Build a Shoe Shelf using Rockler's I-Semble Slip-On Shelf Brackets

This is by far the easiest and fastest project I've built in a long time.  Rockler sent me two sets of their 1x10 I-Semble Slip-On Shelf brackets for a project build video to display on their product page.  I used the brackets to build a new shoe shelf to replace our old broken one.

The brackets were easy to use and project took less than an hour to cut the boards and assemble.  Screws were included which was nice.  Below are some things to keep in mind if you are considering using these brackets for one of your projects:

• They slip onto a standard 1"x10", which is actually 3/4" x 9 1/4".
• You will need a pair of brackets for each shelf, so calculate the total cost to decide if it's worth the time-savings over other traditional joinery methods.
• The brackets have a strong brawny look to them, which I like, but it may not match everyone's decor.
• They do cover a lot of the wood, but I used this to my advantage to cover some unsightly defects.
• I like that they can be disassembled easily for finishing, and even re-purposed for a different project in the future.

Overall, this project was quick, fun, and turned out well, plus my wife likes it too!  The brackets are great for beginner woodworkers or people with limited tools, because they pretty much guarantee a successful project.

Turning Pens from Drumsticks Using a Lathe

When I'm not woodworking, I love to play drums in my cover band.  I go through a lot of drumsticks, and since I'm a woodworker too, I am always looking for new uses for them.  In case you don't know, most drumsticks are made from hard maple or hickory, which is good for woodworking projects.  I've used drumsticks for dowels, axel rods, and CD/DVD spindles before, and now I've found yet another good way to upcycle them...Pens!

I recently delved into the world of pen turning and here are some pictures of some pens I've made from old drumsticks.  Drumsticks come in many different sizes and the challenge here is drilling a hole down the center without the bit exiting the side or cracking the wood.  I use size 5A drumsticks and the standard 7mm drill bit that is used for slimline pens fits within the drumstick quite nicely.

I usually like to put a clear finish on the pens to maintain the natural beauty of the wood and keep it looking somewhat like it came from a drumstick.  I decided to experiment with using green food coloring and really like the results of the green pen.

If you do woodworking, keep an eye out for alternate sources for wood and you might be surprised at what you can find...for FREE!

Mustang Garage Shop Sign

I was commissioned to build this sign as a gift for a Ford Mustang fan.  The backboard is made from 3/4 oak plywood and painted Ford Blue.  The mustang intarsia logo is cut from Southern Yellow Pine using a bandsaw and scroll saw.  This was a fun project that required lots of patience!

Make a Footlong Sub Sandwich from a 2x4!

I made this Footlong Sub Sandwich for the Gwinnett Woodworkers Association's annual 2x4 contest.  All the ingredients were cut from a standard construction grade 2x4, and I used various stains and food coloring to make it look more realistic.  I also made the tray it rests on out of the 2x4.  It was a fun project and I won an awesome gift card from Peachtree Woodworking Supply.  Are you hungry now?

Cedar Keepsake Box

I made this cedar keepsake box for a charity auction that benefits veterans after they return home from protecting our country.  It's made from a 1x6 cedar board that had some pink coloring in it.  The inside is lined with black felt.  It's an original design and you can download my drawing here.  I hope someone bids a lot of money on it.

Quilt Show Sign

My mother-in-law needed a sign for the annual Quilt Show at her church.  I recycled some old boards to make this rustic sign.  The uprights slide out of the two feet so it can be disassembled and stored away.  The small board hanging at the bottom has sheet protectors where she can slide in a printout of the date.  I just hope they don't change it to Sunday.

Unboxing Rockler's Glue Applicator Kit

Rockler sent me one of their Glue Bottle Applicator Kits to try out in my shop. In this video, I demonstrate the contents of the kit and share my first impressions.  Check it out then decide if the kit might be something you can use in your shop.  Here's a quick rundown of what I think:

• Pointed Nozzle - Feeds glue accurately into dowel holes, cracks and tight spaces.  Includes cap.
• Wide Nozzle - Good for getting glue into wide holes, slots, dadoes and grooves.  Includes cap.
• Glue Guide - Centers a bead of glue on board edges every time. Friction fit on pointed nozzle.
• Funnel - Useful for people who make a mess when filling bottles.  Screws onto bottle.
• Brush Attachment - Spreads the right amount of glue where you want it on small boards.
• Roller Attachment - Covers large boards fast.  Includes an attached plug to seal the bottle.
• Cleaning Brush -  Useful for cleaning crevices in attachments.

Overall, I think this will be a nice addition to my shop and will make glue ups easier.  I like that the attachments fit both Rockler and Titebond bottles.  Plus, as with the other Rockler glue products, the cleanup is easy either before or after the glue has dried.