Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Bunk Bed With Stairs Plans - How to Build a Safe Bunk Bed

Bunk beds is one of the spectacular, ways you can save space on a room. However, the main concern with most people with this kind of bed is safety. A problem which I think can absolutely be remedied by using bunk bed with stairs plans.

Bunk beds has its purpose particularly when you are room sharing with somebody and you have small space in your room. This also works particularly well in children's room as kids absolutely love it especially when you customize the this kind of bed agreeing to their preference.

Carpentry Framing

However, there are some considerations in building this kind of bed of your own. More so if you are building these kind of beds for children. Some things to keep in mind are:

Safety

Whether made for adults or children, bunk beds has to have some security quantum in place. You should be more rigorous about this if the bed is especially made for children.

With security in mind, the upper bed should have guard rails in place. The rails should be higher if children are going to use the bed. Additionally, you should ensure that the person staying on the upper bed does not have any tendency to sleepwalk. Otherwise, it will be very unsafe for such person. Aside from this, you have to make sure that the stairs are stable enough and firmly installed.

Material and Size

For materials, there are many kinds of wood you can consider for this project. Hardwoods like oaks and cherries makes a very good material for this task because of its durability. However, other cheaper wood types can work equally as well.

Size of the bed would depend entirely up to you. This is holding in mind some considerations like your preference and suitability to user's size. You can be quite flexible with the bed size just as long as you make sure the bed you're going to end up with is the kind of bed that you need.

Bunk Bed With Stairs Plans

Using potential bunk bed with stairs plans would approximately warrant your success in completing the project. Good plans will help not just while building but also with the preparing as well.

If you ask me, I find that easy to understand instructions which even a woodworking beginner can implement is of top quality. And while you are at it, try going for a plan with by comparison graphics as well. This will surely help you do away with confusion.

Bunk Bed With Stairs Plans - How to Build a Safe Bunk Bed

Bunk beds is one of the spectacular, ways you can save space on a room. However, the main concern with most people with this kind of bed is safety. A problem which I think can absolutely be remedied by using bunk bed with stairs plans.

Bunk beds has its purpose particularly when you are room sharing with somebody and you have small space in your room. This also works particularly well in children's room as kids absolutely love it especially when you customize the this kind of bed agreeing to their preference.

Carpentry Framing

However, there are some considerations in building this kind of bed of your own. More so if you are building these kind of beds for children. Some things to keep in mind are:

Safety

Whether made for adults or children, bunk beds has to have some security quantum in place. You should be more rigorous about this if the bed is especially made for children.

With security in mind, the upper bed should have guard rails in place. The rails should be higher if children are going to use the bed. Additionally, you should ensure that the person staying on the upper bed does not have any tendency to sleepwalk. Otherwise, it will be very unsafe for such person. Aside from this, you have to make sure that the stairs are stable enough and firmly installed.

Material and Size

For materials, there are many kinds of wood you can consider for this project. Hardwoods like oaks and cherries makes a very good material for this task because of its durability. However, other cheaper wood types can work equally as well.

Size of the bed would depend entirely up to you. This is holding in mind some considerations like your preference and suitability to user's size. You can be quite flexible with the bed size just as long as you make sure the bed you're going to end up with is the kind of bed that you need.

Bunk Bed With Stairs Plans

Using potential bunk bed with stairs plans would approximately warrant your success in completing the project. Good plans will help not just while building but also with the preparing as well.

If you ask me, I find that easy to understand instructions which even a woodworking beginner can implement is of top quality. And while you are at it, try going for a plan with by comparison graphics as well. This will surely help you do away with confusion.

Bunk Bed With Stairs Plans - How to Build a Safe Bunk Bed

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Playhouse Plans - The Easy Way to Build a Playhouse

This summer it's going to happen. I've got plans to build a real playhouse in the backyard. Although my kids seem happy sufficient with the houses they make from cardboard boxes, I want something that will last straight through the summer, and hopefully next summer too. Plus, I know the kids would go nuts to get a real playhouse this year.

I've checked out the ready-made playhouses that the big toy clubs sell, and boy do I verily hate them. Aside from being pricey, they just look trashy. Last thing I want is a big piece of plastic sitting in the middle of the yard. Looking at some of the larger wood swing set kits, this is more along the lines of what I had in mind, but these are just too high-priced to buy.

Carpentry Framing

That leaves me to build a something myself. So now I'm Looking at playhouse plans on the Web. I can't say I'm very happy with what I've found. Of policy I've checked out all the free playhouse plans first, hoping to at least get an idea of what's involved with this kind of project. It's Looking a small scary so far. Most plans seem to be written by carpenters, who toss around building terminology as if I were right there beside them on a job site. So I'm off to do a small explore in how playhouses are built so I can shape it out for myself. Keep in mind that I'm not Looking to build one of those giant-sized playhouses - the ones that are so big you could rent them out as an apartment.

Making a Playhouse Safe

Let's talk security first. Of policy I don't want something that will fall over with the first gust of wind. Not that I let my kids play covering during a storm, but anyone I build has to be pretty darn solid for me to feel comfortable letting them play there without me. From the plans I've seen so far, looks like the weight of the materials alone will be heavy sufficient to keep the playhouse standing upright, without me having to mount it to anything. That's good news.

Getting Started - Make a Level Spot in the Yard

Most playhouse plans start with selecting a good spot in the yard. That makes sense. This step seems to help set the stage for everything else that follows, so it pays off to be specific and get this part of the task right first time out. Of course, to avoid building a crooked playhouse, I'll need to find a fairly level spot in the yard. This could be trickier than it seems. Even if I think a spot looks level, chances are it's not. I probably spend a good whole of time and power just clearing and leveling a spot for the playhouse to sit.

Building the Playhouse Floor

After clearing and leveling a spot in the yard, most playhouse plans have me dive into building the floor. 2x6 treated lumber arranged in a grid-like pattern (joists) seems to be the favored selection of materials for this part of the construction, the same way it's used in building floors for real houses. I can build the floor right on top of the spot I cleared in the yard, but I'll probably put down a tarp first to keep the boards dry while I work on them. building a floor that's quadrilateral at each angle will take some specific measuring and maybe a carpenter's quadrilateral to make sure everything is lined up. After that, it's a matter of naturally attaching the 2x6s together with galvanized nails. I'll want a plane covering on the playhouse floor for my kids to walk on, so that means laying down some plywood on the 2x6 floor joists. A couple 4x8 sheets of outdoor plywood should do the trick.

Building the Playhouse Walls

Building walls for a playhouse is pretty much the same recipe carpenters use to build a house. Using straightforward 2x4 studs, I'll lay the boards out on the ground and originate each wall as a cut off unit. Then with some help from a friend I'll raise the completed walls vertically and nail the corners together...just like people used to do when building barns.

Building the Playhouse Roof

While the playhouse floor and wall building seems fairly right forward, I think that the roof framing is going to be a small more complicated. Depending in which climate you live, a playhouse roof will get hit with rain, snow, and the sun, not to mention a few kids climbing on top of it, even though they were told not to. So I'm going to try my hand at a small building carpentry and make a gabled roof. That's what most of the playhouse plans call for anyway, so I'll take on the challenge.

The good news about manufacture a gabled roof is that you can buy some pretty uncostly hardware that will essentially line up the roof rafters where you need them to go. Galvanized joist hangers will solve a lot of my problems here when it comes to hanging the rafters. There are fullness of instructions around for learning how to build a roof - for any kind of house, not just playhouses. So with the pre-made joist hangers and a few instructions, I think I'll be able to shape out this part of the task without too much trouble.

Decking and Sheathing

Next comes the most rewarding part of the project: adding plywood panels to the roof (decking) and the walls (sheathing). For roof decking, most playhouse plans call for 1/2" plywood panels that I'll naturally nail down on to the rafters. Getting at the panels to nail them down might be a small tricky, though. Some people advise you go at them from inside the playhouse - with a step ladder poking up between the rafters. Then, after each panel goes down, I'll come down, move my ladder and go back up for the next section.

For the walls, a lot of playhouse plans call for 4' x 8' sheets of T-111 tongue-and-groove plywood, which should do a nice job of manufacture the walls solid and weatherproof. I might also look into buying outdoor paneling with a decorative side - something to make the walls look more finished.

Finishing the Roof

I guess I haven't decided yet exactly what I'll put down on the roof decking. Most playhouse plans call for the same thing that's on the roof of my house: roofing felt and asphalt shingles. That seems like a lot of work to me right now, so I might shop around a small for some easier alternatives. Maybe a tin roof or some type of vinyl. I'll have to wait see about that.

Final Playhouse Touches

Well there's verily no limit to what I can add for final touches - everything from window shutters to picket fences to verily dress up the project. Most playhouse plans I've seen have fullness of extras to make a straightforward playhouse pretty extraordinary. I have a feeling once I get the basic building finished, the extra touches might have to wait till next year.

Playhouse Plans - The Easy Way to Build a Playhouse

This summer it's going to happen. I've got plans to build a real playhouse in the backyard. Although my kids seem happy sufficient with the houses they make from cardboard boxes, I want something that will last straight through the summer, and hopefully next summer too. Plus, I know the kids would go nuts to get a real playhouse this year.

I've checked out the ready-made playhouses that the big toy clubs sell, and boy do I verily hate them. Aside from being pricey, they just look trashy. Last thing I want is a big piece of plastic sitting in the middle of the yard. Looking at some of the larger wood swing set kits, this is more along the lines of what I had in mind, but these are just too high-priced to buy.

Carpentry Framing

That leaves me to build a something myself. So now I'm Looking at playhouse plans on the Web. I can't say I'm very happy with what I've found. Of policy I've checked out all the free playhouse plans first, hoping to at least get an idea of what's involved with this kind of project. It's Looking a small scary so far. Most plans seem to be written by carpenters, who toss around building terminology as if I were right there beside them on a job site. So I'm off to do a small explore in how playhouses are built so I can shape it out for myself. Keep in mind that I'm not Looking to build one of those giant-sized playhouses - the ones that are so big you could rent them out as an apartment.

Making a Playhouse Safe

Let's talk security first. Of policy I don't want something that will fall over with the first gust of wind. Not that I let my kids play covering during a storm, but anyone I build has to be pretty darn solid for me to feel comfortable letting them play there without me. From the plans I've seen so far, looks like the weight of the materials alone will be heavy sufficient to keep the playhouse standing upright, without me having to mount it to anything. That's good news.

Getting Started - Make a Level Spot in the Yard

Most playhouse plans start with selecting a good spot in the yard. That makes sense. This step seems to help set the stage for everything else that follows, so it pays off to be specific and get this part of the task right first time out. Of course, to avoid building a crooked playhouse, I'll need to find a fairly level spot in the yard. This could be trickier than it seems. Even if I think a spot looks level, chances are it's not. I probably spend a good whole of time and power just clearing and leveling a spot for the playhouse to sit.

Building the Playhouse Floor

After clearing and leveling a spot in the yard, most playhouse plans have me dive into building the floor. 2x6 treated lumber arranged in a grid-like pattern (joists) seems to be the favored selection of materials for this part of the construction, the same way it's used in building floors for real houses. I can build the floor right on top of the spot I cleared in the yard, but I'll probably put down a tarp first to keep the boards dry while I work on them. building a floor that's quadrilateral at each angle will take some specific measuring and maybe a carpenter's quadrilateral to make sure everything is lined up. After that, it's a matter of naturally attaching the 2x6s together with galvanized nails. I'll want a plane covering on the playhouse floor for my kids to walk on, so that means laying down some plywood on the 2x6 floor joists. A couple 4x8 sheets of outdoor plywood should do the trick.

Building the Playhouse Walls

Building walls for a playhouse is pretty much the same recipe carpenters use to build a house. Using straightforward 2x4 studs, I'll lay the boards out on the ground and originate each wall as a cut off unit. Then with some help from a friend I'll raise the completed walls vertically and nail the corners together...just like people used to do when building barns.

Building the Playhouse Roof

While the playhouse floor and wall building seems fairly right forward, I think that the roof framing is going to be a small more complicated. Depending in which climate you live, a playhouse roof will get hit with rain, snow, and the sun, not to mention a few kids climbing on top of it, even though they were told not to. So I'm going to try my hand at a small building carpentry and make a gabled roof. That's what most of the playhouse plans call for anyway, so I'll take on the challenge.

The good news about manufacture a gabled roof is that you can buy some pretty uncostly hardware that will essentially line up the roof rafters where you need them to go. Galvanized joist hangers will solve a lot of my problems here when it comes to hanging the rafters. There are fullness of instructions around for learning how to build a roof - for any kind of house, not just playhouses. So with the pre-made joist hangers and a few instructions, I think I'll be able to shape out this part of the task without too much trouble.

Decking and Sheathing

Next comes the most rewarding part of the project: adding plywood panels to the roof (decking) and the walls (sheathing). For roof decking, most playhouse plans call for 1/2" plywood panels that I'll naturally nail down on to the rafters. Getting at the panels to nail them down might be a small tricky, though. Some people advise you go at them from inside the playhouse - with a step ladder poking up between the rafters. Then, after each panel goes down, I'll come down, move my ladder and go back up for the next section.

For the walls, a lot of playhouse plans call for 4' x 8' sheets of T-111 tongue-and-groove plywood, which should do a nice job of manufacture the walls solid and weatherproof. I might also look into buying outdoor paneling with a decorative side - something to make the walls look more finished.

Finishing the Roof

I guess I haven't decided yet exactly what I'll put down on the roof decking. Most playhouse plans call for the same thing that's on the roof of my house: roofing felt and asphalt shingles. That seems like a lot of work to me right now, so I might shop around a small for some easier alternatives. Maybe a tin roof or some type of vinyl. I'll have to wait see about that.

Final Playhouse Touches

Well there's verily no limit to what I can add for final touches - everything from window shutters to picket fences to verily dress up the project. Most playhouse plans I've seen have fullness of extras to make a straightforward playhouse pretty extraordinary. I have a feeling once I get the basic building finished, the extra touches might have to wait till next year.

Playhouse Plans - The Easy Way to Build a Playhouse

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Free warehouse Shed Plans

One who is interested to build a storage shed will get a lot of free storage shed plans ready for download online. These free storage shed plans will consist of all the facts for building the shed like easy to read plans, door and window framing, materials list and other instructions manuals.

A storage shed can be built using the basic carpentry skills and following that free storage shed plans. While searching the web for plans, you will come over some plans that may suit your requirement as design. Bit by bit facts will be given in it along with photographs and illustrations.

Carpentry Framing

Let us discuss some of those free storage shed plans that are assuredly ready on the internet -

8*10 Gable shed plan - One can get this plan in suitable dimensions. The benefit of this establish is that the finished shed is conveyable that means the shed has no foundations or footings since it is built on skids. It will have corrugated roofing iron along with plywood sheathing.

Garden building plans - Need space to put those organery tools, need space to put the grass mower or the snow mobile. Well then you have to seriously plan to work on having a organery shed by following these free organery building plans

Pump House storage plans - The Pump house storage plans mention the establish for a small wood frame shed having a hinged roof to contribute space for housing pumps or motors.

Most of the shed plans will be having separate establish levels that will fit to the budget or requirement.

Most of the cheaper shed plans will have wood siding whereas the fancy shed plans will be having the material of vinyl siding. Most of those free shed plans also contains details linked to roof rafters,roof plans, plan for the foundation, details about the window and door frames and how to fix the.

Garden sheds are becoming more and more favorite since most of the citizen are interested in the idea of taking gardening as a hobby. At for most of these gardeners, the requirement of shed comes up. Without having any basic idea, one should out jump into the market and pick up a organery shed. One should evaluation the ready space, budget and the utility point of view need to be considered.

Download the free storage shed plans along with the blue prints that are ready on the net and use them for separate purposes. One can also purchase a plan if nothing useful is found on the free plans. Most of the plans come packed with Dvds, software and books guiding you step by step on building the organery shed.

Using a free plan, one can build their own shed that is simple to build and involves lot of fun. Few factors needs to be thought about for building the storage shed like -

It depends on the type of timber that is being used for building the storage shed since it impacts the cost too. Timbers like the Red cedar give a royal look but it high-priced whereas wood composite materials are of low cost and it needs less maintenance.

On the other hand, one can build the storage shed made of Pvc vinyl and aluminum that is very durable, maintenance free and durable. The kits for these are assuredly ready in the market and one can assemble them easily.

Most of the shed plans along with the kit can be purchased online that comes with the foundation kit. Best results do come out by properly following these plans. In fact the wooden sheds look ore intriguing than the metal sheds. Take time to get to know and understand the separate plans that you have downloaded from the internet. Do some ground work by knowing how much space you wish for building the storage shed. If you are unable to understand the plans then take the help of a carpenter and know about the project. Lot of patience and concentration is required at the time of comprehension the plans.

So, building a good plan requires few carpentry skills, some free storage plans ready for download along with pictures, illustrations and instructions that will guide you assuredly in building your own shed.So,why not put few hours in browsing the net to get facts on the free storage shed plans.

Free warehouse Shed Plans

One who is interested to build a storage shed will get a lot of free storage shed plans ready for download online. These free storage shed plans will consist of all the facts for building the shed like easy to read plans, door and window framing, materials list and other instructions manuals.

A storage shed can be built using the basic carpentry skills and following that free storage shed plans. While searching the web for plans, you will come over some plans that may suit your requirement as design. Bit by bit facts will be given in it along with photographs and illustrations.

Carpentry Framing

Let us discuss some of those free storage shed plans that are assuredly ready on the internet -

8*10 Gable shed plan - One can get this plan in suitable dimensions. The benefit of this establish is that the finished shed is conveyable that means the shed has no foundations or footings since it is built on skids. It will have corrugated roofing iron along with plywood sheathing.

Garden building plans - Need space to put those organery tools, need space to put the grass mower or the snow mobile. Well then you have to seriously plan to work on having a organery shed by following these free organery building plans

Pump House storage plans - The Pump house storage plans mention the establish for a small wood frame shed having a hinged roof to contribute space for housing pumps or motors.

Most of the shed plans will be having separate establish levels that will fit to the budget or requirement.

Most of the cheaper shed plans will have wood siding whereas the fancy shed plans will be having the material of vinyl siding. Most of those free shed plans also contains details linked to roof rafters,roof plans, plan for the foundation, details about the window and door frames and how to fix the.

Garden sheds are becoming more and more favorite since most of the citizen are interested in the idea of taking gardening as a hobby. At for most of these gardeners, the requirement of shed comes up. Without having any basic idea, one should out jump into the market and pick up a organery shed. One should evaluation the ready space, budget and the utility point of view need to be considered.

Download the free storage shed plans along with the blue prints that are ready on the net and use them for separate purposes. One can also purchase a plan if nothing useful is found on the free plans. Most of the plans come packed with Dvds, software and books guiding you step by step on building the organery shed.

Using a free plan, one can build their own shed that is simple to build and involves lot of fun. Few factors needs to be thought about for building the storage shed like -

It depends on the type of timber that is being used for building the storage shed since it impacts the cost too. Timbers like the Red cedar give a royal look but it high-priced whereas wood composite materials are of low cost and it needs less maintenance.

On the other hand, one can build the storage shed made of Pvc vinyl and aluminum that is very durable, maintenance free and durable. The kits for these are assuredly ready in the market and one can assemble them easily.

Most of the shed plans along with the kit can be purchased online that comes with the foundation kit. Best results do come out by properly following these plans. In fact the wooden sheds look ore intriguing than the metal sheds. Take time to get to know and understand the separate plans that you have downloaded from the internet. Do some ground work by knowing how much space you wish for building the storage shed. If you are unable to understand the plans then take the help of a carpenter and know about the project. Lot of patience and concentration is required at the time of comprehension the plans.

So, building a good plan requires few carpentry skills, some free storage plans ready for download along with pictures, illustrations and instructions that will guide you assuredly in building your own shed.So,why not put few hours in browsing the net to get facts on the free storage shed plans.

Free warehouse Shed Plans

Friday, February 24, 2012

Basic Pattern development In The Hobby Foundry

Success or otherwise in your hobby foundry will depend to a large degree on your skills & capability to create easy patterns, i.e.
Patterns that are easy to mould, lift or cut off from the sand
mould after a diplomatic rap.

A pattern that has incorrect draft on vertical surfaces, badly complete angle fillets, or a pattern that has not been complete to an ultra plane stop will be difficult to work with.

Carpentry Framing

Pattern manufacture is an art in itself, pattern making
apprenticeships take around three or four years to complete, before you are given your "Trade Ticket".

The median hobby foundry employee most likely won't have the time, or the patience to get complex with the art of pattern manufacture to that extent.

But the basic skills are worth the effort to learn, because
without them you wont get far with your hobby foundrywork, unless you Pay to have all of your patterns made for you, but that would take all of the fun out of it, and also cost you a sizeable whole of money.

Construction costs of pro pattern manufacture can vary from a few hundred dollars for easy patterns, up to some thousand dollars for complex pattern designs.

I happen to a know a pattern maker who designs and builds patterns & core boxes to make alloy & cast iron cylinder heads, it is not unusual for pattern & core costs to be around ,000.00 Au before you even think about melting & pouring any metal.

If you are a patrimony of the old tech school law of the sixties
& seventies, there is a good opportunity that you still remember how to skilfully use woodwork hand tools.

Some of the finest foundry patterns were made using basic hand tools. More than likely you still have a chisel set tucked away in a drawer, or a spoke shave, wood plane & handsaw, plus
a host of other tools that could be used to make exquisite patterns in the home hobby shop.

And if they happen to be a bit rusty, then get them out again and bring them back to life, re-grind the cutting edges and hone
them with an oil stone.

Remember what your trade instructor always told you; "sharp tools
give the best results."

Do the same with the wood plane and any other tools, such as a small set of carving chisels you could use to carve intricate shapes in wood.

You'll need some good pattern timber or lumber as it's called in the states... Doesn't matter, it's all wood isn't it. There are many types of timber favorable for pattern making, but, you'll probably be slight to what's available in your area or region.
Quality pattern timber is expensive to buy, so ask for off cuts at the local timber merchant, which you may get for a important discount

You'll be seeing for a soft timber that doesn't splinter, has a straight grain, is easy to work or carve, and finishes to an ultra plane finish.

One of the easiest timbers to use is jelutong, this timber comes from the Philippines, I don't know either it is from plantation timber, or old growth forests, but it is great to turn on a lathe, or shape and carve with sharp hand tools.

Some of the other pattern timbers in use are cherry wood, mahogany, maple, white pine, and many others.

Quite often a specialist pattern can be made from timber, and then a replica mould is made using Rtv 585 silicone, this is a quick recipe to remake replica yield patterns.The replica patterns can then be mounted onto a match plate along with the runners & gates, this recipe will enable you to mould & cast multiple parts at the same time.

With a slight practise you will soon know enough to make inexpensive capability patterns that create good sand moulds.

There is one foremost pattern manufacture tool that will make you wince when you purchase, but it is an foremost tool to have if you want to make correct patterns where shrinkage rates are concerned.

The tool is the "Pattern Makers Rule", this is a ruler about 500mm (20")long. Made by Rabone Of England. No B5. And the graduations are marked as: 1/30-1/40-1/60-1/80,

The graduations report the whole of shrinkage discount for distinct types of metals. The pattern makers ruler provides a built in shrinkage percentage, which means you don't have to hypothesize the final measurement or size of your pattern, you simply take your measurement from your shrink rule, and replacement the measurement to the pattern being made.

The law is quite clever in the way it's all been calculated.

For a quick example, the 1/30 scale measurement seems to give
the correct ensue with patterns used for cast aluminium items.

Machining discount on exact parts of a given pattern may also need to be considered, commonly your own judgement can be used to judge that.

Pattern manufacture can be quite a challenge for the hobby foundry worker, but once you learn the basics and create your skills, with a slight institution your patterns will get best and so will the whole casting quality.

If you intend on manufacture lots of patterns, the investment in a shrink rule is well worth the money.

And while you're at it buy a good book on pattern making, it deserves a study all on it's own, but it forms an integral part of foundry work, and because you're the boss of your own workshop, you have to learn to wear the hat of the pattern maker & that of the sand moulder & founder.

Sounds like a whole lot of work doesn't it, but you'll soon learn what will work best for you. Spend the time to learn all you can, and you'll be rewarded with encouraging results.

Col Croucher.

Basic Pattern development In The Hobby Foundry

Success or otherwise in your hobby foundry will depend to a large degree on your skills & capability to create easy patterns, i.e.
Patterns that are easy to mould, lift or cut off from the sand
mould after a diplomatic rap.

A pattern that has incorrect draft on vertical surfaces, badly complete angle fillets, or a pattern that has not been complete to an ultra plane stop will be difficult to work with.

Carpentry Framing

Pattern manufacture is an art in itself, pattern making
apprenticeships take around three or four years to complete, before you are given your "Trade Ticket".

The median hobby foundry employee most likely won't have the time, or the patience to get complex with the art of pattern manufacture to that extent.

But the basic skills are worth the effort to learn, because
without them you wont get far with your hobby foundrywork, unless you Pay to have all of your patterns made for you, but that would take all of the fun out of it, and also cost you a sizeable whole of money.

Construction costs of pro pattern manufacture can vary from a few hundred dollars for easy patterns, up to some thousand dollars for complex pattern designs.

I happen to a know a pattern maker who designs and builds patterns & core boxes to make alloy & cast iron cylinder heads, it is not unusual for pattern & core costs to be around ,000.00 Au before you even think about melting & pouring any metal.

If you are a patrimony of the old tech school law of the sixties
& seventies, there is a good opportunity that you still remember how to skilfully use woodwork hand tools.

Some of the finest foundry patterns were made using basic hand tools. More than likely you still have a chisel set tucked away in a drawer, or a spoke shave, wood plane & handsaw, plus
a host of other tools that could be used to make exquisite patterns in the home hobby shop.

And if they happen to be a bit rusty, then get them out again and bring them back to life, re-grind the cutting edges and hone
them with an oil stone.

Remember what your trade instructor always told you; "sharp tools
give the best results."

Do the same with the wood plane and any other tools, such as a small set of carving chisels you could use to carve intricate shapes in wood.

You'll need some good pattern timber or lumber as it's called in the states... Doesn't matter, it's all wood isn't it. There are many types of timber favorable for pattern making, but, you'll probably be slight to what's available in your area or region.
Quality pattern timber is expensive to buy, so ask for off cuts at the local timber merchant, which you may get for a important discount

You'll be seeing for a soft timber that doesn't splinter, has a straight grain, is easy to work or carve, and finishes to an ultra plane finish.

One of the easiest timbers to use is jelutong, this timber comes from the Philippines, I don't know either it is from plantation timber, or old growth forests, but it is great to turn on a lathe, or shape and carve with sharp hand tools.

Some of the other pattern timbers in use are cherry wood, mahogany, maple, white pine, and many others.

Quite often a specialist pattern can be made from timber, and then a replica mould is made using Rtv 585 silicone, this is a quick recipe to remake replica yield patterns.The replica patterns can then be mounted onto a match plate along with the runners & gates, this recipe will enable you to mould & cast multiple parts at the same time.

With a slight practise you will soon know enough to make inexpensive capability patterns that create good sand moulds.

There is one foremost pattern manufacture tool that will make you wince when you purchase, but it is an foremost tool to have if you want to make correct patterns where shrinkage rates are concerned.

The tool is the "Pattern Makers Rule", this is a ruler about 500mm (20")long. Made by Rabone Of England. No B5. And the graduations are marked as: 1/30-1/40-1/60-1/80,

The graduations report the whole of shrinkage discount for distinct types of metals. The pattern makers ruler provides a built in shrinkage percentage, which means you don't have to hypothesize the final measurement or size of your pattern, you simply take your measurement from your shrink rule, and replacement the measurement to the pattern being made.

The law is quite clever in the way it's all been calculated.

For a quick example, the 1/30 scale measurement seems to give
the correct ensue with patterns used for cast aluminium items.

Machining discount on exact parts of a given pattern may also need to be considered, commonly your own judgement can be used to judge that.

Pattern manufacture can be quite a challenge for the hobby foundry worker, but once you learn the basics and create your skills, with a slight institution your patterns will get best and so will the whole casting quality.

If you intend on manufacture lots of patterns, the investment in a shrink rule is well worth the money.

And while you're at it buy a good book on pattern making, it deserves a study all on it's own, but it forms an integral part of foundry work, and because you're the boss of your own workshop, you have to learn to wear the hat of the pattern maker & that of the sand moulder & founder.

Sounds like a whole lot of work doesn't it, but you'll soon learn what will work best for you. Spend the time to learn all you can, and you'll be rewarded with encouraging results.

Col Croucher.

Basic Pattern development In The Hobby Foundry

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Homemade Sparrow Trap - How to Make Homemade Sparrow Traps

Look out your window, go for a stroll in the park or in the streets of your town and I dare to bet you'll see these limited birds flying around. You will find these creatures on every country on this earth except in Antarctica. At a glance, these birds may look mild and rather adorable, but what may not be known to so many is this, these birds are in fact very destructive an a threat to a country's native birds. Take for example the bluebird in North America, what was once a species so many in the sky has declined to an alarming whole all thanks to sparrows. These birds tend to survive at a higher rate as compared to other birds and will fight for their survival just to live. Besides being a threat, these birds carry diseases and bacteria allowing them to be given the label "pests with wings". With sufficient reason to withhold the hint to rid our towns of these sparrows, let us take a look at this guide on how to make a homemade sparrow trap.

The first step is to get some plywood about half an inch thick and to cut it with a saw to succeed the dimensions 18" x 10" x 5" as this will be the frame for the trap. Get a plastic jug and make sure it's able to fit in the 5" width frame, if not; you can always cut the jug to make it fit. After this, get some light wood like white pine and make sure it's in the dimensions 12" Long, one and a quarter inch wide and 3/8 inches thick. Drill two 1/16 inch holes on one end of the wood and a single hole on the latter side. The two holes will be for the plastic jug and the side with the single hole will be for the 35mm film canister. The following step is to drill two 1/8 inch holes in the center of the plastic jug and screw it on, do the same with one drilled hole in the center of the film canister. Set two nails on the sides of the board then prepare a 10 inch quadrate sheet of aluminum and drill two holes to make sure it flits the nails. Drill someone else hole on the bottom and place some washers on the arm, this goes into the trap itself.

Carpentry Framing

Get the frame mentioned just now and drill a hole in the bracket, then place the washer there. Make sure the equilibrium beam is in place and to make the door, cut the wood with the dimensions 18" x 10", insert the washer and the wing nut in there. Use some hinges to set the door in place on the trap. Get a board of similar size for the back part. Make a down chute by using a Pvc tube with a 4 inch diameter, and then make a 1/2 hole in the trap to fit the tube.

These steps are no doubt quite a task to follow, so do make sure you know a limited bit about carpentry or at least to ask man to guide you especially the steps you're not well-known with. It may seem a limited harsh and inhumane to trap these birds, but for the sake of your health, our surroundings and our native birds (especially those low in numbers), take some time out to think of how they're a bother and how production this homemade sparrow trap can help.

Homemade Sparrow Trap - How to Make Homemade Sparrow Traps

Look out your window, go for a stroll in the park or in the streets of your town and I dare to bet you'll see these limited birds flying around. You will find these creatures on every country on this earth except in Antarctica. At a glance, these birds may look mild and rather adorable, but what may not be known to so many is this, these birds are in fact very destructive an a threat to a country's native birds. Take for example the bluebird in North America, what was once a species so many in the sky has declined to an alarming whole all thanks to sparrows. These birds tend to survive at a higher rate as compared to other birds and will fight for their survival just to live. Besides being a threat, these birds carry diseases and bacteria allowing them to be given the label "pests with wings". With sufficient reason to withhold the hint to rid our towns of these sparrows, let us take a look at this guide on how to make a homemade sparrow trap.

The first step is to get some plywood about half an inch thick and to cut it with a saw to succeed the dimensions 18" x 10" x 5" as this will be the frame for the trap. Get a plastic jug and make sure it's able to fit in the 5" width frame, if not; you can always cut the jug to make it fit. After this, get some light wood like white pine and make sure it's in the dimensions 12" Long, one and a quarter inch wide and 3/8 inches thick. Drill two 1/16 inch holes on one end of the wood and a single hole on the latter side. The two holes will be for the plastic jug and the side with the single hole will be for the 35mm film canister. The following step is to drill two 1/8 inch holes in the center of the plastic jug and screw it on, do the same with one drilled hole in the center of the film canister. Set two nails on the sides of the board then prepare a 10 inch quadrate sheet of aluminum and drill two holes to make sure it flits the nails. Drill someone else hole on the bottom and place some washers on the arm, this goes into the trap itself.

Carpentry Framing

Get the frame mentioned just now and drill a hole in the bracket, then place the washer there. Make sure the equilibrium beam is in place and to make the door, cut the wood with the dimensions 18" x 10", insert the washer and the wing nut in there. Use some hinges to set the door in place on the trap. Get a board of similar size for the back part. Make a down chute by using a Pvc tube with a 4 inch diameter, and then make a 1/2 hole in the trap to fit the tube.

These steps are no doubt quite a task to follow, so do make sure you know a limited bit about carpentry or at least to ask man to guide you especially the steps you're not well-known with. It may seem a limited harsh and inhumane to trap these birds, but for the sake of your health, our surroundings and our native birds (especially those low in numbers), take some time out to think of how they're a bother and how production this homemade sparrow trap can help.

Homemade Sparrow Trap - How to Make Homemade Sparrow Traps

Monday, February 20, 2012

What Is Poplar Wood?

There are a wide variety of domestic hardwoods available. One coarse utility hardwood is Poplar wood. Poplar (also referred to as Populus Balsamifera) is taken from the poplar tree, which grows particularly in the eastern United States. Poplar trees are known to be one of the tallest trees, reaching heights of 160 feet and diameters of 8 feet. Poplar sapwood has a light cream to yellowish color. Poplar heartwood has a greenish brown color with streaks of gray. It is very favorite because the wood is typically straight grained, with a fine texture. It is known for having very few knots, if any.

Poplar lumber has many qualities that make it a beneficial hardwood. Due to its versatility, it is great for industrial uses. Poplar lumber is most ordinarily used for furniture and cabinet framing construction. It shows miniature shrinkage and has excellent gluing qualities. It is soft and lightweight, which helps it accept nails and screws without splitting. Frequently, poplar is closed to look like other woods. It takes paint very well, but stains normally produce blemished results. Poplar lumber is very inexpensive. Its affordability makes it the thrifty selection in domestic hardwoods.

Carpentry Framing

Wood working expert, Tom Elberson, is very experienced when it comes to hardwood lumber. He said that poplar is best used for projects that need being painted.

"Poplar lumber is one of any species of unfinished domestic hardwoods. It has dissimilar grades and color variations. It is used in furniture projects, like paint grade cabinets and cabinet framing. It is great for molding and trim work, edge-glued panels, and plywood. However, I would refrain from using it for flooring or any exterior use."

Poplar lumber does have some flaws. Although it is very easy to work with, it is very weak when it comes to durability. Poplar has low shock resistance and bending strength. It is a very soft hardwood that has a janka hardness of 300, which is almost 30 times weaker than Ipe wood. (The janka hardness test measures the hardness of the wood.) someone else flaw is low density. Poplar wood has raised grains that sometimes leave a fuzzy woolly texture to its surfaces and edges. Make sure to use very sharp cutters to produce a good finish. Also, poplar lumber is susceptible to insect charge and decay. I would stay away from using poplar in exterior projects, like decking and siding. Instead, use a harder wood that can withstand the harshness of outdoor living.

There are many benefits of using utility hardwoods, like Poplar lumber. Poplar is a domestic hardwood that can be used in place of almost any wood. It is very versatile and great for industrial uses. It does, however, have some restrictions. So investigate Poplar lumber today and use it in your next project!

What Is Poplar Wood?

There are a wide variety of domestic hardwoods available. One coarse utility hardwood is Poplar wood. Poplar (also referred to as Populus Balsamifera) is taken from the poplar tree, which grows particularly in the eastern United States. Poplar trees are known to be one of the tallest trees, reaching heights of 160 feet and diameters of 8 feet. Poplar sapwood has a light cream to yellowish color. Poplar heartwood has a greenish brown color with streaks of gray. It is very favorite because the wood is typically straight grained, with a fine texture. It is known for having very few knots, if any.

Poplar lumber has many qualities that make it a beneficial hardwood. Due to its versatility, it is great for industrial uses. Poplar lumber is most ordinarily used for furniture and cabinet framing construction. It shows miniature shrinkage and has excellent gluing qualities. It is soft and lightweight, which helps it accept nails and screws without splitting. Frequently, poplar is closed to look like other woods. It takes paint very well, but stains normally produce blemished results. Poplar lumber is very inexpensive. Its affordability makes it the thrifty selection in domestic hardwoods.

Carpentry Framing

Wood working expert, Tom Elberson, is very experienced when it comes to hardwood lumber. He said that poplar is best used for projects that need being painted.

"Poplar lumber is one of any species of unfinished domestic hardwoods. It has dissimilar grades and color variations. It is used in furniture projects, like paint grade cabinets and cabinet framing. It is great for molding and trim work, edge-glued panels, and plywood. However, I would refrain from using it for flooring or any exterior use."

Poplar lumber does have some flaws. Although it is very easy to work with, it is very weak when it comes to durability. Poplar has low shock resistance and bending strength. It is a very soft hardwood that has a janka hardness of 300, which is almost 30 times weaker than Ipe wood. (The janka hardness test measures the hardness of the wood.) someone else flaw is low density. Poplar wood has raised grains that sometimes leave a fuzzy woolly texture to its surfaces and edges. Make sure to use very sharp cutters to produce a good finish. Also, poplar lumber is susceptible to insect charge and decay. I would stay away from using poplar in exterior projects, like decking and siding. Instead, use a harder wood that can withstand the harshness of outdoor living.

There are many benefits of using utility hardwoods, like Poplar lumber. Poplar is a domestic hardwood that can be used in place of almost any wood. It is very versatile and great for industrial uses. It does, however, have some restrictions. So investigate Poplar lumber today and use it in your next project!

What Is Poplar Wood?

Friday, February 17, 2012

Carpentry Joints - 5 Joints For All Purposes

The type of woodworking task you have in mind will conclude the type of carpentry joints you use. The following narrative will help you conclude on the proper woodwork joint to use.

These following woodwork joints differ in their styles but all have the extreme purpose of production a strong and stable woodwork piece.

Carpentry Framing

1. Square Butt Joint.
This joint also known plainly as a butt joint is the most basic type of carpentry joints. It is the simplest way of joining two pieces of wood using just glue and sometimes the addition of screws or pins. This joints benefit is that it is easy to make. It has the disadvantage though of being one of the weakest joints.

2. Mitre Joint.
This joint is created by sawing a 45° angle on both parts of the two ends to be joined to form a 90 degree angle corner. This is more often used in production photo frames than butt joints. This is a beloved formula of joining, although it requires precise cutting to accomplish its best strength and optic appeal.

3. Mortise-and-Tenon Joint.
A good strong carpentry joint with many dissimilar uses. A rectangular angle from the end of one piece called the tenon fits snugly into the mortise cut in the second piece. The mortise can be cut by hand but a much quicker and probably more precise way is to use a mortising bit in a pillar drill. This strong and original joint can be made even stronger by adding a peg.

4. Tongue-and-Groove Joint.
This type of carpentry joint also goes by the name of a finger joint. It is ordinarily used on floors and paneling as it allows for wood shrinkage. Regularly the two cuts needed to make this joint are cut with a high speed router.

5. Dovetail Joint.
One of the best looking carpentry joints out there, in my humble opinion. Also one that needs further patience to make and more accuracy with the cuts. Although a jig can be obtained for the purpose of the cutting and in blend with a router the joint can be made with relative ease. As well as being a good looking joint the dovetail is also one of the strongest.

These are some of the most coarse carpentry joints and most widely used. There are many others that can be used in dissimilar situations. A diminutive convention getting to grips with these 5 joints and you will have a joint for most projects you take on.

Carpentry Joints - 5 Joints For All Purposes

The type of woodworking task you have in mind will conclude the type of carpentry joints you use. The following narrative will help you conclude on the proper woodwork joint to use.

These following woodwork joints differ in their styles but all have the extreme purpose of production a strong and stable woodwork piece.

Carpentry Framing

1. Square Butt Joint.
This joint also known plainly as a butt joint is the most basic type of carpentry joints. It is the simplest way of joining two pieces of wood using just glue and sometimes the addition of screws or pins. This joints benefit is that it is easy to make. It has the disadvantage though of being one of the weakest joints.

2. Mitre Joint.
This joint is created by sawing a 45° angle on both parts of the two ends to be joined to form a 90 degree angle corner. This is more often used in production photo frames than butt joints. This is a beloved formula of joining, although it requires precise cutting to accomplish its best strength and optic appeal.

3. Mortise-and-Tenon Joint.
A good strong carpentry joint with many dissimilar uses. A rectangular angle from the end of one piece called the tenon fits snugly into the mortise cut in the second piece. The mortise can be cut by hand but a much quicker and probably more precise way is to use a mortising bit in a pillar drill. This strong and original joint can be made even stronger by adding a peg.

4. Tongue-and-Groove Joint.
This type of carpentry joint also goes by the name of a finger joint. It is ordinarily used on floors and paneling as it allows for wood shrinkage. Regularly the two cuts needed to make this joint are cut with a high speed router.

5. Dovetail Joint.
One of the best looking carpentry joints out there, in my humble opinion. Also one that needs further patience to make and more accuracy with the cuts. Although a jig can be obtained for the purpose of the cutting and in blend with a router the joint can be made with relative ease. As well as being a good looking joint the dovetail is also one of the strongest.

These are some of the most coarse carpentry joints and most widely used. There are many others that can be used in dissimilar situations. A diminutive convention getting to grips with these 5 joints and you will have a joint for most projects you take on.

Carpentry Joints - 5 Joints For All Purposes

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Assemble Products at Home - Easy Work, Great Pay

Have you ever carefully assembling products from home as a way to make a good income? You've probably seen the ads in newspapers and tabloids and belief they were all scams. The truth is, you unmistakably can earn a very good living by naturally putting products together!

While this type of work isn't for everyone, there are population who would love to assemble products at home and work on their own schedule. This type of work is exquisite for anyone who is home bound, disabled or naturally wants to earn money from their own home.

Carpentry Framing

What types of items would you be assembling? Here are just a few examples of the hundreds of products that are available:

Baby Bibs
Cd Cases
Coasters
Keychains
Clocks
Picture Frames
Wooden Crafts

This is just a Short list! If you determine that home assembly work is something you would be interested in, there is no prior feel necessary. The only requirement is that you can meet deadlines - that's it. Hundreds of associates are looking for population to put their products together.

Why would associates pay you to assemble products at home? That's simple. It saves them Tons of money. They don't have to add an assembly line to their business, they don't have to supply laborer benefits or vacations. It's the exquisite option for these companies!

Are you ready to work a few hours per day from your own home, and leave the 9 to 5 behind? Think of the gas you will save, and the time you will get to spend with your family. Want to learn more about how easy it is to assemble products at home and make good money? Visit the links below!

Assemble Products at Home - Easy Work, Great Pay

Have you ever carefully assembling products from home as a way to make a good income? You've probably seen the ads in newspapers and tabloids and belief they were all scams. The truth is, you unmistakably can earn a very good living by naturally putting products together!

While this type of work isn't for everyone, there are population who would love to assemble products at home and work on their own schedule. This type of work is exquisite for anyone who is home bound, disabled or naturally wants to earn money from their own home.

Carpentry Framing

What types of items would you be assembling? Here are just a few examples of the hundreds of products that are available:

Baby Bibs
Cd Cases
Coasters
Keychains
Clocks
Picture Frames
Wooden Crafts

This is just a Short list! If you determine that home assembly work is something you would be interested in, there is no prior feel necessary. The only requirement is that you can meet deadlines - that's it. Hundreds of associates are looking for population to put their products together.

Why would associates pay you to assemble products at home? That's simple. It saves them Tons of money. They don't have to add an assembly line to their business, they don't have to supply laborer benefits or vacations. It's the exquisite option for these companies!

Are you ready to work a few hours per day from your own home, and leave the 9 to 5 behind? Think of the gas you will save, and the time you will get to spend with your family. Want to learn more about how easy it is to assemble products at home and make good money? Visit the links below!

Assemble Products at Home - Easy Work, Great Pay

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Guide To Free (Or Cheap) construction Materials

Do you need a backyard storage shed, but feel you cannot afford the high cost of building materials? Have you ever contemplated building a summer cabin or possibly a house but the cost of materials is prohibitive? These projects may seem like something you would just as soon leave to the hired professionals, especially for us carpentry challenged folks, but what if you just want materials for a planter to showcase your special flowers or a new home for "Fido"? I am about to make a bold proclamation by stating that you can get the materials you need for Free! Yes, you heard it right...Free! "How," you ask, "might this be possible?" Listen intimately my friends, and I will show you how to do just that.

Before we begin, I should let you in on the only two things you will need to achieve this seemingly impossible task of looking free materials...patience, and flexibility. The mental behind these two very prominent attributes shall come to be clear as we move along.

Carpentry Framing

The first step is to resolve what materials you need for your project, and also some alternatives that will work if necessary. This is where the flexibility comes in. You may not get the "exact" materials you need, but some alternatives are just as good. Suppose you are building a deck on the summer cabin. If you are vying for a position in the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" you probably wouldn't read this far into this article, so I am guessing that functionality and price considerations are more prominent than gorgeous craftsmanship. I would advise using pallets as a starting point. They are sturdy, easy to assemble, and facilely available. Plus they can be covered later for a more aesthetic appearance. We built a porch on our cabin using pallets that we covered with decking material that we later found. Check lumberyards, electrical/plumbing supply outlets, door and window shops, just about any place that receives large shipments of merchandise. These places are truly identified by the monstrous stacks of pallets in the alley or behind the building, and most places will give you as many as you want. electric fellowships are also good sources for the large wire spools that make perfect patio tables, birdbath stands, and any other use you might imagine.

Always be on the guard for neighbors and others that are doing their own remodeling projects. They often have discarded materials and are happy to give them away rather than having them hauled off at their expense. For our cabin, we asked a home remodeler for unwanted materials and that's where we acquired the doors, windows, roof sheathing, stove pipe, screws, nails, among other things.

Many times you might find elderly residents who would love to have their yard cleared of years worth of accumulated stuff, but they are incapable of doing the job themselves and not financially able to hire person to do it for them. Make a deal to clean their yard in change for the materials.

Local lumber mills have mountains of byproduct that is unusable for their purposes but perfect for many homeowner projects. Check with the office for availability and restrictions.

Old discarded tires are strewn all over the countryside, but may just turn into a gorgeous landscape piece for the artistic homeowner, or filled with cement to come to be shed supports. Automobile junkyards may offer useable materials for the visionary builder...use your imagination. Pickup bench seats can be conformed into unusual but first-rate morning meal niche booth seats.

You will most truly have more success in your quest for free materials if you come to be a Classified Ad reader. Read them every day. Look for anyone that says "free" but be sure to call early because these things go fast. There is a gold mine waiting to be had for the asking. Many times you might find free items just because you are willing to haul them away. If you are truly energetic, you may find an ad for a house to be torn down in change for the materials. Here is a great source for lumber, bricks and blocks, trusses, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, and the list goes on.

New building sites offer a plethora of material gathering options. Many times there will be a huge dumpster on site for material discards that may be just the thing you are looking for. You may find dimension lumber, insulation, electrical wiring, Pvc pipe, etc. Please be sure to check with the building foreman before taking these materials.

If you happen to need "like new" building materials without the exorbitant cost, check your surrounding communities for a rescue lumberyard. These establishments offer "scratch and dent" or otherwise rejected building materials at titanic discounts.

As you can see, there are endless possibilities when it comes to recycling "pre-owned" building materials, but a best price cannot be found. Forethought must be applied and sometimes you must patiently wait for the perfect opportunity, but the end succeed will be well worth the effort. Just keep your eyes open and don't be afraid to think exterior the box.

Guide To Free (Or Cheap) construction Materials

Do you need a backyard storage shed, but feel you cannot afford the high cost of building materials? Have you ever contemplated building a summer cabin or possibly a house but the cost of materials is prohibitive? These projects may seem like something you would just as soon leave to the hired professionals, especially for us carpentry challenged folks, but what if you just want materials for a planter to showcase your special flowers or a new home for "Fido"? I am about to make a bold proclamation by stating that you can get the materials you need for Free! Yes, you heard it right...Free! "How," you ask, "might this be possible?" Listen intimately my friends, and I will show you how to do just that.

Before we begin, I should let you in on the only two things you will need to achieve this seemingly impossible task of looking free materials...patience, and flexibility. The mental behind these two very prominent attributes shall come to be clear as we move along.

Carpentry Framing

The first step is to resolve what materials you need for your project, and also some alternatives that will work if necessary. This is where the flexibility comes in. You may not get the "exact" materials you need, but some alternatives are just as good. Suppose you are building a deck on the summer cabin. If you are vying for a position in the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" you probably wouldn't read this far into this article, so I am guessing that functionality and price considerations are more prominent than gorgeous craftsmanship. I would advise using pallets as a starting point. They are sturdy, easy to assemble, and facilely available. Plus they can be covered later for a more aesthetic appearance. We built a porch on our cabin using pallets that we covered with decking material that we later found. Check lumberyards, electrical/plumbing supply outlets, door and window shops, just about any place that receives large shipments of merchandise. These places are truly identified by the monstrous stacks of pallets in the alley or behind the building, and most places will give you as many as you want. electric fellowships are also good sources for the large wire spools that make perfect patio tables, birdbath stands, and any other use you might imagine.

Always be on the guard for neighbors and others that are doing their own remodeling projects. They often have discarded materials and are happy to give them away rather than having them hauled off at their expense. For our cabin, we asked a home remodeler for unwanted materials and that's where we acquired the doors, windows, roof sheathing, stove pipe, screws, nails, among other things.

Many times you might find elderly residents who would love to have their yard cleared of years worth of accumulated stuff, but they are incapable of doing the job themselves and not financially able to hire person to do it for them. Make a deal to clean their yard in change for the materials.

Local lumber mills have mountains of byproduct that is unusable for their purposes but perfect for many homeowner projects. Check with the office for availability and restrictions.

Old discarded tires are strewn all over the countryside, but may just turn into a gorgeous landscape piece for the artistic homeowner, or filled with cement to come to be shed supports. Automobile junkyards may offer useable materials for the visionary builder...use your imagination. Pickup bench seats can be conformed into unusual but first-rate morning meal niche booth seats.

You will most truly have more success in your quest for free materials if you come to be a Classified Ad reader. Read them every day. Look for anyone that says "free" but be sure to call early because these things go fast. There is a gold mine waiting to be had for the asking. Many times you might find free items just because you are willing to haul them away. If you are truly energetic, you may find an ad for a house to be torn down in change for the materials. Here is a great source for lumber, bricks and blocks, trusses, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, and the list goes on.

New building sites offer a plethora of material gathering options. Many times there will be a huge dumpster on site for material discards that may be just the thing you are looking for. You may find dimension lumber, insulation, electrical wiring, Pvc pipe, etc. Please be sure to check with the building foreman before taking these materials.

If you happen to need "like new" building materials without the exorbitant cost, check your surrounding communities for a rescue lumberyard. These establishments offer "scratch and dent" or otherwise rejected building materials at titanic discounts.

As you can see, there are endless possibilities when it comes to recycling "pre-owned" building materials, but a best price cannot be found. Forethought must be applied and sometimes you must patiently wait for the perfect opportunity, but the end succeed will be well worth the effort. Just keep your eyes open and don't be afraid to think exterior the box.

Guide To Free (Or Cheap) construction Materials

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Swing Set Plans - Build Your Own Swings

"I'm bored!"

As the dog days of summer continue to stretch on, this is a phrase that parents everywhere are likely to be hearing from their children. So, how can parents combat this epidemic of inactivity? How about construction a swing set? It is the excellent house project for summer, and it is sure to save your children's vocal chords (as well as your sanity). In this article, we'll lay the foundation for seeing spectacular swing set plans, while also giving you the trust needed to build your own swings.

Carpentry Framing

There are a few things you need to decree before you can jump right into construction your own swings. The first consideration is cost. There are several fellowships that offer elaborate swing set plans along with parts and materials that cost thousands of dollars. While these swings are top of the line, not all of us can afford the price tag. By first determining your price range, you will then be able to pick a swing set plan tailored to your budget.

The second consideration is your personal carpentry skills. If you can measure, cut, drill, and nail, then you probably have what it takes to build your own swings. However, if the mere mention of the word "assembly" makes you break out in a cold sweat, it may be best to consult an master or two. Many ability home revision market offer classes for the "tool-challenged" among us, and these experts will help you gain the trust needed in a very short time. Once you cover these bases, it's time to move on to the actual plans.

Quality swing set plans are a crucial element to construction your own swings. In fact, it can make all the inequity in constructing a marvelous play area as opposed to a muddled range of wood and nails. What data should swing set plans contain? First and foremost, make sure the swing set plans you are using shape in information all of the tools and materials you will need to unblemished the job. If you come over words without specifics, such as "drill bits", "wood", or "nuts and bolts", you are using poor swing set plans. always make sure the plans you are using give exact measurements and counts. Secondly, make sure that the swing set plans you are using furnish well drawn illustrations as well as clearly defined instructions. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to look at a tiny blurred drawing with only vague directions as your guide.

Now that you know what to look for in a swing set plan, you have to resist the temptation to ignore definite steps just because they seem unnecessary. result all instructions (as well as protection precautions) exactly, as this will perform two things. 1) You will be construction the best swings possible and 2) you won't injure yourself in the process. While we're on the subject of safety, make sure to get the kids complicated in the project by using common sense. Have them help by giving them safe tasks (such as handing you the nuts and bolts as you need them), and keep them away from the potentially perilous tools.

By selecting the right swing set plans for your allocation and skill level, you will help to make your children's summer a puny less "boring". One last tip to keep in mind - when the project is unblemished be sure to always supervise your children as they play on the swings. This will ensure that your children are safely having fun with their new swing set.

Swing Set Plans - Build Your Own Swings

"I'm bored!"

As the dog days of summer continue to stretch on, this is a phrase that parents everywhere are likely to be hearing from their children. So, how can parents combat this epidemic of inactivity? How about construction a swing set? It is the excellent house project for summer, and it is sure to save your children's vocal chords (as well as your sanity). In this article, we'll lay the foundation for seeing spectacular swing set plans, while also giving you the trust needed to build your own swings.

Carpentry Framing

There are a few things you need to decree before you can jump right into construction your own swings. The first consideration is cost. There are several fellowships that offer elaborate swing set plans along with parts and materials that cost thousands of dollars. While these swings are top of the line, not all of us can afford the price tag. By first determining your price range, you will then be able to pick a swing set plan tailored to your budget.

The second consideration is your personal carpentry skills. If you can measure, cut, drill, and nail, then you probably have what it takes to build your own swings. However, if the mere mention of the word "assembly" makes you break out in a cold sweat, it may be best to consult an master or two. Many ability home revision market offer classes for the "tool-challenged" among us, and these experts will help you gain the trust needed in a very short time. Once you cover these bases, it's time to move on to the actual plans.

Quality swing set plans are a crucial element to construction your own swings. In fact, it can make all the inequity in constructing a marvelous play area as opposed to a muddled range of wood and nails. What data should swing set plans contain? First and foremost, make sure the swing set plans you are using shape in information all of the tools and materials you will need to unblemished the job. If you come over words without specifics, such as "drill bits", "wood", or "nuts and bolts", you are using poor swing set plans. always make sure the plans you are using give exact measurements and counts. Secondly, make sure that the swing set plans you are using furnish well drawn illustrations as well as clearly defined instructions. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to look at a tiny blurred drawing with only vague directions as your guide.

Now that you know what to look for in a swing set plan, you have to resist the temptation to ignore definite steps just because they seem unnecessary. result all instructions (as well as protection precautions) exactly, as this will perform two things. 1) You will be construction the best swings possible and 2) you won't injure yourself in the process. While we're on the subject of safety, make sure to get the kids complicated in the project by using common sense. Have them help by giving them safe tasks (such as handing you the nuts and bolts as you need them), and keep them away from the potentially perilous tools.

By selecting the right swing set plans for your allocation and skill level, you will help to make your children's summer a puny less "boring". One last tip to keep in mind - when the project is unblemished be sure to always supervise your children as they play on the swings. This will ensure that your children are safely having fun with their new swing set.

Swing Set Plans - Build Your Own Swings

Monday, February 13, 2012

Changing Your Bedroom Doors

This record will help all those population who prefer making their furniture at home with the help of carpenters. I assume that we are planning to change all the bedroom doors of your home. First of all determine how many doors you wish to purchase and then make a list of all the things your carpenter will require. Lets just talk about the requirements of one bedroom door. You can then simply multiply the number of things required. You will need a wooden door of thickness 1.25 or 1.5 inch. The wooden door could be of pine wood, a block of plywood, etc. Doors usually come in sizes of 2.5 feet x 7 feet or 3 feet x 7 feet. First check what size you need and then note down your requirement.

You have the choice of putting laminate sheets also called as mica sheets on both sides of your door. These days, there are a range of laminates available which can help you perfect your work very easily. Laminates which look like wood look best. Though you also get colorful laminates with red, blue, yellow, green etc., these will look nice only in children's rooms. purchase two laminate sheets, slightly bigger than your door size, if you plan to go with this option. You will want artificial resin adhesive (at least 1-2 pounds for one door) for sticking the laminate sheets. If you plan to go with veneer, go for the wood type you want for your veneer. available ones comprise oak, teak, bamboo, rosewood, mahogany, etc. Choose what suits your taste. You will need two veneer sheets slightly bigger than your door size. Choose a natural polish for your veneer. There are distinct types of polishing stuff available. Go with the one that is water-proof and is long lasting. Three coats of polish will be required.

Carpentry Framing

Choose three 4-inch brass hinges with bigger gauges so that they hold your door properly. Buy a good capability locking system, preferably of brass. If you want an additional bolt with latch, get the same too. Now, that you have all the right things, just watch your carpenter do the magic of putting the door together.

Changing Your Bedroom Doors

This record will help all those population who prefer making their furniture at home with the help of carpenters. I assume that we are planning to change all the bedroom doors of your home. First of all determine how many doors you wish to purchase and then make a list of all the things your carpenter will require. Lets just talk about the requirements of one bedroom door. You can then simply multiply the number of things required. You will need a wooden door of thickness 1.25 or 1.5 inch. The wooden door could be of pine wood, a block of plywood, etc. Doors usually come in sizes of 2.5 feet x 7 feet or 3 feet x 7 feet. First check what size you need and then note down your requirement.

You have the choice of putting laminate sheets also called as mica sheets on both sides of your door. These days, there are a range of laminates available which can help you perfect your work very easily. Laminates which look like wood look best. Though you also get colorful laminates with red, blue, yellow, green etc., these will look nice only in children's rooms. purchase two laminate sheets, slightly bigger than your door size, if you plan to go with this option. You will want artificial resin adhesive (at least 1-2 pounds for one door) for sticking the laminate sheets. If you plan to go with veneer, go for the wood type you want for your veneer. available ones comprise oak, teak, bamboo, rosewood, mahogany, etc. Choose what suits your taste. You will need two veneer sheets slightly bigger than your door size. Choose a natural polish for your veneer. There are distinct types of polishing stuff available. Go with the one that is water-proof and is long lasting. Three coats of polish will be required.

Carpentry Framing

Choose three 4-inch brass hinges with bigger gauges so that they hold your door properly. Buy a good capability locking system, preferably of brass. If you want an additional bolt with latch, get the same too. Now, that you have all the right things, just watch your carpenter do the magic of putting the door together.

Changing Your Bedroom Doors

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Creative Decorating Ideas Using Old Windows

A Room With A View

Have you ever wished you had a great view right exterior your bedroom window but all you see when you wake up in the morning is the wall of the next-door neighbor's house? Well then consequent these easy steps to generate your own window with a great view.

Carpentry Framing

What You Will Need for This Decorating Project:

1. An old window preferably with the glass still intact. You can find these at flea markets or salvage yards.

2. Poster or photo with a pretty view large adequate to put behind the window.

3. 2 mug hooks

4. 1 nail

5. Wire

6. 10 thumbtacks

7. Hammer

If you want to paint the window, do this before attractive on to the first step. You should think though that sometimes the weathered, ancient look adds a lot of charm.

How to Get This Look:

- Put the window on the floor and put the poster or photo on it so that the front is facing down.

- Use the thumbtacks to attach the photo or poster to the window.

- Make sure the photo is right side up.

- Lean the window against the wall so that you are looking at the back.

- Put the 2 mug hooks on the back of your window in the top corners.

- Make sure the chance for the mug hooks is facing down.

- Use the wire to generate a "hanger" for the window. Procure the two ends of the wire on the mug hooks. Make sure there is a lot of excess wire so that when you hang the window the wire creates a triangle with 4-inch sides.

- Hammer the nail into the wall where you want your window.

- You can now add window treatments to it just as you would a normal window or wrap silk flower garlands nearby the wire.

Old windows can be used in a variety of ways. Here are just a few more creative ideas for the old window and a plain wall.

Decoupage pressed flowers on the separate panes of glass. Try using whole flowers or just petals for an attractive country orchad look.

Decoupage postcards from nearby the world into the panes or pictures of a beloved city, like Paris.

Paint the frame to match your child's room. Attach clothespins (also painted in a coordinated color) all nearby the exterior of the window. As you child grows attach school pictures to the panes and let them use the clothespins to showcase their drawings, article cards and other mementos. When the child graduates you have a ready-made decoration.

Make etched glass designs in the panes or make faux stained glass out of the windowpanes. Your local craft store should have all things you need to do this, from instructions to materials.

Use the window to generate a fun ornamental piece in the kitchen. Get a shelf the same width as the window and paint it the same color. Put the shelf on the wall just above the window so they look like one piece. Put mug hooks evenly spaced along the bottom of the window frame and use them to hold cute mugs, wire whisks, ladles, potholders or other items. Put method books along with a few ornamental items that match your kitchen on the shelf, such as a vase of flowers, ornamental plates or a nice clock.

Creative Decorating Ideas Using Old Windows

A Room With A View

Have you ever wished you had a great view right exterior your bedroom window but all you see when you wake up in the morning is the wall of the next-door neighbor's house? Well then consequent these easy steps to generate your own window with a great view.

Carpentry Framing

What You Will Need for This Decorating Project:

1. An old window preferably with the glass still intact. You can find these at flea markets or salvage yards.

2. Poster or photo with a pretty view large adequate to put behind the window.

3. 2 mug hooks

4. 1 nail

5. Wire

6. 10 thumbtacks

7. Hammer

If you want to paint the window, do this before attractive on to the first step. You should think though that sometimes the weathered, ancient look adds a lot of charm.

How to Get This Look:

- Put the window on the floor and put the poster or photo on it so that the front is facing down.

- Use the thumbtacks to attach the photo or poster to the window.

- Make sure the photo is right side up.

- Lean the window against the wall so that you are looking at the back.

- Put the 2 mug hooks on the back of your window in the top corners.

- Make sure the chance for the mug hooks is facing down.

- Use the wire to generate a "hanger" for the window. Procure the two ends of the wire on the mug hooks. Make sure there is a lot of excess wire so that when you hang the window the wire creates a triangle with 4-inch sides.

- Hammer the nail into the wall where you want your window.

- You can now add window treatments to it just as you would a normal window or wrap silk flower garlands nearby the wire.

Old windows can be used in a variety of ways. Here are just a few more creative ideas for the old window and a plain wall.

Decoupage pressed flowers on the separate panes of glass. Try using whole flowers or just petals for an attractive country orchad look.

Decoupage postcards from nearby the world into the panes or pictures of a beloved city, like Paris.

Paint the frame to match your child's room. Attach clothespins (also painted in a coordinated color) all nearby the exterior of the window. As you child grows attach school pictures to the panes and let them use the clothespins to showcase their drawings, article cards and other mementos. When the child graduates you have a ready-made decoration.

Make etched glass designs in the panes or make faux stained glass out of the windowpanes. Your local craft store should have all things you need to do this, from instructions to materials.

Use the window to generate a fun ornamental piece in the kitchen. Get a shelf the same width as the window and paint it the same color. Put the shelf on the wall just above the window so they look like one piece. Put mug hooks evenly spaced along the bottom of the window frame and use them to hold cute mugs, wire whisks, ladles, potholders or other items. Put method books along with a few ornamental items that match your kitchen on the shelf, such as a vase of flowers, ornamental plates or a nice clock.

Creative Decorating Ideas Using Old Windows

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Drywall Vs Drop Ceiling for Basements

Ah, a closed basement. What a worthwhile remodeling project. Immediately provides additional, usable living space in the home. And, of course with insulating the outside walls reduces heat flee and thus conserves energy. It can be plan of as a great home reparation task in the winter when folks tend to cocoon more (i.e. Stay at home more) because of the inclement weather.

But, what about the ceiling? Should one setup drywall on the ceiling with drywall screws attached the ceiling's hold beams, to which drywall mesh & 'mud' (technical jargon of home builders / renovators for what is a white paste) is applied to where the drywall boards meet, followed by sanding (drywall dust, yuk!) followed by priming and painting with ceiling paint?

Carpentry Framing

Or, should one setup a 'drop' ceiling with metal rods hung with wires attached to the ceiling's hold beams criss-crossing the basement upon which fire-retardant ceiling tiles are placed? In our basement we have both, but the majority of the basement area uses a hung ceiling.

There is more labour required with a drywall ceiling from start to finish, in my opinion. Hard labour. How do they get the 8 feet by 4 feet drywall sheets attached to the ceiling anyway? Yes with screws, but think about the corporal effort. Those drywall sheets are heavy.

And then, think about the corporal process of applying the mud, and then sanding the mud up on the ceiling. Wow! Painting a ceiling is hard enough.

One could say it depends on the look. Do you want your basement to look like a basement? Or, do you want to look like any floor in the house? If the latter you will likely want a drywall ceiling. So part of this is personal preference, ascetics.

However, after going through our renovations, I will never setup a drywall ceiling in any basement that we may have in our futures that does not have a ceiling already.

Why? When you are doing renovations challenging wiring and / or plumbing, you will spend countless hours not just running wires and pipe underneath the main floor (which is your basement ceiling), but you will also need to follow along the path of the wires and pipes to form out what wire goes where and what pipe is used for what. You can't do that efficiently (and time is the enemy of home reparation projects!) if the ceiling is drywalled unless you break the drywall and then patch it all up again.

Also, with new plumbing you need to have entrance to the pipes up on the basement ceiling. At least in our house we did. Take for example the plumbing for the existing en suite in our home which we renovated for use by a physically challenged house member. It was fully redone and the bathtub located in a totally separate part of the room.

Our contractors advent is to put shut off valves for each hot / cold line; a very nice approach. If you have a drywall ceiling, you know what that means; yes, you have to break the drywall. If, however, you have a drop ceiling, all you need to do is to remove the ceiling tile, do your plumbing thing and then re-install the ceiling tile (which takes all of 20 seconds).

So, from a reparation / remodeling perspective, my money is on drop ceilings.

Drywall Vs Drop Ceiling for Basements

Ah, a closed basement. What a worthwhile remodeling project. Immediately provides additional, usable living space in the home. And, of course with insulating the outside walls reduces heat flee and thus conserves energy. It can be plan of as a great home reparation task in the winter when folks tend to cocoon more (i.e. Stay at home more) because of the inclement weather.

But, what about the ceiling? Should one setup drywall on the ceiling with drywall screws attached the ceiling's hold beams, to which drywall mesh & 'mud' (technical jargon of home builders / renovators for what is a white paste) is applied to where the drywall boards meet, followed by sanding (drywall dust, yuk!) followed by priming and painting with ceiling paint?

Carpentry Framing

Or, should one setup a 'drop' ceiling with metal rods hung with wires attached to the ceiling's hold beams criss-crossing the basement upon which fire-retardant ceiling tiles are placed? In our basement we have both, but the majority of the basement area uses a hung ceiling.

There is more labour required with a drywall ceiling from start to finish, in my opinion. Hard labour. How do they get the 8 feet by 4 feet drywall sheets attached to the ceiling anyway? Yes with screws, but think about the corporal effort. Those drywall sheets are heavy.

And then, think about the corporal process of applying the mud, and then sanding the mud up on the ceiling. Wow! Painting a ceiling is hard enough.

One could say it depends on the look. Do you want your basement to look like a basement? Or, do you want to look like any floor in the house? If the latter you will likely want a drywall ceiling. So part of this is personal preference, ascetics.

However, after going through our renovations, I will never setup a drywall ceiling in any basement that we may have in our futures that does not have a ceiling already.

Why? When you are doing renovations challenging wiring and / or plumbing, you will spend countless hours not just running wires and pipe underneath the main floor (which is your basement ceiling), but you will also need to follow along the path of the wires and pipes to form out what wire goes where and what pipe is used for what. You can't do that efficiently (and time is the enemy of home reparation projects!) if the ceiling is drywalled unless you break the drywall and then patch it all up again.

Also, with new plumbing you need to have entrance to the pipes up on the basement ceiling. At least in our house we did. Take for example the plumbing for the existing en suite in our home which we renovated for use by a physically challenged house member. It was fully redone and the bathtub located in a totally separate part of the room.

Our contractors advent is to put shut off valves for each hot / cold line; a very nice approach. If you have a drywall ceiling, you know what that means; yes, you have to break the drywall. If, however, you have a drop ceiling, all you need to do is to remove the ceiling tile, do your plumbing thing and then re-install the ceiling tile (which takes all of 20 seconds).

So, from a reparation / remodeling perspective, my money is on drop ceilings.

Drywall Vs Drop Ceiling for Basements

Friday, February 10, 2012

How to Build a Trebuchet

Okay, so you want build your first trebuchet. This site will have tips and tricks of the trade. Okay, let's get to business.

The first quiz, you will need to ask yourself is whether you want to build a "historically accurate" traction trebuchet, or it's simpler and easier to produce and build cousin, the counterweight trebuchet.

Carpentry Framing

If you're construction a trebuchet for the sole purpose of your high school physics teacher's amusement, then you should probably consider one of the counterweight variety. If, on the other hand, you are construction a trebuchet for fun or self education, the traction trebuchet may be something to seriously consider. (Keep in mind that at least three-fourths of the "free" plans on the web are of the counterweight flavor.)

Once you have determined your produce plan, you probably want to decree on a suitable size. If your looking to embark on bowling balls the length of a football field, you will want a much larger trebuchet than if your intending to embark on eggs at incoming traffic. Which, of course, is a Bad thing to do. (Based on personal palpate most drivers won't enjoy chipping dried egg off their windshield.) an additional one point of interest is whether or not to buy premade trebuchet kits or produce plans for your trebuchet. If you are just a beginner, kits are perfect to use. Plans also will help you out immensely if you are just a beginner.

Now, the next step is construction of your trebuchet. For most people, I would suggest using 1"x2" pine for all of the pieces. But, if your going to be construction a 10ft tall trebuchet, stretch for the 2x4's. Once you have completed your trebuchet structure-wise, you will need to produce a sling and if used, a suitable counterweight. I prefer cutting up any kind of old cloth and attaching both ends to lengths of string.

Suitable counterweights can be anyone from a box/bottle full of lead shot, to a sock full of rocks, or a dumbbell weight. After you have all of that stuff sorted out, you should attach the trigger mechanism and issue pin. There are plans and pictures of these on most sites, but the only guidance I can give you is that the issue pin is the trickiest part of constructing a trebuchet. It should be angled so that the sling releases the projectile at an angle of somewhere around 45 degrees.

Final word: construction a trebuchet can be lots of fun and be a great learning experience. (Or sometimes an incredible chore for those unlucky physics students such as myself). produce your trebuchet with quality and take care to add retain where needed and it will last you a long time.

How to Build a Trebuchet

Okay, so you want build your first trebuchet. This site will have tips and tricks of the trade. Okay, let's get to business.

The first quiz, you will need to ask yourself is whether you want to build a "historically accurate" traction trebuchet, or it's simpler and easier to produce and build cousin, the counterweight trebuchet.

Carpentry Framing

If you're construction a trebuchet for the sole purpose of your high school physics teacher's amusement, then you should probably consider one of the counterweight variety. If, on the other hand, you are construction a trebuchet for fun or self education, the traction trebuchet may be something to seriously consider. (Keep in mind that at least three-fourths of the "free" plans on the web are of the counterweight flavor.)

Once you have determined your produce plan, you probably want to decree on a suitable size. If your looking to embark on bowling balls the length of a football field, you will want a much larger trebuchet than if your intending to embark on eggs at incoming traffic. Which, of course, is a Bad thing to do. (Based on personal palpate most drivers won't enjoy chipping dried egg off their windshield.) an additional one point of interest is whether or not to buy premade trebuchet kits or produce plans for your trebuchet. If you are just a beginner, kits are perfect to use. Plans also will help you out immensely if you are just a beginner.

Now, the next step is construction of your trebuchet. For most people, I would suggest using 1"x2" pine for all of the pieces. But, if your going to be construction a 10ft tall trebuchet, stretch for the 2x4's. Once you have completed your trebuchet structure-wise, you will need to produce a sling and if used, a suitable counterweight. I prefer cutting up any kind of old cloth and attaching both ends to lengths of string.

Suitable counterweights can be anyone from a box/bottle full of lead shot, to a sock full of rocks, or a dumbbell weight. After you have all of that stuff sorted out, you should attach the trigger mechanism and issue pin. There are plans and pictures of these on most sites, but the only guidance I can give you is that the issue pin is the trickiest part of constructing a trebuchet. It should be angled so that the sling releases the projectile at an angle of somewhere around 45 degrees.

Final word: construction a trebuchet can be lots of fun and be a great learning experience. (Or sometimes an incredible chore for those unlucky physics students such as myself). produce your trebuchet with quality and take care to add retain where needed and it will last you a long time.

How to Build a Trebuchet

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Woodworking For Boys - 10 Fun Wood Projects

No one enjoys wood crafts more than boys. Their little eyes light up at the first sight of a woodworking bench. Sharing this hobby with them can be loads of fun. Building projects give them a occasion to get their hands dirty and originate something with meaning.

When doing wood projects with boys you should make items that they will be proud of. Most lads want to fabricate a beneficial household object that house members need or use. A common piece of furniture such as an end table is a perfect example. They can place it in their living room and rejoice every time someone use it. Someone else type of project popular among young males are gifts. Manufacture a special spice rack or painting an unfinished wood jewelry box for mom can be worthy endeavor for boys. Beginning a personal project allowing them to originate their own car or boat out of wooden toy parts is Someone else stellar idea they would wholly enjoy.

Carpentry Framing

There are 10 fun wood projects you can make when woodworking with boys. The first curious Building idea for boys is a toolbox. Constructing their very own toolbox will officially make them a bona fide handy man. Boys will get a kick out of carrying nearby their ended work. You can find kits online, at specialty shops, or make from scratch using wooden dowels as handles. The second popular wood project is the infamous bookshelf. Building a bookshelf can be a tedious task but older boys will enjoy the sawing, drilling, and more complex detail. A magazine rack is third on the list. Round balls are attached to the bottom of the plywood for easy movement. Magazine racks falls in the mom gift category. The fourth project is a paper towel holder. Paper towel holders are ordinarily made of plastic. Constructing a wooden version is a uncomplicated wood craft for boys. Combining several wood dowels and two wooden cubes could aid in assembling a standing adjustable paper towel possessor also.

The fifth enticing wood project for boys is the bread box. Many people do not own a bread box. Building a wooden bread box for a kitchen is a unique concept. Large screwhole buttons can be used as knob handles for their bread box. Boys can paint or burn any singular fabricate they wish into the sides. The sixth wood project is a tissue box cover. This is a great beginner project to do. Kids have the occasion to practice sanding and applying varnish. It can also be given as a gift. The seventh fun wood project for boys is the birdhouse. There are assorted birdhouse Building kits you can buy that will make this project less of a daunting task. For younger boys the eighth project is a small step stool. Your toddler can gain confidence in knowing he helped dad make the step stool. Personalizing the stool with the child's name or initials is a great extra touch. Building a toy truck is the ninth project younger boys love. Letting them paint the toy wheels or hammer is a fun bonding activity. The tenth wood project for boys is the jewelry box. Although, it does not sound manly Manufacture this wooden chest for mom to give on Mother's Day or Someone else special occasion is also an curious project to do. The sky is the limit when you and your boys grab some plywood and a little imagination.

Woodworking For Boys - 10 Fun Wood Projects

No one enjoys wood crafts more than boys. Their little eyes light up at the first sight of a woodworking bench. Sharing this hobby with them can be loads of fun. Building projects give them a occasion to get their hands dirty and originate something with meaning.

When doing wood projects with boys you should make items that they will be proud of. Most lads want to fabricate a beneficial household object that house members need or use. A common piece of furniture such as an end table is a perfect example. They can place it in their living room and rejoice every time someone use it. Someone else type of project popular among young males are gifts. Manufacture a special spice rack or painting an unfinished wood jewelry box for mom can be worthy endeavor for boys. Beginning a personal project allowing them to originate their own car or boat out of wooden toy parts is Someone else stellar idea they would wholly enjoy.

Carpentry Framing

There are 10 fun wood projects you can make when woodworking with boys. The first curious Building idea for boys is a toolbox. Constructing their very own toolbox will officially make them a bona fide handy man. Boys will get a kick out of carrying nearby their ended work. You can find kits online, at specialty shops, or make from scratch using wooden dowels as handles. The second popular wood project is the infamous bookshelf. Building a bookshelf can be a tedious task but older boys will enjoy the sawing, drilling, and more complex detail. A magazine rack is third on the list. Round balls are attached to the bottom of the plywood for easy movement. Magazine racks falls in the mom gift category. The fourth project is a paper towel holder. Paper towel holders are ordinarily made of plastic. Constructing a wooden version is a uncomplicated wood craft for boys. Combining several wood dowels and two wooden cubes could aid in assembling a standing adjustable paper towel possessor also.

The fifth enticing wood project for boys is the bread box. Many people do not own a bread box. Building a wooden bread box for a kitchen is a unique concept. Large screwhole buttons can be used as knob handles for their bread box. Boys can paint or burn any singular fabricate they wish into the sides. The sixth wood project is a tissue box cover. This is a great beginner project to do. Kids have the occasion to practice sanding and applying varnish. It can also be given as a gift. The seventh fun wood project for boys is the birdhouse. There are assorted birdhouse Building kits you can buy that will make this project less of a daunting task. For younger boys the eighth project is a small step stool. Your toddler can gain confidence in knowing he helped dad make the step stool. Personalizing the stool with the child's name or initials is a great extra touch. Building a toy truck is the ninth project younger boys love. Letting them paint the toy wheels or hammer is a fun bonding activity. The tenth wood project for boys is the jewelry box. Although, it does not sound manly Manufacture this wooden chest for mom to give on Mother's Day or Someone else special occasion is also an curious project to do. The sky is the limit when you and your boys grab some plywood and a little imagination.

Woodworking For Boys - 10 Fun Wood Projects

Monday, February 6, 2012

Build A Burial Flag Display Case For Your Loved One's Memorial Flag

Do you have a loved one that served in the United States armed troops that has recently passed away? Did your house receive a burial flag from the division of Veteran Affairs? This gorgeous flag honors the memory of the one who has served their country in the armed services.

The burial flag is made from 100% cotton. The burial flag is not intended to be flown because of the stresses of being on the flag pole can and will cause it to tear quite easily. It is good to show case it in a burial flag display case.

Carpentry Framing

There are many places where you can purchase a burial flag display case to store the flag in. There are many separate designs. The most tasteless that I have seen is the triangle display case that is the same size as the folded burial flag. If you are handy and enjoy woodworking, consider building your own burial flag display case from these plans.

Have you ever wondered how to fold an American Flag into that nice neat triangle that shows off the blue union so nicely? Here is a step by step instruction on how to fold and American flag. This is easiest with two people.

1) keeping the flag on the narrow side, fold the lower edge of the strips over the union field.

2) The folded edge is again folded over the striped side. After this fold, the union field is visible on both sides of folded flag.

3) Start the triangular fold on the stripped end fold the lower left projection over to the open edge.

4) The outer point is now turned inwards toward the union field. This forms the second triangle.

5) Repeat steps three and four until the whole flag is folded and only the blue union field is visible.

Build A Burial Flag Display Case For Your Loved One's Memorial Flag

Do you have a loved one that served in the United States armed troops that has recently passed away? Did your house receive a burial flag from the division of Veteran Affairs? This gorgeous flag honors the memory of the one who has served their country in the armed services.

The burial flag is made from 100% cotton. The burial flag is not intended to be flown because of the stresses of being on the flag pole can and will cause it to tear quite easily. It is good to show case it in a burial flag display case.

Carpentry Framing

There are many places where you can purchase a burial flag display case to store the flag in. There are many separate designs. The most tasteless that I have seen is the triangle display case that is the same size as the folded burial flag. If you are handy and enjoy woodworking, consider building your own burial flag display case from these plans.

Have you ever wondered how to fold an American Flag into that nice neat triangle that shows off the blue union so nicely? Here is a step by step instruction on how to fold and American flag. This is easiest with two people.

1) keeping the flag on the narrow side, fold the lower edge of the strips over the union field.

2) The folded edge is again folded over the striped side. After this fold, the union field is visible on both sides of folded flag.

3) Start the triangular fold on the stripped end fold the lower left projection over to the open edge.

4) The outer point is now turned inwards toward the union field. This forms the second triangle.

5) Repeat steps three and four until the whole flag is folded and only the blue union field is visible.

Build A Burial Flag Display Case For Your Loved One's Memorial Flag

Sunday, February 5, 2012

How To Build A Flag Display Case

Decide on which size of flag you will be construction a flag display case (fdc) for.
3'x5', 4'x6', 5'x9' (burial)
Measure the folded flag. For this example we will use the 5x9 burial flag.

You will need the lowest (horizontal) measurement,
along with the two diagonal measurements. Also get
the thickness of the folded flag.

Carpentry Framing

* lowest msmt: 24"

* diagonal msmt: 16 3/4 "

* thickness: 2 3/4 "

Decide on the type of wood you will be using, for this example, we will use oak.

A 1x4 piece of oak assuredly measures 3 1/2 in
width, which is fine. Buy an 8' length. (for be-
ginners, in case there are mistakes)

Seeing that our flag is triangular in shape, we will
cut the angles on a 45 degree. You can do this with a
circular saw or a chop saw (mitre saw). Chop saws
give a much better cut.

The lowest determination of our flag is 24". So our
inside determination of our 45 degree cuts must be
at least 24". I recommend cutting the distance of board at 24 1/4"
(little play room for glass and flag)

You should have approx. 6' of board left. As you know,
wood has a grain pattern. These next steps will give your case
a more professional appearance.

Measure off the longest quantum of the angled 6' board
(that's your long point of that single angle, the
other is the short point of that single angle.)

Your angled measurements are 16 3/4".short point
to short point. However, you will be cutting it 3"
longer than that, (for mistakes). So let's just cut
our side pieces 20" long. Short to short.

Measure off the 6' board from long point 20", using a
speed square or framing square, make a mark and cut
your piece. (set this piece aside)

The longer remaining piece should have a short point.

Your objective now is to turn that piece around 180
degrees, and cut the short point again in order to
make it a long point.

Once you do this, your two 45 degree angles at the top
of the display case will fit and the grain will match.
It will look continuous. (match up all the angled
pieces until you find that grain match)

When you place the lowest piece up to the angled side
pieces to form the triangle you will observation that the
side pieces are too long. Just pencil mark the bottom
where it hangs over the lowest piece. That now is going
to be cut at a 45 degree. Make sure you cut the 45
degree angle the exact way. Your end stock should
be a short to short angled piece.

When you are marking the piece to be cut, also mark
the side of the board so you know for sure, which way
the wood should be cut.
Tack the frame together or use a strap to hold it in
position.

Measure the size of glass you will need.
We can quantum the glass in two ways:

(1) -The exact size, minus 1/8th inch. (if you are going
to place a wooden angle cover over the glass and
attach it to the frame.) Or

(2) - The glass can be measured 1/4" larger if it is going to be inserted into the frame.

Buy an 8' piece of wooden angle board.
(for surface corners of walls) It is 3/4" long on each
side of the 45 degree angle. Cut this to fit the
outside (facing) of the triangular frame you just made.

You can insert the glass from the back side after the
outside wooden corner's are nailed on. Then you can cut and place 3
pieces of 1/4 "x 1/4" molding on the inside to hold
the glass in place.

Inset glass involves using a table saw.

Set your table saw guide to 1/4" from the inside of the saw blade to the guide itself.
Set the depth of the blade to 1/8th inch.

-- If you know at the starting that you will be insetting the glass, then cut the entire 8' distance of board at one time. It's very difficult to cut small pieces like this and have it turn out correctly.

-- If you have never used a table saw, ask someone with palpate to accomplish this next step.---

Take the piece or pieces and with the table saw in operation, moderately guide the piece along the guide, production sure not too force the cut. Be gentle. It's wise to use a forked stick to push the wood straight through the cutting process.
There are jigs that can be purchased for just this job. Call a do-it-yourself place. They can help you
Once you have your cuts made, you are ready to nail it together.

Use small trim nails (1 1/4") long and nail frame together. With glass inserted into the cut grooves you just made.(Set nails with punch and color putty when done)

This is much easier if you have a brad gun. Also place the frame so the glass is face down so it doesn't break if it falls out during this process.

Take the frame and place it on some 3/16th luon (lew-on or oak paneling)
and trace the surface of your frame. Cut this out for the backing of your display case. (Stain edges with the allowable color. For oak, you can use Minwax-Colonial Maple or Early American.)

You can drill about 8 pilot holes straight through the 3/16" luon into the wood frame. (On the Back Side) for screws. Insert your burial flag. Insert your screws.

--That's a rap folks--your task is done.

***Read everything, before you try anything***

Tools & Supplies

* Tape

* Pencil

* Circular Saw

* Speed square (or)Framing Square.

* Sand Paper.

* Stain,Putty andPolyurethane

* Chop Saw (Mitre Saw)

* Cut Glass

* 2' x 2' piece of Oak or Maple paneling 3/16 or 1/4" thick.

* leech or Brush.

* 3/4" screws (8-10ea)

* Small box of 1 1/4" trim nails. Or 1 1/2".

* 8'- 1x4 board. (For your fdc frame.)

* 8' Wooden (Outside angle board). 3/4"

* safety Glasses!

***Warning***

* The 1st time you
disrespect a Power tool, It Will disrespect You!

* If you have children
around, during the
building and cutting
process be sure to
Unplug Power to all your tools until you use them again. Then, unplug them
again!

Tips:

Don't be in a rush. You can do this.

When ever you take a determination add 1/16" to it. (20 1/16" instead of 20") That way, you cut On the line and you will always have the true determination that you need.

Military Flag Display Cases Flag cases, Shadow Boxes and Frames Articles Faq Copyright 2007 - military Flag Display Case - Richard Blodgett - All possession Reserved Site create Sj

How To Build A Flag Display Case

Decide on which size of flag you will be construction a flag display case (fdc) for.
3'x5', 4'x6', 5'x9' (burial)
Measure the folded flag. For this example we will use the 5x9 burial flag.

You will need the lowest (horizontal) measurement,
along with the two diagonal measurements. Also get
the thickness of the folded flag.

Carpentry Framing

* lowest msmt: 24"

* diagonal msmt: 16 3/4 "

* thickness: 2 3/4 "

Decide on the type of wood you will be using, for this example, we will use oak.

A 1x4 piece of oak assuredly measures 3 1/2 in
width, which is fine. Buy an 8' length. (for be-
ginners, in case there are mistakes)

Seeing that our flag is triangular in shape, we will
cut the angles on a 45 degree. You can do this with a
circular saw or a chop saw (mitre saw). Chop saws
give a much better cut.

The lowest determination of our flag is 24". So our
inside determination of our 45 degree cuts must be
at least 24". I recommend cutting the distance of board at 24 1/4"
(little play room for glass and flag)

You should have approx. 6' of board left. As you know,
wood has a grain pattern. These next steps will give your case
a more professional appearance.

Measure off the longest quantum of the angled 6' board
(that's your long point of that single angle, the
other is the short point of that single angle.)

Your angled measurements are 16 3/4".short point
to short point. However, you will be cutting it 3"
longer than that, (for mistakes). So let's just cut
our side pieces 20" long. Short to short.

Measure off the 6' board from long point 20", using a
speed square or framing square, make a mark and cut
your piece. (set this piece aside)

The longer remaining piece should have a short point.

Your objective now is to turn that piece around 180
degrees, and cut the short point again in order to
make it a long point.

Once you do this, your two 45 degree angles at the top
of the display case will fit and the grain will match.
It will look continuous. (match up all the angled
pieces until you find that grain match)

When you place the lowest piece up to the angled side
pieces to form the triangle you will observation that the
side pieces are too long. Just pencil mark the bottom
where it hangs over the lowest piece. That now is going
to be cut at a 45 degree. Make sure you cut the 45
degree angle the exact way. Your end stock should
be a short to short angled piece.

When you are marking the piece to be cut, also mark
the side of the board so you know for sure, which way
the wood should be cut.
Tack the frame together or use a strap to hold it in
position.

Measure the size of glass you will need.
We can quantum the glass in two ways:

(1) -The exact size, minus 1/8th inch. (if you are going
to place a wooden angle cover over the glass and
attach it to the frame.) Or

(2) - The glass can be measured 1/4" larger if it is going to be inserted into the frame.

Buy an 8' piece of wooden angle board.
(for surface corners of walls) It is 3/4" long on each
side of the 45 degree angle. Cut this to fit the
outside (facing) of the triangular frame you just made.

You can insert the glass from the back side after the
outside wooden corner's are nailed on. Then you can cut and place 3
pieces of 1/4 "x 1/4" molding on the inside to hold
the glass in place.

Inset glass involves using a table saw.

Set your table saw guide to 1/4" from the inside of the saw blade to the guide itself.
Set the depth of the blade to 1/8th inch.

-- If you know at the starting that you will be insetting the glass, then cut the entire 8' distance of board at one time. It's very difficult to cut small pieces like this and have it turn out correctly.

-- If you have never used a table saw, ask someone with palpate to accomplish this next step.---

Take the piece or pieces and with the table saw in operation, moderately guide the piece along the guide, production sure not too force the cut. Be gentle. It's wise to use a forked stick to push the wood straight through the cutting process.
There are jigs that can be purchased for just this job. Call a do-it-yourself place. They can help you
Once you have your cuts made, you are ready to nail it together.

Use small trim nails (1 1/4") long and nail frame together. With glass inserted into the cut grooves you just made.(Set nails with punch and color putty when done)

This is much easier if you have a brad gun. Also place the frame so the glass is face down so it doesn't break if it falls out during this process.

Take the frame and place it on some 3/16th luon (lew-on or oak paneling)
and trace the surface of your frame. Cut this out for the backing of your display case. (Stain edges with the allowable color. For oak, you can use Minwax-Colonial Maple or Early American.)

You can drill about 8 pilot holes straight through the 3/16" luon into the wood frame. (On the Back Side) for screws. Insert your burial flag. Insert your screws.

--That's a rap folks--your task is done.

***Read everything, before you try anything***

Tools & Supplies

* Tape

* Pencil

* Circular Saw

* Speed square (or)Framing Square.

* Sand Paper.

* Stain,Putty andPolyurethane

* Chop Saw (Mitre Saw)

* Cut Glass

* 2' x 2' piece of Oak or Maple paneling 3/16 or 1/4" thick.

* leech or Brush.

* 3/4" screws (8-10ea)

* Small box of 1 1/4" trim nails. Or 1 1/2".

* 8'- 1x4 board. (For your fdc frame.)

* 8' Wooden (Outside angle board). 3/4"

* safety Glasses!

***Warning***

* The 1st time you
disrespect a Power tool, It Will disrespect You!

* If you have children
around, during the
building and cutting
process be sure to
Unplug Power to all your tools until you use them again. Then, unplug them
again!

Tips:

Don't be in a rush. You can do this.

When ever you take a determination add 1/16" to it. (20 1/16" instead of 20") That way, you cut On the line and you will always have the true determination that you need.

Military Flag Display Cases Flag cases, Shadow Boxes and Frames Articles Faq Copyright 2007 - military Flag Display Case - Richard Blodgett - All possession Reserved Site create Sj

How To Build A Flag Display Case

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Tips on How to Build a Podium

Learning how to build a podium is one of the easiest woodworking linked activity I've ever done. Probably since it isn't as detailed as some furniture I've made in the past.

Podiums sometimes known as pulpits or lecterns are important fixtures on a stage. There are variety of build that you can use for a lectern especially on its front side. Most often the build is largely dependent on the purpose of which it is built for.

Carpentry Framing

Build a Podium the Easy Way

As I've mentioned earlier, building a lectern isn't as hard as some other woodworking projects that is, if you have basic building in mind. However, the good thing is that even if you are just able to build a basic structure, you all the time have the selection of customizing it later on and adding some designs and embellishments once you have the basic building done.

Building a Podium - Things to Consider

When I built a podium for a function room late last year, I've had some things to keep in mind to make sure the buildings is exactly suited for the purpose it was built for.

Some of these are:

Height and Width

How high and wide would you like the lectern to be? In my case, I just have the average height of men in mind when development a podium as most speakers in that function room are men.

This is something that is entirely dependent on the height of the coarse user of the podium.

Basic Podium vs. Multi-purpose, Multi-compartment Podiums

You have the selection of constructing a basic buildings which is ordinarily very easy to make. You'll just be needing a three sided frame with dimensions of your selection retention the widest side for the front side of the podium you are making.

A multi-purpose podium however, would need to have some compartments installed to make some space for the materials that the speaker might be using. When I was development the buildings I've added a sort of built-in cabinet in the podium as requested by the owner for warehouse purposes. Microphones and some tool needed for the sound law is stored there.

Movable Podium vs. Fixed Podiums

To build a podium, specifically a transported one, you only need to attach an commercial force wheels on the base of the structure. Just make sure they are locking wheels to ensure unwanted movements when using the podium.

Furthermore, you may want to use lightweight materials for portability.

If you opt for a more fixed podium, you can just add more weight to its base to allow still for minor movements. However, you may also attach the podium to the floor for a more permanent fixture.

Plans for building a Podium

To build a podium, a podium building plan will make the job easier. This way, you would have the basic building plan all ready for you.

Of procedure the podium build would have to depend entirely on the purpose it is built for.

Tips on How to Build a Podium

Learning how to build a podium is one of the easiest woodworking linked activity I've ever done. Probably since it isn't as detailed as some furniture I've made in the past.

Podiums sometimes known as pulpits or lecterns are important fixtures on a stage. There are variety of build that you can use for a lectern especially on its front side. Most often the build is largely dependent on the purpose of which it is built for.

Carpentry Framing

Build a Podium the Easy Way

As I've mentioned earlier, building a lectern isn't as hard as some other woodworking projects that is, if you have basic building in mind. However, the good thing is that even if you are just able to build a basic structure, you all the time have the selection of customizing it later on and adding some designs and embellishments once you have the basic building done.

Building a Podium - Things to Consider

When I built a podium for a function room late last year, I've had some things to keep in mind to make sure the buildings is exactly suited for the purpose it was built for.

Some of these are:

Height and Width

How high and wide would you like the lectern to be? In my case, I just have the average height of men in mind when development a podium as most speakers in that function room are men.

This is something that is entirely dependent on the height of the coarse user of the podium.

Basic Podium vs. Multi-purpose, Multi-compartment Podiums

You have the selection of constructing a basic buildings which is ordinarily very easy to make. You'll just be needing a three sided frame with dimensions of your selection retention the widest side for the front side of the podium you are making.

A multi-purpose podium however, would need to have some compartments installed to make some space for the materials that the speaker might be using. When I was development the buildings I've added a sort of built-in cabinet in the podium as requested by the owner for warehouse purposes. Microphones and some tool needed for the sound law is stored there.

Movable Podium vs. Fixed Podiums

To build a podium, specifically a transported one, you only need to attach an commercial force wheels on the base of the structure. Just make sure they are locking wheels to ensure unwanted movements when using the podium.

Furthermore, you may want to use lightweight materials for portability.

If you opt for a more fixed podium, you can just add more weight to its base to allow still for minor movements. However, you may also attach the podium to the floor for a more permanent fixture.

Plans for building a Podium

To build a podium, a podium building plan will make the job easier. This way, you would have the basic building plan all ready for you.

Of procedure the podium build would have to depend entirely on the purpose it is built for.

Tips on How to Build a Podium

Thursday, February 2, 2012

A Basic List of Hand Tools Needed For Kids to Get Started in Woodworking

You can buy the tools that you don't already have as you get to them in the book or you can go ahead and buy them all at once. In the report below I give suggestions as to sizes and styles that can help children get the most out of their use. The benefit in having all your tools ahead of time is that it will save you from having to run colse to trying to find what you'll need the day before you start a new project just to find out it's sold out. another benefit is you can often times find all the tools you need online at one site. This can save you time and money.

Here is a list of tools you'll need. Use this to collate what you already have to what you'll need to purchase. You can buy each child their own set (which would be nice since one of the first projects is a tool box) or they can share tools. (But getting kids to do that is an whole book unto itself.)

Carpentry Framing

A. Measuring Tape (12') they make measuring tapes that have the fractions labeled on the tape to make it easier to read especially if your child is just studying about fractions.

B. Ruler (12") wooden ones are easier to read than the clear or colored plastic ones.

C. Hammer (7 - 10oz for smaller children, 16oz for older children with better hand eye coordination)

D. Screwdrivers: flathead and Phillips

E. Nail set

F. Handsaw (western or Japanese style)

G. Coping saw

H. Block plane

I. Brace Drill (Hand drill)

J. Rasp

K. Sandpaper (100, 120, 150, 180 grits)

L. Glue (white or yellow) water proof for outdoor projects

M. Screws and nails (a box each of 1 ¼" and 1 5/8" drywall screws and a box each of 3d, 4d, and 6d quit nails will get you straight through most projects in this book).

N. Clamps (See the episode on construction the step stool for information on clamps).

O. protection glasses (it may take some extra effort, but find a pair that fits your child. They will come to be frustrated quickly if every time they start to swing a hammer they have to push their glasses back up on their noses. industry do make child size glasses it just might take some finding colse to to find them.)

P. composition square

Q. Speed square

Again, this isn't a complete list of the hand tools needed to build any project imaginable, but it's a great start. Armed with the above list of hand tools you can conquer all the projects in our book, "Woodshop 101 for Kids"

A Basic List of Hand Tools Needed For Kids to Get Started in Woodworking

You can buy the tools that you don't already have as you get to them in the book or you can go ahead and buy them all at once. In the report below I give suggestions as to sizes and styles that can help children get the most out of their use. The benefit in having all your tools ahead of time is that it will save you from having to run colse to trying to find what you'll need the day before you start a new project just to find out it's sold out. another benefit is you can often times find all the tools you need online at one site. This can save you time and money.

Here is a list of tools you'll need. Use this to collate what you already have to what you'll need to purchase. You can buy each child their own set (which would be nice since one of the first projects is a tool box) or they can share tools. (But getting kids to do that is an whole book unto itself.)

Carpentry Framing

A. Measuring Tape (12') they make measuring tapes that have the fractions labeled on the tape to make it easier to read especially if your child is just studying about fractions.

B. Ruler (12") wooden ones are easier to read than the clear or colored plastic ones.

C. Hammer (7 - 10oz for smaller children, 16oz for older children with better hand eye coordination)

D. Screwdrivers: flathead and Phillips

E. Nail set

F. Handsaw (western or Japanese style)

G. Coping saw

H. Block plane

I. Brace Drill (Hand drill)

J. Rasp

K. Sandpaper (100, 120, 150, 180 grits)

L. Glue (white or yellow) water proof for outdoor projects

M. Screws and nails (a box each of 1 ¼" and 1 5/8" drywall screws and a box each of 3d, 4d, and 6d quit nails will get you straight through most projects in this book).

N. Clamps (See the episode on construction the step stool for information on clamps).

O. protection glasses (it may take some extra effort, but find a pair that fits your child. They will come to be frustrated quickly if every time they start to swing a hammer they have to push their glasses back up on their noses. industry do make child size glasses it just might take some finding colse to to find them.)

P. composition square

Q. Speed square

Again, this isn't a complete list of the hand tools needed to build any project imaginable, but it's a great start. Armed with the above list of hand tools you can conquer all the projects in our book, "Woodshop 101 for Kids"

A Basic List of Hand Tools Needed For Kids to Get Started in Woodworking