Community Brag Posts

6 cubby bookshelf

Submitted by vic b on Wed, 07/25/2012 - 18:23

Quick and easy to build, the bit that took the longest was the stain, I used a maple satain and varnish.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
maple stain and varnish combo.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Sliding Door TV Stand

Submitted by milleall on Mon, 05/19/2014 - 11:46

The original (project from That's My Letter) was longer, deeper, and had two doors. I needed something smaller and narrower to fit the space and hold a tv. By cutting down the size, I was also able to make this using 1 sheet of 3/4 inch plywood instead of 2. After painting the aluminum hardware and pulley wheels, I learned that I probably could have had them powder coated by a family member. Unless you don't mind some of the paint coming off where the wheels rub, I would suggest trying powder coating or some more durable finish. Since it's a rustic look, I guess it doesn't matter all that much if some paint comes off. I used an off-brand pocket hole jig to construct the stand.

Estimated Cost
$150-$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum ultimate stain in wheat, bright white paint distressed a bit, dark brown glaze over it all, and Varathane water-based poly in satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Hokulani1

Tue, 05/20/2014 - 08:15

Love it! It looks great! What did you use for the sliding track, rollers etc. or did you buy a kit?

Hokulani1

Tue, 05/20/2014 - 08:15

Love it! It looks great! What did you use for the sliding track, rollers etc. or did you buy a kit?

DIY Longboard

I decided to make longboards as birthday gifts for some of my other nephews.  I had made a regular skateboard prior, but I decided to try longboards this time and I'll probably make one for myself down the road since I'm a bit of a child myself :)

 

More details and photos on my blog:

http://www.woodworkingfourdummies.com/blog/diy-longboard

 

Cheers,

Ian

Estimated Cost
Around $40 just for the board (not including hardware - trucks, wheels etc..)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain and polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Mimi Storage Bench Revised

Submitted by Nataland on Fri, 07/27/2012 - 15:02

I needed a way to turn my large, open, many-windowed Foyer into a functioning entry way. I Loved Mimi's Storage Bench, but i needed the dimensions to be very different, so I used her bench as a concept guide.
The bench under the window is 76 inches, and the bench on the right that backs into the corner is 58 inches. I used a four inch foam pad. I think the pad might have been excessive- it cost a lot more money than I had intended to spend.
This is my third building project. Previously I built some bookshelves and a set of shed doors.
I would consider this an entry level project. The hinges on my fold down drawers were the most aggravating part. The whole project would have been much easier if I had been able to use Mimi's exact plans. As it was, I had to make my own cut list and purchase list.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
white satin behr paint- untinted. I purchased the base paint with no color mixed in.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

CONICA (not verified)

Thu, 10/25/2012 - 06:46

I love this! It is exactly what I need in my kitchen. Do you happen to have the cut and purchase list you made?? Or other instructions? Thanks!!

Modified Gaby Kitchen Island

So I was searching for a sturdy table to build for outdoors next to my grill. I came across your plans for the Gaby kitchen Island and decided to give it a shot. Off to the lumber yard and as I am new to this I accidentally bought 4X6 's for the legs which threw me off just a little. No harm no foul just had to adjust and just made it that much more sturdy. I also wanted something I could use to throw some "beverages" into and decided on a basic stainless steel kitchen sink. Put in some plumbing and added a piece of 3/4" plywood to the top cut a hole with a router and routed the edges. Now I just need to close in the sides at the top and I am toying with the idea of making a butcher block as a lid for the sink. Then a little paint and it will be ready for summer.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

wadekelly007

Sun, 05/25/2014 - 21:40

I did end up staining it over the weekend I attached a few more pictures and the stain is behr semi transparent cedar natural tone

Rustic "X" Console Table Converted to a Media Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/23/2016 - 10:26

My Father and I worked on this table together and had a blast! I was searching for something that I could customize for a long wall in our Family Room and these plans and resulting table were perfect. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$110.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Stain in Weathered Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Garden Enclosure

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/04/2020 - 17:29

My chickens took over my garden area and being the voracious raptors they are, I needed to build a garden enclosure to keep my veggies safe. I modified a little, making my beds deeper. I also had to stretch chicken wire over the top to keep the great flyers out. I also used it as a way to organize my garden tools (which is possible because I live in Southern California with moderate temperatures and little rain. Thanks for the plans! Yvonne

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Deck on the outside. Clear coat on the inside. I also added chalkboard paint on the inside so I could fill in what I’m growing and erase it after.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Large Entertainment Center

This design is a modification from another entertainment center I built earlier this year. I had a neighbor come over and fall in love with mine and asked if I could build another. I think it cam out pretty well, but tell me what you think....

Estimated Cost
$140.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Bombay Mahoganay
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Corner Cabinet (reclaimed bi-fold version)

Submitted by brennan on Mon, 05/26/2014 - 06:19

With a newly finished bathroom we were looking for some stylish storage that fit the space.

During the demo a number of pieces of cabinetry came down and a salvage most of that wood. I also had a couple bi-fold closet doors in my garage that i decided to put to use.

We're totally satisfied with the end product and will be continuing to try our hand at custom pieces.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We used some left over chocolate paint primer as a base. Then we tried our hand at getting a crackle finish the cheap way. (White glue).

By applying good gobs of white glue in many places and waiting till it was tacky to touch. We then applied our homemade 'chalk paint' which was created by mixing our desired paint colour with a small amount of matching unsanded grout.

Once dry we distressed and sealed with a dark tinted wax paste to give it that aged look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My computer organizer version of your jewlery box

Submitted by lewisw on Sat, 08/27/2016 - 11:26

A much needed space to keep all my usb plugs and chargers but leave room for the dvd burner.

So I took your plans and modified it to suit my needs.

 

thanks for the incentive Ana as this is my second project I made after the outside bench :)

Estimated Cost
40.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/07/2020 - 18:45

Loved these plans. Made a table as well. Great set!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Sawhorse Writing Desk

Submitted by EndGrain on Thu, 08/02/2012 - 19:53

This was a fun project to do. I am going to add a piece of 24 x 24 sheet metal to the top of it to serve as a smooth flat area to write on. I didn’t have any 1 x 3′s on hand so I ripped several 2 x 4′s down to 1 x 3 which is where I came up with the 1 x 2′s that are running across the top. I’m working on imagineering a chair to go with it, I will post pictures of that as well when I get it put together. If you have a questions or comments feel free to post.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bar Stools

I used the Vintage Bar Stool plans and modified the height and depth of each chair so that they would fit with an indoor bar height. At the time I didn't have a kreg jig, so I used dowels to connect everything. It took much longer since I had to wait for the wood glue to dry, but they are very sturdy and you can't see and drill marks. I used milk paint over stain to get the distressed look, and I love how they turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Milk Paint overlaying Minwax Dark Walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/29/2016 - 13:24

This was a fun project.  Used just the standard cheapest wood from home depot.  Seems like no matter how hard I work on trying to get good pieces, there is always something off with them.  While the main parts of the project didn't take that much time, the sanding took a good deal of time.  Maybe ill buy some better wood next time!  Used a 60 grit, then a 150, then a 220.  Used a minwax stain with a minwax poly in satin.  sanded the poly with a 220 not to just get it smooth but to give it a less shiny look.  Very happy with the finished product, but every project I learn a few things to bring to the project and improve.  This table is very heavy.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax stain and minwax poly sanded with 220 grit
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Practice

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/10/2020 - 10:25

I had been wanting to get into woodworking for awhile and after searching the web I came across Ana’s site. The plans for this table were right near the top of the page and seemed like a realistic goal for me to practice with. I followed her plans and video and everything came together nicely. My wife loves the table so we decided to keep it even though we didn’t need it.

Estimated Cost
$40-$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax English chestnut and polycrylic for the table top.

Standard interior white paint for the legs and shelf.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bypass Closet Doors

Submitted by JLW on Mon, 08/06/2012 - 19:35

Our bedroom closet was a DIY special from the previous owners of our home. We had upgraded the closet but were left with a dilemma - the door opening was not a 'standard' size. The two options were to purchase custom built bypass doors ($$$) or to live with the tension rod and curtain we were using. I came across this plan and after a few quick seconds we had decided we were going to try to build our own.

We followed the measuring instructions to measure our door (which we found (not surprisingly) was out of square which made things interesting) and set out to find our wood. My wife fell in love with this wainscoting at Lowes and that became the backing for the doors. We had to buy an extra piece so that I could ensure that the lines in the wainscoting matched the entire length of the door (we used 4x4 sheets rather than 4x8 because our Lowes didn't have full sheets of this particular wainscoting). The wainscoting backing gave it extra bulk and rigidity, making for extremely solid closet doors.

Everything came together and in one week (building and polystaining) we had the doors.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats Minwax American Chestnut Satin polyshade
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

A dresser for shoes!

Submitted by SmeesAlf on Fri, 05/30/2014 - 12:02

I've had the plans to this shoe dresser saved for months, and finally convinced my husband it was time to build it! In total, we probably spent about 8 hours on it, from cutting the wood to staining.

The instructions are a smidge vague, but if you really think through it, it's a piece of cake. Do not do anything out of order! My husband and I did, and we unfortunately had to redo certain steps.

This was our third project, and so far my favorite piece of furniture in our house!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut with Polycrylic top coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Back