Source of Woodworking Projects to Make

[Al Launier]

Great suggestions all. Thank you. I'm off & running with new ideas.

Glenn, I've always enjoyed making bandsaw boxes and you've given me some good ideas for some more, plus the kiddy banks. Thanks!

[Chris Damm]

I never have to look for projects......I have a wife for that!

[Perry Hilbert Jr]

For some, it appears that "woodworker's block" is a real thing. We had "chef's block" My wife and I, as almost empty nesters, fell into a routine in the kitchen. It really does not seem worth the time we once took to prepare meals for 5, to prepare for two. So we started trying some new recipes and new ideas in the kitchen. On a few things, the recipe sounded much better than the final product tasted. I signed up for a flour company's recipe program and get two or three recipes with pictures per day. One or two a week are worth trying. Anyway, the internet has a lot of places to find inspiration for shop projects. Particularly, at places like etsy or pinterest. Another thing is to consider branching out into a mixed project, like a nautical styled chest of drawers with a brass tacked copper top. Folks along the coast really eat that stuff up. Or a piece with 18th century long rifle style German silver inlays or wire inlays. I have a few grandchildren and wish I had time to make the items that have been floating around my imagination. Perhaps like me, you have an idea for a project, but not the skill or tools. There are classes and places to learn skills, and sometimes even get access to the tools to try it out. I have a free class tomorrow to attend in the next county north. I joined my local wood turning club, and the net work of members who have side wood working interests that I can learn from is a gold mine. I really want to learn to spin a few metal items, to cast a few parts out of aluminum or brass, etc. I am also trying to work a deal to volunteer/work at a wheel shop for a few weeks so I can learn how to make serviceable wooden spoke wheels. (I have already made a pint size carriage for a child, but the wheels set me back $400.00, lost it in a house fire.) Then comes the black smithing to make the steel tires for the wheels. One path sort of leads to another. I also have a cannon barrel (fireable, bronze 1.25 inch bore) to make a carriage and wheels for, maybe even a caisson and wheels. A fellow I met a few years back, started with a wood lathe, moved to a metal lathe and built working model steam engine trains and before he died, built one that could haul him and all his grandkids around the yard.

[Myk Rian]

This rocking horse has so far lasted through 2 grand kids, and 3 great grand kids.
For yourself, how about a tool chest?

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[Mel Fulks]

Myk,two nice projects there. The horse is clearly gentle ,and the chest is way ahead of the fine commercial ones. Love the drawer configuration and grain matching.

[Myk Rian]

Thanks, Mel. The horse was from plans I purchased. The tool chest was from Shopnotes that I adjusted to my taste. I can email the chest plans if anyone wants them.

[Ole Anderson]

You are not alone Al. Almost all of my bigger projects were from someone else's plans. It is getting that I only use my shop for things that need to be done. Or to help my grown son with simple projects. My latest was something to put between two bookshelves (done a bunch of those, all the same basic design) to support a new 50" flat screen TV for my man cave. Until a few days ago my 27" Mitsubishi sat on my wife's high school cedar hope chest. I suddenly realized I was trying to come up with something with drawers and doors, when all I really needed was a 45" shelf to span the two natural oak bookcases. I used oak plywood and dolled up the front with a 5" deep piece of black walnut with a dark black cherry stain with a gentle curve on the bottom. Supporting the plywood on the ends was plywood with pocket screws and on the back a piece of 1.5 x 1.5 oak for reinforcement. Screwed both ends to the bookcases and project done. Well. not quite. I didn't like the beat up finish on her hope chest, so my next project is refinishing it. Got the top done, ah the sweet smell of aromatic cedar...looking forward to finishing that one.

[Alan Rutherford]

In your situation, I'd make a bassinet. It's needed briefly but urgently for a newborn. It's not worth buying one. It can be passed around to countless familes. And you can make it so there is a space where everyone including you can sign their name and date.

I have no idea where the one we used several decades ago came from. I believe it was partly wicker and/or thin basket-weave slats. I recall touching up a painted surface before passing it on. I don't know where it went but it could still be circulating out there.

[dennis thompson]

You might want to make some toys to display in your grandson's room. Here is a pirate ship I made for my grandson. There are several places on the internet where plans for toys are available to purchase.
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