Simple and Inexpensive Wood Projects

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Assembly

On a flat surface, lay two of the 1" x 2" x 12" strips you have just ripped. Across these strips lay two of the 1" x 6" x 18" boards with their cutoff corners facing each other. Align one strip along the top edge of both pieces and screw it securely there, using two screws per board. The quickest way to screw the pieces together is using a Phillips-head screwdriver bit in a variable-speed drill. Next, position the bottom strip 4 1/4" up from the bottom and screw it into place. Repeat this procedure with the other two 1" x 2" x 12" strips and 1" x 6" x 18" end boards.

Next take the two 1" x 6" x 22" boards, place them flush against the end boards on top of the strips you just mounted, and screw them from the top side down into the strips.

Place the 1" x 6" x 24" boards on top of the bench, align them flush with the end boards, and screw them into place. Be sure to put the precut handle notches together in the center of the top.

Finally, position the two 1" x 4" x 24" boards along the sides, even with the bottom of the 1" x 6" x 22" boards, completing the tool tray, and screw them into place (two screws at each end and three spaced along the bottom).

Your tool bench is complete! Gather the tools you need for a particular job in the tray, tote the stool to the site, and you can sit on it and work, stand on it to reach higher places, or use the bench to saw or chisel on.

SHOW OFF YOUR COLORFUL CANNED GOODS

If you take pride in canning summer produce, then this easy-to-build, inexpensive set of shelves may be just right for you. It is similar to a self-standing book shelf and provides a large amount of storage while allowing the colorful harvest goods to be shown off. And it makes keeping inventory a snap.

The only tools necessary for completing this project are a circular saw, a carpenter's square, a tape measure, a chalk line, a hammer, and a pencil. The materials list is equally straightforward: seven 1" x 6" x 8' boards and 1/2-pound of 12d nails.

I approached this project as a rustic country pantry shelf, so I purchased roughcut pine lumber. If you prefer a more refined looking shelf then you may purchase dressed lumber from your local building supply. Pine or poplar should be available just about anywhere and are very good woods for this project, being light, durable, and very easy to work with. Also, you may go as far as sanding and finishing your shelves, but I just kept mine simple and rustic.

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