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Assembling the Walls

Amy assembles the walls of the mobile room divider.

From "Freeform Furniture"
episode DFFF-203

Host Amy Devers primes, sands and paints the wood, and then she attaches the ledger strips and assembles the four walls and bottom panel of the divider with glue and screws.

Lastly, she screws the shelf section in place.

Amy paints and sands the wood and assembled the room divider

This unique room divider becomes an unobtrusive part of the decor that coincides with the modern interior theme of the apartment. Amy incorporates plywood, copper sheeting, steel ball castors and horse tail plants to create this woodworking project.

Materials:

3/4" shop grade plywood
ruler
clamp
oil-based gloss enamel
oil-based primer
paint roller
lacquer masking tape
220-grit sandpaper
screws
yellow wood glue
24-gauge copper sheeting
grease pencil
60-grit sandpaper
2-part epoxy with applicator
eye protection
metal degreaser
clean rag
liver of sulfur patina
steel wool
wax
ball transfers
planter boxes
horsetail plants

Tools:

clamp
circular saw
aluminum guide rail
table saw
cross cut sled
clamp
cordless drill
metal cutting sheers
orbital sander
J roller
router
flush trim bit
file
awl

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Assembling the Walls

Before you primer the parts, you need to tape up the glue joints. Any paint where you will be putting glue can interfere with the adhesion and compromise the strength of the bond.
Tape the edges of the plywood making sure to cover up the entire joint (figure A).
Note: Lacquer masking tape works best for this process because it is specifically designed to be removed easily and leave a crisp line.
Once the joints are taped, you need to apply an oil-based primer to seal the wood. It will take four hours for the primer to dry. It is important to be in a well ventilated area when using oil based products.
Once the primer has dried, sand the surface of the piece with a 220-grit sandpaper. Sanding gives the plywood a tooth for the paint to stick to. Clean the surface removing the dust particles.
Apply the oil based paint. Use long strokes to get an even smooth application. Allow the paint to dry overnight. The yellowish-green chartreuse used (figure B) really pops and makes a perfect color for the interior of the piece.
To create a consistent color in the finish, apply another coat of paint and let it dry for 10 to 12 hours.
The first step in assembly is to measure and mark out where the ledger strips will rest.
Make the marks for the shelf height at six inches.
To make the drilling process easier, clamp the runner to the front panel.
Drill pilot holes along the length of the runner (figure C).
Drive the screws in place using a cordless drill.
To begin the assembly, run a bead of glue down the joint of the side panel. Yellow wood glue works best because it is moisture resistant.
With the side and back panel glued together, drill pilot holes and screw the pieces of plywood together. Do the same thing on the other side.
With the room divider lying on its back, slide the shelf in place.
Run a bead of yellow glue on the inside of the side piece. Drop the front section of the room divider in place. The two work in tandem to create a more durable joint.
Screw everything together.
Note: Glue will bond the entire length of the joint, and the screws go in and clamp the joint tight while the glue dries.
Attach the bottom panel.
Screw the shelf section in place.