I am a 'Newbie'. In the last Compendium there was some discussion from the 'Internet Sundial List' on the use of wood for sundials. This discussion initiated my joining the 'List'.
First, let me explain - my knowledge of 'gnomonics' is embryonic - but I am trying. I was introduced to the subject by Doug Kenney, one of your members, and that is why I joined NASS, in an attempt to learn more. (This has not been to successful, however, since you guys are on another planet; I will get there !!) My idea was to make ornamental sundials of wood that would be attractive on a coffee table or such, but that could be taken outdoors and they would really work. What I settled on, after a year of experimenting, was an equatorial dial (two half rings) made of red oak, with a dial plate made of hoop pine (a very flexible 1/8" waterproof plywood from Australia) on a walnut base. The gnomon and all hardware are of brass. The angle of the gnomon is easily adjustable and there is a brass compass in the base plate. Now, as to weather and wood. I have been faced with this problem for my entire life - started with boats on Lake Superior and has continued, mainly with marine problems. For many years now, maybe 15, I have been using the automotive industry as a source of finishing technology with wood. Today, all new cars have a color coat, followed by a clear coat. The 'clear coat technology' started a lot of years ago with Imron 500. They have come a long way since. When wood is finished with automotive clear-coat, it is weather-proof with a capital W. Thus, one can make sundials of any kind of wood you desire, as long as it is finished with automotive 'clear-coat'. If anyone is interested, I will give you my complete finishing schedule (which is simple) and the products used. Charlie Mead 136 Emerald Cove Lane Rockwood, TN 37854 (423) 354-1993
