| Portable Desk |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-713 |
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Q: I have a 7-year-old son. We're both interested in woodworking. Are there any projects we could work on together?
A: (DIY Woodworking expert Bruce Johnson) The first thing to keep in mind is that you need to make something your son will use -- chances are, he's not going to get too excited about a window box! My sons and I are going to show you how to make a portable desk that will come in handy when it's time to do homework. - Put a bead of glue on 2"x4"x18".
- Glue and nail the 2"x 4" to the 18"x 8" base board.
Tip: A heavier hammer helps drive nails better. - Glue and nail 18"x14" writing surface to base (figure A). Let writing surface hang over 1-1/4".
- Glue and nail 18"x 6" back support to writing surface (figure B). If you wish, you can add board across bottom to hold pencils, drill holes for pencils.
Tip: When you're working with kids, seal the desk with a water-based product to avoid fumes. Q: I recently cut down an old walnut tree from my yard and then had it planed. How long should I let the wood dry before I can use it?
A: Typically it should take six months to a year, but it's going to depend on how much humidity is in the air. Wood acts like a sponge and soaks in humidity. You'll probably get it down to about 14 percent at the end of six months, but to get it down to 6 percent to 8 percent, which is what you need, you'll probably have to bring the wood indoors. You can get a special meter to read how much moisture is in the wood. Q: I'm all thumbs when it comes to nailing those tiny brads. Do you have any suggestions?
A: You may be able to hold them with a pair of needle-nosed pliers, or try this: Stick the brad through a piece of stiff paper or cardboard and use that to hold it in place while you hammer. Q: Is a heat gun effective for removing paint?
A: It sure can, but you have to realize that it's putting out a lot of heat -- about 2,200 degrees, so make sure not to burn your hand or the wood. Once the paint is softened, just scrape it off.
RESOURCES :
Build It Together: 30 Easy Woodworking Projects for Kids and Adults
Author: Katie Hamilton & Gene Hamilton
Publisher: Stackpole Books
ISBN: 0811724212
Woodworking for Kids: 40 Fabulous, Fun & Useful Things for Kids to Make
Model: 0806904305
Author: Kevin McGuire
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Sterling Plumbing Group Inc., / A Kohler Company
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Phone: 837-734-1777
Fax: 515-996-9154
Woodworking For Kids: 40 Fabulous, Fun And Useful Things For Kids To Make
Model: 0806904305
Author: Kevin McGuire
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Family Fun Crafts: 500 Creative Activities for You and Your Kids
Model: 0786863048
Author: Editors of FamilyFun Magazine
(1997)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Hyperion Books
New York, NY 10023
Phone: 212-456-0100
Woodworking for Kids: Over 40 Fabulous, Fun and Useful Things for Kids to Make
Model: 0806904305
Author: Kevin McGuire
(1994)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Make Your Own Birdhouses & Feeders (Quick Starts for Kids! Books)
Model: 1885593554
Author: Robyn Haus
(2001)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Williamson Publishing Company
Charlotte, VT 05445
Email: info@williamsonbooks.com
More Incredibly Awesome Crafts for Kids
Model: 0696206919
Author: Carol Field Dahlstrom, Editor
(August, 1997)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Meredith Books Corp.
Website: www.meredith.com
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