Woodworking videos and projects. Woodworking for Mere Mortals

Easy-to-make wooden wind spinner

2013-06-14T08:55:00.003-07:00

This project was inspired by Carmen Salamone who sent over a picture of a neat little wind spinner he made out of cedar. I have seen these before: they seem to be common at craft fairs. I can understand why. They are super easy to make and there is a lot of room for customization. They have a pretty good profit margin.

Woodworking options
For mine, I used stock 3/4" pine boards and ripped them into 3/4" strips, which I then cut to various lengths. This was all very simple on my table saw but if you don't have one, you might be able to find thin strips of wood at your local home center that will do the trick. You can cut them to length using a hand saw or jig saw.

The only other bit of woodworking involves drilling a hole through the center of each piece. I used my drill press to speed up the process and to ensure they were all centered, but you should be able to drill holes with a hand drill. Mark the centers carefully so the finished spinner will be balanced.

Hardware
I used a length of 1/4" threaded rod and attached an eye bolt to one end using a coupler. I locked these into place with a thread sealant (Loctite) and attached a swivel clip to the top. We haven't had any strong winds since I built this but I would like for it to spin in slight breezes, so I am going to try a barrel swivel instead and see if that spins better. You can find these at sporting goods stores: fishermen use them to attach lures to lines.

Get creative!
The fun of this project is really in the decorating and painting. I chose to make a rainbow pattern on mine because I like bright colors and wanted this to contrast with all the earth tones outside. This would be a great project to get the kids involved!

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WWMM for babies. Rustic babies.

2013-06-12T11:20:00.002-07:00

I sometimes hear from people who tell me their kids watch my show. I think I have a voice that either perplexes youngsters or puts them to sleep. When my son was a baby, he was hooked on "Unpack Your Adjectives" from Schoolhouse Rock. Not sure what it was about that song, be he just loved watching it on the computer.

Here's Matthew Purdy and his baby Madison who have taken to watching WWMM at feeding time. Oh dear. She may just grow up with the inexplicable desire to paint wood.

Besides feeding Madison, Matthew does some woodworking. Here are his versions of my patio side table and potting bench.

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By the way, if you want to pick up a few bucks or even get rich, consider getting into the potting bench business! I saw these at a local street fair last weekend.

Jun 9, 2013 | Make your fortune building potting benches. by SteveRamsey on Keek.com

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Rustic is where it at these days. Combine that with recycled or reclaimed wood and you've got something. Here are pallet coasters from John Thompson...

...and David over at The Wood Tyro.

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And of course, everyone is making wheelbarrow planters lately. Here is Jim Jarvis'. I am going to guess they move it before playing basketball.

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And if you are looking for a quick and easy summer project, these garden benches are made with 2x4s and can be built in just a few hours. Here is Wil Wilson's:

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Finally, a great gift idea from Matthew Denny. Is there still time left before Father's Day? Oh, that's Sunday. Well, get started. And fill it with Dad's favorite beer. Love the built-in bottle opener.

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Mere Minutes

Follow up to last week's bird feeder project. And my entry into this year's decorated chair competition at the Marin County Fair.

Make a unique porch-swing bird feeder

2013-06-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Matt McDowell posted a Keek video of a bird feeder he made. It's a great project that anyone can build using scrap wood or even pallet wood, as I did.

Here's Matt's feeder:

May 10, 2013 | Bird feeder, built with one hand literally by mcmatt75 on Keek.com

So clever!

Bird feeding tips

I am not much of a bird watcher myself so I learned that bird feeders should have a screen in them to allow air circulation, keeping seeds from getting wet, which could lead to them sprouting and growing mold. Yuck.

After building this project, I hung it just outside my office window and posted a video on Keek. (If you aren't on Keek, see what you are missing.) I learned from Rich that it is a good idea to keep the feeder away from the house because seed mixes may contain weeds that will fall out and might sprout where you don't want them. Plus, birds are messy creatures in general. I shot the video intro this morning after moving the bird feeder to a better spot in case you wonder why it is in a completely different location at the end of the video!

Download plans:

WWMM Porch Swing Bird Feeder (PDF)
Sketchup file

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On the MWA podcast

2013-06-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

It was nice for the guys over at the Modern Woodworkers Association to invite me to be on their web show last night. They record the show as an audio podcast and as a Google+ Hangout. Catch the show every Wednesday at 9:00 Eastern time.

Meet Max

2013-06-03T15:30:00.002-07:00

I recently heard from Max Truell who is 13 and lives in New Zealand. He has a basement workshop and says he has been learning woodworking by watching YouTube videos. But wow...Max is one very busy woodworker. Check out his work. Love the inlays, something I have never tried myself.

Check out his chess set. He made is with a drill, a plane, a clamp, and a jigsaw. He made the pieces using a home-made lathe from a drill, a bit, a bolt, and a 2x4.

The best way to learn woodworking is just get out there and do it.

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Mere Minutes

Follow-up to last Friday's video

Cherry wood floor lamp

2013-05-31T14:08:00.002-07:00

Continuing my living room re-furnishing with a floor lamp. Sticking with my retro theming, I decided to make the legs using the same chevron shapes I cut out in my Jetsons wall clock. This is the first piece in the room which I built out of solid wood. I wanted to retain the soft, rounded edges of the table part of the lamp and that would be difficult with plywood.

One problem I encountered was attaching the light fixture to the 1/2" steel conduit. I was kind of surprised to discover that there are no connectors or adapters to fit one to the other. I ended up just epoxying them together which seems to work out fine.

Also of note in this video is a great method for cutting circles on a table saw. I've used this technique many times and it always produces perfect circles. You could also rig up a similar sled to a band saw.

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Pallet drink coasters

2013-05-24T08:52:00.001-07:00

Little pallets

What better project to make with free pallet wood than little pallets! This drink coasters are super easy to make using any scrap wood you happen to have. The only trick is to use thin wood so that the scale is fairly accurate. The slats on most pallets are about a quarter inch thick.

I suggest planing them down to 1/16"; I shaved mine down to about 1/8" and they look a bit too thick. In the measured plans, I indicate 1/16". If you don't have a planer, you might look around in a craft store. Many carry small, thin pieces of wood.

The other issue is the width of the slats. In the plans, I have them ripped to 3/8" wide, which will yield nine for the top. I cut mine a little wider, allowing for only eight slats. I experimented with narrower strips in order to fit eleven on top, like an actual pallet, but it was too difficult and the slats just looked odd. Probably due to their thickness. If you are ambitious, you might use a couple different widths as is often the case on real pallets.

I used my router to make curved notches in the bottom two runners. If you don't have a router, or just don't want to bother, they would look fine without that detail.

You could assemble these using hot glue. In my experience though, hot glue is somewhat difficult and messy to use. These could also be glued together with regular white school glue.

Plans:

Pallet drink coasters (pdf)
SketchUp version

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Wooden protractor and other woodworking ideas

2013-05-22T13:47:00.003-07:00

I recently heard from Tanner in Maryland. He's a 13-year-old woodworker with some very creative ideas. Check out some of the stuff he's been making.

Pine shelf:

Cherry and mahogany soap rack:

Don't think I've ever seen a wooden protractor before!

My favorite...a knife made out of a saw blade, with a cherry handle:

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Remember the single-sheet-of-plywood bookcase a couple weeks ago? Bill Bumpus was ahead of me! He build this shoe rack back in December. I love this style.

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I was delighted to see Travis Johnson's version of my wacky Jetsons wall clock. Looking at this clock just makes me happy.

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Book boxes are great gift projects. Jeffrey Berry made two from Mother's Day. One for his mom and his mother-in-law. Love the cover treatments!

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For you lovers of pallet wood projects, I've got a new one coming up this Friday! In the meantime, here's a great deck table from Carmen Slentz.

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And here's Matt Epperson's version of my little patio side table.

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Wait, what's this? Yep...another wheelbarrow. This one from Nathan Kitchen.

And this cool reclaimed-wood table:

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Mere Minutes

Here's a follow up to last Friday's end table project. And definitely check out the end of the video to see a really cool music stand.

Wood and steel end table

2013-05-17T16:59:00.002-07:00

If you hadn't already figured it out, we are in the middle of a living room remodel. We've always had a mishmash of furniture we've picked up here and there, none of which fits well together. But now my wife and are are focused on styling the room in "mid-century modern". Or at least inspired by that era.

This end table is meant to replace one we picked up at a garage sale years ago. I decided to use cherry so it will complement the credenza and the coffee table, but not match them. My goal is to work within a style, not create matching pieces.

Steel conduit

The steel pipes are inexpensive 1/2" steel electrical conduit. Initially, I thought I would paint them silver or even a bronze color, but decided I liked its raw galvanized mottled look.

They just float in 3/4" holes in the legs. (1/2" conduit is actually slightly less than 3/4" in outside diameter.)

Tapered legs

Since my credenza and coffee table each feature turned legs, I decided this table would have square, tapered legs. Again, I'm not trying to match my furniture. I made a simple jig to cut the tapers and explain it in the video.

To give the table top its thickness, I used a torsion box construction made from 3/4" pine plywood. This makes it sturdy, yet lightweight. And less expensive: the only cherry plywood in this project is a 1/4" piece for the top.

Plans

Follow this week's progress

If you would like to see this project's video updates use #endtable on Twitter or Keek.

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Wheelbarrows!

2013-05-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

The response to my wheelbarrow planter has been enormous. Thank you all for sending pictures and posting your versions on Facebook.

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Chuck Nichter

Randal Smith

Kris Childs

Vincenzo Genco

Sakis Filosidis

Richard Whiting

Kevin Wilske

Tom Summers

Luiz Claudio da Silva

Pedro Carrero

Bob San Soucie

Randal's Redwood Designs

Kyle Leroux

Hubert Gomez

Randy Kelly

Geno Arceo

Sean Grady

Matthew Williams-Doyle

Mark Gray

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Mere Minutes

Follow up to last week's bookcase video.

Single-sheet-of-plywood bookcase

2013-05-10T19:11:00.003-07:00

This is an easy project. At least it should be. I ran into a few complications.

My goal with this bookcase was to maximize a full sheet of 3/4" plywood. The design I came up with does just that. There is very little scrap lumber left over.

I also included room in that sheet for a simple dowel hole jig. Joining this all together with dowels creates a strong piece of furniture as well as eliminates the need for any fasteners.

To make this bookcase, just download the plans and follow the cutlist. Keep all your grain running the right way and keep track of your pieces and you will have no trouble at all. It really is that simple.

Stained?

Since I was using pine plywood, I thought it might be nice if I stained this project: something I rarely do. Typically I just apply a clear finish and let the natural color of the wood shine through. Unfortunately, I decided to try a product I have never tested: a polyurethane/stain mixture in one can. The results were disastrous. Very difficult to apply, it left ugly streaks and pools of stain. It refused to stick to the birch edge banding.

People use that stuff?

I'd like to think I have a fair amount of experience at staining and finishing wood. I've tried just about every technique there is and I knew this would be similar to applying poly, a fairly time-consuming process. I did everything the manufacturer recommends. I applied a pre-stain wood conditioner and carefully brushed it on using one the the manufacturer's brushes intended for their polyurethanes. I let it dry overnight, sanded with steel wool and applied a second coat, which they also recommend. Still looked horrible.

As I was already running behind on this project, I had to make a decision to keep applying more coats (after waiting 8 hours between each) or cut my losses and just paint the bookcase. I opted for the latter. This is a product marketed as an easy one-can finish for inexperienced finishers and DIYers. I can't help but wonder how many of them became as frustrated as me and gave up ever trying to finish wood again.

Yes, paint!

Strangely, I am very happy with the way the paint turned out of this piece! It matches one of the colors in my Jetsons wall clock and fits well in my mid-century modern living room.

If you want a super-easy easy weekend project, make this bookcase with the intention of painting it. If you choose to go that route, you can eliminate the edge banding and just paint the exposed plywood edges. You can also eliminate the dowel jointery and just glue and screw it all together. Recess the screws (or nails) and fill in the holes with paintable wood filler. You can also save money by just using MDF instead of plywood, since grain direction is irrelevant on painted pieces.

Plans

WWMM One-sheet-of-plywood bookcase (pdf file...includes cutlist)
Sketchup File

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Make a serving tray from recycled wood

2013-05-03T10:06:00.001-07:00

Just in time for Mother's Day, you can make this serving tray in an afternoon.

Several years ago I designed a few logos, labels, and packaging art for some local vineyards and wineries. I collected a few wine crates that wound up in my shop. I've used them for storing car cleaning supplies and electrical/computer cables and wires.

Funny how we often never give a second thought to something disposable like a wine crate. After building my last few pallet projects, I started looking at those old boxes in a new light! Not only free wood, but wood with character!

Wine pairing

The base of this tray is made from two of the crate's side panels. I still have the other sides and the bottom saved for another project. I wanted the sides to be half-inch thick, to keep the tray from looking bulky, so I scrounged around in my shop and found a redwood board that was the perfect length. I like the idea of pairing a Northern California tree species with a Northern California wine.

Options to fit your woodworking

This is a flexible project that you can make using any tools and materials you happen to have. A few options:

This would make a great pallet wood project.
The base can be made with a scrap of plywood.
You can cut the curved sides with a jigsaw.
Cut out the finger holes with a coping saw.
Use an inexpensive miter box and a hand saw to make the miters, or...
Don't bother with the miters: just butt the sides together with glue and nails.
Instead of making a groove for the bottom, just glue it underneath the sides.

Free plans

WWMM Serving Tray (pdf)
SketchUp version

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Top 5 woodworking safety tips

2013-05-01T06:04:00.002-07:00

Show me your blood!

Oops! Well, at least I can Tweet this!

There is an ugly trend among online woodworkers that is not just distasteful, but a good way to frighten away new woodworkers. I call it woodworking porn. For some reason, woodworkers seem to get off on posting graphic photos and videos of woodworking injuries they have sustained. The bloodier the better, it has become a macabre badge of honor. No doubt, the first slo-mo video of a guy losing a finger will go viral.

Of course, these Tweets, Facebook and YouTube posts are usually couched as a vague "safety" lesson: "Guys! I got lucky this time...I wasn't being careful. Don't let this happen to you!" Check it out! Here's a gross photo to freak you out!

By the way, stop trying to convince yourself that any bloody misfortune is lucky. It's not.

When a woodworker flaunts his injuries, what is the lesson for a newbie? Better forget about woodworking. Danger lurks around every power tool. Just looking at a tool the wrong way can spell disaster. If experienced woodworkers - who endlessly drone on and on about safety - do stupid things, what hope is there for a newcomer?

And the hobby dwindles even further.

In this age of paranoia and fear, some common sense:

1) Accidents happen. That's why they're called accidents. Seasoned veterans injure themselves from time to time. If you are a reasonably intelligent human, your instincts will tell you that a spinning saw blade is something to be cautious around. If I tell you to "be careful" will it avert an accident? No. Instead:

2) Be smart. But you don't need me to nag you about it.

3) Nagging turns people off. In fact, it often has a reverse effect and makes people complacent. "Safety First" no longer has any meaning because we hear it all the time. Complacency is dangerous. Mindless mantras are even more dangerous.

4) Respect yourself. No, not your tools, yourself. Tools rarely attack or injure without a person somehow involved. Respect your brain and your body.

5) Never approach woodworking from a position of fear. Fear causes people to make poor or irrational decisions. If there is a tool or procedure in the shop you fear, stop to figure out why and learn how to overcome that fear, or do the safest thing: don't use that tool or perform that procedure.

The safest thing you can do is nothing

People who never use woodworking tools are less likely to suffer woodworking injuries than those of us who use woodworking tools. (I think there was a study done on that.)

Personal safety is important to me, but not my highest concern. Thankfully, creating a finished woodworking project is my number one concern in the shop. If it weren't, I'd spend my days tucked safely on my couch and you'd never see any pallet videos.

I get minor scrapes and cuts now and then but I will not exploit them. I'll gain viewers and readers the old fashioned way: by creating engaging video content. Of course, I'm not above writing a provocative article to attract attention. Or peddling stylish shop wear.

WWMM T-shirts! Get yours today!

Making a rustic picture frame with Dad

2013-04-26T09:54:00.002-07:00

Every year or so my dad comes out for a short visit. Dad enjoys talking about woodworking and catching up with the changes in my shop since his last trip. We usually spend most of the time gabbing so I choose to take the week off as a vacation.

Not a lot of thought or planning went into this project or video. It was sort of like a couple of kids sitting around and one of them asking, "Hey, I know...you wanna put on a show?" In this case, I was that kid.

Dad is a little reluctant to appear in front of a camera, but more than happy to help out with a woodworking project. The funny thing is that he actually comes across quite natural on video. Mostly, it's a lot of fun to just spend time building something together. Doesn't matter what it is, the time spent together is worth it.

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Rustic picture frame

I can't believe how much of that pallet wood I have from last month. I think I picked up about eight pallets and still have a large stash of boards. It's the free wood that keeps on giving!

The picture frame couldn't be simpler. Just a few rough-cut boards glued and nailed together. I saved the rusty spiral nails from the pallets and used them to give it an even more authentic look. Finally, I wrapped some sisal twine around the corners. The string gimmick is just decorative, but gives it all a hobbled-together look.

I decided to print out a vintage vegetable crate label for inside the frame to tie it all together. I think a picture frame should complement its content. A successful frame and picture might be viewed as a single object.

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Project ideas for the home and garden

2013-04-25T11:03:00.001-07:00

It's been a quiet week for me online. My dad came out for a visit turning this week into a vacation of sorts. But we did manage to put together a quick project for tomorrow's video.

Here's what some of you have been up to. Definitely a lot of springtime projects getting made.

Last year I made a picnic tote for storing paper plates and a keeping paper napkins from blowing away. Bill Wilson made this one double sided for holding condiments and utensils.

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Here's a project I've recently added to my to-do list. Ron Ward made this sign post for his yard with all different sign shapes pointing to important and memorable places in his life. I just love this idea.

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If you are looking for a very simple project to get you into the yard this spring, try making my 2x4 garden bench. You can build it in a weekend. I love seeing how people have modified it too. Check out

Horatiu Simion's version in Romania. Love the bright paint and storage area.

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Have you tried any pallet projects yet? Here's Arnold Knoche's take on my rustic potting bench. These things are really fun to make.

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And here's a good idea from Bill Kirbym, who made this shoe rack using reclaimed pallet wood. The butterflies and details on this really set it apart.

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Of course, just because it's spring doesn't mean you can't make indoor projects! Gregory Morel made one of my charging stations using plywood and exotic lumber. That combination is always interesting.

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Finally, I wanted to show off some projects from 16-year-old Connor Mcallister in Australia. He recently got a lathe and turned this honey dipper. I told him that is one of those projects I think about every single time i turn something on my lathe. One of these days maybe I'll actually make one!

Connor also took and old wardrobe and converted it into an aviary for his grandfather using pallet wood for the doors. Way to go man.

Make a rustic wheelbarrow for the garden

2013-04-19T09:53:00.002-07:00

Inspiration from an unlikely source

I was watching an episode of Adventure Time recently featuring the Snow Golem. In one scene he was pushing around a rustic little cart. Even though it is just cartoon drawing, I love the wooden wheels (complete with a chip that I included quite by accident in my wheelbarrow) and the unevenness of the side boards.

I was so intrigued by the simplicity whimsy of it that I decided to make one for the garden. A perfect pallet wood project.

Soon, my idea evolved and became a bit more stylish as I transformed it into a wheelbarrow. Inspiration is one of those things that just happens. The trick is to keeping yourself open to it all the time.

Relax. It's rustic.

The advantage to rustic projects is that you really don't need to stress out about any of this. No protractors or exact measurements needed. If parts are a little off, don't sweat it: it's a rustic project! Got any rusty nails lying around? Use them! If a nail bends over when you are pounding it in, leave it that way. And any uneven, split boards and chipped out wood you use adds to its charm, just as with the Snow Golem's little cartoon cart.

Plans

This is another project that anyone can build with very little experience and limited tools. I used my miter saw, but you could just as easily use a circular saw or a jig saw. You will need a hammer and nails and a drill and screws.

If you decide to use pallet wood (it's free!) watch the first part of my Rustic Side Table video to see my method for breaking them apart into wood you can use.

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Spring project inspirations

2013-04-17T08:06:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Νίκος Ζαγοραίος in Greece who just became a father to a baby boy. Somehow Nick still finds time to make some projects in the shop.

Love this wine rack. Would make a great gift.

Here's a clever idea for storing keys:

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Another great idea for an entryway, here's a white mahogany shelf from Bill Wilson. Adding the cork board is such a clever idea.

He's been making a few wall shelves. Here's another recent version with some great saw work:

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Pallets! Fred your woodworking passion for free. Garfield Hiscock went from this...

To this charging station! Love the way that wood looks when it's cleaned up.

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If you are willing to spend some time and a little elbow grease, free lumber seems readily available in one form or another. Kevin Maxson took the time to disassemble an old cedar armoire someone had given away on Craigslist. Made a folding stool.

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More pallet potting tables! Here's one Paul Jobbins built earlier this year. Plue another good idea: a greenhouse.

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And here's Kenny Boothe's potting bench made from reclaimed pallets. The vertical frame and shelf are from reclaimed pine boards he helped his father build 45 years ago.

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Small space woodworking. Matthew Hallsworth in Merseyside, England proves you don't have to have a huge shop. He's converted his van into a workshop! Check out his workbench:

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Got a note from Sean Stanlick who made this DVD cabinet in his senior year of high school. He designed it to look like those old video stores that displayed the movies on their edges and at an angle. Pretty cool. Plus, Sean has compiled a set of instructions on how to build it! Download the 24 page PDF plans here. Thanks Sean!

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One of the projects on my to-do list this year is a pair of nightstands for the bedroom. Pete Collin built this one that really reminds me of the mid-century style furniture I have been building recently. I just love this design and may make something similar.

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Finally, I had to share this beautiful spirits cabinet Larry Briski made out of cherry as a wedding gift for his daughter. I love heirloom projects like this. Beautiful work.

Make an herb garden planter

2013-04-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

Simple container gardening for small spaces

If you haven't tried your hand at gardening, an herb garden is a great place to start. It is very satisfying and doesn't require a green thumb. Herbs need very little space and grow well in containers. Plus, most herbs tend to grow fairly quickly. In no time, you'll be able to snip off fresh basil for your pasta sauce while you are cooking. Nothing is fresher than that.

Free plans:

WWMM Herb Garden plans (pdf)
SketchUp file

I expanded the container idea and built this container garden suitable for small spaces. This entire planter is a little under six feet wide and stands four feet high. It's perfect for an urban space, say on an apartment patio or balcony. I've included a lattice on mine for climbing plants in the lower boxes. It should look nice when it fills out.

With small spaces in mind, I designed this project to be made with only a few tools. All you will need is a saw and a drill. You can build this in a driveway, on your porch or yard. Not only that, but anyone should be able to put it all together in a few hours. It's that simple!

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Make a rustic sign. An easy way to achieve a distressed paint look.

The herb garden was so easy to build that I had time to make a second project this week: the rustic sign hanging above the planter. I made it using old pallet boards and acrylic craft paint. There are a lot of methods for creating a distressed look, but I have found the easiest way is to just thin paint down with water to great a "whitewash" of sorts and just splash it on the wood. The advantage to using acrylics is that they dry almost instantly and you can move right on through the process. I then sand random spots and voila! Instant aged sign!

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Three videos!

But wait! There are not just two videos this week: I've also thrown in a Mere Minutes video for good measure! Of course, I had to address my pronunciation of herb. I've heard from several folks this week who take issue with my accent.

Outdoors woodworking

2013-04-10T07:12:00.001-07:00

I hope the weather is heating up wherever you live! Few people will deny how idyllic spring can feel. There's a sense of starting something new. Even the air smells fresher. This must be even more pronounced for those of you who are emerging from a cold and snowy winter.

I've been concentrating on building outdoor woodworking projects. It's great to build an entire project under the sun rather than under fluorescent tubes. This week, I've built an herb garden, or, my wife tells me it's more correctly called a kitchen garden. Either way, it's a fun and easy project to make: I think I completed mine in record time. Would be a good way for you to get out into the light and spend a relaxing afternoon with power tools. Look for video and plans on Friday.

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Whirligig Wars

And to remind you that spring may take a pass and move right on into summer, start thinking about entering this year's Whirligig Wars contest. It's been an annual summer tradition dating back to 2012. This year the competition is going to be greater and the prizes are going to be bigger. I heard that the grand prize might be an all-expense paid trip to the Bahamas. Either that or a $15 gift card to Applebees. Of course, this is all just in the planning stages and will most likely change.

Look: here's Laney and me in the latest issue of Scrollsaw Woodworking & Crafts magazine. If you'd like to get a head start, here is how I wade a simple whirligig. They are fun and easy to make! More info on the contest coming soon.

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While out basking in the springtime sun I got a note from Andor Rábay to remind me that Hungary has yet to get the memo about spring. Here is a bird feeder he made with scrap wood. This is a photo taken last week of a robin enjoying fruits and seeds. Now I'm cold again.

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Wil Wilson is certainly in the springtime spirit. Here's a great little childrens' picnic table he just completed. Picnic tables make great outdoor projects: they are relatively easy to build and highly useful.

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And since I've been on my build-it-for-free pallet kick lately, Heath Fitts sent me over what he calls a cowboy cooler, made from pallets. Really great idea for entertaining on the deck or patio.

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I recently mentioned an idea of making something using an old wine crate, in which I currently store old computer cables and connectors that I will most likely never use. Here's a really cool idea: Nicholas Pelliccione makes serving trays out of them. Love this idea!

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Finally, while not an outdoor or springtime project, Jim Jarvis sent of this picture of a stand he made to hold bracelets and necklaces. Would work as a cup holder too. When I see it, it makes me shiver a bit as I am reminded of one of my most dreaded projects: my hat rack! Ug. I like Jim's approach to making a stand better...and less stressful!

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Reminders:

Watch the progress of this week's herb garden project on Keek or Twitter.

Latest pictures on Instagram.

Ideas for projects and more on Pinterest.

Don't forget to follow me over on my Facebook Page!

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Update:

Richard Burman has entered a pitch contest and needs your vote to get his "Working Hands" project underway. Check it out and help him out!

Starting in on next week's project

2013-04-06T14:40:00.002-07:00

I'm getting a head start this week! I've already bought lumber and have a working design for this week's project: an herb planter. Keep up with my progress by using #herbplanter on Twitter or Keek.

Apr 6, 2013 | Designing the herb planter. #herbplanter by SteveRamsey on Keek.com

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Mere Minutes

Make a rustic potting bench for your garden

2013-04-05T09:12:00.001-07:00

Upcycling. Building with pallet wood.

I still have a bunch of pallet wood leftover from last week's side table project. I have really become enamoured with using this stuff: of course because it's free, but also because it looks great for rustic outdoor projects.

Shipping pallets are readily available for free. Check Craigslist's free section and you will be able to find some. Or ask local businesses who are often eager to rid themselves of pallets.

All it takes is a little elbow grease to break them apart. See last week's Rustic Side Table video to see my easy method.

I designed this potting bench to be super simple to build. Anyone can make it with almost no woodworking experience and a few tools. All you will need is a saw (any kind you want...a jigsaw or circular saw would be great), a hammer, glue and nails. It looks great and is useful if you enjoy gardening.

Watch the progress

All week I've been shooting short videos showing the progress of this project, from my initial idea, to design and modifications, to building and completing this week's video. If you are interested, you can watch them all by searching #pottingbench on Keek or Twitter.

Download plans:

Rustic potting bench plans (pdf)

SketchUp file

My new neighbor?

2013-04-01T06:05:00.001-07:00

Happy April!

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Rustic side table made with pallet wood.

2013-03-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! Time for outdoor DIY projects.

This week I've designed a shabby-chic side table for your deck or patio. Anyone can build this project with just a few basic tools and no large workshop space is necessary. I made this entire project using free wood obtained from old pallets.

You can make this entirely using hand tools, but it will be much easier if you have a jigsaw and a power sander. Both are inexpensive, easy to use, and will save you a lot of time and muscle aches.
If you would like to try your hand at busting apart a pallet (it's quite easy to do) you will need a crowbar and a hammer with a claw for prying out nails.
I used 1/2" dowels for the exposed pins. These are decorative and not necessary for the strength of the table. If you would like to include them, you will need a drill and a 1/2" bit for boring holes.
I used wood glue, 1", and 3/4" nails to assemble the project. The glue gives the table it's strength: the nails are just needed to hold the pieces in place while the glue dries.
A couple of clamps would be handy.
I finished my table using Spar Urethane. It's a great outdoor finish that will protect the wood from the elements.
I used 80 grit (rough) sandpaper, mostly to clean off dirt, and stopped there.

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If you would like to give this project a try here are some plans:

WWMM Rustic side table plans (PDF)
SketchUp file

Building it is very easy. If you are new to woodworking, maybe a new home owner who wants to get ready for outdoor entertaining this summer, this is a great project to start with. There is no need to get too fussy about any of it: it's supposed to look rustic!

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Don't forget to follow me on Keek for tantalizing project updates throughout the week! Here's where this week began:

Mar 24, 2013 | 1) get free pallets 2) ??? 3) profit. by SteveRamsey on Keek.com

Easter is on its way

2013-03-27T06:31:00.001-07:00

Just in time for Easter, Randy Cosgrove sent me over this picture of a project he made. Unlike chocolate eggs, this one is much better hollow! Love the little chick inside.

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Easter is all about kids, so here's a cute kids, awww... shot! Greg Tokley's daughters are standing on a two-person version of my two-step stool. Great for brushing teeth as well as watching TV.

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Need a quick gift idea? Of course...another Quarto game! Bill Wilson made this one travel-sized. Maple and mahogany pieces, polar and oak board, it is under five inches square.

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Programming note

In addition to this Friday's regular WWMM episode, be sure to tune in next Monday for a bonus video!

Setting sun

2013-03-23T15:41:00.005-07:00

I think intarsia is one of the most fun and artistic woodworking techniques around. If you haven't tried it, take an afternoon to give it a shot! Just grab a bunch of wood scraps, all different thicknesses, and make a design with them. Every time I see one, I get the itch to try another one.

Here's a fine intarsia example from Bill Bumpus. This is "Setting Sun".

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A lot of people make a cube-in-a-cube. It's a fun project. Paul Heimerl didn't just make three, but made a display stand. Great idea!

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Mere Minutes