EastCoast

4. Here are some shots of the fished beams. Note - the paint color for the ceiling is called Mouse Ears. The set builder for Avatar introduced me to this color years back and I use it for anything that needs a dark anti-reflective coating:

All, After moving into our new home - I realized I do not have enough room for our collection. Solution.... make room. Thus begins my room build: 1. The space is a 9X10 room used by the previous owner as a gun storage room. The room has a small entrance room that leads to it that was designed in a similar fashion complete with epoxy\resin floors. Here is a picture of the entry way: 2. I would have taken a before shot of the room, but didn't think that you all may be interested until 1/3 the way in. Step one was to paint then install the floor. I went with Kilim Beige for the paint and hand scrapped saratoga hickory for the floors. At this stage the lighting is not installed, so I am using a portable light unit. Here is the end result: 3. The next step was to install fake support beams. Here is the before: I am limited on my uploads.... so more to come.

Thanks Ray! Sent you a PM with the link. Best, Dr. James B. McNicholas III (EastCoast)

All, There is a collection up for sale locally and I wanted to see if I can get some input on the following items. Please note, these are their pictures and I have not yet been out to see the items. I know more is needed for identification, so I am more interested in the mei right now. SWORD 1 Sword 1 - Mei Sword 1 - Mei Close Up 1 Sword 1 - Mei Close Up 2 Sword 1 - Mei Close Up 3 SWORD 2 Sword 2 - Mei Sword 2 - Side View Thanks in advance! Best, Dr. James B. McNicholas III (EastCoast)

Interesting package. Love the tsuba!

Paul - I was wondering if that was the case. Happened to me as well at one point. BTW, the woman you spoke with makes excellent tea. If you stop in and are offered some, do not hesitate to a accept.

Anyone interested in updates? I will be back home tomorrow after nearly a month and a half out. Assuming my housekeeper didn't walk with my collection. I can take some new pictures to see how the wax has held up.

BJ - Those are the cases I use. They are very nice. I ordered mine on Amazon.

JT - PM me. They have sent me swords VIA FedEx Express before. I'll see what I can do. Best, James

JT - I've never had a standoffish relationship with them. I have had a few preemptive concerns in the past,especially in the beginning, but they always came through and exceeded my expectations.

JT - I do a lot of business with AOI. I'm sure they would work with you; however, if you really like the pieces I would just wait. I also agree with Oshy in that this is a great time to consider a fresh polish or paper upgrade. I may be heading that way in a few months. I may be able to bring them back for you.

Adam, Thanks for the heads up. There was a full set on AOI (F+M) a few weeks back I missed out on. Best, James

Thanks for the info!

Tom, Why do you think it is not right? I'm still learning, so specific details would be greatly appreciated. Best, James

drvac, Can you take some shots of the dehumidifier setup on your case? Best, James

PNS - I'd like to learn more about this topic. Would you happen to have a link or resource?

Ian & Ken, Do you have any ideas as to what the function of the weights were? Best, James

JP - Thanks. Yes, it could be. Geraint - I think I'm just going to have it xrayed. It could be anything I suppose, just never seen(heard) something like this before.

All, Here are some photos. 1. Looked for a lose shim and didn't see it. 2. Nothing is lose. All pieces are very tight. 3. The sound in coming from around the center. A friend says it sounds like beads.

All, I was cleaning a tsuka today and noticed something rather odd. When shaking the tsuka there is a rattle/sliding sound. I looked in the handle and I see nothing. Everything is tight, so it is not the fuki making noise. I took a neodymium magnet to it and didn't get a pull. What the heck could this be? Best, James

Welcome JT!

Brian - you have a link?

For $750+ you can have your green papered sword polished by a machine. For an extra $1000.00 they will submit it to NBTHK shinsa. I'm not sure what to be more upset with, the polishing or the crazy mark up for shinsa.

What is this machine polishing he mentions??? There is also a machine-hybrid option!? NBTHK Option = $1000.00 Just wow!

Jamie, FO is a great product. I didn't think it was suitable for what I am trying to accomplish though. I'll continue to test and people can judge for themselves. Do you display your blades openly?