Woodworking and building your own things

[Luc]

I’ve been given a couple of tools. I bought a house last year so there’s a few things that need fixing!

I’ve been doing small projects here and there (1-2 weekends worth of work).

I will post a few here, please share some. I usually get my “plans” from Pinterest, Facebook or YouTube. I mix bits and parts from a few plans to create a new item.

I’m in no way a professional and I’m sure that I could use different techniques that are better. Some end results surely look a lot like stuff that you probably already saw.

Let’s start with a bench that I built for the entryway. I need something to put my boots and to hide the horrible looking salt bucket.

 

[Luc]

Another project, I needed shelves in the garage and boiler room. Everything is custom fit.

I used 2x6 and 2x8. A few 2x4 and some pocket screws. Glue, heaps off glue.

The issues that I had in the garage were the car doors. The previous shelves were too low preventing me from fully opening the door. Plus, the old kitchen cabinets were used. I prefer shelves so that I can see everything.

For the boiler room, I couldn’t fit anything too big(deep). So I measured what would go there, tissues, toilet paper, etc.

 

[Luc]

Finally (for today, I have more), I built a desk so that I can work from home. I measured everything to fit in the room where it would live. I have a water pipe coming in from the city so that limited me on what could go there.

The tower fits on the right and my keyboard and mouse are on a drawer on the left. I’ve attached a power bar under the drawer so I wouldn’t have to go under the desk each time I need to plus something. That desk was around 100$ to make including screws and drawer.

 

[honeycutt]

Looks good Luc. I tip for storing lumber is to build you a rack attatched to your floor joist overhead. Keeps wood and lumber off the floor. Keeps walkways clear and keeps you from tripping on stuff.

 

[Luc]

Looks good Luc. I tip for storing lumber is to build you a rack attatched to your floor joist overhead. Keeps wood and lumber off the floor. Keeps walkways clear and keeps you from tripping on stuff.

Yes, that may be an essential. I have a shelf above my oil tank in the garage to store the leftovers. I surprisingly do not have that much leftovers.

 

[Lightcs1776]

You are off to a good start. The only advice I have is don't invest in cheap tools. I have regrets for doing that. I have a cheap bandsaw, which I would love to replace with a solid model with a lot more power. That doesn't mean inexpensive tools are bad. One of my favorite handsaws is from the late 1800s and very well made, but didn't cost much. My newer (this century) saw was cut in pieces to make card scrapers.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[Luc]

2 more projects that I did in the spring. A chair and small table. I’m still waiting for a deal for a piece of foam for the chair!

Everything with pocket screws and glue.

My next project will be a coffee table for my living room. Last year I needed a coffee table. Ikea had a cardboard table for 15$. I didn’t like that some bits were missing black paint. I painted those parts. The cardboard did not have a finish so I put 5 layers of polyurethane. It costed me more in finishing the table than the table itself!

A week ago, the exercise bike(don’t ask how) felt and I now have a hole on top of the table. I can probably patch, sand and paint.

Or build a new one! I will build a secret drawer to put the remote, USB keys, small things away. I’m still designing it. I do it old school (paper and crayon). I can post my sketch if someone is interested.

 

[Toothpick]

Nice! Maybe come summer I’ll try some bigger projects.

 

[Jim99]

Very nice work!

 

[Luc]

I used a kreg k3 for my projects. I try to hide the pocket screws as much as possible so I don’t see them.

I make my own plugs to hide the holes. It’s much cheaper.

I also used a mitre saw, orbital sander, oscillating tool, hammer, measuring tape and glue!

I keep it fairly basic.

 

[NEWBY WAN KENOBI]

I always wanted to get into woodwork but I don't have any previous skills/experience. I am ashamed to admit that I am not a handyman but I always loved wood, woodworking, art, etc. I just never learned and wouldn't know where to begin quite frankly. When I see guys doing carpentry or fine wood art I am always so impressed and mildly envious.

 

[Lightcs1776]

I always wanted to get into woodwork but I don't have any previous skills/experience. I am ashamed to admit that I am not a handyman but I always loved wood, woodworking, art, etc. I just never learned and wouldn't know where to begin quite frankly. When I see guys doing carpentry or fine wood art I am always so impressed and mildly envious.

It's actually not hard and you develop skills as you gain experience. Check out YouTube and woodworking forums for some beginner projects.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[Luc]

I’m far from a carpenter but I can do a few things.

You could start with a small project and then you go bigger. I don’t want to build and sell things but it could be handy. Someone might need a gift. I need a few things as I moved from a condo to a house.

 

[NEWBY WAN KENOBI]

It's actually not hard and you develop skills as you gain experience. Check out YouTube and woodworking forums for some beginner projects.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

I suspect it's not too difficult to get started but it seems overwhelming with all the possible equipment etc. I guess I was a little intimidated.

 

[Lightcs1776]

I suspect it's not too difficult to get started but it seems overwhelming with all the possible equipment etc. I guess I was a little intimidated.

I was pretty clueless when I started and still can't make fine furniture. I recommend finding used tools and only buying what you need for your project. There are many examples of work benches you can build on Lumberjacks.com (a woodworking forum). Folks there are a lot like folks here, patient with questions. Think about things you can use, such as a bookshelf, display case for razors, or even just a step stool to get started.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[Luc]

Coffee table is coming. I won't make the same mistake when I bought that cardboard IKEA table. I'm painting my pieces first. I should be able to do one last coat after lunch and then assemble. I'm on the fence if I should put a lower shelf on the table or not...

 

[jesseix]

I got a D in wood shop class as a youth. But that teacher chopped off one of his fingers, so what did he know

I would love to have a collection of power tools, but lack of space will probably always be a deterrent.

 

[Ivo4u2]

All depends on what you want to do. Buy at least some decent stuff, nothing worse than on a Sunday burning out a cheap cordless and having to get one asap. Did that and some. You are surprised what you can achieve with just some hand tools (good hand saw, hammer, chisels, screwdrivers) a multi tool and a cordless drill with hammer function. Never forget 100 years ago they did it by hand without all those specialized woodworking jigs etc. And most of there kit (I have still usable tools from my father, grandfather) can survive you and be passed along. If you have a chance walk on a traditional wood house build and just watch how they do it. And most important you have to make mistakes to learn so make them and learn!

 

[Ryanshh]

I too am starting to put wooden things together in my garage. Started figuring it how to put decorative casing around windows, baseboard, some flooring. Have plans to make an entry bench, maybe some barstools and a rustic little shop stool. I want to get into some hand tool stuff, just looking to find a reasonable plane at a good price.

Some nice, functional stuff you've made there @Luc.

 

[Ivo4u2]

Start looking in second hand shops old hand tools are usually serviceable and old Stanley wood planers are great. Want electric. Check the chiselers rotor for damage. Again refurbishable.
Used portable stuff usually crap batteries. And they can be expensive. Old MakitA models batteries last approx 2-3years to give you an idea.