I'm finally achieving a goal of mine, and that's to build a Flea Circus.
This is the very first video in a long series.
See how it gets started, and please check back every Saturday for updates.



If the video doesn't work, here's the link...
https://youtu.be/6bdKPdTmczM


Randi

LOVE IT!

Looking forward to seeing the progress. Subscribed to your channel.

Thank you very much. With youTube, who knows if actually subscribing does anything. They're notorious for not notifying subscribers when new videos are uploaded.
Even with the notification bell on, but I appreciate it nonetheless, and I'll at least post here.

I think you will enjoy it...
My goal was to create a flea circus the way I first imagined it as a kid, to also strictly stick to the circus theme, and to actually make a structured show.
For example, having something like a merry-go-round is not circus to me. That's a carnival, not a circus. So there's nothing like that in mine.
It also has to be built in a show format. There needs to be a beginning, a middle, and an end, or the rule of three.
There will be three performing fleas. A beginning, a middle, and an end as the show.
Then each flea will do three routines. So within the show there's beginnings, middles, and ends.
Also the look will be more detailed, but more vintage style. I'm still not done, but really close and it's came out very nice so far.

Thanks for watching.

Randi

If interested... The next instalment of my Flea Circus build is ready for viewing.



If the embedded video doesn't work or you want to watch it on youTube, here is the link...

https://youtu.be/083HWhOeegY

Randi

Do you have no fear of table saws? Lol
I am looking forward to the progress of the circus.
And those banners... WOW

Went to your site and your poppit dolls look interesting as do your imp bottles.

Quite the opposite. I've used one for over 30 years.
I'm about to be 50. I've worked in shops most of my life.
I have my own shop. I respect table saws.

In all that time, the only saw I have ever stuck my finger in was a band saw.
It wasn't even while cutting. I was knocking away cut off pieces.
Didn't even feel it except for the vibration. Wasn't sure I did it.
Went about an 1/8th of an inch straight in the middle finger on my left hand.
You should be more worried about me with nail guns. I've shot myself more times then I care to remember.

Randi

I have been working with power tools for over 50 years. Around 4 years ago I nearly lost a finger. I also could have bled to death. My body reacts very differently to power tools now. Just seeing your fingers that close to the blade makes my hair stand up. I got cut doing exactly what I saw you do, with the blade below the wood level and me pushing it. The blade got caught on the wood and shot it out like a baseball. Within a fraction of a second, my hand was on the blade.

I had several smaller incidents like you described, but after that experience, when approaching certain power tools, I get that same feeling most people feel when they step real close to the edge of a deep cliff. You get that tingly feeling that works it's way up your legs.

As a result, my hands are never closer than around six or eight inches of the blade. If the blade catches the wood, it can pull your hands into the blade in a fraction of a second.

Enough of the soapbox. I JUST LOVE your switchboard. I plan on getting one soon.

KJ

How did the wood get caught?
I've had wood bind and shoot back before, but that was early in my time and I was crosscutting a skinny piece using the fence when I should have used the guide.
My biggest fear is my feet slipping and having to use my hands to catch myself, putting my hands in the blades to keep my head from going into it.
Which is why I always make sure my feet are planted.


Randi

Well, it was a dado blade, so perhaps its not as likely with a regular saw blade. However, it just put a healthy dose of fear in me. I hear you about planting the feet. I definitely do that too.

I do love your work, and I hope you never have a serious power tool accident.

I look forward to seeing how the flea circus comes out. I too have always wanted to build one. One day I shall.

KJ

Ok... Finally I am actually starting work on the fleas...



The actual link...
https://youtu.be/J13VHXLSm6s

Randi

Just had the chance to watch the highwire... I am enjoying the process.
Have a blessed Season!

Latest Flea Circus video...
This one has something straight out of Tarbell.



Here's the link...

https://youtu.be/eFTJwz5JxcY

That was awesome! I think I could see Zig Zag! How do you keep him motivated? I'm sure it's not easy.

When you are writing the script for the patter, it is important to not use the wrong blood type for the fleas...
type O.

Two fleas stumble out of the bar late one evening. One says to the other: "We are going to have to walk, we are in no condition to take a dog."

Whatever you do, don't let your fleas itch ike

I gotta go for now, but I am so impressed you built that entire flea circus from scratch.

KJ

Thank you...
It even gets better. Stay tuned for more.

Randi

We are itching to see more.

I can hardly stand it!

Wait no longer... The next video is up, and we're on to my favorite flea...



Here's the actual link...

https://youtu.be/-HuWJgzZyQ4

Love it! Really amazing! I have seen many flea circuses over the years and this is shaping up to be one of if not the best!

KJ