Boys Own Workshop

You just cant beat sitting by the log fire with a good book...

Available for FREE download from Google Books

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Make your own cajon

A cajon is a drum originally from Peru. It is almost always made out of plywood and produces different sounds depending on where you strike it. Some (like mine) have snares inside, some have guitar strings stretched across the inside, and some are simply hollow. They all have a hole in either the back or the side (like the one pictured) to create a deep bass drum sound when struck in the center.
Bill Wilson got me curious about cajones a while ago. The more I looked into them and researched their construction, the more I wanted to build one. Here are a couple that hes made. Bill really helped me out along the way with techniques and cluing me to all the various ways they can made.
If you are interested in making your own, heres some in-depth instruction including a video showing the cajon in action.
Heres my version:

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Build your own router table

This router table turned out to be a lot of work! Ive been planning to make a router table for quite a while and it took me some time to figure out exactly what I wanted in a router table.
I wanted it to be sturdy, and have a reasonably large work surface. I think when I finish the top, it will probably be 34" wide by about 26" deep. I also wanted it higher than most tables. This one stands at 42" high which makes if very comfortable for me.
I decided to make a full cabinet to hold accessories and bits, too. I think Ill even include drill bits.
Finally, I wanted a router table that was relatively inexpensive to make, yet have some design style to it. The frame and panel construction is pretty easy and just required a bunch of 1x3s and some 1/4" plywood.
Next week, Ill work on the top and build a fence and runner system.
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