Projects

All the learning and growing a woodworker does comes through the woodworking projects he or she completes. Whether you’re a woodworking beginner, or a sawdusty shop veteran, we have woodworking plans that will challenge your skills and inspire you to create. From wood shop projects, to jig templates, to furniture plans of all kinds, you’re number one resource for learning woodworking is right here. Get inspired, and get to work on your woodworking dream.

I Can Do That: Hanging Shelves

Get a period look with big box materials.

by Megan Fitzpatrick
pages 23-23

From the April 2012 issue, #196

The inspiration for this small hanging set of shelves is a late 18th- to early 19th-century (circa 1775-1825) English dovetailed version in oak with a dark finish. I wanted to replicate the look as much as possible using the I Can Do That tool set and big-box stock, so I adjusted the dimensions to fit dimensional lumber, and, after the construction was done, sanded the edges heavily to impart a well-worn look. I then applied a somewhat distressed finish (more on that later).

Download the PDF of this article for the drawing and cutlist:
HangingShelves

Plan: Download the free SketchUp model for the Hanging Shelves.
Articles: All the I Can Do That articles are free online. Read more »

Making Frames

Sooner or later, someone will ask you to make a picture frame. Here is how to get it right the first time. by Robert W. Lang Pages 21-23 From the Summer 2009 issue of Woodworking Magazine, issue 14 Buy this issue now Picture frames are one of those woodworking projects that we all assume we … Read more »

I Can Do That: Message Center

A low-tech solution for a family on the go.

By Steve Shanesy
Pages: 26-27
The kitchen is the crossroads for today’s busy family. And while we have high-tech gadgets to text messages, take notes and keep a calendar, I’ve found a kitchen message board has helped to keep my family organized for 30 years. Three decades ago, I made several message centers as gifts and can report that some are still in use – a testament to their utility.
I Can Do That “Message Center” PDF

BLOG: Coming soon: more step photos of the “Message Center.”
MODEL: Click here for the SketchUp model of the Message Center.
ARTICLES: All the I Can Do That articles are free online.
Read more »

I Can Do That: Gent’s Chest

A simple box for basic household tools.

By Megan Fitzpatrick
Pages: 58-59

From the December 2011 issue #194
Buy this issue now

Common in the 19th-century, a “Gentleman’s Tool Chest” typically contained a set of fancy household tools including the first “multi-tools” – a handsome handle into which a variety of tools including gimlets, drivers, chisels and the like could be fitted. The chest might also include a small brass-backed saw, a filigreed square, dividers, a brass hammer and more – “showcase tools” for the squire who simply liked to putter around the house.
BLOG: Discover more about period Gentleman’s Chests.
PLAN: Download the free SketchUp plan.
ARTICLES: All the “I Can Do That” articles are free online.
Read more »

Try Digital with a Free Project

Unless you’ve been hiding in a cave, you’ve likely heard that print is dead and digital is the new reality. That may be a slight exaggeration as I, for one, still enjoy turning pages. However, there is no doubt that whatever the future holds, we will be consuming information in many new forms – and … Read more »

Round-drawer Spring Box

What’s better than a hand-made box from your shop? How about a box that is a puzzle, that stores special items and even has a secret compartment. Done. It’s the Round-Drawer Spring Box from Jeff Vollmer’s ‘Puzzle Boxes‘. Use the link below to download the free step-by-step plans for this great puzzle box. Round-Drawer Spring … Read more »

Natural Lighting

The project offered here is titled “Wildflower” by author Ken Burton. He felt the look of the dangling pendant light looked like a particular wildflower. So we’ll continue that concept and dub the project as one for Natural Lighting. This project is one of 24 unique and original lamp projects offered in ‘Crafting Wooden Lamps‘. … Read more »