How can you do it - Tools, Templates, and Techniques

Tools - I'm not going to assume that everyone has all the tools you will need to accomplish each project. You will not need a workshop full of tools to complete your masterpieces. Most of the tools can be found at your local hardware stores, Walmart, and Kmart. You don't have to worry about any particular brands, just make sure the tool can properly and safely do the job. After you've purchased the tool, please make sure you read the instructions, safety tips, and practice using the tool.

Safety is extremely important, so be careful when using the tools and ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES when using woodworking tools. The basic list of tools that you can use, are as follows:

• Measuring Tape (1” = 1 inch & 8’ = 8 feet)
• Drill w/philips head bit (electric or cordless)
• Jigsaw (for creative cuts)
• Circular saw or Mitre Saw (straight clean cuts)
• Counter sink with drill bit (1/8” bit)
• Square or yardstick (drawing straight lines)
• Compass, large coffee can, cup saucer (for rounded edge)
• Exterior/Interior Wood Glue (sandable and paintable)

Techniques - (Woodworking & Painting)

Woodworking - There are no real "Tricks of the trade" techniques needed for the projects. When creating anything using wood you should always sand the wood to your liking and you should always pre-drill holes to avoid cracking. If you have a countersink bit use it - it allows the screws to be flush with the wood. Making the surface smooth.

Choose your wood wisely. Make sure you find wood with little knots and no cracks. Remember the sizes of wood are actually smaller due to shrinking (ex: 1” x 6” = 3/4” x 5 1/2”). Use eight foot sections of wood, it allows anyone driving a car, suv, or mini-van the ability to transport the wood to their home. You don’t need a construction van or trailer.

Painting - We never buy the pricey brushes or paint. We use the sponge brushes you can pick up at the local dollar store. For fine detail work, use inexpensive craft brushes that you get in packages of 5 or 10 for $5.00. If your hand is unsteady, then fine lines could be tough, so try using Acrylic paint pens. The pens come in broad and fine lines and come in a variety of colors. They can be purchased at the local craft store.

When painting exterior projects make sure you:

1. Sand everything to your liking.
2. Remove all dust particles or debris.
3. Prime with exterior primer. Kilz2 works great!
4. Paint with exterior flat or semi-gloss paint (2 or 3 coats)
5. For the scenery, characters, designs - do not use the expensive tube acrylics.
6. When all painting has been completed, be sure to use a marine varnish or lacquer to seal the paint and wood. This will not only preserve your painted masterpiece, it will prolong the life of your project. Wood will decompose, so by priming, painting, and varnishing your project should last for many years.

Templates - When creating anything out of wood, it's a great idea to create templates. The templates can be made of cardboard or wood. They should be cut to the exact size of the final piece. In some cases, the templates get created after a piece has been cut. We do this for custom armrests and even the backs of custom designed chairs. Many times something is created by eyeballing and we want to make a template, just in case we decide to make a copy. The only problem with wood templates is once you've created many, storage of the templates becomes a concern. Templates do make life alot easier when special angles or tricky creative cuts are concerned. With the template you place it on your piece of wood, trace it with a pencil, and start cutting. There are no new measurements to be calculated - you just trace and cut.

We hope this offers some helpful hints on how you can create your own interesting chairs & benches.