Made three of these beds with and for my best friends daughters.
My first woodworking project. The plans were fantastic and easy to follow. Thanks!
Mon, 05/04/2015 - 14:53
Dirkmonster,
You did an awesome job! Congrats on a great first project! Thank you for the shout-out! Love the addition of the hinges, handles and lock. Looks like a happy young man there! :)
JoanneS
I modified the plans slightly to go taller so it could fit a standard propane tank. I also added a hinged lid based on an image I found on Pinterest that did something very similar. I still need to sand and stain it next weekend.
Like others, I had a little trouble keeping the fence planks from splitting when screwing them to the 2x2 legs, since there was about an 1/8” gap between. I tried to find some scrap to fill in the gap and didn’t overtighten the screws. The lid was made entirely of 1x3”.
Hello Fellow Ana White Fans!
This is from Ana White's lego coffee table plan, but my daughter is not a huge fan of legos, so we’re just calling this project the Coffee Table of Fun! Indeed it was a fun build. This project gave me the excuse I was looking for to buy a kreg jig. Certainly a kreg jig was not required, as the plan calls for a plywood top and bottom, but Ana revealed in the comments that she made her table by planking 1x6 boards with the kreg jig. I was nervous at first with the kreg jig (it comes with a whopping big bit), but now I see a world of new possibilities in building with this awesome tool.
This table came together very quickly. In fact, perhaps it was too quick, because I made a substantial mistake during the build. In step 8 of the plan, adding the top sides, I missed the fact that the top side was supposed to be flush with the top support, not with the box itself, so that there would be a ledge for the top to rest on. I didn’t realize my mistake until I added the top ends (correctly), and then measured for the top piece. Then I scratched my head after realizing that the 3 planked 1x6 boards were not going to fit at all. Oops!
I was disheartened at first, because I didn’t know what to do. By the way, Ana has included a “How-To’s” section on this new site for fellow builders to submit tips. I’d love it if someone could give some pointers about fixing mistakes. Is there any recourse once a board is glued and screwed? Anyway, I took some quiet time to think about the project and had an “Aha!” moment. I ended up attaching 1x2 pieces around the inner edges of the two compartments to create the ledge for the top to rest on. Then, instead of the three planked 1x6 boards that I’d planned on, I used 6 1x3’s planked together to make the top. Yes, there was an unexpected detour from the plan, but it all worked out just fine. I’d rather not make mistakes, but at my current level of experience, I think that mistakes are inevitable, and the mistakes actually give the piece a story and a little extra personality.
Looking forward to the next project!
Cheers!
Made this for my wife. Smaller one was made using same idea with some scrap.
I made this porch bench for my daughter-in-law 's birthday. She purchased bench cushions from Pottery Barn and asked if I would build the corresponding bench. Using the dimensions of the cushions and examining online photos I was able to build the framework and tried my best to duplicate the
Chatham series bench. Not quite ready to tackle the curved bench rest and arms but after watching YouTube on how to make curved woodworking items I might just take a shot at it next time.
She really loves the bench and I am pleased with how it turned out.
I did the top in two pieces of rustic walnut and instead of using bard door hardware, I used black pipe. I made the door frames and the inserts are decorative metal sheeting
I just started building so finding this site was a God send. My wife and I wanted a new bed frame so why not tackle it myself. I loved every part of building it. Now my daughter wants one for her house. I'm happy to do it. I can't wait for my next project
I used the coffee table framing system, and doubled the dimensions.. I had used the Kreg system, and it was so easy, and quick...
I followed the plan, but added some floor molding to the top and bottom. I did this to attempt to cover the seams from the plywood / 2x4s.
I built this lovely, modern park bench from plans I found at Ana White. The only adjustment I made was to make the legs out of 4x4s. I like this plan because it's all straight, right angle cuts, a one day project, which I tackled by myself. I'm definitely getting more comfortable with the miter saw. The wood cost under $50. I plan to paint it with primer, then white exterior paint, both of which I have around the house. Stain would be beautiful, too. If I had to do it over again, I would paint all the pieces before assembling. And I wish I had a brad nailer; it would make attaching all the slats go much faster, and would have to fill as many screw holes.
This was a fun little project to make. The goal is to open the box.
Build Instructions: https://www.instructables.com/id/Nail-Puzzle-Box/
How it work: https://youtu.be/9t4GRjx8-y8
This originally came from a sofa console plan but I added drawers and wheels to make an island.
built coffee table based off easy to follow plans - couldn't find untreated 4x4 but just painted it and hoped
Made from farmhouse plans
Perfect seating for our new summerhouse, loved how easy it was to build. Thanks so much for the free plans and making the easy to follow videos
This was my first project to build although I cut wood for another project a year ago. The plans were simple and easy to follow. Now I want to build more! Thank you Ana!
my first project, loved how this came out. Thank you so much for the easy plans. I made this for my wife as a surprise mother's day present. She loves it, we will be using it all summer. Made with Redwood, and just a clear coat finish.
Comments
little stuf
Fri, 06/28/2013 - 08:25
awesome!
Nice job! I'm sure the girls are loving these!
mollyb
Fri, 07/05/2013 - 14:11
kreg jig advice
Brand new to woodworking. About to dive-in with this American Girl Loft Bed project. From others' comments, it seems a Kreg Jig Jr. will be just fine. Yet another commenter suggested purchasing the Mini as well. Is this strongly suggested or can I get away with the $40 Jr. set? Thanks!
Maureen C
Fri, 07/05/2013 - 15:32
Hey Molly, I used the Jr.
Hey Molly,
I used the Jr. You definitely don't need to buy the more expensive one. I even just built a long console table using the Jr. Good luck and don't forget to post pictures of the finished product.
Maureen
mollyb
Fri, 07/05/2013 - 17:37
You are an inspiration, Maureen
Thank you, Maureen! Reassuring to know!
Just got back from purchasing the Kreg Jig Jr, clamp, and wood. I felt totally out-of element.
I have had this loft bed pinned on Pinterest for quite some time now. Seeing your brag post AND knowing that it was your first project helped me to think I might be able to accomplish this.
Funny that you just built a console table. That is one of the top projects on my list if this all goes well.