Projects

Building by eye to recreate a classic. Almost 15 years ago when I was writing Pleasant Hill Shaker Furniture I fell in love with several pieces of furniture originating in that 19th century [...]

Masts, Booms and Yards After my students finish shaping the hull, they move on to thorough sanding—working through a progression of sandpapers until they reach a smooth finish with 220 grit. Part [...]

Build the perfect place to store and charge your growing collection of batteries and cordless tools. Cabinet making is a great skill to have, and once you successfully tackle your first cabinet, [...]

In our last entry, we left off just as the students began shaping the hull of their boats. I had explained the importance of leaving small vestigial blocks at the bow and stern—these sturdy tabs [...]

A classic furniture form revised for 21st-century entertainment. I have a love-hate relationship with my television. I love (too much, perhaps) to watch shows, but I hate having the TV out in the [...]

In part 1 of this project, I described how my students begin their boat-building journey by sketching and transferring a symmetrical deck design onto a blank—typically a 2×4 or 2×2—and [...]

A table saw and a simple jig make a time-consuming task quick and easy. Woodworkers use all sorts of techniques to scoop out their chair seats. Many commonly resort to hacking out the waste with [...]

Plastic storage tubs make instant drawers for organizing shop supplies. When I worked in a restaurant as a teenager, I hauled dirty dishes in plastic bus boxes. Using them to organize my shop is [...]

A Hands-On Sailing Project in 2×4 A wooden boat is one of the most inspiring projects a child can build. It’s an object of grace and adventure, deeply symmetrical yet full of creative [...]

5 pieces + 12 screws=1 great project. Here’s a great project for displaying houseplants and adding a little charm to any corner of your house. The tripod leg design is rocksteady, even on a tiled [...]

Careful construction allows this Spanish cedar lined box to create a perfect seal to keep your cigars fresh. Project #2204 • Skill Level: Intermediate • Time: 2 Days • Cost: $120 If I think about [...]

This trivet is simple and fun to make – in any number of shapes.