Woodworking

Woodworking is something I only seem to really do when Christmas comes... as I LOVE making gifts. So, here are a couple of the things that I made, and a very brief description of what I did to make it.

The above photo is of a picture shelf/ledge. I'm not sure what else to call it. Basically, it is a 4 foot board, 1x4 (or 3/4" by 3.5"), with a 3/4inch groove two inches from the back edge. Two inches being from the center of the groove. I routered the front bottom edge to make it look a little more like something other than just a board with a groove, and added some wood to the edges of the board groove to make the sides look flush. There will be chains added to the two front corners to make it look like it's being held up a bit by them. I will have to post a pic when my mom puts it up

This is a basket shelf. Again, what would you call this thing? I saw something like it in the Sears catalogue for $80, so I decided I could make it myself. The two sideboards are 1x12's, 31inches long. The dowels are placed 9 inches apart (so, about 1 inch from each side, since the boards are actually 11 1/4 inches wide). They are 32inches long, 1/2 inch dowels. You will need to base the length of the dowels (and the distance apart) on the baskets you are using. Also, the longer the dowels, the thicker you will need them to be. Since it was under 3', I figured 1/2 inch would be good enough. Plus, they aren't cheap. In total, this item would have cost me $40 to make ($10 for each side board, $10 for the dowels, and $10 for the baskets), but I had a 31" sideboard already in among all my wood.

I made handles for this thing using a 1" drill bit. The handles are centered 2 inches below the top of the boards (make your marks at 2.5 inches to allow room for the one inch drill bit), and are about 3-4 inches long (do what is more comfortable to you). To make them, drill your holes with a drill press, then get out your jigsaw and cut the rest. If you wish to use a scroll saw (less sanding, generally), remove the blade, and put it back in through one of the holes you drilled. When done, you'll have to remove the blade once again to get your board back, but to be honest, I prefer working with my scroll saw to my jig. My jigsaw is rather... pathetic. Not to mention, it has been borrowed out over a year ago and not returned yet. I really should get on that...

I routered the entire board (except the very bottom edge) with a 1/4 inch round. Including the handles. You'll need to sand a lot first, and then again afterwards. When you've marked and drilled your holes for the dowels (only drill about 1/2 way into the board... so 3/8 of an inch deep), glue them in. Wait overnight for the glue to dry completely, and then varnish it.

Anyway, there you have it. A brief description of the items. If I ever decide to make a craft book, I'll put this one in there with a much better description of how to make it. You know... like the tools and wood needed and such.