Showing posts with label your. Show all posts
Showing posts with label your. Show all posts

Monday, March 3, 2014

4 Tips To Get Better Results From Your Woodworking Plans

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Clay_Wilkerson]Clay Wilkerson
Even professional carpenters have to rely on woodworking plans for most of their projects. Its easy enough to build a set of shelves or a workbench for your garage without any plans. But if you want professional results, something you can be proud of, then youll want to use a set of professionally designed plans. Unfortunately, it seems there are a lot of different definitions of the word professionally!
Woodworking is a fun and relaxing hobby and theres a great feeling of satisfaction when you complete a project. But it can turn into a frustrating nightmare if youre working from a poor set of plans. You dont have all the proper tools because they werent included on the drawing. Measurements are off. The cost skyrockets as you keep running out for more materials. All the fun and relaxation quickly disappear when the plans youre trying to follow are incomplete and sketchy.
But not all woodworking plans are created equally and some designers even understand the word professional. Here are 4 tips to help you choose quality woodworking plans before you start your next project.
Know your own skill level: Be honest, now. Whats your skill level? If youre a beginner youll want to find plans that leave absolutely nothing out. Youll want everything sketched out and itemized right there where you can see it.
However, regardless of the professional detailing in the plan, if its beyond your skill level then youll have a difficult time completing the project. Its fine to move up a notch or two on the scale of difficulty. But dont try to go from beginner to Master Carpenter in a weekend. Its just not going to happen.
Visualize the plan: Look at the list of materials and required tools, and then study the plan. Try to visualize the process, step by step, so you can see if all the necessary steps are included. If you cant visualize it, then either you dont have the necessary skills yet or the plan isnt complete.
Dont be afraid to ask for help: If youve chosen a project thats a step above you skill level, thats fine. Youll undoubtedly learn some new techniques. But maybe the reason youre having trouble visualizing the plan is because you dont have the necessary skills, yet. So dont be afraid to ask questions.
Get your plans from a reliable source: Your best option for finding professionally crafted plans is to go to a reliable source. Just because your buddy down the street built a showroom quality bookcase doesnt mean he can draw up a plan for you to follow along. Get your woodworking plans from people who are in the business of drafting quality plans and youll be able to relax and have fun with your project.
Clay Wilkerson is a do it yourself craftsman and�Woodworking�enthusiast. He hopes to inspire you to start building your own [http://woodworkingplanscenter.com/bench]Workbench today. For more information you can visit [http://woodworkingplanscenter.com]http://woodworkingplanscenter.com. Go build something!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?4-Tips-To-Get-Better-Results-From-Your-Woodworking-Plans&id=6739644] 4 Tips To Get Better Results From Your Woodworking Plans
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Monday, February 24, 2014

Building your own house!

Have you ever thought about building your own house?

Think about it.... When most young couples buy a house they finance it for many many years, they will be paying for their house almost until the day they retire. Most house payments around the Southeast are in the $1000 a month range. Also, the first ten years of payments on a house are generally just enough to pay the interest off, so until the eleventh year people are just now paying for the actual house! Its so difficult to imagine, but its true.

I have putting alot of thought into building my own house one day. There are alot of different things that I want my house to be.
-energy efficient- solar panels, excellent insullation, lots of natural light, LED light fixtures, and many more "green" things
-designed with future additions to the house in mind
-modern looking

I love the thought of not having a house payment every month, have low or no utility bills, the satisfaction of building my own house. I am a carpenter and I am capapble of building a house on my own right now. But like most people, money is a current issue but things can be done about that!
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Friday, February 21, 2014

How To Deck How Cedar Decking Can Expand Your Living Space

How To Deck

 Cedar Decking

Outdoor living is growing steadily in popularity, which places increasing importance on your cedar deck, especially during the warmer months. It used to be the only functions of a cedar deck were to provide a place to grill hot dogs and burgers. However, with the widening availability of patio covers, weatherproof fabrics, and other deck design options, many homeowners now view the deck as an extension of the home. In fact, a recent study revealed most people place outdoor living rooms and grilling areas at the top of their list of preferred living spaces.

Moisture is a concern, especially in the Pacific Northwest. When building a cedar deck, Portland homeowners are often restricted by the weather for ways to use the space. Thankfully, if you choose a deck design carefully, and plan the decks function in advance, you can create a fully-functional outdoor room. Here are five ideas for turning your deck into a purposeful outdoor living space.

1. Outdoor living room. 

Outfit your deck with some weather protection with a patio cover, gazebo or over-sized umbrella. Make a fire pit or chiminea the focal point, but be sure to surround it with a non-flammable surface, such as deck tiles. Create a cozy lounge for entertaining or hanging out; decorate with an outdoor rug and sofa, and accent with lighting, textured fabrics and other accessories. Dont be afraid to borrow items from inside the home, as this will help create a sense of continuity. (Depending on the type of accessories and furniture you choose, you may need to remember to bring it in once the wet season hits.)

2. Al fresco kitchen. 

Grilling is one of the greatest ways to entertain outdoors, but hauling dishes back and forth is a real pain. Instead, consider creating an entire outdoor kitchen. Todays cedar decking can accommodate grills, sinks, refrigerators, storage cabinets and even brick pizza ovens. Include comfortable seating, ambient lighting and some sort of covering, like an aluminum patio cover or pergola.

3. Party central. 

A built-in bar, sink and mini-fridge can make hosting an outdoor party easier. Utilize the space by planning extra deck benches around the perimeter of your deck. Lighting is also important, especially if you are hosting evening parties. Provide enough light to see without brightening the space too much. Its also a good idea to install a patio cover so you dont have to move the party indoors when it rains.

4. Multicultural getaway. 

Whether you yearn for the striking colors of Morocco, or Zen garden tranquility, your cedar deck is the perfect place to experiment with those styles youre too afraid to try indoors. Begin with a bold outdoor rug, which will define the space and help you choose accessories.

5. Private retreat. 

The natural wood glow of your cedar decking creates an ideal private oasis. Consider a hammock or over-sized chair to provide luxurious seating, and add calming elements like plants, wind chimes, and a water fountain. Choose lush fabrics in soothing, neutral tones, and hang screens or lattice for privacy.

Your outdoor living space should have a distinct function, just like every other room in your house. Plan your cedar deck design to accommodate the way you want to actually use your deck, and your outdoor room can rival those in the magazines.

Woodworking Plans
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