woodworking projects
There are a lot of pretty simple woodworking projects that you can do at home. They are all pretty straightforward and inexpensive. Instructions can be found online or in most DIY home improvement stores. There is no need for expensive equipment, just normal household tools. You should find that working with your hands is fun and rewarding.
Instructions
1. A wooden patio planter box. This is a simple project of basically 5 squares (4 sides and 1 bottom), 2 legs, and a framed top edge. I think if you start with a wooden square picture frame, you can measure and cut the wood to match the sides. Fill with some lightweight potting soil and pop in your summer tomato plants and place outside your kitchen door!
2. Wooden Cutting Boards. This can be as basic as a solid slab of wood to intricately designed little pieces of wood glued together. Start with a tight grained wood like birch, maple or beech. Make sure your glue is approved for kitchen projects. The solid slab is especially attractive if you start with a piece that has unusual grain. Sand the edges smooth and finish with a little foodgrade mineral oil.
3. Napkin Holder. A jig saw is handy for this project if you want to do something besides a square. A simple tip for beginners is to clamp the two sides together before cutting so they will be identicle. This uses thinner pieces of wood for the sides with a thicker base. A nice glossy finish or a painted design will set it off as a nice piece to keep on your table for display.
4. Simple Bird House. This is a very popular project and plans can be found everywhere. You can even get a kit where all the wood is already cut to size and all you have to do is follow the directions to glue it together. It is a great environmental project to do with kids who are learning about such things. If you use a wood like teak or cedar, it does not need to be finished, but other woods can be painted or stained as you prefer.
5. A Tree Swing with a Wooden Seat. This is an all time favorite and is a great project to do with a child or grandchild. They will remember it for a long time as it is sure to bring them much pleasure and fun! Start with a good thick piece of hardwood and sand it nicely. Some people put notches on the sides and simpy wrap strurdy rope around it - while other drill holes and use hardware. Plans are simple and easy to come by with lots of variations. You can even go to the trouble of engraving the child's name on the seat. An adult sized swing seat can be made simply by using an extra wide board.
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