riser and extension arms with a larger tee fitting (if there's one sufficiently sized). I'll be picking up the pieces this week and I'll post pics of my progress.

It does seem the tile is also a necessity. I found that the ball on the guitar string did become hot enough to slightly soften the PVC. However, it's so far had the happy circumstance of actually embedding the ball into the PVC itself so it locks it in place.

Thanks for the help through your own table tutorial as it made building mine a snap. And my daughter spent hours on end cutting all kinds of shapes on the table, so it's a big hit I can tell you.

Rich