4 small Hand tool project ideas -lots of pics

[Mike Allen1010]

I don't have as much time to post is I would like, but thought I would share these four relatively small hand tool project ideas for those who might be looking for new project inspiration. None of these required very much lumber and all have been seen as practical/usable and appreciated by recipients. I find these relatively small projects good place to try out new techniques like marquetry, carving inlay etc., but the real truth is I'm pretty much in it for the hand cut joinery and planed surfaces.



Small box with marquetry and carving - guess it could be used as a jewelry box.











Stepstool with some fun, angled through , wedged M&T joinery.










Silverware chest with some inlay. I made several and they've been fairly popular with ladies in my family. They seem to particularly like the felt drawer liners – who knew?

[Mike Allen1010]

Greene & Greene inspired shoe rack. I keep making these for family home use and then someone sees them and asks for one. I think this is my fourth iteration and I'm kind of settled on the joinery, features I enjoy the most.











Thanks for looking! All the Best, Mike

[Bruce Volden]

Skillz man!!!
Very nice work!

[Edward Weber]

All very nice work.

I do take one small exception with the wedged M&T on the top of the stool, incorrect orientation IMO

[Mike Allen1010]

All very nice work.

I do take one small exception with the wedged M&T on the top of the stool, incorrect orientation IMO

You’re right Edward, I should have oriented the wedges so pushing forces were along the grain instead of cross grain which could risk splitting the top- good catch.

[Mark Rainey]

Fantastic work Mike. Quite a display of hand tool operations.

[Scott Winners]

Greene & Greene inspired shoe rack.

That is a beautiful thing. If you wanted to keep maybe gym shoes and work boots on the lower shelves, how would you put a door in front of the lower shelves, but leave the top open for nice/ pretty shoes?

[Frederick Skelly]

Beautiful work Mike!

[Andrew Hughes]

I like the shoe rack the best!

[Mike Allen1010]

That is a beautiful thing. If you wanted to keep maybe gym shoes and work boots on the lower shelves, how would you put a door in front of the lower shelves, but leave the top open for nice/ pretty shoes?

Hey Scott. If it were me , I would I inset a hinged door in front of the lower compartments you want to enclose so that It fits between the sides. dYou would need to trim the front of the enclosed shelves but you got that.

[Ben Ellenberger]

Thanks for posting those! There are lots of nice details that give me some inspiration for future projects. I especially like the shape of the pulls on your silverware chest.

Stepstools are great gifts for people with little kids. I made one for my nieces and it gets hauled between the bathroom and the kitchen to help reach the sink to wash their hands or when they want to help prepare a meal.

[Mel Fulks]

Beautiful stuff ! But the Greene and Greene always reminds me of camp crafts…. Were you ever a Boy Scout General ?
Good to see you back ! I’d like to see a couple of wooden guys eating lunch on the top of that build they are working on !

[Mike Allen1010]

Beautiful stuff ! But the Greene and Greene always reminds me of camp crafts…. Were you ever a Boy Scout General ?
Good to see you back ! I’d like to see a couple of wooden guys eating lunch on the top of that build they are working on !

Didn’t think of it until you mentioned it, but shoe rack does kind of look like on of those 1930’s era high rises under construction in those old black and white photos of workers dangling off girders eating their lunch!!!

[Carl Beckett]

These are great. They instantly have the look/feel of 'antique/artistry' craftsmanship.

[Christopher Charles]

I'll echo the others-you got skills!

And the finishes look great too, especially on the shoe rack.

Best,
Chris