Projects

I Can Do That: Hanging Shelves

Get a period look with big box materials.

by Megan Fitzpatrick
pages 23-23

From the April 2012 issue, #196

The inspiration for this small hanging set of shelves is a late 18th- to early 19th-century (circa 1775-1825) English dovetailed version in oak with a dark finish. I wanted to replicate the look as much as possible using the I Can Do That tool set and big-box stock, so I adjusted the dimensions to fit dimensional lumber, and, after the construction was done, sanded the edges heavily to impart a well-worn look. I then applied a somewhat distressed finish (more on that later).

Download the PDF of this article for the drawing and cutlist:
HangingShelves

Plan: Download the free SketchUp model for the Hanging Shelves.
Articles: All the I Can Do That articles are free online.

Making Frames

Sooner or later, someone will ask you to make a picture frame. Here is how to get it right the first time. by Robert W. Lang Pages 21-23 From the Summer 2009 issue of Woodworking Magazine, issue 14 Buy this issue now Picture frames are one of those woodworking projects that we all assume we Continue reading»

I Can Do That: Message Center

A low-tech solution for a family on the go.

By Steve Shanesy
Pages: 26-27
The kitchen is the crossroads for today’s busy family. And while we have high-tech gadgets to text messages, take notes and keep a calendar, I’ve found a kitchen message board has helped to keep my family organized for 30 years. Three decades ago, I made several message centers as gifts and can report that some are still in use – a testament to their utility.
I Can Do That "Message Center" PDF

BLOG: Coming soon: more step photos of the "Message Center."
MODEL: Click here for the SketchUp model of the Message Center.
ARTICLES: All the I Can Do That articles are free online.

I Can Do That: Gent's Chest

A simple box for basic household tools.

By Megan Fitzpatrick
Pages: 58-59

From the December 2011 issue #194
Buy this issue now

Common in the 19th-century, a “Gentleman’s Tool Chest” typically contained a set of fancy household tools including the first “multi-tools” – a handsome handle into which a variety of tools including gimlets, drivers, chisels and the like could be fitted. The chest might also include a small brass-backed saw, a filigreed square, dividers, a brass hammer and more – “showcase tools” for the squire who simply liked to putter around the house.
BLOG: Discover more about period Gentleman’s Chests.
PLAN: Download the free SketchUp plan.
ARTICLES: All the “I Can Do That” articles are free online.

Shaker Wall Cupboard

A classic form from the New Lebanon Shaker community is easy to build in a few hours.
By Christopher Schwarz
Page: 48-49

From the February 2011 issue #188
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If you don’t like nails, then perhaps you should turn the page. This small wall cupboard from the New Lebanon Shaker community bristles with them.

Easy Shop-made Ellipse Drawing Jig

Our December 2011 issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine features a gorgeous table project by designer/craftsman Jeff Miller. His Arch Table includes graceful, sweeping curves in the base. To generate the shape of these curves Jeff uses a shop made ellipse drawing jig. It's easy to make and crazy simple to use. In the video below Continue reading»

Try Digital with a Free Project

Unless you've been hiding in a cave, you've likely heard that print is dead and digital is the new reality. That may be a slight exaggeration as I, for one, still enjoy turning pages. However, there is no doubt that whatever the future holds, we will be consuming information in many new forms - and Continue reading»