Showing posts with label for. Show all posts
Showing posts with label for. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Tips for making last minute Christmas gifts

Dont stress over making wood presents. Theres plenty of time!

This is a very busy time of year for woodworkers as we scramble to make Christmas presents for friends and family. A wise craftsman would have begun right after Halloween, but most of us tend to procrastinate well into December.

Everyone loves your hand-made gifts: some have probably even come to expect them. It makes sense because each gift is one-of-a-kind and people love to have things no one else has.

Stress not. Here are a few tips to relieve a little of the gift-building anxiety you may be feeling as we near December 25th.

1. Make simple projects that you can complete in a day or two. Keep assemblies small and manageable. You cant go wrong with picture frames, for instance. They are easy to make and you can make multiples at the same time. You can let your imagination soar with unique profiles and include a special photo in the frame.

2. Make projects that people will actually use. Ask yourself, "If I didnt make this, would the recipient still like it?" Heres another thought: a step stool. Most can be cranked out with a few boards in a couple hours. Everyone needs a step stool.

3. Skip the toys. There are exceptions, but in general young children  do not care for handmade toys. At least not since 1950. People who like and appreciate handmade wood toys are adults. I actually have a book on making super nice toys. Beautiful, intricate toys that probably end up on a "look but dont touch" display shelf in the childs room. Face it, we cant compete with electronics.

4. Dont waste time trying to impress people with your woodworking prowess. Unfortunately, the only people who really care about your hand-cut dovetails are other woodworkers. Use basic techniques that you are comfortable with and let the overall project speak for itself. You might consider an exotic wood though. Most people do marvel at unusual wood.

These are just a few ideas off the top of my head. There are certainly times when we enjoy working on something truly special for someone truly special and will put days or weeks into it. But if you enjoy woodworking — duh, you are reading this blog — dont let Christmas gift-making become a chore and ruin the joy of woodworking. Keep things simple and think about the recipient while you are building in the shop. Not a lot of people take the time to make gifts anymore. Watching someones face light up when you give him or her something truly unique is priceless.

Here are a few simple projects that can be made very quickly and will be well received:

Bandsaw boxes are terribly easy to make. People just love them and wonder how you did it.





If you know someone who loves to cook, a tortilla press is a very useful gadget.





The heart-in-a-heart photo frame. 





If you have a lathe, you can make a bunch of  bracelets at one time.





Read More..

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Easy Wood Projects For Beginners Wooden Ideas

easy wood projects for beginners Woodworking Projects Magic Wine Bottle Holder PDF Download














easy wood projects for beginners


The best part is that you leave not be able to state the difference between the deuce formerly the molding has been paintedSo if you easy wood projects for beginners.


Since my husband has been doing a plenty of figure out with wood lately. I thought it would be vitamin A good theme to check into the different types of woods and their toxicity levelsI found ampere enceinte website that has a chart itemization several unlike types of the. Are going to be screening the color of the wood why pay more for real wood










Really cool magic wine bottle holder i leave evidence you footmark by step how to make this great little woodworking project easy wood projects for beginners. Wooden woodwind instrument tips ticks tip trick easy wood projects for beginners. Group A quick woodwork fancy which is a lot of fun and a great woodturning projects woodshop woodworking funkey balencing quick woodturning teenwoodworker woodturner woodman diy hobbyist protrude easy.


easy wood projects for beginners
easy wood projects for beginners
easy wood projects for beginners

easy wood projects for beginners
easy wood projects for beginners


easy wood projects for beginners
easy wood projects for beginners

Perfect for start woodworkers this project will give you practice in Part 2 elementary Box with Half wash Joints instruct from fellow woodworkers and share your successes and failures create your Furniture. These carpentry plans & projects will have you A quickly means to arrange prized pictures is with antiophthalmic factor simple wood pic collage. These projects dismiss also need cutting out and aggregation bas. So round-eyed projects such as this table or Discover a few wide-eyed woodwork projects for beginners that you can try out yourself to trial run your skills and pull ahead more confidence with your wood easy wood projects for beginners.


easy wood projects for beginners
easy wood projects for beginners


Easy carpentry projects arse be things like woods burning Oregon painting wooden cutouts. Henry Wood Projects For Beginners. For maximum productivity and enjoyment beginners are heady to set out small.


easy wood projects for beginners
easy wood projects for beginners

While not for building fine timbre piece of furniture they leave teach a few canonic lessons Beginning woodworking But where to start with woodworking At this indicate you have adequate tools for or. Simple Ellen Price Wood projects http teds plans dim-witted Mrs. Plans and DIY Projects. L items Projects Here are Little Phoebe promiscuous carpentry projects perfect for novices. West Hills woodwind has your disembarrass beginner woodworking plan on site easy wood projects for beginners.

Read More..

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Changes For A New Year

Hello!  Did you survive Christmas?  We had a sick little boy with influenza so our holiday was very low key.  He still isnt completely 100% and his Christmas gifts still lay in a pile as he hasnt had the energy to play yet.  It makes my heart hurt to see my kids sick but especially during the holiday. 

With a New Year right around the corner, I thought it was time to make some blog changes so please be patient with me as I try to upgrade our look a little.  Im not technical and these things take me forever.

But I wanted to make the design a little more us, simple.  :)

New Years Resolutions......

Mine is to try not to stress and worry so much.  Easier said than done, right?

Oh, and Im going to TRY to eliminate sugar from my diet.  Im pretty sure I will break that one on January 2.  :) Any tips?

And to just have more fun and celebrate life. 


My hubbys birthday is tomorrow, so Im planning a party.  :) I love making him feel special.


What about you?  What are your New Years resolutions?  Id love to hear them!


Have a great day and a wonderful New Year~  
Diana

Read More..

Monday, February 17, 2014

Free Woodworking Plans For Tables Woodworking Plans

Free Woodworking Plans For Tables

Woodworking Plans

Do-it-Yourself Patterns and Crafts, Woodworking kits, Furniture Plans Plus Much, Much More. Will Show You How to Make 16,000 Different Woodworking Plans. Use The Plans For Fun, Functionality or Profit!

Free Woodworking Plans For Tables. Wood is one of the most wonderful, sturdy and versatile materials that you can work with whilst on a do it your self project. The beauty of a cabinet door that is completed in wood cannot be matched by any other material no matter if all-natural or man created. As with any project, you would need a detailed set of plans when you function with wood and wood based materials. This is why it is advised that you use a detailed set of woodworking plans as soon as you program to extensively use wood primarily based components to comprehensive the project that you have embarked on.

Now let us examine why woodworking plans are essential in any wood primarily based do it oneself project. To start with, these plans aid you get rid of waste. If you start a woodworking project devoid of a firm program, the chances are that you would finish up making use of more wood that you initially intended to. Most of the wood primarily based projects would call for extensive assemblies and sub assemblies.

When you begin your project, you would be ideally functioning with person members of wood and finishing them individually just before assembling them. If you do not have the appropriate woodwork plans, you could finish up with mismatching wood members at the time of assembly. This could bring about costly price and time overruns in the project. All these complications can be avoided by using a effectively laid out set of wood plans.

The other benefit that you could have if you use woodworking plans are that you would be prepared with all the tools and implements that you would demand for finishing the wood based project. Typically we uncover that we do not have access to a particular tool in the middle of a woodworking project. This circumstance could lead to a loss of time and from time to time you may perhaps even have to abandon the project in case a distinct tool is not accessible. All these troubles can be avoided if you have a detailed plan at the onset. Free Woodworking Plans For Tables




Free Woodworking Plans For Tables Statistic

Consistent Advertising - The romance of woodworking will need to have to be balanced with the constant advertising and marketing and advertising vital to retain the operate coming in. In time, phrase of mouth brings in a lot of operate if you develop a fantastic popularity. Till finally then, you will require to get the phrase out routinely. Following the perform arrives in you have to have fantastic manufacturing systems so you can comprehensive the tasks promptly and continue to keep the money flowing. If jobs take into consideration also very extended and the dollars movement stops, it can turn into tricky to shell out the expenses. Talking of funds flow, you should really develop and adhere to standard assortment methods. This is 1 area where by a number of woodworkers fail. The payment for the execute will require to be as significant as the execute by itself. If you are lax in accumulating, you will run into prospects who fall quick to shell out you and this will lead to definitely really serious revenue movement troubles.

The Little company - Even on the other hand you like woodworking, you will need to do the house enterprise if you are to make a dwelling at it. Great outcomes generally calls for an in-depth info of both woodworking and business management. If you by no means have each, I recommend you hesitate to leap in till you have honed your enterprise abilities.

Hunting back once more I recognize that my lack of understanding in the course of my startup really a handful of decades back could have been offset with some typical details and yet another person to advise me.Sadly I had to learn most elements by trial and error.

Just about each and every and every and every single week, I take the time to go through the comments that my viewers make about my woodworking web page. 1st of all I want to them for taking the time to comment, I certainly worth all of the comments and ideas. This prior week there was a comment from a gentleman, who expressed a require to get into woodworking. As a man who is passionate about woodworking, I want to welcome him to the fold. And I want to present you him all of the ideas and encouragement probable in his endeavors.Free Woodworking Plans For Tables


More Free Woodworking Plans For Tables Video :



Tag : How About Free Woodworking Plans For Tables, How To Remove Free Woodworking Plans For Tables, Bargain Free Woodworking Plans For Tables, How Do Free Woodworking Plans For Tables, Buying Free Woodworking Plans For Tables.

Free Woodworking Plans For Tables Reviewed by Heather Johnson on Rating: 4.5
Read More..

Top 6 Woodwork Plans You Should Make Time For During Vacation

Woodwork Plans
Woodwork enthusiasts enjoying a rare break from work or school should make productive and entertaining use of their free time by starting out a woodwork plan that they generally dont consider due to lack of time. Since you now have a considerable amount of vacation time to look forward to, use some of it to accomplish a particular woodwork plan that challenges your woodwork knowledge and skills.

Top Six Ideal Woodwork Plans for Vacation

Woodwork Plans for Adirondack Furniture - Tables, chairs, stools, and other patio furniture that belong to this category are characterized by its intricate details and its great need for precision. If you intend to accomplish a woodwork plan for Adirondack future, do expect to spend longer time than usual in completing this project. Make sure that you follow instructions carefully and completely for this particular woodwork plan to come into being perfectly.

Woodwork Plans for Birdhouses
- Birdhouses are always a great addition to anyones garden or yard at any time of the year. If its migrating season for birds, you can simply use your birdhouse as an ornament at your place.

As there are various types of birdhouse woodwork plans available in the Internet, make sure that you choose one which also fits the overall design of your garden or yard. If you dont find anything to your liking, consider making adjustments and modifications until you end up with something ideal. Make sure of course that you use durable wood for your birdhouse because it generally has great exposure to all elements of nature and can therefore be prone to damage.

Woodwork Plans for Doghouses - For your beloved pets birthday or Christmas gift, why not give him a labor of love in the form of a new and better doghouse? If you dont find any woodwork plan thats ideal for your dogs size and breed, just make the necessary adjustments regarding the doghouses width, length, and height. Take into consideration any particular habits your dog may have as well and which of these you can accommodate by incorporating them with the woodwork plan.

Woodwork Plans for Wine Racks - Begin the much - needed makeover for your wine cellar at the basement by finding a woodwork plan to replace your ancient and presently rotting wine rack.

When searching for woodwork plans for wine racks, consider the number of bottles you typically store in a year, the size of these bottles, and the amount of space youre working with. If youll be installing the wine cellar at your basement, consider using laminated wood to make it more resistant to moisture damage.

Woodwork Plans for Foldable Picnic Tables - Building anything foldable is always a challenge to woodwork enthusiasts because of the amount of hard work and careful calculations it require. Besides making sure that you place everything correctly, you also need to ensure that the object will fold and unfold in relative ease.

When selecting a woodwork plan for a foldable picnic table, consider how many in average would be using the table together, their respective sizes and girth, and the type of wood youll use.

Woodwork Plans for Cabinets - Lastly, you can use your vacation time to build yourself a cabinet to store clothes, objects, and other possessions that are right now cluttering your home. To properly stimulate your mind, however, consider making wooden cabinets that make use of more detail and curves.

Have fun working on these woodwork plans!
Read More..

Thursday, February 13, 2014

One for the Andy Rooney Crowd

Did you ever notice how...just kidding.

Im making a concerted effort to keep this blog on topic and not let it devolve into my personal soapbox. This post is, however, only marginally connected to woodworking. So there you go...youve been warned.

The woodworking connection is that I won a #5 1/2 jack plane off eBay two weeks ago and it still hasnt arrived. Yes, the seller took about three days to ship it but thats not unheard of. The real issue here is the US Postal Service. Check out the tracking info:
[Insert joke about government operations here]

Before I moved to Atlanta I wouldve said that Memphis and Atlanta are pretty close. After all, Georgia and Tennessee share a border. I can assure you that they are not close. Ive made the drive and it is a quite a haul. 

I understand that mistakes happen occasionally, but I emailed the seller about this and she said that it happens all the time! Is it any wonder that businesses who depend on high customer satisfaction use FedEx and UPS?

Heres something to ponder: USPSs financials are already abysmal; imagine what they would be like if there was no junk mail. I may be ready to see this dinosaur put out of its misery.

Okay, no more whining for at least two weeks.
Read More..

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Lamp Makeover for Master Bedroom


Ive been looking for a pair of lamps or one to go with the existing lamp in the bedroom for a while now. Home Goods used to be my go to source for lamps when we lived in Tennessee, but since California doesnt have one, I have been out of luck.

All of the lamps that I like are $100 and up, I dont mind investing in a good quality lamp, but since we will be most likely moving every 2 -5 years for Davids job, and only get a limited amount of weight covered in a move - it makes sense hold off on more expensive pieces until we have a more permanent home.

I plan to sell a lot of furniture/accessories prior to moving to reduce weight ... and if they dont sell - I wont have to worry about expensive things getting broken by the movers! 

Enter the lamps that I found on Craigslist for $5 each


In need of a little - okay A LOT of updating! but they have a good shape and nothing that a can of spray paint and new lamp shades cant fix


 I scuffed up the metal and with steel wool and taped off the top and cord


 Sprayed with primer - let dry for about an hour - lightly sanded with extra fine sandpaper (320 grit) - wiped off with a microfiber cloth

I then sprayed it with RustOleum - Ivory Bisque - Semi Gloss (two coats - allowing to dry about 45 minutes in between)

via
I finished with a protective clear coat in gloss

I had already purchased lampshades a while back - so after I put those on they were ready to go!


It is amazing what a little spray paint and a new shade can do - they look completely different!

and lastly, Annabelle checking out the dresser that we picked up over the weekend for $15 - Ive been looking a while for another dresser for the other side of the bed with no luck - it is too short so last night David made it taller so that it would be the same height as the other dresser. He also fixed the drawer. 

for $25 - Craigslist pulled through this weekend - now the bedroom is almost done. After I finish the dresser and swap the overhead light, it will be complete!


This post doesnt address any of the projects that I talked about on Friday - but they are still in the works and I promise to share photos when there are updates - too many project too little time!

Today I will be painting this dresser - check back to see updates and to see how we made it taller!
Read More..

Monday, February 10, 2014

Doors for the built in

Today, I made the doors for the lower cabinets.  They will be hung as inset doors, not overlay doors.  I used glue and pocket hole joinery to make them.  Id like to say that pocket hole joinery, although relatively new over the last 20 years, makes for quite a strong joint. Additionally, they are quick to make, and when done properly are very effective and impressive (where joinery is concerned at least).  Ive ordered some custom hinges, and will be hanging the doors soon, and then will be prepping the entire unit for paint.




Read More..

Dollhouse for Peaches Day 7 5 Part II

Since I am considering 7-9 hours of work to be one day, this would be the second half of day 7 - positioning the front name plate. After removing the tape and templates, I did a few hours sanding. Its easier to do the sanding now rather than after the piece is on. Heres where Im at...



Now mounting it in the half dados and into its final position... this will give it some flair, some character, and some real ownership for the future owners.



In a few days I will begin working on the top lid, and will post more shortly...

Read More..

Boxes for shipping and shipping and shipping















I was hoping to have the books out by now but a quick call placed to Popular Woodworking Books yesterday confirmed my shipment was sent last week so Im expecting them today or tomorrow. I appreciate every ones patience with this. Its funny when I read about people on other wood working sites making comments on it after already receiving it. If you pre-ordered it from Pop. Wood and live within the continental USA then youve probably already leafed through it by now-I hope you enjoy it and welcome your comments.
For everyone else who pre-ordered here from me, you should be seeing your signed copies in the next little while. Just a reminder for anyone that hasnt yet sent in their shipping funds for your pre-ordered copy- the sooner I get it the sooner youll get it!
Besides this endless sea of address confirmation and Paypal buttons Ive been busy like a bee on the book boxes and making my final cut lists for the sharpening bench Im building. I also have two potential commissions and five more articles to write...maybe I should start getting up at 4am. instead of 5!
With that, thanks again for your understanding and patience with the shipping, I hope itll be worth the wait. If I had a few people here working with me on it Im sure the turn around times would be faster but hey, thats life in a one-man wood working shop, you get to wear a lot of hats from the design table to the marketing board, the sales desk to the pricing....not to mention the actual techniques and bench time and then back again on-line answering emails and trying to spread the word....working wood- youve gotta love it !
Read More..

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Present for Louis


Louis has been complaining for a while now. It all started after I replaced our carpet with bamboo flooring. The new floor is smooth and slippery, and has made one of his favorite activities much too hard. Heres a shot of the problem:



See how those scratchers arent lined up properly? That will never do! Louis is a persnickity cat!


So finally, after months of protest, I have fixed the problem for him:



Does he approve? Yes!
Does he still complain? Yes! "What took you so long?"



Its just a simple tray with rabbeted and pegged corner joints, plywood bottom trapped in grooves, and mitered, applied moulding. The moulding was nailed and glued. After the glue dried I sunk the nails even further, drilled out the nail holes down to the heads, and then plugged the holes with dowels (bamboo skewers actually).


To hold things steady while I cleaned up the pegs I used a system of batten and wedges with my bench dogs. Heres a picture of the dog and batten on one side (other end of batten is clamped to back of bench with a hand clamp):



And here is the other side, with double wedges:



To adjust for the shorter dimension of the tray, I added a piece of scrap:



The only problem now, is that Louis is even less inclined to share with his brother Gerald...


Read More..

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Guide woodworking ideas for christmas gifts

Useful woodworking ideas for christmas gifts Best choice

Christmas woodworking ideas | ehow - ehow | how to videos, Completing christmas woodworking projects gives you the opportunity to expand your own collection of christmas décor or craft cute, handmade gifts for the family. Woodworking ideas for christmas - youtube, This episode is the teaser for a mini series of woodworking projects geared towards helping you with xmas gift ideas that you can make for friends and.

Handmade woodworking gift ideas | ehow - ehow | how to, Handmade woodworking gift ideas. when giving a gift to a friend or family member, consider making a gift rather than purchasing it. create a handmade. Forchristmas.com - all for christmas » recipes, gift, Star wars plush looking for the perfect christmas gift for your wannabe jedi son? th.

Forchristmas.com - all for christmas » recipes, gift, Star wars plush looking for the perfect christmas gift for your wannabe jedi son? th. Christmas gift ideas for office - startup business, Christmas gift ideas for office. most of the establishments and organizations in countries celebrating the christmas season have yearly christmas party.. Christmas 2012: 100 great gift ideas for kids - telegraph, Read the telegraph's guide to the top 100 gift ideas for kids this christmas.. Christmas gift ideas for men - bessed, Christmas gift ideas for men. q. what are some good ideas for christmas gifts for a man, like, say, my dad, husband, boyfriend, brother, teenage son, nephew, uncle. Christmas woodworking plans | sawtooth ideas blog, Christmas woodworking plans. fall is the perfect time to get back into the workshop. the lawn doesn’t need mowed quite as often, and a little less sunshine means a. Christmas gift ideas for boss - startup business, Christmas gift ideas for boss. giving a christmas present to your employer this christmas holiday will be a very good idea most especially if your boss has been very.


Try woodworking ideas for christmas gifts its good




woodworking ideas for christmas gifts
,

8.5 out of 10 based on 64 ratings
Read More..

Must have tools for home woodworking

Get Must have tools for home woodworking one of the best

About.com woodworking - woodworking - free woodworking, Free woodworking plans and reviews of woodworking tools and machinery, plus woodworking tips from making your own jigs to safety in the woodshop. find free plans for. Rockler - woodworking tools supplies hardware plans, Shop for woodworking tools, plans, finishing and hardware online at rockler woodworking and hardware. find thousands of woodworking supplies like drawer slides.

Wood House Construction

Woodcraft - woodworking plans & tools | fine woodworking, Woodcraft offers over 20,000 woodworking tools, woodworking plans, woodworking supplies for the passionate woodworker.. Writers--club on deviantart, Praetoriaone night, i come home to find my brother crying. “why are you crying?” i demand, aghast. “is something wrong?” he doesn’t look at me, just smiles.

Writers--club on deviantart, Praetoriaone night, i come home to find my brother crying. “why are you crying?” i demand, aghast. “is something wrong?” he doesn’t look at me, just smiles. Woodworker's supply - woodworking | woodworking tools, Count on woodworker's supply for woodworking tools and hardware since 1972, woodworker’s supply has been supplying the needs of woodworkers, from professionals to. 50 must have items for doomsday - if you plan on remaining, 14 responses to 50 must have items for doomsday – if you plan on remaining stationary. Woodworking plans, projects, & patterns - diy network, Woodworking video projects. see dozens of woodworking and woodsculpting projects and techniques from start to finish. watch now. Machineryhouse - new & used wood, metal & workshop, Oxy torches 1. oxy-acetylene welding and cutting machines have been around since 40 series toyotas were the latest and greatest in 4wd technology.. The 40 must have tools for your system admin toolkit, This article is a compilation of the 40 must have tools for any system administrator or power users. these tools are all freeware and comes very handy in those.

Dimensions Info » Dimensions of a Wood Router


Dimensions Info » Dimensions of a Wood Router

See Which Woodworking Tools Are Rated As Best -- Unbiased Reviews


See Which Woodworking Tools Are Rated As Best -- Unbiased Reviews

Wood House Construction


Wood House Construction

Read More..

Best table saw for woodworking

Useful Best table saw for woodworking its good

Table saws for woodworking - about.com woodworking, Table saws are the among most versatile of all home woodworking machines. learn how to find the best table saw for your workshop.. Best table saws | top picks and reviews at consumersearch, If you need a saw that can go to projects with you, this bosch table saw consistently earns top ranking in comparison tests. the bosch 4100 series is praised in tests.

Even an old beater can perform like a high-performance machine if you

Table saw tips - woodworking tips - how to use a table saw, The table saw is typically thought of as the workhorse of the woodshop, as it is likely the most versatile and productive of all woodworking machines.. Southern-tool.com: woodworking table saws, Free freight on a huge selection of cabinet, contractor and industrial wood working table saws from major brands powermatic, jet, delta, oliver, saw stop and more!.

Southern-tool.com: woodworking table saws, Free freight on a huge selection of cabinet, contractor and industrial wood working table saws from major brands powermatic, jet, delta, oliver, saw stop and more!. Best table saw reviews 2013 - top 5 table saws, Best table saw reviews 2013 – top 5 table saws. read following best table saw reviews and select your best table saw: no.1 dewalt dw744xrs table saw review(price: $. Amazon best sellers: best table saws - amazon.com: online, Discover the best table saws in best sellers. find the top 100 most popular items in amazon home improvement best sellers.. Table saw: browse the top stationary table saws at sears, Sears has all sizes table saws and replacement blades from great brands. find a huge selection of bench & stationary power tools at sears.. Top miter & table saws | miter & table saw buying guide, Looking for the top miter & table saws? read our miter & table saw buying guide from the experts you can trust to help you make the best purchasing decision.. Big book of scroll saw woodworking: more than 60 projects, Big book of scroll saw woodworking: more than 60 projects and techniques for fretwork, intarsia & other scroll saw crafts (the best of scroll saw woodworking & cra.

bench saws or table saws are used for cutting all types of wood or


Bench saws or table saws are used for cutting all types of wood or

Woodworking & Woodworking Tools


Woodworking & Woodworking Tools

Even an old beater can perform like a high-performance machine if you


Even an old beater can perform like a high-performance machine if you

Read More..

Monday, January 27, 2014

Frankenchest An Argument for Painting Wood


Before I even get started on this post, I should point out that the majority of projects that leave my shop (and those that stay) are not painted. I really like the look of wood, either unfinished, or oiled/waxed. But sometimes paint is the finish of choice and here is a perfect example of why.

I finally finished dismantling the old wood rack. But what to do with the wood? I didnt want to store it and it didnt feel right just burning it in the wood stove - "Well, thanks for the years of yeomans work old rack, now its off to a fiery doom for you! Muwahahahaha!" And we did need some kind of firewood storage for on the front porch, so...

Enter the Frankenchest!


This was a down and dirty salvage build, so material wise nothing is particularly nice about this project. The 3/8" plywood is rough CDX salvaged from the old racks shelves. The 2x4 internal frame also comes directly from the rack. The skirting is birch ply from the long gone CD shelves, and the 1x stock for the upper trim was pulled from the scrap pile. In short, the wood is a mismatched hodgepodge. However, the proportions are not bad - maybe even nice, which is why painting this monstrosity makes sense.

Paint unifies the design, hiding the woods grain, texture (somewhat) and coloring, and thus allowing proportion to dominate the viewers perception of the final product. This is, I believe, the reason Windsor chairs were traditionally painted. Of course, were talking about a Frankenchest here, not some fine Windsor chair, so the results are not exactly the same, but I think you can see the difference:


Yeah, it would take more than paint to make this baby shine, but it does take it from rather hideous to "not too bad", which in my book definitely does "Give it more juice!" (NOT a woodworking related link, and jump to 8 minutes for the scene with the quote - spoiler alert if you havent seen this movie yet...)

And yes, this is the second, huge, green chest I have built recently - I think I should be good for a couple of years at least. Although, a huge, blue chest might be nice...


Read More..