Pyroblogg

I need a workbench.  My computer desk just isn’t suited for working on projects, especially ones involving electronics and soldering.  I don’t have much for woodworking tools at my apartment yet so I’ve been looking for some nice plans that won’t take much to build.

A few days ago I came across a bench designed by Bre Pettis for the Make: Weekend Projects program back in 2006.  It’s a nice simple design consisting of plywood, 2x4s, and wood screws, something I can accomplish in a day.  The design calls for making it 8′ long but I think that’ll be a bit big for my needs so I’m going to cut it in half to 4′.  The new workspace will be good because  I anticipate working on a few projects concurrently.

The Build

On Saturday I went across town to the local Menards to pick up my supplies.  It was nice to find a 4′ x 4′ piece of plywood for the top instead of getting a 4×8 piece and only using half.  I got a handsaw to do all the cutting and a $30 cordless drill for fastening things together (you could use a hammer if you’re so inclined).

I got all of the 2×4′s cut down in no time, using towel covered table benches as my saw horses.  One benefit of making decisions ahead of time  is that I was able to eliminate an entire 2×4 from the design, saving me time and money.

I got a little help holding down the plywood and got the table top, shelf and back brace cut next.

Screwing things went together went pretty well too.  It turns out that cheap and small power tools don’t have much power.  I had to turn my drill up to it’s maximum torque setting just to drive 2 1/2″ screws through 2x4s.  I guess I could have drilled pilot holes.  Or I could have just bought a hammer and some nails.

The Results

For the first (if simple) woods project I’ve tackled in a while I managed to get everything put together fairly square.  The table is even near dead on level!

More photos on flickr

Go ahead and make your own! Let me know how it goes.

More info on workbench design

Make Podcast: Weekend Projects – Make a Workbench

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The first full week of my photo project has passed!  So far it’s been a mix of things I’ve done, places i’ve been and last minute shots before midnight.  I’m still trying to keep the creativity up!

[4/365] – Wii Fit

The Wii Fit game actually has some entertaining games in it.

[5/365] – Sparky

Sparky is one of Brit’s family’s dogs.  He looks mean, but that is just funny camera timing, he is actually really happy to see me.

[6/365] – My Life Force

I’m an addict

[7/365] – Casualty

My Camera fell to the floor.  The only damage was to the UV filter on the front of the lens, otherwise not a scratch

[8/365] – The Mouse Hunt

We’ve got mice in the walls, they drive the cat nuts

[9/365] – A Surprised Brit

On our way through Red Wing, MN, Brit and I stopped at Bay Point Park for a little walk.  It was a very short one because it was pretty cold out.

[10/365] – Brit by Firelight

Brit lit by the fireplace

The project thus far…

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The 365 Photo Project has the goal of taking a photo every single day for a whole year.  The idea is to become better at photography through persistent and dedicated practice.  Upon the completion of the project it also gives you a nice photo diary of what you have been doing.  However, it is also challenging and can be taxing on your creativeness.  How many times will you end up taking a self portrait at 11:59pm in front of your computer?

I have known about the project for a while and now have been inspired by a number of my friends, who have participated in 365 photo projects in the past, and by a few photo groups on flickr.  I have been practicing and taking near daily photos but instead of officially starting in the hectic last few days of the semester or the holiday season, I have decided to start right on Jan 1st, 2009.

This new year will be big for me and it will be great to have the results of this project to look back on in the future.  I will be capturing the last of my undergraduate collage experience as I will be graduating in May.  I don’t know yet where I’ll be employed, so this project could very well  help document my journey across the country.  And by the end of the first year, I’ll be about six months into my career, with all of the exciting things that will bring.

I have set a few ground rules for myself to keep myself on track for the year.

RULES:

• Start: 1 Jan 2009
• End:31 Dec 2009
• 1 Photo taken every day
• 1 minimum upload sessions required each week
• 1 Blog post recap each week
• No restrictions on the photo content.  I’m not restricted to self portraits or anything.
• Anything that takes digital photos is ok to take photos with. (XTi, Cybershot, Cellphone)
• There may be a *few* 11:59pm shots, but they will not be the norm

More info on how I’m managing the uploading of photos after the first week of January when I have some to share.

Wish me luck!

*Encouragement along the way is appreciated!

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