Woodworking Projects You Can do at Home

Have you ever wanted to create simple woodworking projects at home? Below are a few easy woodworking projects that will be sure to remind you of the woodshop at camp. As with any project using tools, please make sure you are supervised by an adult. Enjoy these fun projects as a family!

with a straight edge. This will be the Pallet Style Candle Holder first place you drill (and will also be the point you will measure from). 3. Next, measure how far apart you want Tools your votive openings to be. Cordless Drill 4. Once you are certain that all of the 1.25ʺ or 1.5ʺ Forstner Bit (size of votive will markings are lined up, you can start the determine which you need) fun part – drilling! a. TIP: When drilling with a Materials cordless (or corded) drill, the Pallet Wood holes you make may not be Measuring Tape even on the first go (don’t get Pencil discouraged!). If you find this Ruler happening, play around with Sandpaper the angles in which you enter Votive Candles the drilled holes, as well as with the pressure in which you 1. Find a piece of wood that resonates are applying to the gun. with you. I loved this one weathered piece I had sitting behind my shed and 5. Continue drilling along the markings. decided to cut it down to a smaller size. Measure the depth of each hole as you 2. Use your measuring tape to find the go to make sure they are all even. absolute center of your wooden plank. This can be done by measuring the 6. Use sandpaper to sand any rough edges width and the length, marking the that may be left on the wood. center of both, and connecting them Hardwood Cutting Boards

A cutting board is a very functional project that can be used for snacks, cheese plates, or given as a gift. This project requires some strips of hardwood. If you have a local furniture making place nearby, you can ask for scraps. If you’d prefer, you can purchase a few different pieces of hardwood (preferably the same thickness) and cut them to length.

are any gaps, cut fresh edges. Tools The key is to make sure there Table saw (as needed) Clamps are no gaps when you glue and Miter Saw clamp the pieces together. (Do Planer (optional and only done by an not sand the wood because this adult) will create rounded surfaces. Save the sanding for later!) Materials 4. Use the wood glue and spread Wood glue a thin bead of glue on the Measuring Tape pieces you are connecting. Sandpaper Once you have a thin bead, Wood finish (food safe) connect the two pieces of wood together. Repeat this step 1. Choose your wood, options until you have the desired include maple, cherry, walnut, width. or any hardwood. Choose at 5. Using your clamps, tighten the least two different types of wood together so there are no wood. gaps. Using a paper towel, wipe 2. Preparing the wood: Choose down any excess wood glue the width of wood and run that appears in the seams. them through the table saw. 5. Let the cutting board dry Only adults can use a table saw overnight. (just like at camp). If you do not have a table saw, you can 6. Once the glue has dried, release ask the place where you the clamps and begin sanding purchased the wood to rip it the cutting board. If you have into strips. (Remember that an electric sander, start with a having them the same 100 grit sandpaper, working thickness is key (unless you your way up to 280-320. You have a planer). can also sand by hand. Keep 3. Line the pieces together to see sanding until all signs of glue how the edges line up. If there are gone and the joints Sailboat/Battleship (camp style)

Tools Cordless Drill Saw (as needed) Materials Spare pieces of wood (2-3) Screws or nails String (optional) dowel (optional)

A Lanakila favorite, the sailboat/battleship is a fun way to use our beginner skills to familiarize yourself with woodworking. Using spare pieces of wood, hammer, and nails, you can easily use your imagination to create a sailboat/battleship to try out in a nearby stream.

1. Take a piece of wood (1x4 or 2x4 or whatever else you have). 2. Draw lines on the wood to create the look of the ship sailboat you are trying to make. 3. Using a saw (or an electric jigsaw with parent supervision), cut out the shape of the boat. 4. If you are making a sailboat (or your battleship has a sail), drill a small hole where the mast will go. The hole should be the same diameter as the dowel. 5.Using wood glue, place a small bit into the hole. Cut the dowel to size and place in the hole. 6. Using the nails or screws, place the riggings along the edges of edges of the ship. (You can decide the length or distance between the nails/screws. 7. If you have a small piece of cloth at home, you can cut it out to attach to the dowel for a sail. 8. Paint the ship in your own creative way. 9. Sail your boat in a nearby stream. GIANT JENGA!!

Tools Saw Materials 2x4s (how many depends on the length and size of boards) Polyurethane (clear) Paint brush

We all love a good game of Jenga. Why settle for the small version when you could have one for the outside on your patio, driveway, or sidewalk!

1. Determine how long you want your jenga pieces. We recommend anything from 8-12 inches long. 2. Before cutting the wood, paint it with clear polyurethane to help with waterproofing. 3. Let poly dry. 4. Mark a 2x4 every 8-12 inches for your cut lines. Each row consists of three pieces of wood. 5. Cut at least 30 pieces for your board so you have ten rows 6. Sand the edges of the wood to make them rounded. 7. Stack the pieces of wood, alternating directions with each row. 8. Have fun and make sure to pay attention so the large stack of wood doesn’t fall on anyone! WOODEN PICTURE HOLDERS

Tools Saw Materials Wooden cube (square piece of 2x4 cut into square) Paint/spray paint Small clothes pin Super glue

A perfect gift for someone or a simple fun project, wooden picture holders are easy to make and allow you to use your creative side for decoration.

1. Cut a piece of 2x4 to a square. Use a hand saw or ask an adult to help cut it to the size you want. 2. Paint/Spray paint the wood. Get creative! 3. Allow paint to dry. 4. Glue clothes pin vertically on the back of the piece of wood using super glue (parent supervision required) 5. While the glue is drying, find your favorite picture to display and voila!