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Daphne Nov 16, 2005

So, I'm making one last bear before my show this weekend.
Head is done, I just need to joint and stuff and he's done.  :dance:

Here's the problem: I'm short 2 discs!!! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!  :doh: I hate it when that happens!!!! I have the size above and below the one I need and neither will do! They are too hard to cut. What do I do????????

Waaa!!!    :cry:

Worst part is... my bear mentor lives only 20 minutes away and always has tons of EVERYTHING on hand. But she's in the Grand Caymen Islands right now! How dare she!!! 

Daphne

starlite Nov 16, 2005

Hi Daphne,
I hope this does not sound too silly  :doh: but if you have discs for 3 joints then had you considered using two of one of the other sizes you have for the legs?? I have done this in the past  maybe I am just a bit dumb but it seemed to work  - but I am sure others will have excellent suggestions cos everyone is soo innovative here -Best of luck with the bear and your show at the weekend
:hug: :hug:
anne

bearlyart Nov 17, 2005

Wow, I have no idea what could be used as a substitute.  In that situation, I'd probably take a look at the bear and consider making it fully wobble-jointed.  You can go down a disc size all around and it just adds to the look.  Just a thought????  Will be interesting to hear other thoughts on this.

Kelly

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorNov 17, 2005

You can buy magnificently huge washers at places like HOME DEPOT or LOWE'S.  You may need intermediate, extra washers if the hole is too huge, to bring that center hole down to size.  Actually works, in a pinch.

Good luck, Daph.

plushkinbear Nov 17, 2005

Just want to add to Shelli's post....
1. Once I used those huge washers and they worked out just great. They also give a bear nice "heavyness"
2. Once I used hand'made disk made from the thick book cover (The book wasn't interesting at all...) I cut it out with the sharp knife.
3. Once I used a koka-kola cap (only flat part)  for minis.
4. Once I used DVD disk It was my on first bears and I tried alot of material. Now I'm usind REAl disk for Teddy bears.... :whistle:

HUGG, Julia :hug:

Jare Hares & Bears Nov 17, 2005

Those huge washers are called Fender Washers. Mom and I use them to joint our bear and like plushkinbear said they add a bit of weight.
You can get them with smaller center holes. Go buy these at the local hardware store you can just buy what you'll need and they will be cheaper than the Big Chain Stores. Then you will find that you love them and will want them by the 1000s and then you can order them from the local hardware store and put money back into your local economy.  :whistle:

I don't know what you use or have on hand. But I use #8 washers, #8 Bolts, #8 locknuts, & then whichever size Fender washer I need and like Shelli said some times you need to add extra washers to get the hole size down. I can get the Fender washers 3/4", 7/8", 1", 1 1/4", 1 1/2", and 2" sizes and they cover most sizes that I make. Take one of your bolts with you to the store that way you will know for sure which center hole size to get without having to use another washer.

--OR--

You could put a bigger disc in the body and the smaller disc in the leg. I know it is not perfect but I have done this to get by in a pinch.

kbonsall Nov 17, 2005

Fender Washers is my answer too

Deb Nov 17, 2005

Daphne ~

While all these good ideas are rolling in, you're not down the road pulling a b&e are you?

Daphne Nov 17, 2005

Deb... no..... I'm making due with what I've got!

But now that I'm reading about fender washer here this morning I'm really excited about them. I'm going to ahve to give those a try!

A /CDDVD... great idea as I needed BIG discs and we have soooo many CD's we'll never listen to again!!!! Pretty expensive joints though so I'd have to riase the price!

HA!

Thank you so much forthe great ideas!! You guys are the best!

Jare Hares & Bears Nov 18, 2005

CD/DVDs might get brittle over time...
I don't think I would recommend them

plushkinbear Nov 18, 2005

I used two instead of one. And it wasn't bear for sale just a try one.

Eileen Nov 18, 2005

Daphne,

I'd take the size above and pare it down. It's certainly impossible just to cut straight through without a hole saw, but . . .

I've done this a few times--If you've got a good sharp Stanley knife or the equivalent, you can cut through the disk edge more easily by paring at an angle around one side, flipping the disk over and paring at an angle around the other side, then paring what's left in the middle.

The only alternative I can think of is really rough sandpaper. Lacking that . . . it's amazing how quickly a stone or concrete surface will sand anything down. I use a brick to remove ancient dried paint from my paint-scrapers.

Eileen