Community Brag Posts

Thanks for the inspiration!  This was my first full blown creation and my wife loves it.  Cannot wait to do more!

A few weeks ago I was getting ready for work and was excavating my shoe collection in search of my brown wingtips. Although I had managed to curate a pretty respectable collection of dress shirts, slacks, suits, and shoes, I still relied on a cheap coated wire shoe rack that could likely double as a grilling grate for my bbq. This was amplified by the fact that is was meant for about half the number of shoes I was using it for. I know, first world problems. It’s tough out there. So, I decided to build a two piece unit that I could stack atop one another or use it side by side in the future.

Spent forever building this modified version because I couldn't figure out what kind of drawer faces I wanted. Finished with General Finishes gel stain and Minwax Paste Finishing wax. 

I modified this plan to use wood that I had and also a piece of kitchen counter top that was left over from my daughters new house.  

I found the table here, but ended up using the modified plans for the 72" table from this site - http://tommyandellie.com/index.php/2012/01/13/new-and-improved-farmhous…

I haven't built anything out of wood for 20 years and I had no problems building this table. I also built the bench and two 15" extensions.

I have a small booth at a local Outdoor Market & a client asked if I had any outdoor tables - she needed some for an upcoming party. I tried convincing her that a potting bench would be perfect (since Ana already had plans for that), but she wanted something a little different. She shared a picture of a "Faraday" console table by Pottery Barn, so I used that as my inspiration. I opted for a counter-height table vs. a table height, but both can be easily achieved using the same size balusters, just cut accordingly. I did have a hard time finding "chunky" balusters with a "flat" section on both the top and bottom. I didn't want to use pre-made legs because they are too pricey. At both Orange and Blue they had "skinny" balusters, but at the Orange near my home I found 1 thicker baluster. I had to go to another store to find more in stock, so supplies may vary in your area. The balusters were less than $3 each. Ana was so kind to create plans and I hope you enjoy your table as much as my client enjoyed hers!

Together with my wife, we decided to start making our own furniture and it was our first project. It took us a week to complete it (it took us longer than most people as we had to learn from scratch how to use the tools for each of the steps such as the circular saw, sander, pocket holes, etc.). We also learned the hard way how critical it is to use straight boards and how difficult it is to find straight 2x2. Overall we loved the process and are very excited by the final result!

Modified From Ana's Fancy-hall-tree bench plan.

This was my first solo build project and my first time using a power saw. I was terrified but determined because I've been wanting to make these chairs for years. After failing to convince my husband to make them for me, I decided to make them myself and I am so glad that I did. I am so proud!

I fell in love with the fabric first (Premier Prints' Suzani Chocolate and a striped fabric called Veranda Chocolate for the bottom) and then picked a stain to match. I chose to reinforce the sling by sandwiching the outer fabric with a layer of heavy duck fabric. I also made pillows, which protect your head from that upper wood support.

Also, I ordered some special connecting bolts and nuts made by Rockler that someone else mentioned in their brag post. Unlike the hardware mentioned in the original plan, these bolts are flush with the frame on both the inside and out so the chairs can fold completely flat. Here are the links to them on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Statuary-Bronze-Connector-Bolts-8-Pack/dp/B001DT3…
http://www.amazon.com/Cap-Nuts-Connector-Bolts-pack/dp/B001DT3G9O/ref=p…

The inner frame did need slightly larger holes (3/8 inch, I believe) to accommodate the cap nuts.

Built this for our 6yr old. She has decided she wants it to be pink so we picked out a beautiful Aubrey Hepburn worthy shade and will update our photo. 

We needed an outdoor table for our patio, and this one fit the bill!

I loved the photos that others have put out of their own tables, but I was concerned about eating off of a table that was stained and varnished with petrochemicals. In order to avoid the toxic finish, I built the top and stretchers out of cedar wood, which I sanded down to 220 grit, and gave a light coat of tung oil finish. The legs are untreated 2x4s that I sanded down and gave a heavy coat of tung (e.g. seven applications.)

To ensure the legs remain in good condition, I intend to foot them with sheet metal casings when I remove them at the end of the season.

I also took Ana's advice, and attached the legs using bolts, so that I can disassemble the table and throw it in the garage over the winter. There's a close-up of how I inset the bolt-heads with a spade-bit below.

I had all that was need in my scraps:) Great project for this rainy day!!

Thanks Ana!

Man cave chair for my Hubby, made entirely from reclaimed/scrap wood.  This took a long weekend to build (includes time to rip down the reclaimed wood, and a couple of tries to get the padded arm rests right). 

This build uses the Simple White Outdoor Chair plan, adjusted to fit smaller cushions and use my scrap/reclaimed wood. 

The seat cushion is covered with marine vinyl, and the back cushion is covered with fabric from a curtain already on hand.  The covers are done in a simple box style.  The seat cushion closes with ties at the back, and the back cushion has an envelope back.  

The end result is a sturdy, comfortable chair that’s not too heavy, and is decked out with colors from Hubby’s favorite football team.  I’m very pleased to say that Hubby likes his new chair!