One of the Many Projects Worked On, Using My Deck
7/15/17
These photos were taken on July 7, 2017, at 3:27
PM
The location was on the deck in the back of my
home in Bethesda, MD.
The "Take It!" came from my having made reference
to my back yard, and this deck, that overlooks it. When purchasing the house about 30 years ago, It was the back yard, as much as the house that sold me.
In the course of time, many projects have crossed
the deck, all of which I enjoyed, not only in the pursuit of concepts, but also to be able to be in the outdoors.
The project shown is the conversion of a shipping
crate for stained glass which I purchased from a glass studio in nearby Kensington, Maryland. The glass is shipped from Portland, Oregon to the studio, where the sheet glass is
sold to their many customers. The studio has used several of this type of crate for display purposes. After viewing their imaginative approaches in making display units from the
crates, I decided to follow a different line of though. It was to take the crate and fully disassemble it and basically turn it outside/in.
In order to accomplish the above, all of the
staples which hold it together, are removed. I wish I could say this was an easy task, but it is not. Through practice, I have gotten this step down to a little over an
hour.
The next step is to sand all the surfaces, being
careful to miss the print which has been stenciled with paint. I take it through at least two grades of sand paper - up to 220 grit, which gives it a very smooth finish. I then
reassemble the parts, again turning print inward as the backing for the shelves. I also leave an open space above these printed on backboards, in order to allow light from the
rear to shine through.
When the photos were taken, I had not yet
purchased the large casters which are put on the unit. I make certain to have all the casters, of the locking type. I am looking for the most maneuverability while placing the
unit.
For the moment, I have not applied any finish to
the unit, and am only considering a polyurethane, which is tough and when done in a satin clear - preserves the look of the raw material, which is pine.
The After Take: While I enjoy this kind of work
immensely, it is not the type of endeavor which allows socializing as I must wear protective head gear. There are head phone silencers for my ears, a respirator for my nose and mouth,
and safety glassless for my eyes. Thus, It is when I take a break, that I will be able to talk with someone.
All of this is by way of explanation of the joy
I derive from taking an Item which is destined for the trash and making it into a very useful accessory in my home.
Wishing everyone well,
Bruce
PS: I intend to show more photos of this unit when it has been
put in place and has started to serve the function I have in mind for it.
Write a comment
Jim (Wednesday, 19 July 2017 18:39)
Coming along really well, it'll be cool to see the finished work and what you do with it.
Sally (Wednesday, 19 July 2017 18:40)
My husband loves taking on projects like that, you should see our garage.
SF1967 (Wednesday, 19 July 2017 18:42)
There truly is nothing like taking some raw or recycled materials and creating something new and of your own design. It is a great feeling!
Teri (Tuesday, 25 July 2017 18:46)
I can relate to Mrs. Sally, our garage is just stilled with projects too.
thatoneguy (Tuesday, 25 July 2017 18:49)
ive never seen furniture made out of plywood very interesting
what made you decide to use it?
Gabe (Saturday, 29 July 2017 14:14)
Looks lightweight. I could use something portable like that.
MHampy (Saturday, 29 July 2017 14:17)
You got the carpentry bug. Teri and I had a good laugh discussing our hubby's projects. They don't seem to be quite as skilled at it, but oh well as long as they enjoy it!