Starting on Christmas presents

Nothing like making gifts for other people to lift your spirits. Sounds like a nice collection of projects!

Great idea. I’ve been starting to think about this year’s gift giving, and I’m definitely adding this to the list of ideas.

-- Steve -- University Heights, Ohio

hey dont for get me i hope i’m on that x-mas list,lol. these are gonna be some nice presents i hope the people who get them are happy cuz there hand made and come from the heart?

-- Ike, Big Daddies Woodshop,www.icombadaniels@yahoo.com

Do you have my address?

Can’t wait to see pictures.

-- Father of two sons. Both Eagle Scouts.

Hey Barbs
Glad your busy in the shop. Sounds like a great gift Idea.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

I’m delighted to hear you are back in the shop, Barb. Nothing like a holiday to push us past a project haunting us (i.e. your table) and on to creativity. I looked up both the clipboard/calculator hardware (Lee Valley) and ice cream scoop (Rockler). What nice gifts! What woods are you planning to use?

Barb,

Those sound beautiful. I hope you’ll put up pics.

I just started a classic “Carpenter’s Tool Box” for my wife’s about-to-turn 2 y/o grandson. I’ll fill it with plastic tools. It’s also my first crack at dovetails. He won’t be able to lift it, now, but … should have it for life.

I want to thank Grizzman for reminding me how much fun it is to do things like this for the little ones (or for others, generally).

Have fun!

-- -- Neil

Hi Autumn! and Everyone…
Okay, here is a photo of today’s prototype:

Comments welcome.

I glued two 16”x14” pieces of hardboard back to back, drilled for the attached clip with calculator and spring-holder for a pen, then drilled a shallow hole to inset a brass moon/stars jewelry thingy at the bottom. Others may be inlaid at the sides with borders. I have four of these to do.
The thing is a bit heavy, but is intended as a lap-board for bill-paying more than as a clipboard. I may attach an elastic strap across the upper left corner to hold onto checks or envelopes. I can use mahogany, but am afraid a thin piece even 12” wide will inevitably warp. The hardboard isn’t very pretty. I’ll think about it. Cherry ply might be best. What do you all think?

-- BarbS, Wenatchee WA

Barb, how thick is each piece of Harboard? Could you get away with one thickness? Either way, have you considered veneering the hardboard? Curly maple veneer or Cherry would be a nice touch. I like what you’ve done already and neat ideas for Christmas. Well done.

-- John @ Myrtle Beach

huff- 1/8” hardboard…had to double it because the clip is attached with nuts and bolts (tiny brass ones) to counter the force of the strong spring clip. Even at 1/4” the little bolts protrude behind and need to be filed off. Ply would definitely be lighter.

-- BarbS, Wenatchee WA

At 1/4” thickness, you could use just about any well-seasoned hardwood that is quarter-sawn without worry of cupping. I have some figured oak you are welcome to use. If you want something lighter in weight and stable, quarter-sawn western red cedar would do nicely. It would be even lighter than the plywood. Come visit the lumber shed and we’ll scrounge around.

That’s very generous of you..I’ll trade you for some lathe work you need!
I can only resaw on my Laguna to 12”, so that would cut the size down quite a bit, but maybe to no detriment. I’d love to paw through your wood stash..thanks.

-- BarbS, Wenatchee WA

Hand planing cedar—western red or yellow—is like slicing your hand through fog, especially with a sharp- bladed, well-tuned plane. With a poly finish, Alaskan yellow cedar looks like butter. Possibilities?

The way you describe things…you must be a writer.
Great possibilities!

-- BarbS, Wenatchee WA

Great idea for Christmas gifts. Clipboards (especially home grown ones) are a useful item. Can’t ever have too many.

-- Doug, New Mexico.......the only stupid question is one that is never asked!........don't fix it, if it ain't broke!