Ash congas

[Dicemanb]

Beautiful, they look very organic.
You could be starting a new trend here Lou

[Bongobilly]

Yes very nice work. Let us know how it sound's when your done.

[roberthelpus]

That's just weird, but if you're happy with it I'm happy too. Like bluing and parkerizing it's not a very durable finish, and on firearms these finishes are usually also protected with a thin coating of oil. A rusted finish would even less durable than a parkerizd or blued finish.

[congalou]

Hi Roberthelpus, what parkerizing and bluing are ? is it anodizing or put zing ?

You're right, rust and varnish is not the much durable finish, the best is chrome (good chrome...) but it's expensive for few pieces.

But, you know, it's a special metal varnish wich fix the rust, It will be enough for a music instrument wich don't sleep outside with rain !!

If I make more pieces, I will maybe chrome it.

Galou.

[roberthelpus]

Hi Roberthelpus, what parkerizing and bluing are ? is it anodizing or put zing ?

You're right, rust and varnish is not the much durable finish, the best is chrome (good chrome...) but it's expensive for few pieces.

But, you know, it's a special metal varnish wich fix the rust, It will be enough for a music instrument wich don't sleep outside with rain !!

If I make more pieces, I will maybe chrome it.

Galou.

Parkerizing and bluing are two other steel finishes that are created by oxidation. Kind of like controlled rusting in a way. Standard finish on firearms for years.

Ok, so it actually an electrochemical conversion coating. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkerizing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluing_(steel)

I think that nickel plating is actually a bit more doable in the home shop.

[congalou]

Very interesting, I knew bluing before but not parkerizing.

I like very much this "mat black" aspect like Harley Davidson !!!

A artisan told me that he put all his metal tools in the water with pieces of oak for few days, and after they don't rust at all (cause of the tannin).

Do someone have ever heard about this technique ?

[roberthelpus]

Looking at the pics again, it's starting to grow on me. I think that you'd have to put them on some natural finish drums that are really beat looking but that sound great. Then you'd have to really be able to kick ass playing wise. You'd show up with them and everybody would give you doubtful looks, and then you would play and blow their minds. Kind of like a "sleeper" in the automotive world.

OK enough, need to finish my coffee.

[congalou]

Hello guys,

I don't blow mind of any body, the other opinions is very important for me. (if not, I ever fiber theses two shells, you can read the begining of the conversation) I just say to myself today to inquire about bluing... I like the idea of the rennaissance wax too, it could be efficient and not too expensive. Not for theses pieces, but FOR THE FUTURE, or for other guys wich could have the same questions.

About this idea of "sleeper", you know, a sleeper don't show his personal tools...

I'm really sorry if i hurt you, I just do that for share and debate about experiences with enthusiast persons all aroud the world (It's cool).

I do that because I think it can interest and help some people who want to tinke or customize congas like me.

G.

[akdom]

Don't worry Lou, keep woring on these babies ! They will look terific.

It is nice to think out of the box. Too may people can't stand originality. I really think that the rusty look is a killer !

there are many new building material nowadays trying to reproduce rust. It is very trendy (at least here in Europe). I am also a bit fed up with the high gloss and shiny chrome you see on every single drum.

You rock

B

[bongosnotbombs]

Awesome work as always Lou! Very imaginative. I think Akdom is referring to the material Cor-Ten steel. It is a nice material. It forms a layer of rust that actually protects it from corrosion.

[roberthelpus]

Sorry, I had no intention to offend and am impressed with your work. Just that rusted hardware looks strange as hell at first, but it is growing on me.

[Dicemanb]

Robert,

I had the same reaction for about a second, then had that Wow moment.
We try our hardest to prevent nature (rusting) from taking over, we should just work with it. ( to self-'Ok, cut the tree hugging Diceman!!')
The more I look at that ferrous oxide finish, the more I like it.
Go for it Lou, I dig your approach

Dice

[jorge]

Is that rust going to discolor your pants when you play sitting down?

[congalou]

Hi !

Robert, When I traduce the message with internet, I understood that you were hurt and become pretty piquant all apologize !

I have to say that I traduce sometimes word per word and it hapenned that I don't understand precisely the subtlety of the language... like "growing on me", "kick ass playing wise"...

Wow, I almost nearly provoke a diplomatic incident, cause a traduce mistake !!!

The language the most efficient all around the world is still MUSIC !!! not words

PEACE.

So !!!!, The hardware is well dry, I put my skins today, photos coming this afternoon !!!

Hello Jorge, The rust is completely fix by the varnish, no discolor at all, sometimes, iron chair, designer furnish are like that.

[roberthelpus]

No need to apologize, as I never felt insulted. I was making an attempt at humor which apparently did not translate very well.

Much respect for you and your work, as you are someone who sees a new possibility and goes ahead and tries it out. That's where some of the worlds greatest inventions have come from.