The New Year!

Hey there, sorry for the lack of posts lately. It is a new year and I am back into the project swing (and wedding swing ;)

My goal this year is to learn-me-some-wood. I have always had a fascination with wood working but it always seemed so complicated. Alyssa's father is a master woodworker and over the years it has been fun to see how the pros do it. He has been a real inspiration in getting my "woodshop" up and running...

I am really into the three R's right now: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. This pile of wood under the deck is going to be great to use for my first wood project.

I really like how these old boards are meant to snap together so I thought they would work as a table top.

*Editors note: I never really knew why you needed so many tools. NOW I know why. Not only has my tool arsenal exploded (everything purchased via craigslist) but a work bench has been built (also built from lumber leftover from the previous tenant). 

I picked the best boards and arranged them in a line. After that they were glued and clamped together. I am picturing a nice little bookshelf or side table.

After they dried I trimmed the remaining edge to straighten things up a bit. 

I used my new miter saw (purchased for $7) to make a frame and some supports for the length and nailed everything together by hand, which makes me really want a nail gun.

Then, sand til' you can't sand no more!

It is incredible the difference a good sanding job makes on a piece of wood. Tomorrow we are going to finish with a dark stain...

-E