Community Brag Posts

Printer table (with fold down top door for VCR)

Submitted by zmurah on Sat, 02/21/2015 - 23:17

I needed a custom built printer table for the massive printer I just bought.  I figured if I was going to custom build it, I might as well add a couple storage areas.  Then I thought, I'm tired of having this VCR sitting on a TV tray to dub home movies to digital. So, I turned the top drawer area into a fold down face droor for easy access (and hiding) of the VCR.  Turned out great. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$85
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Cherry wood stain with a polyurethane finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My pretty turquois bench

Submitted by ltjjones on Mon, 05/22/2017 - 17:01

Made this for a fund raiser auction.  Highest bid of the event.   :)

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray painted
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2x4 Outdoor Chairs and Side Table

I built the 2 chairs and side table using Ana's plans. Wood in the UK is perhaps not as cheap and ubiquitous, so I managed to get hold of some rough siberian larch to build them. After what seemed like a lot of sanding I started cutting. I've used stainless steel screws and have used a plug cutter on a mahogany board I had to plug the screw holes. I really liked the contrast and neatness that this has given the project. I also used some rubber feet to raise it off the ground and try and reduce any water damage. The side table is reduced in size from the 2 foot version in the plans, this was easy enough once I'd worked out the impact on all of the other measurements. My wife has commented that I should have used less wood in my next project as they are very heavy, they certainly aren't going anywhere! My wife did produce the lovely grey cushions that you see in the pictures.

Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Used a wood preserver followed by a coat of stain to obtain the light finish seen
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Workbench Console with Hutch

Submitted by Jamaunzie on Tue, 04/09/2013 - 06:11

When I first saw this and showed it to my wife it became number one on my Honey Dew list. I did not like the open space between the bottom shelf and top, saw on this site where someone put a wine rack of shorts as a second shelf. So I did the same I used 1x4 instead of the 1x10 used on bottom shelf. I also used 1x4 for the top to help eliminate the gaps between the boards that the 2x4’s would cause. To help give something for the 2x4’s and the 2x6’s to attach to I screwed 2x2’s to the 1x4’s around the edge. Gives the illusion of 2x4’s and makes for a very smooth and flat surface for the top. The Hutch I made it taller to be able to put taller things under the first shelf. I also installed lights on the top shelf and trim.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sanded and Sanded started with number 60 grit and worked to 220 grit then used 320 grit by hand. I used one coat of Miniwax English Chestnut hand rubbed I put three coats of Ploy hand rubed with steel wool between each
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

School Students

Submitted by gwert01 on Thu, 02/26/2015 - 09:35

This is how we modified your plans. The project was built on the school campus then transported to the final site. We made this in frame sections and then assmbled with let in bracing to give ridgidness to the structure. We coverd with corrigated metalm and corrigated clear PVC glass. THe edges were covered with 2" x 2" dripedge. We will set it up on block and fill the middle with gravel to support water runoffand to give a solid walking surface. Our goal was to make a good quality movable greenhouse at the lowest cost possible.

Notes: If i was not concerned about cost, I would have used cedar 2x4 and would have used a heaviedr guage metal and glass. these two changes will raise the cost to around $1200.00

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
This project cost us $750.00 for all materials
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Cedar stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First woodworking project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/25/2017 - 18:35

I decided to build a table large enough to fit me and all the kids. Looking forward to decorating it around Christmas time.

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Had to adjust the width to fit better / but I did it!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/13/2021 - 13:09

I had to adjust the width to fit my much wider "Seat".
:P...Also that rear angle was a struggle...Otherwise plans were spot on!
Thanks Ana.

Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Not decided Yet.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

The Firetruck, Modernized.

Submitted by burnstyle on Sat, 04/13/2013 - 15:44

I am a single father, and a firefighter/medic. I noticed that every time I took my son to the station with me all he wanted to do was play on the trucks. So I decided it was time he had his own.

I found the plans for the firetruck bed and though.... this would be cool, but it's a bit too simple for my tastes.

I took the original plans and made the bed two foot longer, and incorporated a pump panel on the side.

The pump panel is full of old pump dials and switches taken off of a salvaged truck Each one of them works (well... they show a reading at least) and light up when you throw one of the switches. The second switch on the pump panel controls the red lights on the top of the bed.

Inside of the bed I set up a 20 inch monitor hooked to a pc hidden in the upper storage, the PC has no keyboard or mouse, it is controlled remotely from my phone or computer via VNC, or remote desktop. It streams any and all of his favorite shows and movies from our network and allows him to interact with his mother via Skype.
We built a dash and installed a steering wheel.... (because how else would you drive the truck?) and a CB.
The CB was gutted and a county scanner was installed, so whenever he turns the CB on he can here the county dispatch
There is a pressure regulator valve on the dash (which he pretends raises and lowers the bucket) the valve has a switch underneath that turns on his flashing bubble light up top (which was also taken from an old firetruck) and starts a siren sound that I took out of an old firetruck toy that he had broken.
The ignition switch was taken off of a little tykes car that he had outgrown.

I posted this bed to reddit and the response was overwhelming! Check out some of the articles people have written about it!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/19/diy-firetruck-bed_n_2716538.ht…

http://now.msn.com/fire-truck-bed-photos-dad-makes-son-cool-bedroom

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
High Gloss latex
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Our Faux Fireplace!

So easy! We need to hide a return vent on the wall and a faux fireplace was an excellent solve!

Estimated Cost
$150-200 total
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Black washing
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Desk for 2

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/29/2017 - 12:05

Thanks for the idea, we really needed this kind of desk.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Classic Storage Extra Wide Media Unit

Submitted by hoffer5353 on Sun, 04/14/2013 - 18:32

My in-laws were in need of a place for their new tv. They choose the plan and I got to work.
I really wanted it to look similar to the furniture that They already had so I used oak and provincial stain.
I surprised them by adding one pull out drawer to each side for easier location of the movie collection.
I was happy with the results!

Estimated Cost
$240
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Provincial stain, semi-gloss poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Joni

Sun, 04/14/2013 - 19:25

Wow -- you did an unbelievable job of coming up with something that looks like it should have been there all along. The stain matching looks flawless. Really nice job.

Btl

Thu, 07/07/2016 - 08:54

Did you make the top and shelves out of oak plywood with edge banding?

Is that commercially available trim at the top, or did you make that?

Sofa table with Power Strip

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/01/2017 - 13:18

This massive 10 foot sofa table had to be built in 2 sections for transport, then re-attached in place.  Power strip is in a hidden cubby in the center of the table with a cover that pops off when in use.  Boards cover the end of the table to prevent the kitties from hiding behind the couch.

Used a combination of several plans to create my own design!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Provincial minx stain with glossy poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Toddler Stools

Submitted by sraper2 on Tue, 04/16/2013 - 20:16

I thought you had a plan for these but I'm looking through and the closest I can find is the Vintage Step Stool. Either way it is because of your site that I have learned and become comfortable with building so I thought I would share these stools here. I made a little toddler chair to go with them to that you can see on my blog. Thanks for helping to make things like this possible!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

X Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/05/2017 - 02:17

For my first build I am super proud. Plans were very understable & made it easy to build. Definitely looking forward to building more things! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60-$70
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain & semi gloss white interior paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Move over Restoration Hardware!

Submitted by gfranq on Tue, 03/10/2015 - 10:58

I actually emailed Restoration Hardware and although they no longer carry this chair , it was priced starting at 795$!!  Not even close to what it cost me to make it myself. I spent 88 $ on the cushions, 5$ on screws and approx 65$ on the wood so all together this chair cost me about 158$. Thanks Ana!

Finish Used
I used a oil primer and followed it with an outdoor semi gloss in white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sandbox with Seat

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/08/2017 - 06:16

I tried to make a similar sand box as yours but as space was limited I decided to only make a 1 seat version.  As a first attempt of making something proper I think it turned out well.  Base frame is made of 4 x2s and the lid and seat contruction it pallet wood planed to make it nice and smooth.  Granddaughter loves it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
£20 for bags of play sand, I already had the 4x2s and pallet wood is free.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
no finish as yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dresser

Liked this project. Make sure all the pieces are straight or you will have issues. And having an extra person to help with drawer slides made a huge difference.

Estimated Cost
140
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

My Shirley Console Table

Submitted by NewHome86 on Mon, 04/22/2013 - 09:08

I saw the Shirley table post and was inspired to build this for our entryway in our new home. Maybe not the best first project to pick in the new home, but man was it worth it! Turned out great. Used some leftover paint from an old painting project and it works really well with our new living room set. I listed it as a weekend project because if you're not super experienced or don't start this early in the morning you will probably need to take your time and finish this over two days.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Home interior paint from Sherwin Williams.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Harvest Basket

Submitted by mtairymd on Sat, 03/14/2015 - 10:49

Build Instructions:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Harvest-Basket-Garden-Trug/

Video of Build:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DlhZ6-gpak&feature=youtu.be

This is a simple design built from reclaimed wood and purchased ¼” wood slats.  It cost very little and only took a couple of hours to complete the build.  The goal was light weight, shallow and wide for collecting leafy vegetables, easy to handle and somewhat attractive. 

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Natural Stain - see link above
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/11/2017 - 19:33

First attempt at a project of this size. 7 middle, armless sections, and 4 corner/end sections. Increased the height of the backs and gave them a slight recline. Didn't have the effect that I wanted. Learned lots of lessons over the course of the month or so I was working on this. 1. Spring for the premium boards instead of the terrible ones you have to pick from for the common boards. 2. Use a stop block on your miter, and cut all your boards before starting assembly. Uniform cuts save lots of frustration. 3. They make outdoor use pocket screws. Who knew? We will see how long the first couple of sections hold up over time. 4. Stain REALLY doesn't stick to glue. Seriously, not even a little. Watch the over application and sand if it you have to. 5. Cushions are EXPENSIVE! 6. I HATE finishing. My wife stained the last 7 pieces.

 

Taking a break from building for a bit. It's summer, and I'd rather spend it at the pool than  sweating it out in my 100 degree garage. 

Estimated Cost
$1500+ by the time I bought the cushions. Possibly overspent on the premium pine, but well worth it to have a better selection of straight, square boards.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Thompsons waterseal and stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate