Feb. 5 2009

Mike's Woodworking Projects

I have always loved to work with my hands.  When I was a kid, my parents would find me with the back off the TV, or sticking something in an electrical faceplate.  My Dad used to bring home old calculating machines from his job (These were monster General Ledger or accounting machines from Burroughs - They could be about half the size of a washing machine) and I would tear them apart to find out how they worked.  I've also been fascinated with building things out of wood.  I am a TV addict for all the woodworking and home fix-it shows.  Below is some of my work.

About the Adirondack Chair:  This was given to a GREAT friend - Todd Swaggerty.  He had been looking for a nice one for a long time, but couldn't find one.  I built it for him for Christmas. Of course, he didn't get it until the next may.  It always seems easier than it is... :)

About the Pantry:  I didn't take any pictures of this while building it, but it was a lot of very exacting work.  Basically you build a box and slide it into the closet.  Make sure it's VERY level and square.  Fasten it to the walls of the closet.  Building the sliding part and install it.  So, the pantry slide out is just a huge drawer.  I am SO pleased with how it turned out.  The last few pictures below show it.

About the cabinets:  I built all new upper cabinets for the kitchen remodel.  It was VERY time consuming.  Lots of planning, measuring , cutting, gluing, clamping, sanding, routing, etc...  It was the longest part of the kitchen remodel.  I also built all of the door panels for the upper and lower cabinets.  The panels are all raised panels out of MDF.  They look great, and I'm very proud of how they turned out.  To see that work, check out the Kitchen Remodel page.  The cabinets are featured there in all their glory.

About the stained glass:  I have always wanted to learn about making stained glass.  Michael convinced me to take a class and it was GREAT.  I really enjoy the process.  It's very cathartic.  I hope to combine my woodworking with my stained glass.  The kitchen cabinet was my first try.

The cut pieces The Adirondack parts are now cut out.	Plugs are cut Cutting plugs for the chair on my ShopSmith	Let the assembly begin
The other parts. Seat and Legs.	The back assembled more.	Look it has legs
The finished chair. I used SPAR varnish for outdoor survival.	another angle	another angle
From the back	The back side	The pantry closed
The pantry open	Cabinet and Stained glass designed and built by Mike	Mike's first stained glass window.

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This site was last updated Feb. 5 2009