Coffee Table Build Off

I keep forgetting to mention that I signed up for the Coffee Table Build off on the CRONKWRIGHT Woodshop website.

http://www.cronkwrightwoodshop.com/coffee-table-build-off/

Here is the idea that I am working on.

Have you ever wondered just how much work goes into building one of those expanding round tables?

What videos did I watch this week? #52 (12-19-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #51 (12-12-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

X-CARVE assembly - day 2

Day 2 is complete. I ran into an issue with the gshield and contacted Inventables. They are overnighting a replacement. 

What videos did I watch this week? #50 (12-5-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #49 (11-28-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

X-CARVE assembly - day 1 is complete

These are pictures that I took of the first day of my x-carve build.  I have 5 hours in so far.  Look for day 2 coming soon!

What videos did I watch this week? #48 (11-21-15 ) X-CARVE edition

In honor of starting my X-CARVE build last night I decided to share an x-carve play list with you this week.

What videos did I watch this week? #47 (11-14-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #46 (11-7-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #45 (10-31-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #44 (10-24-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

Project video - 4' tall coffin with shelves

Today I show you how to build a 4 foot tall coffin with shelves.  It is made out of 1/4 sheet of 1/2" plywood and some cedar fence pickets.

Download free plans here: http://www.funwithwoodworking.com/p/downloads.html

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What videos did I watch this week? #43 (10-17-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #42 (10-10-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

Free FWW stickers!

I have made up a bunch of FWW to give out for free!  If you would like one please send a
Self Addressed Stamped Envelope to the address below.

Fun With Woodworking
12672 Limonite Ste. 3E-204
Eastvale, CA 92880

I will be sending out silver stickers for free but I have also made a limited amount of
red, blue, green, white, black, and hot pink stickers as well.  If you would like to order one of these colors please include $1.00 with your SASE and I will send you a free silver sticker and the color that you chose.  Each sticker is a little under 2" x 2".

I have also freed up some space on one of my cabinets to start mounting stickers on so feel free to send me any of your shop stickers too!

What videos did I watch this week? #41 (10-3-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #40 (9-26-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #39 (9-19-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #38 (9-12-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #37 (9-5-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #36 (8-29-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #35 (8-22-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #34 (8-15-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

Free 4 ft picnic table plan posted!

I just posted a free plan for a 4ft adult sized picnic table!
Many people have been asking for it over on YouTube.
It is 30 1/2 inches tall, 47 1/2" long, 50 inches wide, and the seat sits at 17 1/2" tall.
It is made from 7 - 8ft 2x4's and 3 8ft 2x6's

Free basic plans can be found here:
http://www.funwithwoodworking.com/p/downloads.html 

Full detailed plans with cut list, material list, cutting diagram, and assembly instructions can be purchased for less than $5.00 here:
http://www.funwithwoodworking.com/p/store.html 

What videos did I watch this week? #33 (8-8-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!














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What videos did I watch this week? #32 (8-1-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #31 (7-25-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #30 (7-18-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #29 (7-11-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #28 (7-4-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

Project - How to build a kid sized picnic table out of 8 2x4's

Today I show you how to make a kid sized picnic table out of 8 2x4's.  It is 44" long, 41" wide, 24"tall, and the seats are at 13".

Download free plans here:
http://www.funwithwoodworking.com/p/downloads.html

Please support me on Patreon here:
https://www.patreon.com/donaldleblanc

What videos did I watch this week? #27 (6-27-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

New free plan posted, a kid sized picnic table!

I just posted free plans for a kid sized picnic table in the Free Downloads section of this site.  Click on the link above to check them out!

I also have full plans with a material list, cut list, cutting diagram, and step by step instructions available on the store page for under $5.00!

Look for a full build video coming soon!

What videos did I watch this week? #26 (6-20-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #25 (6-13-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

7 Power Tools Every Woodworker Should Have

Please welcome our newest contributor to FUN WITH WOODWORKING, James William!

7 Power Tools Every Woodworker Should Have

Whether you are just getting started in woodworking or you want to enhance an existing shop, there are certain power tools that you will need. In either case, it is not necessary to spend a fortune. Only a few power tools are considered essential by most woodworkers. Most of them are relatively affordable. With the following seven tools, you will be equipped to tackle most projects:

1. Circular Saw
While the circular saw is often classified more as a carpentry tool than one for woodworking, it is extremely versatile and invaluable to the woodworker. If used with a straight edge, it can handle many of the tasks for which a table saw would be used and can perform them with similar accuracy. Circular saws are powerful can be used to rip and to cut a variety of materials other than wood.

When choosing a circular saw, keep size in mind and remember that bigger tends to be better. Circular saw blades range from 4 inches up to 7-1/4 inches, which is the most common size. RPMs are another important factor and it is a good idea to choose a circular saw that has the most horsepower for the size. Consider the adjustments as well. The angle and depth of the cut should be easy to adjust and the controls should allow for firm tightening so that it holds the angle and depth. Look for safety features such as a safety switch and a blade guard.

2. Jigsaw
These tools enable you to easily cut curved patterns and are especially effective for cutting plywood and other thin stock. While band saws are more accurate, the jigsaw is fine for most jobs. In most cases, jigsaws allow you to cut wood that is up to two inches thick. The ability to cut deeper is not necessarily a good thing as this can increase the likelihood of blades breaking.

Features that you will want to consider when choosing a jigsaw include orbital action and variable speed. Orbital action allows for the saw blade to be angled forward which can keep it from wearing out as quickly and can make the cut smoother. Variable speed is not essential for woodwork, but can be useful if you also use your jigsaw to cut metal. Since a variable speed jigsaw allows you to slow the blade-speed, it can also be helpful when you are making intricate cuts.

3. Random Orbital Sander
Unlike palm sanders, these sanders do not sand in patterns and therefore will not leave marks in your finishes. You can set them up to sand quickly or to sand smoothly. They sand in a random orbit at high speeds (up to 25,000 RPM). This random orbit is what allows the sander to sand without leaving the patterns that are left behind by palm sanders. Note that random orbital sanders use 5-inch sanding disks instead of regular sandpaper, unlike palm sanders. Make sure that you are able to find the right disks in the grits that you need. Grits usually range from 60 to the much finer 220 grit.

You should look for sanders that have a dust collection bag. Additionally, it should have a portable vacuum unit. These features will make sanding cleaner and reduce the amount of dust produced. Consider a model with a sealed switch as dust can get into the switch and may cause problems with its operation. If you can, test the sander to make sure that it does not vibrate excessively as this can result in fatigue when using it on larger projects.

4. Corded Drill
While cordless drills can be more convenient, corded drills are more powerful; the additional power makes them very useful for woodworking. They are ideal when using larger paddle bits to drill holes. Another reason to choose corded over cordless is that corded drills are typically variable speed while you will be limited to two speeds with most cordless models.

When choosing a corded drill look for features like reversible action, a keyless chuck and a grip that is comfortable in the hand. For most woodworking applications, a drill with a 3/8 chuck will suffice; however, consider 1/2-inch if you want more power or if most of your projects require larger bits. If you plan on using your drill for more than just woodworking, look for features like a hammer action. 

5. Table Saw
This is one of the most important tools you will purchase; therefore, it is recommended that you get one only after you have had some experience woodworking with more basic tools. As one of the tools around which a woodworking shop is based, you will want to get the best that you can afford. A good table saw will be useful for the vast majority of woodworking projects.

The work surface on a table saw should be smooth and heavy, and you should be able to raise and lower the saw blade with a handle. There should also be another handle so that you can adjust the blade angle in addition to dust collection connections. There is the potential for injury from the exposed saw blade, so a table saw should be equipped with a blade guard as a safety feature. The saw’s on/off switch should be easy to access. A rip fence is one of the most important features to consider when buying a table saw. Make sure that the fence is parallel to the saw blade and that there are fine tuning controls for adjusting it. 

6. Compound Miter Saw
If you want to make accurate and precise crosscuts in wood, this is the tool you need. A compound miter saw is a circular saw on the end of a lever. Many of these saws can be adjusted to bevel up to 45 degrees and the angle can be adjusted 60 degrees in either direction. Blade sizes are 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch. For most projects, a 10-inch blade will be sufficient. The "compound" in the name comes from the fact that it is possible to tilt the saw as well as set the miter angle.

A miter saw should come with a miter gauge that is easy to adjust. It should also allow you to lock the saw at the angle you need. Some miter saws have a sliding feature that allows you to push or pull the blade through the stock. This allows you to cut larger pieces than you would be able to otherwise. While this can be useful, it can also make the saw considerably more expensive.

7. Router
There are generally two options when it comes to routers: routers with a fixed or stationary base and those with a plunge router base. While it is recommended that you get both, it is possible to make do with one and routers with a fixed base can handle a large number of jobs. It is also possible to mount these in a router table. The difference between the two router types is that fixed base routers allow you to set a depth that will remain constant as you use the tool. Plunge routers allow you to vary the depth.

The main feature to consider is the motor's horsepower. Your router should have a 2-horsepower motor at least. That power will be necessary to move larger bits through wood. Variable speed control is another useful feature that you will need when using larger bits. It is important to remember that larger bits must be used at lower speeds. The third important feature is the diameter of the collet. Routers can fit 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch diameter shaft bits. Routers that can fit 1/2-inch bits can be made to work with 1/4-inch bits but 1/2-inch bits cannot be made to work with 1/4-inch routers.

Author Bio:

James William is the founder of TableSawHQ.com, a blog offering buying advice to help people choose the right table saw for their needs.

Free PDF of plans for the outdoor side/end table have been posted

A viewer sent me a question about the outdoor side/end table and I went to go check the plans and realized that I had not posted the PDF with measurements.  I did some checking and figured out that I had uploaded them last year and failed to link it on the download page.  That error has been fixed.  You can now download the free PDF from the downloads page.

Thank you, please drive through...

http://www.funwithwoodworking.com/p/downloads.html

What videos did I watch this week? #24 (6-5-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

What videos did I watch this week? #23 (5-30-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

















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Where have I been lately?

I know that it's been a while since I released a project video and I appreciate everybody's patience.  My mother in law was recently diagnosed with gall bladder cancer and we moved her in with us while she gets her treatments.  Needless to say this has thrown a wrench in keeping any kind of schedule for extra activities.  I have several projects in the works and hope to get some more finished and posted in the upcoming weeks.

Thanks again for your patience and I hope to get back on a regular schedule as soon as possible.

Donald

What videos did I watch this week? #22 (5-23-15 )

In this series of posts I will be sharing with you my favorite videos that I watched this week.  Do you have a video that you would like featured here?  Leave a comment below and let me know about it!

Project - Making a plaque for Mother's Day

Today's project was sponsored by SmartThings.
Turn your ordinary home into a smart home with SmartThings 
https://www.smartthings.com/fww
Get 10% off featured or selected Kits plus free shipping to the US with the code FWW.

I made a plaque for my wife for Mother's Day but it was a surprise so I couldn't really work on the video until after we gave it to her.  I know that not everybody has a vinyl cutter but you can a decal like this made all over the internet and in many cities.  I am also going to be making a shop sign in the near future and I plan on printing out my logo, cutting it out, and gluing it to my board.

This was my first chance to use the Clamp and Cut Edge guide that I bought at Harbor Freight for around $12.00 and it was worth every penny.  They also have a 50" version that I will probably be picking up in the near future.  The small cans of paint were samples that I bought at Home Depot for around $3.50 each.  I looked at all the swatches and picked the 2 colors that I wanted and had them mix it up with a flat base.  The whole process took about 10 minutes and couldn't have been any easier.  It is my understanding that Lowes will do this as well.  Look for more red and blue painted projects in the future.