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Looking for small challenging projects

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973 views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  Tony B 
#1 ·
With more time now to spend in the shop, I am trying to improve my woodworking skills. I harbor no hope of attaining the level of long-time makers but perhaps be capable of making things that are good enough to give to my adult kids and have them not disappear. I prepare and dimension pieces with power tools but also use hand tools for shaping and for cutting dovetails (with jigs). Lately, I made two spoon racks from plans that Richard Maguire sells on The English Woodworker and that provided new challenges and experience. Not sure I mastered them all but I did learn. I am now looking for similar sized projects that will stretch my skills and perhaps provide Christmas presents. I like to work with cherry and have also worked with poplar, maple and black walnut. Oak not so much. Anyway, I would appreciate learning of available plans that might fit. Thanks in advance. Fred
 
#2 ·
Google is your friend, a search for "free woodworking plans", will bring up all kinds of results, just avoid any that lead back to Ted's Woodworking scams. Look over any free plan carefully before starting, some are basically just filler for a page full of ads written by people with little of no knowledge of the craft.

I also have a site with several categories of listings:

http://absolutelyfreeplans.com
 
#3 ·
have you considered larger pieces such as a console table or writing desk?
These are simple tops attached to a set of 4 legs which is connected by aprons. A small center drawer can be added.
Building a dolls table, childs table or an adult size table requires the same exact techniques. just bigger pieces.
You will reach a point where you will have to challenge yourself if you are to acquire greater skills. If you wait til you think you are ready for the next step, that time may never come. It's easier than you think to build a console table. Annnnnnnnnnnnd, we will be here if you need help. Just keep the design simple.
 
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