Sample issue

Hi there,

This month's project: a simple box

A small box made from one 1x6 board teaches measuring, square cuts, gluing, clamping and finishing. Cut four sides and a bottom, glue and screw the corners, sand through the grits and finish with wipe-on oil. It'll take a weekend and you'll use it for years.

More ideas in First project ideas.

Technique: pilot holes

Drill a pilot hole a little narrower than the screw's shank before driving it in, especially near ends of boards. It stops the wood splitting.

Reader question

"Why is my 2x4 only 3½ inches wide?" Lumber is named by its rough size before drying and planing. See the lumber sizes chart.

Happy building,
Little Birch Living