Community Brag Posts

Ultimate roll away workbench

Submitted by maker4510 on Sat, 08/01/2020 - 05:22

NINE MONTH UPDATE: After using the bench for almost nine months, we’ve made some changes. The first is that our table saw, a Dewalt 7491 didn’t fit in the way the plans called for because of the fence. We ended up cutting down and rebuilding the table to make a platform for the saw, then we built three “tables” around it to leave a gap for the fence operation. We also added a curved piece that can be removed to access the riving knife lever.

The other change we made was to take out the clamp storage that was in one of the cart ends. When we rolled the cart in and out, the clamps would catch and fall off. We put in another shelf instead.

Otherwise, we love the bench. Having the two rolling carts that we can reposition based on where we need a table extension is great. The miter saw stand works perfectly, and our dust collection setup rolls right underneath. We’re also in the process of building a router table that fits in the removable bench room area.

ALSO, sorry for the upside down/sideways pics. It won’t let me remove or fix them.

We made the ultimate roll away workbench with very few changes. Added the clamp hanger on one end as pictured. We didn’t add the shelf under the miter saw, as well be putting a dust collection cart.

We absolutely love the cart.M, now to save up for a table saw. The only change I would like is that I wish the side shelves were a little deeper, more like 10” instead of 8”, so more tools would fit.

Estimated Cost
380
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar Box Planters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/15/2024 - 12:09

First time building set of planters from cedar lumber (not fence planks) and fairly pleased with outcome… Lumber was a bit mismatched for thickness and it wasn’t S4S … Sanded and cut pieces then double coat stained all sides before assembly… All joints were glued and exterior screwed … Floor is free floating (we’re using potted plants) and has 2 hanger boards to accommodate different sizes of pots…

John Petrea

Flip Top Storage Bench

Ana's Flip Top Storage Bench. I made this ASAP, after I saw it in the book, and then online. I thought it was going to be longer and was thinking it would go great in the mudroom, but after it was finished it turned out to be the perfect size for a fireside seat.

This is my first time using hinges....are they supposed to show? By the time I got them on and working I was pooped and didn't want to test my luck. Maybe I'll have to get some more decorative looking ones!

Used my Kreg Jig, still had splitting issues.
Used finishing nails around the shelves to secure a bit.

Oh and HD didn't have a 1x12x12 so I had to get three 1x12x6 . Bet that cost more, but I'm happy to have some more scrap wood to play around with.

Thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
Lost my reciept....maybe that's a good thing?!
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax color expressions walnut, about 2/3 of the tube.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Maira (not verified)

Sun, 10/21/2012 - 09:27

You did a great job on this table. What color stain did you use? And did you put a coat of poly on it?

Yes, the hinges are supposed to show. I made this table about two years ago when Ana first posted the pans, but I don't use it as a table. I use it as a bench in my entryway to hold gloves, hats, etc. It's held up great all these years, and now I'm thinking of building another one for by my garage door, since that's where we come in and out most times.

ValerieMcClintick

Sun, 10/21/2012 - 09:38

Thanks, I used Minwax color expressions in walnut, I haven't put poly on it yet, I thought I might just put a wax over it to make it a bit smoother. I don't really know what I'm doing quite yet, so I'll have to learn my options!

I'm thinking of making the longer version for the mud room....should go quicker on round two right!

:) Valerie

abbpim

Mon, 10/22/2012 - 09:06

I think in order to get your hinges to be more minimally showing you can inset them by using wood chisels to shave a rectangle of wood from the surface where the hinge lays. I've used hinges on a couple things so far and that's what my husband said to do but I was being to lazy to get some chisels. You can get them at any hardware store for pretty cheap I think. Now I'm not positive on any of this since I haven't been doing this hobby for too long. Your bench looks great by the way!

My Mom's King Fancy Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by thehallway on Fri, 10/26/2012 - 08:28

I built this bed for my parent's guest room at my sister's house. It is very similar to a bed mom had been wanting. They wanted a king size so I had to do some modifications to the original plan - primarily adding 16" to all width measurements. I also used 10 - 1x8s for the headboard panels. That made the panels slightly too wide, so I had to rip a little bit off the 2 end panels.

The hardest part of the project was getting it in her house! The legs made it about 1/4" too wide to fit it thru the door. We were about to remove the legs (which would have been a disaster since they were glued, screwed and painted on) when we finally figured out the right angle to squeeze it in. I had to touch up the paint in a few spots once we got it in position, but that was much better than having to remove legs and put them back on. We still need to get plywood for the mattress to sit on and I'm going to add a middle leg for extra support since it's a king. I will probably eventually build nightstands to go with it. Overall, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out since this is my largest and "fanciest" project so far.

Estimated Cost
~$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Satin Latex Enamel in White
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bran2511

Tue, 04/09/2013 - 12:41

I really love this bed, however, being military we move quite often. Is there a way that you would recommend I could alter it so that it can be broken down a little to make it easier for moving? Thank you much :D

bran2511

Tue, 04/09/2013 - 12:41

I really love this bed, however, being military we move quite often. Is there a way that you would recommend I could alter it so that it can be broken down a little to make it easier for moving? Thank you much :D

jlouki01

Sat, 08/24/2013 - 18:31

I just posted a brag post with this bed in black. I will see if I can upload a photo of how I built this bed for very easy break down. I looked at all the brackets etc.. with this being built out of pine I was not 100% confident in the Rockler / Wood craft brackets. I used a forstner bit and a 4.5" bolt with some washers.

Home Depot DIH Workshop Rolling Storage Cart

So I went to the DIH Workshop held at my local Home Depot and finished my cart over the weekend. I had the guy at HD cut my plywood down, won't make that mistake again. He made each one about a inch shorter than I asked for so I had to make my adjustments for everything else based on that. Next time I will take a tape measure with me to make sure instead of lugging everything to my car, taking it home and then measuring.

All-in-all I like the way it came out even with the minor adjustments still a fantastic cart.

Estimated Cost
$52
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Olympic Paint Gold
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Queen Farmhouse Bed with Natural Finish!

Submitted by kopfun on Sat, 12/01/2012 - 20:06

This is the queen size version of the farmhouse bed with a natural finish. The plans were modified somewhat to account for the use of a box spring. The actual construction probably took less than a day of total project time, but the sanding, staining, and finishing were quite lengthy. My husband and I used both an electric sander and also sanded by hand. There are two layers of natural stain and three layers of polycrylic (with sanding in between each layer of the polycrylic). It turned out beautiful! Ana, thank you for the inspiration!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Natural finish with minwax polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Quick Pallet Board Stands

Submitted by sraper2 on Mon, 09/15/2014 - 21:05

Last week I picked up a few pallets while I was at Ace and made these cute stands with some of the wood today.  I spray painted a few cans and threw some flowers in them and have a beautiful centerpiece for my Farmhouse table!  I built both of these in about 10 minutes.

Estimated Cost
$Free.99
Finish Used
Lightly sanded and sprayed with a sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmtable and Bench

Submitted by purdyc on Wed, 01/04/2017 - 06:37

Ana

This is a farmtable that i made from your plans, along with the bench also made from your plans.  Turned out pretty good, worked on it mostly on the weekends.  Christmas present for my son and daughter-in-law.  Your website is full of great ideas and plans, thank you.

Chuck

Estimated Cost
For bench and table est $300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Walnut Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor planter steps or benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/15/2020 - 00:45

A very enjoyable project. I'm relatively new to diy woodworking projects but these plans make it so much easier.

Thanks.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Fun and Easy Desk Project

Submitted by dadto3kids on Thu, 09/18/2014 - 15:33

I truly enjoyed using these plans to make this project mostly because I made it with wood that I got from a friend and reclaimed from other projects.  The top of my desk is made with reclaimed 3/4 X 5 1/2 that wanted to curl and twist when I glued them together but after sanding and finishing they came out great and add a lot of character to the overall project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20 for stain and polyurethane
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut and Minwax Satin Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

King Size Headboard

Shiplap inspired headboard.

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi Gloss White Umber
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Base cabinet

Submitted by AhmaNaz on Thu, 09/17/2020 - 10:45

Built to fill space where I removed the dishwasher. Built with no toekick so have to make/order legs or build base.

Finish Used
Semigloss paint in Onyx

Convertable Picnic Bench

Submitted by Yumde on Sun, 12/09/2012 - 16:48

A nice summer project that is good for relaxing and eating outside.

Built with
7 - 2x4x72"
1 - 2x6x8
galvanized hardware

Started with a light base paint and taped off diagonal sections.

Next time we would lessen the gap inbetween 2x4's.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Industrial Shelf

Submitted by aclayton on Sat, 09/20/2014 - 16:00

I took the plans for the indutrial cart and modified them just a little. I needed a shelf, not a cart, so I left the casters off and I made mine 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide. I just had the guys at Lowes cut some 2x12x10's in half for me and the metal angles were already 4 feet long, so I didn't even have to cut them! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I spent about $70 for the lumber, angles, and wood stain
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I coat of Minwax "wheat"
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

jpskitts

Thu, 11/06/2014 - 11:41

You did a fantastic job and I love the stain color you used!  Just wondering if you have had any issue with the shelves bowing or sagging in the middle?  I am looking to build two of these to hold books in my living room.  Nothing too heavy... just curious to see how they are holding up.

Rustic X console table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/08/2017 - 19:17

Built this for my wife. Had to modify the dimensions. She wanted it to be 36" tall and 80" long.

Estimated Cost
~$70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Footstool

Submitted by MandyM on Sun, 09/20/2020 - 14:22

Made a footstool by modifying the rustic X end table plans. I used all scrap wood, foam, and fabric from my various stashes so this was free for me to make. Also, on all of my x tables, I use a dado blade so the exes are intact and not cut and screwed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$0
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Charcoal grey stain

Comments

Small Gift Crate

Submitted by lbrown on Fri, 12/14/2012 - 14:45

With Christmas fast approaching I am busy finishing making my holiday gifts. As a personal touch for some of the purchased items I decided to make little crates to hold the gifts. I used 1/4" poplar craft boards and made them in about half an hour. My dimensions are to fit these spices that I bought for gifts in the Caribbean when I was visiting my sister last month, but the design is so simple that you can easily modify it to fit whatever gift you are giving.

Check out my blog for more details: http://homeandawaywithlisa.com/blog/2012/12/14/small-gift-crate.html

Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Girls Storage Bed

Submitted by jbknakal on Wed, 09/24/2014 - 20:16

I modified the plans (took out the top set of drawers) to make it a little shorter so my daughter can climb on it easier.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Painter's Touch 2X after sanding with 120 grit paper
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified Chicken coop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/10/2017 - 00:20

We live in a termite infested area and as such were nervous about putting wood in contact with the ground. We modified these plans to sit on top of a welded bar frame that is moveable and stands a meter high. The measurements are custom to our welded frame but the shape was based on these plans as was the construction process followed. We dont have a worry about predators so have used a design that doen not have a closed floor - our girls can simply fly or walk up the ladder to the roost and are able to leave the coop when ready in the morning without us opening doors. We are also in a warm environment thus an enclosed coop is not needed.

So far they are happy and are happily laying in the two egg boxes (We left the remaining space closed internally so that we can use it for storage) and as there is no bottom to the coop they poop straight into the run and onto the sand floor.

They are not free ranging yet as we are nervous of our dogs chasing them but once we are happy to let them free range we will use the gate built into the welded run.

Thank you Ana and lady goats for this design - I spent hours (and hours) researching and reading and looking at coop designs before deciding that this cute number was the one we wanted.

From me and my happy hens, thanks again!

 

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior was painted with a water based exterior paint over wood primer
Inside was varnished
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Little bookshelf

Submitted by REDCANVAS on Tue, 09/22/2020 - 17:20

Made this little shelf upon special request from my mother for a cookbook shelf. Perfect size. Ended up staining it, but in the photo it's unfinished. Easy shelf!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Finish Used
unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Barn Dollhouse

Submitted by Lynne M on Tue, 12/18/2012 - 17:29

Very easy and fun first dollhouse project. Opted not to go with traditional "barn" colors and made it a mod Barbie house. My 5 year old niece loves it. Thanks Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
paint and contact paper
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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