Build a cookbook stand

All cookbooks should be spiral bound for ease of use. Same goes for woodworking books that wont lie open when you are trying to follow a plan. I suppose the main drawback for publishers is that a spiral-bound book cant display its title while on a bookshelf.
Usually I end up setting a heavy object on the open book to keep it open while Im using it. Of course, this eventually ruins the binding.
So a few weeks ago Ryan Mackey posted a picture on Facebook of a cookbook stand he made. This immediately got me thinking about building one of my own to finally put an end to my frustration.
Heres my version. It solves the problem of spring-loaded books and it keeps them upright at an easier angle to read.

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Build a device charging station

Do you have an area in your house that looks like this?

For some reason, our kitchen counter has been our recharging area for a long time. It is always cluttered and as we get more electronic devices, it becomes more and more confusing to find the right cord for the gadget you need to charge. Plus, its right next to the stove. Not the best place for all this.

I made this charging station so we can easily charge all our devices (well, six of them at least) and keep all the messy cords hidden. Only one cord plugs into the wall: the one attached to a power strip that hides in the back behind a sliding panel.

The charging cords fit into slots, preventing them from sliding back into the box when not in use.

I made this using 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch plywood, but it would be a great project to build using some special wood youve been saving. If you would like to build the charging station, here are a full set of plans:

PDF version (with cutting template for sides)

SketchUp file

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Build a better mousetrap

There must be more mousetrap designs than any other contraption. Stig Schjervheim from Norway made this mousetrap with hand tools. Patterned after an 18th century trap, he says hes already captured eight mice. Thanks for the video, Stig!

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Build a coffee table

Retro styleFor years Ive been wanting to make a new coffee table. After making the credenza/TV stand a few weeks ago, I was motivated to make another "mid-century modern" piece. This time I wasnt adhering exactly to any particular 50s style coffee table, but rather I wanted something to echo the credenzas design. After years of building up a mish-mash of furniture, it is nice to finally have a couple pieces that go together!

A lot of the construction of this is similar to the credenza, so in this video I tried to focus on a few techniques that I glossed over in the other video. I know, I know: retro furniture isnt to everyones taste, but you should be able to pick up a few tips in this that might help you do design your own coffee table.
But if you do like this style as much as I, and want to build one just like it, here are plans for the coffee table:

• WWMM Coffee Table PDF Plans
• WWMM Coffee Table Sketchup file

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Build a cheap simple sturdy workbench

It has been a lot of fun seeing all the workbenches this week. Thanks to all of you who sent pictures.
Whenever a non-woodworker visits your shop, they might marvel at — or at least be curious about — some of your tools.  Your workbench will probably receive little attention, yet for most woodworkers its really the most critical element of a shop. We call it into service on every project we build.
If you want to set up a wood shop, your first project must be a workbench. There are plenty of plans available for the "ultimate" woodworking bench, but all you have to do is look through this weeks viewer pictures to understand all that a work bench really needs to be: a sturdy table.
This video shows you a workbench design that Ive been using for years. It costs next to nothing to build: a few 2x4s and a sheet of plywood, yet it will provide you with years and years of quiet service. Plus, with this basic design, you can modify it in any number of ways to suit your particular needs. Its all held together with a lot of yellow wood glue and 2 1/2" decks screws. It isnt a showpiece, but in my mind thats a plus. You wont be fearful of abusing it.

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Jon Lou build a toilet paper holder and book nook

Identical cousins Jon & Lou settle their differences by building a bathroom project together. At least for a little while. Their zany hijinx will fill your heart with laughter and perhaps a tear.

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Build a rustic wine cabinet using free pallet wood Great upcycling project

In case I ever become a grape farmer and bottle my own wine, my son Wyatt designed this hipster bottle label that will work out perfectly. ("Its so exclusive, youve probably never heard of it.")

Over the years I have had a number of people ask me to build a wine rack or cabinet. Oddly enough, I live near the heart of Californias Wine Country, but am not a wine drinker myself which probably accounts for why it has taken me this long to make one. 

I decided to make a display cabinet for those of us who like to keep a few bottles on hand for special occasions or guests. I designed it to resemble a wooden crate, possibly one that has been taken apart and hobbled together for a new purpose. I also wanted the bottle labels to show, making the entire unit a decorative piece: I like the juxtaposition of the rustic assembly with fine wine. The shelves tilt to the side to keep the corks from drying out.

Monetize your woodworking

Rustic projects using recycled wood are very trendy at the  moment. This project would sell well at craft fairs. (Probably starting at around $80 - $100.) It is simple to make and if you use free pallet wood the profit margin is huge. Buyers like to feel they are part of an effort to reduce waste, and expensive wine displayed in a unique cabinet is a great conversation starter. 

Free plans:

• WWMM Rustic wine cabinet (pdf)
• SketchUp file
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Build a 20 planter box

Now that Spring is here, Ive really been wanting to make an outdoors project. Planter boxes make great projects for woodworkers, because they can be made so many different ways. Do a quick Google search for tons of ideas.
One of the reasons I havent made one before is because "outdoor" wood, wood better able to withstand the elements such as teak or cedar, is pretty expensive. Even with those woods, a planter box will eventually rot away.

Planned obsolescence I decided to not fret over its fate and built my planter box using 2x4s and garden edging. Including the 16 lag screws, this planter cost me a little over 20 dollars to build. At that price, I dont have to worry about rot. When it happens, Ill just build a new one!
If you really want to save money, use wood from old pallets. You can usually pick them up free!
So I suppose this is a bit of an experiment too. I have applied no finish to the wood whatsoever. It should all become silver-gray in a year or so. Itll be interesting to see how long it lasts. Ill keep you posted.
Of course, if you want to make something more permanent or if you want to make a planter box for a gift, I would recommend using teak, redwood, or cedar and applying a protective finish. The actual techniques I used for this project would certainly apply.

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Build a really simple pair of sawhorses

Even if you spend most of your woodworking time in a well-equipped shop, there are times you will need a good pair of sawhorses. I use them all the time, especially for working on outdoor projects. If you dont have a any, build a pair! I guarantee you will find all sorts of uses that you never expected.
There are a lot of different ways you can make a sawhorse; it seems everyone has his own preferred method. Here is a pair you can easily make in less that an hour, using five 2x4s. I used my miter saw for all cuts.
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Build a really simple garden bench And a contest!

Heres a really easy project anyone can build in a weekend. I was inspired to build something that required very few tools and would be a nice summer project. To build this bench, you will just need a saw (any kind), a drill, and some screws. I built mine with four 2x4s and six 1x3 boards. Total cost: $30. I can imagine all sorts of ways to enhance this bench too!
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