Ted's WoodWorking Review - An Honest Customer Opinion

I was at archetypal precise disbelieving of Ted's carpentry but past I denatured my mind.
Here's why.

My name is Ryan Riley and I am a woodwork hobbyist, just like you, and I spend some time on the internet eprecise week reading up on my favorite hobby.
Over the past few months I have been constantly bombarded with ads which promote downloadable woodworking plans.  I was precise attracted to the plans on offer as I find the hardest and most time consuming part of  my woodworking is the actual design stage of my projects.  I much prefer the 'hands-on' stuff.  So at archetypal, I was precise excited by, but at the same time precise disbelieving about what these ads were offering. But in the end curiosity got the better of me and I decided that I would purchase these plans so that I could delve in and see what all the fuss was about.  One of the sets of wood project plans was from  a woodworker named Ted McGrath. And on his website he promised me 16,000 woodworking project plans and some bonuses.  Now after a bit of online searching I had heard quite a lot of bad things about Ted's woodworking and was a bit apprehensive about buying.  The offer seemed a bit too good to be true but the way I was going to find out was, of course, to purchase them.  Which I did. I haven't looked back since.

The video below will show you what you will get when you purchase Ted's woodworking plans.  I go through each aspect of the product and give you my honest opinion.   I am precise thorough with my analysis so if you do not have 45 minutes to spare past please enjoy my written review which is beneath the video.



I went and bought the deluxe version of Ted's woodworking plans ($67) and although the product did have some downfalls I was largely pleased with the quality of the product and also of the bonuses that were delivered.  
Below is my personal review.  I hope this review will help you come to a decision as to whether buying these woodwork plans is right for you and your woodworking hobby.

Introduction

If you have looked at the Ted’s woodworking website and are considering purchasing Ted’s woodworking plans past please read this review before you purchase.  I have purchased the deluxe plans package and I will provide you with what I think is an accurate description and personal opinion of the product offered by Ted McGrath.  I also have created a video, just for visitors of this blog, where I show you exactly what lies in wait for you after you make the plunge and purchase Ted’s Wood Working.

First of all, I would like to say I was pleased overall with the quality of the plans provided by Ted McGrath.  All the plans were well detailed although some were more detailed than others.  But at least each plan was complete.
Most of the bonuses were good but some of the bonuses I felt weren’t quite up to scratch.  I will go through them one by one towards the end of this blog post.
When you fill in your billing details located here you will be past issued a membership number and a password login which brings you into a section of Ted's website where you can access all the plans.  Ted past offers you to upgrade to the 'Deluxe Edition' (for an extra $37).  The 'Deluxe Edition' is basically some extra plans and software.  


Ted also offers you the opportunity to purchase a DVD which contains all the plans available in the member's area.  The DVD costs an extra $20 (inclusive of worldwide shipping) but if you do not feel like manually downloading all the plans (which does take quite a bit of time :/) this might be the option for you.  I didn't bother though.

Break Down of the bonuses

Ted’s Bonus #1 DWG/CAD Software

Basically this software that allows you to view and edit CAD files.  It is quite good and if you have experience with software and you are kind of technically savvy past you will not have any problem using this software.  Although I feel that a lot of folks may have difficulty using the software which is why I have created a special bonus for you guys if you visit Ted’s website via any link on this page and make your purchase.  I will them email you the videos and ebook.  Only visitors of this blog can avail of this unique opportunity.
I would give this bonus 3.5 out of 5.  I would have it '4' but the software isn't all that user friendly

Ted’s Bonus #2 150 Videos Members Area

The videos collection is quite a handy resource which does provide many “how to” woodworking videos.  I think the majority of these videos are hosted on YouTube and other video sharing websites.  So these are already available on the web!  I have not watched each individual video but the ones I have seen are good, packed with lots of tips, and I guess it is handy to have them all located in the same place.  The videos are organized in order of the type of wooden object being made in the video e.g. cabinets, bookcases, tables etc.

I am going to give this bonus 3 out of 5

Ted’s Bonus #3 How to Start a carpentry Business

This 20 page e-book does contain good information but at the same time it is kind of common sense knowledge that most people would know already.  The book goes through the main areas needed to start a woodworking business like tools needed, where to find places to sell your self-made items, how to evaluate your competitors and how you can get them to work with you. The concluding chapter of the book discusses some other important factors you may need to consider when staring up a wood working business.

To be honest I think the book was thrown together at the last minute and even though the information in the book is good I think Ted could have provided more information and more resources.  Information concerning the legal obligations of the woodworker who wishes to sell his products should have been covered and also maybe things like the tax information.  It does tell you about business licenses but just tells you that you need one, lol.

I would give this bonus 2 out of 5.

Ted’s Bonus #4 Complete carpentry Guides

This bonus is a series of ebooks which gives you tips and advice on how to work well with wood.  Some of the topics covered include sawing techniques and how to finish your wooden projects i.e. what finishes are suitable for what kind of finishes are suitable for different projects.

I would this woodworking guide bonus 3 out of 5.

carpentryPlansreappraisaled.blogspot.com  BONUS!!!

When I decided to write a review for this product I thought of the ways in which I could make it a much better deal for my blog readers.  I feel the Ted’s woodworking product is good on its own and fantastic value for $67.  But I thought if I could “fill in the gaps” of the product past this would make it an altogether better product.

So I have made an ebook and a series of tutorial videos which will teach you how to successfully install and use the CAD/DWG viewer software (It’s kind of tricky).  I really want you to get the most out of your purchase and I feel you may be put off using the software if you are unsure as of how to start using it.  So I have gone through all that “annoyance” for you and made videos and wrote an ebook.

Now this offer is only available to the readers of this blog and it doesn’t matter if you are new to this site or if you have been following it for a while.

If you wish to purchase Teds Wood Working and you want to avail of my special bonus past you must visit Teds Wood Working from any of the links on this site past and make the purchase.

When you purchase Ted’s Wood Working you will be issued a receipt number.  If you send me this receipt number I can verify that you did purchase TWW from this site and past I will email you a download link where you can download my videos and ebook.


Final Word


I am sure that you stumbled upon my blog because you were unsure as to whether 'Ted's woodworking' was right for you.  I mean any successful woodworking project relies on a good plan and if you are the sort of person that doesn't want to spend time designing projects past I would definitely recommend Ted's carpentry plans for you!  The product does have its flaws but past so does eprecise product you buy.  If you eager to start turning out beautiful wooden projects, one after another past these are the plans for you.  I am not telling you to buy these plans but if you are looking for a library full of decent plans past I would urge you to at least consider buying them.


Feel free to comment on this blog post if you have any questions and I WILL answer each one!
Happy carpentry,


Ryan Riley

How to Start a Woodworking Business

If you rich person of all time wondered how to beginning a carpentry business, past this is nonfiction is active to aid you do that. carpentry is a craft that can see you earn a decent second income. Wood is abundant, readily available and a very versatile material that is very often used to make items of furniture. The thing is that you often know a lot more than the average folks when it comes to carpentry. There is probably a lot of information and know-how that you take for granted. What seems easy for you may seem very difficult for other people and here lies a serious money making opportunity. There are people who love carpentry, but just do it as a hobby and that's fine. The good news is that if you rich person interest & even a basic basic ability in carpentry, past transforming it from a hobby to business is quite effortless and this nonfiction is just active to give you an outline into how this may be done.

As you will see the barrier of entry is very low into this business. It is very easy to beginning a small carpentry business and there are many carpentry ideas to make money with.

What you will need:

                                                                                                                      

1. Tools

A good set of tools is essential. You can borrow or buy these but you may want to shop around and check the classified newspapers or the online classifieds e.g. craigslist.org. I am sure that there are lots of people advertising their tools for pennies on the dollar. The kind of tools that you will need for your projects will depend on the nature of your business. If you want to beginning selling small items e.g. tables, chairs and/or toys, past having simple hand tools may prove to be adequate. Larger projects may need bigger tools.

You will at least need the following tools:

1. Carpenter's pencil
2. Tape measure
3. Stanley knife
4. Saw
5. Hammer
6. An assortment of nails/screws.
7. Tri-square
8. Sandpaper
9. Small plane
10. Assortment of screw drivers (phillips & flat)

Craigslist.org, as I rich person mentioned before, is one of the biggest websites of its kind and there's plenty of people offering their tools for sale and sometimes for free.  It is most popular in the USA where there are sections for of all timey state.  If you live in America this will be a very useful resource if you need to find tools & even wood for your carpentry business.

You need to rich person clearly marked out your niche. carpentry is a broad subject that can see you produce anything from a simple birdhouse all the way to production of office and home furniture. You need to copyright your products to avoid cases where people can steal your ideas for their own benefit.

Make sure you advertise. Again the classifieds can be a huge source of revenue for you that is if you don't want to make your own website. Ebay has been around for about 15 years and is still active strong. Which just proves that people buy stuff from one another over the internet and are completely comfortable doing so. There are many ways that you can advertise your products. You can use the internet. Using the internet will need you to put up a website. You can rich person a variety of sample pictures on the website. You also need to know all the ways of putting up a good website if you want to get enough traffic. You need to use the internet to not only advertise, but also to sell. With the website you will be able to tap into potential markets that cuts across country boundaries.

2. carpentry Plans

The amount of money you make from your carpentry will be directly proportional to the ease and speed at which you build your projects.  This being said the fastest way to get building your projects will be if you rich person the plans already.  Plans rich person been carefully thought out and I do recommend that you purchase a good set of plans.  Trying to design your own projects is only active to cost you lots of time and there is no point in reinventing the wheel.

4. Wood

Wood can be sourced from numerous places.  Even scrap wood can be cleaned up and turned into beautiful carpentry project.  Stripping down old pallets can be a useful source of wood and nearly of all timey business in town will rich person some that they were active to throw out anyway. Again check Craigslist.org!

3. A Workshop

It would be great if you could rich person the use of a big workshop full of the latest machinery and tonnes of wood.  This may not be a realistic option for you but all really need is a workbench and an empty room in your house.  If you live in a dry region past you may even prefer to build your carpentry projects outdoors.  You will probably need a clamp on your bench.

4. An Advertising Stream

This can be as easy as telling your friends that you rich person stuff for sale.  Other methods will include posting adverts on classifieds (online and offline).  Below is a list of classified type websites that will aid get you beginninged on making decent income from your carpentry.

Posting an advert on any of these sites is free.

ebay.com (International)

vendanything.com (USA)

craigslist.org (International)

gumtree.com (USA)

gumtree.co.uk (UK)

gumtree.com.au (AU)
gumtree.ie (IE)
gumtree.co.za (ZA)

backpage.com (International)

kijiji.com (CA)
cdncc.com (CA)

donedeal.ie (IE)

ukclassifieds.co.uk (UK)
trademe.co.nz (NZ)
nzherald.co.nz/classifieds (NZ)
global-free-classified-ads.com
getyardsale.com

Of course at the end of the day word of mouth is very powerful and advertising a yard sale may end up being a terrific income stream especially if you live in a built up area.

Making your own website
If you plan on making a catalogue of items and let your customers browse your website for items to buy past you may easily do this.  There are many great resources out there to aid you beginning your own ecommerce store.  To beginning a website you basically need a domain name and some hosting.  The domain name is basically the .com or the .dot org name.  Your website will need hosting to store all the files that your website contains, for example the pictures of your carpentry projects and the text of your site.  As long as the carpentry business owner can commit to delivering the goods of all timeything else is easily done even if you don't rich person good web technology skills.  Tip: if you sign up with bluehost for your website hosting past you get a free domain.

carpentry ideas
There is no end to the range and scope of carpentry business opportunities.  There are literally thousands of items you could build and sell.  So the name of the game here is to build quickly and cheaply any carpentry item that has a high value.  The more valuable people see the item the more you can charge.  I will go into more detail with this later on in this series of carpentry business beginningup blog posts.

Thanks for reading my blog post.  I hope that you rich person gained value from this post.  I will be updating this blog with many different nonfictions and tutorials.  I hope that you take the plunge and make a good income with your carpentry business beginningup.

Best Regards,
Ryan Riley

Woodworking Business Ideas - What To Build To Make Profits

I return it that you are into protrusive your own carpentry trade business. Perhaps you are stuck for carpentry business ideas?  If you plan on selling your carpentry from your own garage or yard then this article may help you start some creative thinking as to what you are going to produce for your carpentry business.  This is a critical step.  If you know what you are going to be making then you will know what tools you will need and the plans you will need to secure.

1. Toy making

Does the figure $19,595,000,000 mean anything to you?  No?  Well that's the estimated annual sales just from the top 9 toy makers in the world (source: TheRichest.com)!  So with that in mind don't you think that toys sell very well?  They are not even that hard to make but they have a high perceived value which means that it will be easy to get parents to part with their cash to make their kids happy.  Out of curiosity, I did a Google image search for the keyword 'simple wooden toys' just for some inspiration on what toys could easily be made. Take a look!  Now if you have any carpentry experience then you will know that these are very easy to make and I would say that any of them would easily fetch $10 on the market. The added bonus with making wooden toys is that they are a lot of fun to make and are going to make some kid happy.  Obviously just make sure that any toy you give a kid is sanded smooth and protect with a non toxic wood finish.

Collection of Wooden Toys

2. Furniture building

Beautiful and practical is what all furniture in the home should be and the furniture market is enormous. If you keep up to date with latest fashion trends then you will have more of an easy time selling your furniture. You can sell your home made furniture online on sites like ebay.com, craigslist.org, backpage.com.   Just have a search and you will see that wooden furniture is being sold all the time all over the world by woodworkers.  If you can reverse engineer and see what furniture is being sold time and time again then you incorporate this into your furniture building efforts. And on the same theme as the toy making above don't forget children's furniture which can be made from children's furniture plans.

Simple & Stylish Wooden Breakfast Table

3. Fence building & repairs

Every home needs a perimeter fence.  And all fences need replacing at some stage.  So there will always be a need to either build new fences or be in the fence repair business. Luckily for you fences can be made inexpensively by stripping pallets for their wood and nailing them to lengths of 4 by 2 planks. Like in this picture below. A 3.5 ft by 8 ft fence panel sells for up to $25 if you check online stores like Lowes.

Basic Wooden Fence Panel

Thank you for reading this blog post.  I hope that it has been useful and maybe sparked some creative ideas for your carpentry business startup.  This is obviously not a fully comprehensive list of wooden articles that could be made but they prove to be very profitable.

Homework:

It's not going to be hard!

It may be best to study your local wooden furniture shop.  Take note of all the types of things that get sold regularly.  Also return note of all the items that could easily be made with simple carpentry tools.  Another exercise would be to return note of what sells on ebay and for how much and come with ways you could out-value each piece and devise ways in which you could make it cheaply.

How to Build a Poker Table - Step by Step Instructions

This station volition teach you on how you can build a stove poker tabular array measure by measure.  The finished stove poker tabular array is shown in the photograph below.  The tabular array is octogonal and has cut outs to hold cards, stove poker chips and beverage cups.  The board is finished with stain and glossy clearcoat varnish; also the playing surface is covered in felt.  All materials are cheap and readily available at any builders providers or hardware store.  This tabular array could easily be made over a couple of weekends depending on your woodworking experience and using modest woodworking tools.  It would make for a very cool addition to any man cave!  I got my stove poker tabular array plans here along with 150 other tabular array plans.

 

Finished stove stove poker tabular array that you, yes you can make!

 

 



 

measure 1 - Materials and Tools

 Materials List and approximate prices:

3/4' birch plywood 4' x 8' (2)

$72

3/4' birch plywood 4' x 4' (1)

$26

6'x3' 3/4' thick pine boards (4)

$21

6'x8' 3/4' thick pine boards (4)

$48

2.5 Yards of Hunter Alova Suede

$14

2 yards quilting batting

$16

Plastic Cup Holders (8)

$43

3M spray Adhesive 77

$9

1/2' staples

$3

#8 - 1 1/4' Wood Screws

$5

1 1/4' Finishing Nails

$3

Minwax Stain

$5

Minwax Pre-conditioner

$7

Minwax Quick-Dry Glossy Polyurethane

$8

Elmer's Wood Glue

$5

#10 Biscuts

$7

25' Leather Texture 3/4' T-Molding

$16  

TOTAL

$306

 

 Tools I used:

• Sliding compound mitre saw
• Circular Saw
• Bar clamps
• Hand held sander
• Router
• Electric Staple Gun
• Cordless drill
• Plate joiner kit

measure 2 - Cutting for each side of octogan

Firstly, start with your 6'x8' 3/4' thick pine boards.  These volition be cut into 8 pieces and volition form the perimeter of the top surface of the stove poker tabular array.  These volition be routered out later to allow space for cups and chips/cards.

 

  

measure 3  - Cutting edge piece/molding

Next take your 6'x3' 3/4' thick long pine boards and using a drop saw or hand saw (with mitre box!)cut them roughly 1' longer than the longest edge of the 8 pieces that you have just cut in measure 2.  These volition be nailed and glued along the edge of the tabular array top as a finish molding.

 

 

measure 4 - Gluing up each side of octogan

The next measure volition involve nailing and gluing the pieces cut in measure 3 to the pieces cut in measure 2.

I did mention that the pieces cut in measure 3 ought to be about 1' longer than the longest edge of the piece cut in measure 2.  This difference volition be split so that the pieces from measure 3 volition stick out 1/2' on each side of each piece (longest edge) from measure 2.  This was to ensure that there is enough material to trim off at the appropriate angle i.e. flush and inline with edges of the pieces made in measure 2.  Nails out to be punched below the surface and then later filled with appropriate colored wood filler.

 

 

 

measure 5 - Cutting each side to correct length and angle

The next measure is to trim up the assembly on both sides such that each edge of the assembly is at the same angle.   This is done using the mitre saw.  Please ensure that your mitre saw is at the correct angle.  Double check to be sure!  Run your finger along the cut edge to ensure that the surface is smoothe and the edge of each piece is aligned.

 

 

The image on the right below shows the desired result.

 





 

 

measure 6 - Cutting out for cup holder

Using a hole saw cut a hole wide enough to allow the cup holders to fit snugly.

 

 

measure 7 - Cutting out for chips storage

The next measure involves cutting the rectangular hole out which volition allow each player to store his/her chips/cards.  I did this by drilling a hole within the outline of the rectangle to allow the jigsaw blade to get started then slowly and carefully cutting out the material.  Patience is key here, as I would imagine you want a smooth straight finish.  Tip: Clamp a piece of straight edge to run your jigsaw against.  This volition ensure a very straight cut.  This isn't shown in the diagram by the way.

 

 

measure 8 - Dry Assembly

At this stage, all going well, you should have 8 assemblies exactly like that in the picture above on the right.  It would make very good sense at this stage to dry fit the assembly to ensure that all edges join up with no gaps, if you what I mean.  They then can joined permanently.

 

 

measure 9 - Gluing up final assembly

Assuming that measure 8 went well, the next measure volition be to cut out holes for the biscuits using the jointer and then gluing up the assembly.  The pieces volition be held together using clamps in the positions shown on the image on the right below.

 

 

The final assembly volition first be glued and allowed to dry in half.  This is shown in the photo below.

 

 

 

Once the glue has dried, the two halves are then glued together on the flat as shown below in the picture.

 

 

 

measure 10 - Cut plywood base

The next measure is to cut the plywood base onto which the assembly above volition sit. 

 

Using the octagon ring made in measure 9, measure the inside diameter and this volition give you the measurement to mark out the outline of the base onto a sheet of plywood.  I actually had to join two plywood sheets together as one would not suffice.  It's all about measuring twice and cutting once here!

 

 

 

 



 

measure 11 - Cutting out for cup-holders in plywood base



The holes for the cup holders volition now be cut out in the plywood base.  This is done by fitting the top octagon ring (from measure 9) to the plywood base (from measure 10) and then using the top holes as a guide for the hole saw to cut holes into the plywood base.

 



 

measure 12 - Router the top edges

To give the tabular array top a nice appearance I rounded all the edges with a router and a rounding bit.

 

 

Paying particular attention to the joints, I sanded all the surfaces with 120 grit paper on a hand held sander.  I finished off the sanding with a 220 grit sandpaper.  The surface was very smooth at this stage ready for stain and a finish.  But that volition come later.  Next to cut out the centre octagon.

 

measure 13 - Cut out centre octagon

Next, the centre octagon (play surface) is cut out and wrapped up with felt.  This piece is cut using a 4' x 4' sheet of 3/4' birch plywood.  Remembering that batting & felt volition be wrapped around this piece it is important that there roughly a 1/8' gap all around to allow for the thickness of the felt.

 



The batting is glued to the plywood using a spray adhesive.  The edges are then wrapped around the edges and stapled to the other side.  The same is done when gluing the felt (green) to the batting.

 

measure 13 - Making the foot of the tabular array.

The foot of the tabular array is simply a plywood octagon which can be made to any width you desire.  Mine was made 5/6 the width of the octagon centre piece mad in measure 13.

measure 14 - Making the pedestal

The pedestal is the base onto which the tabular array top rests.  The pedestal consists of an upper pedestal and a lower pedestal.  The upper pedestal slides over the bottom pedestal such that the tabular array can be easily dis-assembled and transported from one place to another.

 

 

 

 

 The top (&bottom) pedestal is square and is made from 3/4' plywood.  The pedestal is nailed and glued together.

 

 

 

The bottom pedestal is constructed in the same way as the top pedestal but is nailed to the plywood foot.  This is shown in the photos below.

 

 

 

Both the top and bottom pedestal edges are finished with a pine trim.

 

measure 15 - Finishing

The next measure involves staining all surfaces that volition be visible when the tabular array is fully assembled.

All surfaces are given a sanding firstly with 120 grit sand paper and then secondly a rub with 220 grit sandpaper.  All surfaces and brushed and rub with a tack cloth to remove any dust.

Uneven staining is a common problem when staining softwoods like pine, thus the wood is first preconditioned to allow the stain to stain the wood more evenly.  The stain is allowed to dry, lightly sanded and rubbed with a tack cloth.  The wood is then given a coat of polyurethane.

 

 

measure 16 - Attaching the top pedestal to the plywood base

Once the polyurethane has dried you can now proceed to attach the top pedestal to the plywood base.

On the underside of the plywood base mark out a section in the middle and apply glue.  For extra security the top pedestal is screwed to the plywood wood base.

 

 

 measure 17 - Cutting & gluing fabric in chip holder cut out

The tabular array is assembled.  The octagon ring volition give the correct positions for the batting and felt cut outs.  The method of securing the batting to the plywood base and then the felt to the batting is identical to the method used in measure 13.

 

 

 

Once the fabric fitting is complete lay the octagon ring on top.

measure 18 - Ready to Play some stove stove poker?

The tabular array is ready for some fun nights of stove poker playing with friends or family.

 

 

I hoped that you have realised just how easy it is to make your own stove poker tabular array.  I used some plans that I bought online and they were well worth it.  I have had many a fun night stove poker with my buddies, you can too.



How to Build a Picnic Table - Step by Step Guide

This station volition entertainment you how to physique a field day tabular array precisely similar the one entertainmentn in the photograph below.  I think this field day tabular array would make a wonderful addition to your outdoor summer experience at home.  When correctly built and finished you volition be able to enjoy this woodworking project for many years to come.  I built mine using everyday woodworking tools that could be bought very cheaply second hand or borrowed from a neighbour.  I used plans that I downloaded and were essential when it came time to physique my field day tabular array.  Just follow the step by step guide below and it volition teach you everything you need to know about physiqueing a field day tabular array.

You can make this field day tabular array, just keep reading!

 

 

measure 1:  Materials list and tools used

The materials used were bought at my local hardware store quite cheaply:

• 2x4s
• 2x6s
• 2x8s
• 3' x 3/8' galvanised carriage bolts
• 2 1/2', 3' and 4' inch decking screws
• Outdoor wood varnish

Thankfully all the tools I needed, I already owned:

• Circular saw
• Sabre saw
• 3m tape measure
• Framing square
• Combination square
• Cordless drill and an assortment of bits
• C-clamps and bar clamps
• Ratchet set
• Paint brushes
• Safety specs
• 120 and 220 grit sandpaper

Terminology used in the guide

measure 2:  Cutting the legs to length

Cut the legs to length using a circular saw.  Clamp your framing square at 60 degrees to the end of the 2x8 and use this as a fence to run your circular saw against to ensure a perfect 60 degrees.  Obviously, you need to do this 8 times.

measure 3:  Cutting the tabular array slats

Cut the tabular array slats to length from a 2x8.  The top edges of the slats may be rounded off using a router or giving a light run with a smoothing plane.

 

measure 3: Prepare the end tabular array and centre tabular array supports

This involves cutting a 60 degree angle on the ends of the supports.  This cuts down on weight slightly and makes for a more 'knee friendly' tabular array.

measure 4: Creating the field day tabular array top

The tabular array top assembly requires the two

end tabular array supports and the centre tabular array

support.  Spacers are used in between the slats, during assembly, to allow a space between the slats for rainwater drainage while maintaining a practical tabular array

surface.

            Drill pilot holes, 2 for each slat on both end tabular array supports and the centre support.  Countersink the holes so that the screw head finishes flush with the bottom surface of the supports.

            Screw the supports to the tabular array slats.  You may use a wood glue if desire for extra rigidity.

 

 

 measure 5: Attaching the legs

 

 
Clamp the legs in place and position them on each of the centre slats and on the outer face of the end support faces.  The legs volition be attached with some galvanised carriage bolts with washers.  It is very important to use galvanised elements as they resist corrosion and ensure that your tabular array volition be held together securely.

 

Drill some clearance holes for the bolts.  It is a good idea to drill clearance holes which are very slightly smaller than the bolt diameter.  This volition make for a very rigid leg structure.  The bolts volition be tightened from the inside.  The counterboring ensures that the end of the bolt does not protrude underneath the tabular array and possibly injure somebody while sitting.  Also, ensure that you use a galvanised washer.  This volition spread the load applied when tightening the bolt and minimise any puncturing of the wood and prevent any ingress of water into the timber, which volition result in premature rotting of the wood.  You can plug the counterbore with some clear silicone after you have finished tightening the bolts.

 

measure 6:  Attaching the bench supports to the legs

 

Mark the position of the bench support and clamp to the legs using a c-clamp.   Mark the position of the holes. Using deck screws and a cordless screwdriver attach the bench supports.

 

 

 

measure 7:  Cut and attach the braces

 

Using 2x4s cut the braces to length and cut

60 degree angles on both ends.  Centre

the brace on the bench support and drill

pilot holes for the decking screws.

 

 

 

 

 

measure 8: Cut the bench cleats and attach

 

Use spacers to space out the bench slats and fix the bench slats together using the bench cleat.  Clamp the assembly together usingbar clamps.  Drill pilot holes and fix using decking screws.  For extra strength you may choose to use two bench cleats.

 

 

 

measure 9:  Fix the bench to the bench support

 

Position the benches onto the bench supports and hold them in place using the c-clamps.  See the position guides in the diagram

Drill pilot holes on the underside of the

bench supports.  Attach the benches to the

bench supports using decking screws.

 

 

measure 10: Sand and finish

Using a sanding block and some 120 grit paper give the surfaces a sanding. Sand in the direction of the grain to give a smoother finish.  If you are in a hurry then may choose not to sand on the surfaces that are not visible.  Using a vacuum cleaner suck all the dust off the surfaces.  Using 220 grit sandpaper, sand again.  This should leave a smooth surface. Again vacuum the surface and rub all surfaces with a tack cloth.  Note: A tack cloth is a lint free cloth that has been impregnated with a wax that volition grab all bits of dust from your woodworking project.  If you want to stain the wood I would recommend using a pre-conditioner if you have built your field day tabular array from pine.  The pre-conditioner helps softwoods similar pine to stain more evenly.  Once the field day tabular array has been dusted you may apply a coat of outdoor varnish.  Allow to dry for 24 hours.

 

Conclusion:

I hope that you have enjoyed this project.  It can be easily done over a weekend and volition last for years to come.  If you need some blueprints. I bought a very good set of plans online.