I needed a way to get the attention of a company I am interested in with more than just my resume. So I decided to build my own puzzle box. With the help of an online plan, I redesigned the box to allow me to place my resume and a memory stick inside and send it to a person within the company that I thought might enjoy it. Though the company isn’t hiring right now, it did get the attention and a response. I hope it proves to keep in me in mind when they do start hiring again.

After installing the built-in bookshelf for my in-laws, I had quite a bit of scrap that was not large enough to be used. I needed a bookshelf of my own since my wife has recently enrolled in seminary and is accruing quite the collection of her own books. Using SolidWorks, I pieced together what I had available and came up with this monstrosity – 8’Wx6’H. Modern, simple, and easy dado joinery with screw fasteners. It’s more stable than I thought it would be and should be filled in no time, believe it or not.

My first built-in bookcase went rather well. The side window proved to be a bit of a problem to work around, so I chose to install an architectural reveal to allow as much light to enter the space as possible.

Laminated quarter-sawn white oak with Lyptus inlays and sealed with General Finishes – Exterior 450. The wood was an anniversary gift (my kind of gift!) and my wife wanted an outdoor bench – something heavy so it could sit in the front yard and not be easy for someone to pick up and run away with. I decided on the curves to minimize the amount of standing water on the bench. I created two MDF routing templates – one for the leg, and the other for the top and began first bandsawing close to the template, then routting with a double spiral bit and guide bearing to the template for a good finish. Routing quarter-sawn oak end grain is not my favorite thing to do! Drilling two small holes in the same location on each piece of the top, I was able to use a 1/4” dowel to line up the pieces for the glue up. The same concept was used for the leg sub-assemblies. Loose tenons are used in the leg joints. Inlays were added for fun. The sanding process took about 8 hours. Finishing was quick and easy. All in all, it was about 80 hours worth of work. It’s one of my favorite anniversary presents ever!
-Brady

As I mention in my profile, I was able to take a class with Michael Colca. He is an amazing furniture craftsman and woodworker in general. Though he uses Cherry for his Medina side tables, I decided on Alder and Walnut. Mostly for $ reasons, but the colors work better with my house interiors. I was amazed to learn of the tight tolerances from Michael and how a small offset can really create havoc. Though mine isn’t near as perfect as his Medina side table is, I will treasure it always. It’s built to last forever with all wood joinery except 4 tiny screws holding the top down. My favorite part of the table is the solid walnut drawer bottom. It seems to surprise everyone that opens it.

Since I just started woodworking, I decided to take a class at the local community college. It was definitely worth it. Not only did I find out about shop safety, where to expect tearout, and how to use the tools to the best of their ability, but I also was able to make this table. I decided on lyptus because I liked the environmental aspect and I loved the color. I’m waiting to see how it ages. Of course, I had someone helping me the whole way through, but I thought it turned out nice. Now I just don’t know where to put it!