5 easy to make woodworking projects
Easy and fun to make with some basic woodworking tools all these projects can be made
quickly. They can then be used for the shop or made as gifts.
1. Pencil tray
This is my first easy project and now I can demonstrate a new
use for my new drill press adjusting table. Yes I put a router bit
in the drill press... works for me!
As I slowly turn the adjustment screw, I can make the groove as
deep as I want. I will test the depth occasionally with the pencil until
I see what looks best. This can also be done without the adjustment
table, but would table longer with a regular drill press table.
2. Eraser Holder
This is another simple project. An eraser holder will sit nicely on a
desk or with some double sided tape a couple can be put around the
workshop then knowing there is always one nearby.
The easiest way to make the eraser holder is to make a dado cut in
a long piece of wood then cut it to the right width. This will be the
safest way. After that the piece can be cut to the length of the eraser.
I used my table saw sled and cut many of them. I can now give some
away as gifts.
3. Wooden Mallet I have never made a wooden mallet that turned out this nice. I will
now have to make some other sizes. This one is made of oak and a few coats of Varathane.
The head is carefully marked and the center will be drilled out
for the handle.
To square the hole somewhat I used a square file. After the handle
was shaped I tapped it in the head and had a solid hammer.
4. Small Miter box
This will be handy for any shop when small pieces have to be cut.
I use a Japanese pull saw for this and get nice clean cuts.
I found a large piece of hardwood from a pallet and cut a chunk off
with the bandsaw. I then cleaned it up with the table saw. Next I use
a Dado blade and cut a channel in the block.
a backer board on my band saw miter gauge and made my cuts.
5. Quick clamp
Quick to make and quick to use, this clamp will sit nicely on a
table top. To test the clamp I made a small frame and placed it in
the clamp. This frame was cut in my new miter box.
This clamp was made from stuff I had lying around the shop and
here is a Material list for this project. It can be made any size.
- piece of plywood
- small piece of maple
- 2 carriage bolts
- 2 knobs
The bottom is countersunk a small amount with a forstner bit. Then
when the carriage bolt is hammered in it will be flush and a solid fit.
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