M6Z's random projects

[m6z]

I'm going to try and tackle a few projects this summer. I'll try and document my attempts in this thread.

First up: patio bench loosely based off of this plan from Real Cedar. Due to cost I'll be building it out of a combination of pine, pressure treated pine and some bits of cedar.

 

[m6z]

Wood has been (mostly) bought, tools have been acquired and progress has begun. Also, thank you everyone who's given me pointers in the previous thread I posted about what tools I needed.

The miter saw and random orbital sander have been amazing. I would have struggled cutting everything with my job site table saw.

So far, I've spent about $300 on tools / $300 on wood / $100 on hardware and $50 on a gallon of stain.

 

[m6z]

I wanted to coat as much of the wood as possible, so I started by cutting the material lengths I knew and staining the individual pieces. Not the best results, but I've got a sander, so no big deal.





At this point it was either burning a day waiting for stain to dry or get the frame assembled and deal with the stain later.

I opted to get the frame assembled.

 

[m6z]

 

[m6z]

Slowly making progress. Ended up making the legs out of some scrap. Got the slats stained and the frame stained all over.

 

[m6z]

Some more done. I was pleasantly surprised that my tiny little air compressor ran the nailer. I had assumed I would have to buy something more powerful.

That leg isn't installed yet, just sitting there. Needs repositioned.

 

[m6z]

Seat slats mostly cut. I ran out of material..

 

[m6z]

The legs are fitted and the frame is stained. It ain't perfect and it's a whole lot of time to paint every surface, but I'm satisfied with the results thus far.

Got some of the slats stained too.

 

[m6z]

Another update. I've got somewhere to sit now, so that's nice.

 

[m6z]

I'm completely out of stain..

 

[stinkity stoink]

Looking good !!

 

[m6z]

Ordered a Kreg pocket hole jig and hardware for the top rail and ordered a couple of the seat cushions from IKEA to sample.

It's raining and windy, so I'll probably just stay inside for the day.

 

[m6z]

The tool spend so far..

HERCULES 3 Amp 5 in. Random Orbit Palm Sander with Soft Start with sandpaper $51

Metabo HPT 2.5-in 16-Gauge Pneumatic Finish NailerI tem #1166124 $100

Metabo HPT 10-in Single Bevel Compound Corded Miter Saw. $130

Kreg pocket jig and hardware $82

Bessey 40 Inch Capacity 4-1/2 Inch Throat Depth $104 (qty of two)

Save some money and do it yourself..

Wood $410
Stainless Screws and nails $170 (I'll have about 300 screws left over)
Three gallons of stain @ $50 a gallon

 

[WoodsTruck]

I have a deal with my wife: each new project comes with a new tool.

Can't figure out which project needs a plasma cutter though.

 

[m6z]

My morning.



My afternoon.

And if it's not obvious, this is my first DIY project working with wood.

That clamp came in handy, really glad I ordered that last week.

 

[tarbellb]

Those Bessey F clamps are a great buy
you will be using them a LOT

 

[m6z]

 

[m6z]

Back slats installed on the two short sides. I've still got the long side to cut, sand and stain.

I've also got a lot more sanding and staining on what you're looking at before I'm satisfied with it. I'm clearly not a painter, the back slats turned out a little better than the previous stuff, but I've still got runs. Guess I should have watched some tutorials before I started.. lol.

 

[m6z]

All the cushions arrived.

 

[m6z]

Finished up for now. I do plan to clad the two back sides that are exposed with some more 1 x 4's to give it a more finished look.

 

[WoodsTruck]

I think it would be easier to keep the cobwebs cleaned out as is.
Looks pretty good.

 

[m6z]

Made a couple of things with the scraps today.



The box is for my son's rock collection.

 

[m6z]

My boy wanted to plant some stuff, so the two of us knocked out this planter box yesterday.

 

[m6z]

Planted some wild flowers this spring and acquired some pavers, might be next year before I get around to setting them properly on a base.

My bench is holding together just fine. I'll probably get a fresh coat of stain on before winter.

 

[m6z]