Community Brag Posts

Miter Saw Cart

Submitted by MNDadx3 on Sat, 09/21/2013 - 19:38

Great project - fun to build and helpful for wheeling my new miter saw around the garage.

I made a few modifications from the original plan:
- I used a 1x4 instead of a 1x3 for the bottom supports to add a bit more of a lip to keep things from rolling off of the shelf. The shelf is big enough to hold my small pancake compressor and ciruclar saw.
- Like others, I added a drawer (1X4 front/sides, 1/4" plywood bottom, 2x2 drawer guides).
- Like others, I went with simple strap hinges and then used some wood to support the wings when open. When closed the supports tuck neatly under the wings.
- I added some 1/4" plywood to make a back. I left enough of a gap at the bottom to be able to sneak my extension cords out to a power strip I mounted on the back.
- I made a fence extension out of a 1x4. I attached this to the left wing using wing nuts and hanger bolts so it is easy to remove if I need to. I spent time measuring carefully to make sure it lined up exactly with the saw's fence. It is nice for supporting longer boards and keeping them straight.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

MrCoffee

Sun, 09/22/2013 - 05:27

I love the way this came out. I believe I have your exact saw and I intend to use Ana's plan as well. Do you know how long you made the sides to accommodate the saw fence, or what your measurement was on the saw fence?

MNDadx3

Sun, 09/22/2013 - 06:54

I followed Ana's plan for the main carcass. My flip-up sides are a bit shorter than the plan, but only because I failed to follow the directions carefully and cut both of my sides from the same 24" strip of plywood (instead of a 36" and 30" per the directions) and was a bit short on 3/4" plywood. My sides are 24" long.

I made my fence extension from a 1x4. You can cut it to length so that it will fit any side.

MNDadx3

Mon, 09/23/2013 - 06:12

The deck is 3 3/4" from the top of the sides. That makes it level with the extensions when they are flipped up.

I have a 12" hitachi saw (not sliding), so if your saw is not the same then the measurements might be different.

Twin bed from rough cut red oak!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/21/2019 - 11:58

This is a twin bed that my son and I built for my grandson! Awesome project that we were proud of. 

Estimated Cost
$250.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain with poly-simigloss
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Swedish Bed with Metal Legs

My best friend (and upstairs apartment neighbor) was looking for a "grown up" bed for her apartment. When she saw the Swedish Bed, she fell in love. We built the frame out of 1×10′s and the “guts” were reclaimed wood from my Dad’s barn (to cut down on costs). She painted it a flat black using mistint paint pints from McCoy’s that were $1 each. The pipe legs were from Lowe’s in the plumbing section, and they’re threaded for easy installation. You just thread them into a little square base that you can screw straight into the wood, and pop on a threaded endcap so it doesn't scratch your floor or rip your carpet. Her first choice of 10" proved to be much too tall after she plopped on her enormously tall pillow-top mattress. So we exchanged them for the 6" version for a much more balanced look. She loves it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Flat black latex Oops paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Long desk

Submitted by murphygirl on Tue, 09/24/2013 - 10:22

I was looking for a long desk for two people and wasn't able to find anything that wasn't custom. I decided to try and here it is! I now have a massive and sturdy desk I can be proud of.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain/poly mix
Multiple coats and used steel wool between each.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse Truss Beam Dining Table

Submitted by Lantz198 on Sun, 12/06/2015 - 09:45

I changed some of the original dimensions so that it better fit my dining area. My table top is 41" wide x 87" length. To accomplish this width I used 2" x12"s for the outer boards and 2"x10"s for the two inner boards.  My inside supports were all cut to 72" (6 ft) so that we could comfortably seat 3 chairs on each side. I used 2"x4"s instead of 2"x10"s as the breadboard ends (just personal preference). I used 6" lag style screws to assemble most sections and I left the heads (black in color) of the bolts exposed for a more rugged apppearance. The top was secured through the bottom of the 4x4 using counter-sunk 4" screws and 2" pocket screws for the 2"x4" cross boards. I distressed the entire table and sanded smooth.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
All together I would put the price around $230-$250 to complete.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Finally the stain is Minwax Ebony and 3 coats of Minwax Helmsman (Satin) from Home depot. Must sand between each coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/26/2019 - 08:33

Rustic X coffee table I built from the plans on this website. This is the first piece of furniture I’ve built.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple, cheap, easy and FREE console table

Submitted by MLE04 on Mon, 09/12/2011 - 12:26

My husband and I wanted to try something relatively simple before attempting to make a dining room table.

We used some old fence boards that were very weathered, so we expected that the end result wouldn’t be perfect.

It is definitely rustic, but I think it is charming!

We modified the stretcher and the table top, but otherwise followed the plans.

It was easier than I expected... I think I am hooked!

Estimated Cost
Free
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Birthday Farmhouse Queen sized Bed

Submitted by ksmith311 on Sun, 09/29/2013 - 12:41

We built this bed way back in April for my birthday, but hadn't gotten the bedding quite right until now. We love this thing and it is sooo sturdy. I wish I would have taken more time on finish work to get the paint just right. I will probably repaint it in the future but for now it is a beautiful and necessary addition to our bedroom.

Thanks so much for the plans Ana, this was our first furniture project besides shelves and boxes. It definitely gave us the confidence to continue building and even to start creating our own plans and furniture designs.

** updated photos on 11/21

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Antique white paint in semi-gloss and distressed with Early American Stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Saw Horse Inspired Coffee table

Submitted by Nathan O on Tue, 12/15/2015 - 18:01

I essentially followed the Rogue Engineer plans exactly with the exception of making the table on 50 inches long to help it fit better in my living space. I also opted to not add the lower support struts that would be perpendicular to the table top. I felt like that were bulky and were necessary for support. I may choose to go back and add them though. A miter saw and Kreg Jig are essential to get this project done with ease. I gave it a rough sanding to help keep the rugged texture of the original woodand maintain the reclaimed look. Feel free to post any questions.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30-$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Mini Wax Dark Walnut and Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Factory Cart Coffee Table

Submitted by LindseyA on Mon, 09/19/2011 - 18:17

I was feeling like I needed a new project, so I called my sister. She was more than willing to give me ideas to build for her new condo and gave me a WHOLE wish list of furniture projects to choose from. After looking at her list, we decided on the factory cart coffee table. If you look elsewhere, this kind of table ranges from $600 - $1500 dollars! And our version costs right around $100!

Ana's version set the basis for the build and the only modification was adding three 1x2's under the slats on the top (rather than directly attached the slats) so that the compartment underneath can serve as a secret storage area (plywood lined and screwed into the lower supports). We absolutely love the table and it looks AWESOME in her living room!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$100 (Wheels were the most expensive part, but give the table its style!)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Alternating Rustoleum "Sunbleached" stain and Minwax "Dark Walnut" one coat of each color at a time, with time to dry in between coats) with a satin poly finish.

Wheels are 6 inches tall from a local supply store and were spray painted oil rubbed bronze.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

skyeblu87

Tue, 09/20/2011 - 11:22

I just wanted to say that your finish is gorgeous! Your table is beautiful too, but my goodness does that finish bring it over the top! Good job :)

Rhune (not verified)

Thu, 10/11/2012 - 12:48

How many of each color did you use? I'm looking for this driftwood look for my kitchen shelves.

Taylors console

We needed TV and game system storage for our vacation cabin and didn't want to spend a lot. This is perfect!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Used a mixture of some old darker stains I had on hand over the bare wood, then some Vaseline on edges I wanted to distress. Painted with DIY chalk paint (approx 1 teaspoon of unsanded grout mixed with a little water, stirred into 1 cup of latex paint.) Distressed with sander, then finished with two coats of wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Square Farmhouse Table

Submitted by 42jbmayer on Sat, 12/19/2015 - 21:25

This is a square farmhouse table I built for my dining room.  It is just under 5ftx5ft size.  The top is 6 planks that I cut down from 2x12 down to 10inch sized planks.  Then routered each plank with a 1/8 roundover router bit.  I made the bench big and wide since I wanted it safe and stable so my toddlers don't fall off.  Lots of sanding since this is all kiln dried construction lumber.  I sprayed varathane poly, water based, and loved it.  I put 4 coats on of semi gloss, came out perfect.

Estimated Cost
250-300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bench with foam padding

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/11/2019 - 16:52

This was a fun little project. I made the bench to be placed in our foyer to sit down and put your shoes on and off. 3” foam and fabric makes for a comfy bench.

Estimated Cost
$100 ($60 lumber, $40 3” foam and fabric)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ella's Doll Bed

Submitted by margjack on Sun, 09/25/2011 - 17:12

Just finished the American girl farmhouse bed for my sweet niece's birthday & she loved it! The best thing was that it was made totally from scraps and paint on hand - only had to spend $6 for the fabric!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
white spray primer; Gloss white spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner