These are 2 of the few picture frames that we made while in Afghanistan. all made from 2×6 lumber. Finished with stain and clear enamel paint.

This is a project we did as an oasis/ memorial for our fallen. Our team did all of the woodwork including the fence. All built from 2×6 and 1×6. The roof was a first for us, wood shingles made from 1×6 cut to length and layered. finished with stain and varnish. the entire project was varnished. Also we made 2 benches that match the ones inside the gazebo to go around the fire pit. Local stone workers did the brick work and built the fire pit. The last pic is a plant stand i designed. Probably would make a nice stool too, lol.

Our CSM provided us with a dart board for the Lifeliner Oasis Memorial we built. However his requirements was that it had to be placed in a case. Made from 3/4 ply and finished some walnut stain and spar varnish.

Our last project for Afghanistan. Down at the Freedom Restoration Center, they have a lab named Timmy. Well, he needed a bed so we hooked him up. Frame made from construction grade pine finished with spar varnish. and the webbing for the bed made from old cargo ratchet straps.

This is my garden bench I made from the plans in Wood Magazine with a few modifications. Instead of using hardware and fasteners, I used just Gorilla polyurethane glue. Made form PT pine 4×4 and 2×6. Sprayed finish finished with Behr Premium Outdoor Wood Finish, Slate, solid color. Cushions are from Target.

This a splash table for my son. My wife mentioned she wanted one, and instead of buying a plastic one, we decided to build one to match our bench. It’s made from left over 2×6 PT pine milled to size, then finished with Behr Premium Outdoor Wood Finish, Slate, solid color. The tub is just a simple storage bin from Wal-Mart.

So sitting around BS’ing the other day and my buddy turns to me and says, “You know, I’d like to do some turning. Do you think you could make a lathe?” LOL he obviously knows how to challenge me. A few days later this is what I come up with. The frame is made from scrap 2×6’s we had. The head is a 1/2” HD Dewalt drill, which spins at 600rpm. Its single speed but who cares, I’M IN AFGHANISTAN, lol. To hold the stock, we have a lag screw in the chuck of the drill, which acts like a screw chuck. and on the tail we fashioned a bolt, sharpened to a point, mounted in some bearings we found.
For a tool rest I used a piece of 3/8 steel bar that was lying around. For now all we have is a bench chisel, which I’m going to lengthen the handle and regrind, and we have a gouge made out of some pipe we had. This things works WAY better than I had expected, lol.

I saw this design on the web for a folding chair and wanted to build one. So after some figuring and some jigsaw work, I had one, lol. It’s made from 1” AB plywood. Its a great lounging chair, just sit back and relax.

This is another chair I made here in Afghanistan. This one is of my own design after studying some interlocking plywood furniture pics. I sketched the whole thing in Google Sketchup. Its built from 1”AB plywood. there is a set of “ratcheting arms” in the back that allow the back rest to adjust. Also there is a wedge shape cut out on the back “leg” to allow for the whole unit to lean back slightly.

This is my first chair. it was made here in Afghanistan. Constructed from 1” AB plywood. the design is somewhat copied from an image I saw on the web (not sure who, sorry). I have been making these chairs of different designs and giving them away to soldiers.

This is our 26’x26’ point-to-point, Brigade symbol, affectionately known as the Death Star. It was originally built in ‘08 on my first go-round here in Afghanistan. One of our first projects when we got here this time was to renew the star. We re-sheeted the face with 3/4 ply, replaced the yellow trim with 1×8 clear pine, painted the entire thing, and replaced the “lost” symbols. It has became a local landmark and we think, can be seen from space lol.

This is the workbench I made for our shop. Its a torsion box style made from 1” plywood. base is just 2×4’s. Its very flat, level and heavy, lo, probably about 300 lbs. In the background you can see our 4’ circ saw guide made of 2 pieces of 1/4” plexiglass. It is outside as we do mos of our work outdoors. It doesnt rain much here, and the top is meant to be replaced.

Hey guys, so I have now been here in Afghanistan for about 3 months. I was tasked (because of my construction history and because someone showed my boss my page here on LJ) with the position of Brigade R&U (repair and upgrade). so they gave me very little tools, and really no place to work, so this is what we did. we started with a container and a screened porch or sorts. we closed in the porch, added an 8×8 and an 12×12 addition so we would have a place to secure tools and projects.

As part of our duties we are charged with remodeling/fixing of living quarters and office areas; building furniture; and new construction projects.

the last pic is the view from my shop.

I needing something to fill the space next to my hall cabinet plus I wanted a place to sit and take off my boots, so I made a pair of folding stools. I got the idea from Steve Marin, he did a video on these style of stools and I really liked the design. The base is made of oak and the seat is made from cherry, just some scraps I had laying around. Finished with 4 coats of spray lacquer.

Our two red eared sliders needed a place to sun themselves so I made this for them out of cedar.

So one day my wife decided to rearrange the furniture. When I came inside to see her progress she said she had a dilemma, no place to put the TV, (a 27’ tube TV). I was thinking of a solution, when she said lets get a flat screen and mount it to the wall. Score, a new TV and i didn’t have to ask for it, lol. So then she said, “Well we will need a place to put the component stuff, can you build one?” So then I built this. Made from leftover 3/4 birch and cedar from the desk finished in red mahogany polyurethane with an expanded metal door panels.

This is the desk that i Built for my wife and I. We wanted something where that would allow us to spend time together and still enjoy each others company. We have it setup next to the living room which allows me to hook up my computer to out flat screen and i can surf LJ on the big screen, lol. Plus we watch movies and recored TV through it. Made from 3/4 birch and cedar trim finished with minwax polycrylic. Oh and thats our short-hair, Roxy.

This is the bed i made for my wife. Its made from 3/4 birch ply and cedar trim. There are 4, 24”x24” drawers on casters, 2 on each side. Also there are 4 lights, 2 on each side, in the upper side beams connected to a dimmer. It is made to easily breakdown and setup with a socket and a screwdriver.

This was my first project with my lathe. the Handle is maple and the head is white oak with purple heart accents. I milled the faces square thinking I would like that but after using it i think I will need to angle them like a traditional mallet. Wax finish on the handle and lacquer on the head.

This is my lathe that i picked up for $50 with tools. It was in need of some TLC but a little scrubbing, oiling, painting and new bearings and belt, and its good as new. It was labeled as a duracraft 1236 (12” swing, 36” centers) but i found that like always craftsman had a very similar model sold under its name. Now i just need a chuck to get going on some bowls. Can’t wait.