Community Brag Posts

So easy, so quick, so awesome drawer organizers

Had some scraps hanging around and thought I would try using Ana's plan to organize the mess. Wow. What a difference. So nice to build something to fit your space rather than working around a preformed, plastic or metal utensil holder. Thank you Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
just sanded to get rid of rough edges and added a coat of poly. done.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Hannah Canopy Bed

Submitted by FSTASFCK on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 18:48

Utilizing the Hannah Canopy Bed plans, I made 2 changes that I am really glad I made. First, I added bead board to the headboard to give it a little style instead of the flat plywood. Second, I used 2x4's on all 4 corners because I could not find any 2x3's that were anywhere close to being straight. Overall I love the final project! It was nice, simple, and quick to get it all put together!

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

Perfect Side Table for the Kitchen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/30/2015 - 07:48

The only difficult part of this plan was making sure all the cuts were precise and fit together as they should.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain is MIniwax Provincial, with 3 coats of Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My first wood project thank you Ana!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/10/2019 - 10:51

This is my first wood project, and first time using a Kregg jig.  A HUGE THANK YOU TO ANA!  Next is the matching end table and then outside chairs and a pagoda.  

Jeff F.

Finish Used
Grey minute wax stain, and white antique wash fr the bottom.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Compact Potting Bench

Submitted by vendo on Wed, 02/01/2023 - 12:43

I used Ana's Farmhouse Potting Bench plans and modified it to be more compact and left out the x detail. I built it for under $40 in material. 

Modifications for Shopping and Cut List - Construction and placement is same as Ana's original plan, so make sure you look that over.

Shopping List 

3 - 2x6x8

3 - 2x4x8

1 - 2x2x8

Cut List

FOR 2 Legs
4 2x6 @15.5"
2 2x4 @34.5"
2 2x4 @54"
(cut the 34.5 and 54 out of 1 board and repeat)

2x2 Cross Supports
3 2x2@28"

2x4 Cross Supports
2 2x4@28"

Center Tabletop Support
1 [email protected]"

Bottom Slats
4 [email protected]"

Tabletop Boards
3 2x6@36"

Top Cap Board
1 2x4@37" leaving 1/2" overhangs

VIDEO OF THE BUILD PROCESS

Built from Plan(s)

Kitchen Table Storage Bench

Submitted by Sailor0411 on Mon, 10/17/2011 - 06:47

I built this storage bench and my wife stained and painted it. It is for use at the kitchen table as well as have storage for baskets underneath. This is my 1st project I have used my Kreg Jig on. Absolutely love it!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Maple Finish with mixed paint to match our kitchen table for bottom.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

ken

Tue, 04/24/2012 - 08:54

I was thinking about building mine with the top having some over hang and like how yours turned out. Did you lay the boards on top of another piece used to make the top or where they laid on the open top and screwed to the sides?

Pretty in Pink

I made this as a gift for my niece. I fully assembled it, instead of presenting it as a kit. When I made the frame, I hadn't quite figured out how to make perfectly straight cuts with my circular saw, and I cut all the pieces before I came across Ana's tutorial on using a circular saw. So the bed is not perfectly square. Fortunately, a few pieces of thin craft foam glued to the bottom of a couple of the legs eliminated most of the wobble. That, and a generous application of pocket holes and screws. Each side rail is attached to the headboard/footboard with (6) 1 1/2" screws! I could probably jump up and down on the frame and it wouldn't budge. And I think I over-painted. Not to good with my spray painting technique yet. Plus, I forgot to sand between coats, and I didn't have time to add a clear topcoat.
When I look at this project, I see every flaw and mistake and feel dissatisfied. But, I just remind myself that I am my own worst critic. My niece, on the other hand, loved it. And no one else seemed to notice the mistakes: I received several nice complements. And the best part: it was practically free! I bought a can of pink spray paint, but everything else came out of my wood stash or my fabric stash. A present made with love, not money. And my first "real" building project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$3
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Turntable/Vinyl Stand

Submitted by yhaas on Sat, 01/02/2016 - 09:21

This was a Christmas gift for my husband, who has resurrected his old turntable. I wanted the stand to be the same height as the chest I had previously refinished to house our stereo and cds. I also wanted to have two shelves for vinyl, so I modified the Channing bookcase to fit.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Goudey stain in Rosewood, shellac wash coat, Goudey glaze in Van Dyke Brown, shellac again, then Deft satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jmb367

Mon, 02/26/2018 - 20:53

My husband has been looking for a stand for his turn table and this one looks perfect! Do you mind my asking for the adjusted measurements? I’d love to see if we could make one for him, if you don’t mind sharing. It looks fantastic!

yhaas

Sat, 12/01/2018 - 12:11

Apologies, I have not checked the site in almost a year. The height of the unit is 37,3/4' tall, the shelf widths are 14" inner width, and the spacing between shelves is 13" between the lower 2 shelves for vinyl, and 5" for the top shelf (for brushes or an occasional CD. Hope that helps.

Table and bench design

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 05:51

Okay, I hope you like this... it was the second and third thing I ever built!!! The table is made from 2 doors hinged together with accent hinges screwed on top. In the middle there are locks (hook and latch) for design. The frame is oak. measures 81X 56 and fits a good 10 people around.

 

The bench is an old cherry tree slab that someone I know did not want. its about 72 inches long and it is slighly curved. I ushed a shilac and kept the same color....  I just sanded it down.

Estimated Cost
250.00 (table)

bench was even less because the wood was free and I reused some stain from a previous projects.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
black cherry, mahogany, and shilac
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

4x4 Truss Beam Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/07/2023 - 12:39

We stuck with th original plans, but instead of making table ends, we did full 2x10x8 boards and capped it with 1/3’s. We filled in the gaps in the wood with stainable wood filler. We also used a 1/2@ Forstner bit and recessed the screws and used wooden dowels to cover the screw holes. It gives it a beautiful finish. We also enjoy our pew pews, so we recessed .40, .45, .223, and .22 empty shells into the table. My husband wood burnt a message in the center of the table, then we sealed it all with one step minwax finish in mission oak.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Storage Shelf

After replacing that trashed out IKEA dresser with the fire fighter style locker in the boys room I started taking apart said dresser to put out on heavy trash day. It was then I realized that while it wasnt the BEST materials, the top and sides were actually not all that bad. As it was the piece was too wide for the space I was looking to fill, so I did a little trim of the top, replaced the supports and framing and rebuilt this into a shelving unit.

I bought a couple 1x2s to frame shelf supports and actually used the base of the drawers as a shelf.

My neighbor across the street is a DJ and has about 100 million plastic crates in his garage that he is getting rid of (they used to hold his vinyl). So I took a few and have been finding uses for them. I spray painted 2 of them red and used them as the basis for where to attach the shelves.
I also had a couple of other baskets for toys that were just the right size for the small top shelf. I just need to go back and paint those red too.

Estimated Cost
just a couple bucks for those 1x2s
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bench

Submitted by vic b on Wed, 10/16/2013 - 14:25

Love this bench, you can fit lots of kids on it and it is very sturdy.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$0
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Left over treated pine framing timber from our garage construction.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Double-dogged

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/03/2016 - 09:47

Two big dogs, so two big houses . Long project but so cute. Don't worry, they are inside /outside dogs...

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Outdoor stain, asphalt shingles, daisy chains.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

CA King Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/22/2019 - 09:39

This was my husband's 3rd or 4th Ana White project.  We also had to go back for mre wood as the shopping list was not complete.  

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

6 Cube Bookcase

We are redoing our almost 3 year old girls room to a big girl room and we started with this! The Bed is almost finished and I can't wait to share it! I think adding the moulding to the top makes it look very pretty and professional. Our other two rooms have real PBK furniture in it but I honestly think this is going to look better!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

C. Tyson (not verified)

Tue, 02/07/2012 - 06:15

This will look just perfect in my kid's room. I can't wait to try it out. Going to my local Lowe's in 30 minutes.

The Bandsaw and Boxes Go Together

Submitted by Jake on Fri, 10/18/2013 - 09:27

I just wish to point new bandsaw users toward trying to make bandsaw boxes as a way to really learn blade differences, tensioning, cutting curves, setting up the bandsaw and generally getting comfortable with your new tool.

The fun thing about bandsaw boxes is you can just almost cut free form and still have a great result. From start to finish it takes about two days some of which is just waiting and sanding.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I use Danish oil but you can use what you want except I would shy away from paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

sgilly

Fri, 10/18/2013 - 16:31

I love the boxes, Jake. I did have an inexpensive band saw and I tried using it to make small boxes similar to yours. The saw scared me to death - when the blade came flying off I put everything back in the box and returned it! I'd like to, someday, try again.

In reply to by sgilly

Jake

Fri, 10/18/2013 - 18:14

I have only had my bandsaw about 6 months and in that time I have had two blades break and occasionally slip off the wheels. Bandsaws are considered to be one of the safest power saws you can use so don't be afraid but know where the off switch is if something happens. You just need to experiment with proper setup including the placement of guiding blocks or bearings, blade tension, and blade choice. Also a 3/16" blade can make a very tight turn where it would be foolish to try it with a 1/4" blade. I like a 3/16", 4 teeth per inch skip tooth. Youtube has many tutorials on how to make a bandsaw box.

sgilly

Fri, 10/18/2013 - 16:31

I love the boxes, Jake. I did have an inexpensive band saw and I tried using it to make small boxes similar to yours. The saw scared me to death - when the blade came flying off I put everything back in the box and returned it! I'd like to, someday, try again.

JoanneS

Fri, 10/18/2013 - 17:04

These are awesome! My son was looking over my shoulder at these and said, "Mom, you have to comment and tell this guy your son says these things are awesome!" And I agree with him! How did you cut them to fit the drawers? These are so cool, do you have any in-work pictures?

In reply to by JoanneS

Jake

Fri, 10/18/2013 - 18:24

Many thanks to your son for recognizing genius. Ha Ha Sure!

Everything fits because every piece is cut from the same block of wood. I want you to go to this link http://www.woodworkingformeremortals.com/2010/05/how-to-make-bandsaw-bo…

I was inspired to try it by Steve Ramsey of Woodworking for Mere Mortals and slowly progressed to what you see in my pics. Search Youtube and you will find a ton of bandsaw box videos.

I am limited to the size because of my small bandsaw but they are really fun to design and build, especially when you mix a variety of wood (including plywood) in your product. For your first box just take a 4x4 of any wood and cut into a 8 or 10 inch length and go from there. If you screw up it hasn't cost too much.

Pam the Goatherd

Fri, 10/18/2013 - 20:37

Thank you, Jake, for introducing us to bandsaw boxes! I've seen these for sale at craft shows and always wondered how they were made. They always look so complicatedly intricate. After watching that tutorial I now know that I CAN make them, too!!!! I've had a bandsaw sitting in my barn/workshop for several years and have only used it once. Now I think I'll be using it quite a bit more!

Daughter's Vanity

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/04/2016 - 18:38

Made this with an oversized removable center top. Wanted this to double as a vanity and art table, so I made this with a 20" deep center top. By being removable (set into slots) the two end pieces can later be used as separate storage shelves or night stands, as these are made from solid alder wood.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Desk X Build

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/26/2019 - 07:12

Full timelapse and thoughts in the imgur album.

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr: Moonquake grey and Luck of the Irish green. Polyurethane on the top and drawer face.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Farmhouse Bench

Submitted by kylihoot on Sat, 10/29/2011 - 10:48

This is one of my favorite things i've built yet. Its cute, small, and sturdy!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I painted the frame white, sanded heavily and rubbed on walnut stain over it. For the top, I just sanded with heavy grit so get the dirt off the barnwood, and then put a water-based polyurathane on it. Two coats, I think lol.
Done!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments