| Project by JPKnapp | posted 177 days ago | 330 views | 0 times favorited | 10 comments |  |
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This is my first real project as all I have done so far is buy tools, read articles, and build shop jigs / furniture. Our screen door was in need of replacement, so I decided it was time to get to work. Even with something as basic as this project, it amazed me at how much I learned.
Pretty standard design, with vertical slats into grooves on the horizontal pieces. It’s all poplar and uses exclusively lap joints. I dont own a dado blade, so I used repeated cuts with my standard table saw blade. This is how I learned of the importance of the different angles of the saw teeth. ;=)
The screen is recessed into the back of the door with a 3/4” router pass. A screen that big is hard to get tight without throwing the frame off square. So it was necessary to set the screen frame into the door and then add the actual screen. Its held on the back with mirror hooks. The stain is normal outdoor deck stain. I wanted to match the cabinets and it turned out pretty good.
After install, I realized a very important aspect of building a door. Measure at multiple points along the door frame. Turns out that this door is about 1/4” off from square. So I had to adjust the door frame a bit.
Overall, I am decently happy with the results. And I am glad I started with something basic as a build my skill base.
-- I specialize in expensive mistakes.
10 comments so far
a1Jim
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16852 posts in 473 days
posted 177 days ago
Hey J P
This screen is great .half lap should do the job. super job looks very good.
-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon
oldskoolmodder
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707 posts in 575 days
posted 177 days ago
Good place to start. Doors can be tricky.
-- Respect your shop tools and they will respect you - Ric
lew
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4488 posts in 651 days
posted 177 days ago
In my opinion, your first project came out looking very professional!
Looking forward to seeing more of your work!
miles125
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1425 posts in 901 days
posted 177 days ago
Looks great. They make some nice spring loaded hinges that aren’t too expensive you should check out.
-- miles125, Alabama.."Architecture is frozen music""
Christopher
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563 posts in 816 days
posted 177 days ago
I am very impressed this is your first project. I need to build one of these myself. What kind of wood is it?
-- "That Government is Best that Governs The Least."-Jefferson
JPKnapp
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19 posts in 182 days
posted 177 days ago
Thanks all. I will try and find those hinges, and its all Poplar for the wood.
-- I specialize in expensive mistakes.
Durnik150
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536 posts in 217 days
posted 177 days ago
I think I threw away my first project so to have something work well for you the first shot out of the barn is pretty impressive. It sounds like you did your research before diving in and it looks like that made the difference.
Best wishes.
-- Behind the Bark is a lot of Heartwood----Charles, Centennial, CO
patron
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2409 posts in 237 days
posted 177 days ago
well you are on your way now !
nice work .
so whats next ?
-- david ,new mexico ,allheart
LesB
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550 posts in 339 days
posted 177 days ago
Very practical first project.
I had the same problem with one I made. The door frame was out of square so the screen does not fit correctly.Fortunately it is between the garage and the utility room so no one notices… except me. I also added a screened dog entrance to mine and I used a piece of fiberglass screen with a strip of lead weights at the bottom to keep it closed and hanging correctly.
-- Les B, Oregon
blackcherry
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730 posts in 718 days
posted 177 days ago
Every time I see a screen door the tune Thunder Road by the Boss pop into my head. Thanks for the post and the memories of days gone by…Blkcherry