Making a rustic picture frame with Dad

Every year or so my dad comes out for a short visit. Dad enjoys talking about woodworking and catching up with the changes in my shop since his last trip. We usually spend most of the time gabbing so I choose to take the week off as a vacation.
Not a lot of thought or planning went into this project or video. It was sort of like a couple of kids sitting around and one of them asking, "Hey, I know...you wanna put on a show?" In this case, I was that kid.
Dad is a little reluctant to appear in front of a camera, but more than happy to help out with a woodworking project. The funny thing is that he actually comes across quite natural on video. Mostly, its a lot of fun to just spend time building something together. Doesnt matter what it is, the time spent together is worth it.
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Rustic picture frameI cant believe how much of that pallet wood I have from last month. I think I picked up about eight pallets and still have a large stash of boards. Its the free wood that keeps on giving!
The picture frame couldnt be simpler. Just a few rough-cut boards glued and nailed together. I saved the rusty spiral nails from the pallets and used them to give it an even more authentic look. Finally, I wrapped some sisal twine around the corners. The string gimmick is just decorative, but gives it all a hobbled-together look.
I decided to print out a vintage vegetable crate label for inside the frame to tie it all together. I think a picture frame should complement its content. A successful frame and picture might be viewed as a single object.

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Rustic side table made with pallet wood

Spring is here! Time for outdoor DIY projects. 

This week Ive designed a shabby-chic side table for your deck or patio. Anyone can build this project with just a few basic tools and no large workshop space is necessary. I made this entire project using free wood obtained from old pallets.

• You can make this entirely using hand tools, but it will be much easier if you have a jigsaw and a power sander. Both are inexpensive, easy to use, and will save you a lot of time and muscle aches. 
• If you would like to try your hand at busting apart a pallet (its quite easy to do) you will need a crowbar and a hammer with a claw for prying out nails. 
• I used 1/2" dowels for the exposed pins. These are decorative and not necessary for the strength of the table. If you would like to include them, you will need a drill and a 1/2" bit for boring holes.
• I used wood glue, 1", and 3/4" nails to assemble the project. The glue gives the table its strength: the nails are just needed to hold the pieces in place while the glue dries.
• A couple of clamps would be handy.
• I finished my table using Spar Urethane. Its a great outdoor finish that will protect the wood from the elements.
•  I used 80 grit (rough) sandpaper, mostly to clean off dirt, and stopped there. 

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If you would like to give this project a try here are some plans:

• WWMM Rustic side table plans (PDF)
• SketchUp file

Building it is very easy. If you are new to woodworking, maybe a new home owner who wants to get ready for outdoor entertaining this summer, this is a great project to start with. There is no need to get too fussy about any of it: its supposed to look rustic!*****

Drill press table with vise

Check out this idea. Heres a drill press table Robert Naylor sent over. Nice table with a fence. But he added a thick removable center piece that can be swapped out at needed. But not just swapped out with another sacrificial piece, he attached a vice to one insert. Really creative way to hold stock into place:

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Mere Minutes

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Day of the Doctor Weekend with Wood Cyber Black Friday Sunday clothes Movember

Is there a theme here?
Mere MinutesA few links to stuff I mention this week:

• Meze Headphones 
• Weekend with WOOD
• Woodworkers fighting cancer

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Make a gardening toolbox Customize it with a cool photo transfer technique!

Spring is almost here! 

Since March first is tomorrow, this is my official "kicking off spring" project. Yeah, I know spring doesnt start for a few more weeks and I realize many of you are still under a mountain of snow, but why not start looking forward to the coming season? Building a springy-type project will get you in a thawing-out frame of mind!

This tool tote can be made to function as a toolbox or as a decorative piece. As I began building mine, I realized that I liked it better as a planter. I suppose its like building a workbench that is so nice to look at that you dont want to scratch it!