Crosscut Trivet
April 16th, 2006Here are some plans for a crosscut trivet. What is a crosscut trivet you ask? Well, it’s a little device that effectively disperses heat to protect your countertop or table from hot dishes.
This has got to be one of the simplest woodworking projects around. The trivet is milled from a single piece of stock. You can mill the dado grooves using either a router table with a 1/2″ straight bit, or a table saw with a dado blade.
To make the trivet start out by ripping and crosscutting a 6-1/2″ X 6-1/2″ blank of 3/4″ thick red oak or black cherry. Be sure to sand the faces and edges smooth and flat.
Next, cut the dados starting from the outside ones. You’ll probably want to cut them in multiple passes. Once you set your fence to the proper dimension, you should be able to make 4 seperate cuts. Two cuts on the top 180 degrees apart from each other, and two cuts on the bottom perpendicular to the cuts on the top.
After completing the dados, sand lightly to break the sharp edges. Don’t apply any finish since the hot cookware could melt it.
Simple Workbench
April 15th, 2006
Here are some free plans for a sturdy, easy to build simple workbench made from standard 2-by stock. It uses a solid core door for the top. You’ll need five 8′ long 2×4s, two 8′ long 2×6s, and two 8′ long 2×2s. Be sure to select clean and straight lumber. You want to select dry stock too in order to minimize the possibility of warpage later on.
This workbench as drawn will accomodate someone around 5′ 10″ tall. I’m actually 6′ 5″ tall so I increased the height of my legs a little so the bench would be more comfortable for me. When adjusting the bench, be sure to adjust parts K and L equally. By doing so the lower shelf will remain the same distance from the floor.
Presents - 1984
April 8th, 2006
Fern tried to introduce a new ornament each year. 1984 was no exception with the introduction of this one.
As his business began to grow, Fern found that he had to find ways to balance his shop time and his time on the road selling. The actual presents on this sled were pre-painted, purchased items found at many craft stores. Not having to make and paint each one saved countless shop hours.
Notice the different hardwoods used in the construction. The skis were likely made from white oak. The upper and lower rails were probably sycamore. And the seat bottom and back look like they may have been quartersawn black walnut. Believe it or not, a large majority of the woods Fern used to make these ornaments he aquired for free as scrap.
Download your free plans here.
Simple Bookcase
April 7th, 2006
Here are the plans to a very simple bookcase. I built this one out of pine with a plywood back. They don’t get much simpler than this.
Wood Database
April 7th, 2006Check out the Wood - Colors and Kinds database. It is derived from an October 1956 publication of the USDA Forrest Service titled Agricultural Handbook No. 101. The original work is in the public domain, but I obtained permission from the Forrest Service to reproduce it here anyway.
If you happen to download the publication from the Forrest Service, notice that the color plates for the Western larch/Douglas-fir and Western hemlock/White fir are identical. I happen to own an original 1956 copy of the pamphlet. I was able to scan the pictures for the Western hemlock and White fir so that this website is correct.
Fe-Jo Flyer - 1983
March 30th, 2006
By 1983 Fern decided to go full time and start a new business. He felt he needed a more detailed design so he came up with the Fe-Jo Flyer. It was an even bigger success than his original Hoppy Holidays ornament, and his business “Christmas with Fe-Jo” was born.
Each part of the ornament is made from a different type of hardwood in order to add some contrast. The Fe-Jo Flyer logo is actually printed on with a silk screen. The “handle” is pinned on with a rivet and actually moves mimicking the steering of the old Radio Flyer sleds. Quite a bit of work went into this little ornament.
Download your free plans here.
Hydroponic AutoPot Planter Box
March 29th, 2006
Over the weekend I built a couple planter boxes to hold my Hydroponic AutoPots. I didn’t want just a square box, so I came up with this design.
Each box uses about 1 - 1″ X 12″ X 8′ Cedar board for the front and sides, and about 1-1/2 - 1″ X 2″ X 8′ Pressure Treated boards for the bottom shelf.
Although I designed these planter boxes specifically to hold my Hydroponic AutoPots they can also be used with regular pots. Please feel free to download your own free plans for the Hydroponic AutoPot Planter Box.
Hoppy Holidays - 1982
March 29th, 2006
Like most of us who are frustrated with our “day” jobs, my uncle, Fern Morin, decided it was time for a change. In the spring of 1982 he decided to do a trial run and mass produced several hundred of these Christmas ornaments out of his small garage shop. His wife Joni hand painted each and every one.
Little did they know what started out as an “experiment” would eventually turn into a full time business. The ornaments were a huge success and sold well.
On August 23, 1992 Fern and Joni were killed in a train accident. I feel the best way for me to honor their memory is to share some of Fern’s woodworking designs with you. Please feel free to download your own free plans for the Hoppy Holidays Christmas Ornament.