September 10, 2021

Fast Woodworking Projects You Can Complete In A Day

If youโ€™re looking for some quick and easy woodworking projects, youโ€™ve come to the right place. Fast woodworking projects are a great way to get started or finish up a project thatโ€™s been sitting on your to-do list for a while.

There are a few things to remember when looking for fast woodworking projects. First, choosing a project that is within your skill level is essential. If youโ€™re a beginner, look for simple projects. If youโ€™re more experienced, you can tackle more complex projects.

Another thing to consider is the time you have to complete the project. Fast woodworking projects are typically those that can be completed in a weekend or less. If you only have a few hours to work on a project, look for something that can be done in smaller increments.

Finally, consider the tools and materials you have on hand. Fast woodworking projects can be completed with the tools and materials you already have. This will save you time and money in the long run.

Now that you know what to look for, check out some of our favorite fast woodworking projects below.

Building a bookcase

Woodworking Project Paper Plan to Build Tambour Bookcase

A bookcase is a quick DIY project. You need a table saw, plywood, and some tools to run the project. You are allowed to choose any color of your choice, but the ideal one will be the color that matches the existing furniture in your house.ย 

A bookcase holds books, magazines, and any media collection. Apply your woodwork tips for trimming and staining when you want a perfect bookcase. Below are the tools and materials needed to complete the task.ย The last thing you want is to damage your bookcase while getting rid of a sticker. This guide will help.

Tools

  • Hearing Protection
  • Clamps
  • Disc & Orbital Sanders
  • Finishing Nailersย 
  • Squares
  • Miter Saws
  • Jigs
  • Mallets
  • Tape Measure
  • Power Drills
  • Table Saws

Materials

  • Appearance Boardsย 
  • Planks
  • Plywood
  • Sandpaper
  • Self-Drilling Screws
  • Nails
  • Wood Glue
  • Paintย 
  • Paint Brushes

Step by step

  1. Choose your wood. The type of wood depends on your budget. Consider weight and durability. Pine and oak make good bookcases. Pine is soft and lightweight, although it is prone to knots and splitting. It is ideal plywood for learning. Birch plywood is sturdy and does not split. Oak comes at a price, but it is worth it.ย 
  2. Gather your tools and materials. These include wood stains and lumber. Cut the plywood using your measurements. Your measurements depend on the space you have for the bookcase. When you have chosen poor-quality wood, invest in painting or staining so that the bookcase lasts longer. Stains are in different forms; select the one that complements your taste. Avoid using MDF for staining because the wood stain does not absorb the same way. Use it when you are using paint for the finish.ย 
  3. Prepare your cutting tools and cut lumber. Use a tape measure for measuring and a pencil for marking as you follow your cutting list. Apply glue on the boardโ€™s edge and attach the shelves using glue and screws. Start with the top and bottom cases. Use a carpenter square so the top remains square and the edges flush. Apply glue on the top edge and clamp it into position. Drive screws through the pocket holes. Use a level to check if all cases are straight.ย 
  4. Use a face frame by clamping as you drive in the nails. Install face frame pieces as you attach them to the bookcase.
  5. Insert pocket plugs and secure the plugs with wood glue.
  6. Apply finish.
  7. Attach a back panel.

Building a shed

  1. A shed gives you extra storage or a new workspace. Customize it for your specific needs. Building the shed is more affordable than hiring an expert. The project shares the same tools and materials as a bookcase except for step ladders, concrete pavers, concrete mixes, and windows.ย  Below is a guide that helps prepare and build the shed.
  2. Steps
  3. Prepare a shed by choosing the size and style of your shed and the type of roof. Choose the position of your door and size. It has to accommodate all the equipment to be stored in the shed. Plan and draw your shed and figure out the location. Get a permit.
  4. Build a foundation and pay attention to your climate. Concrete and wood are two options for your wood, depending on the environment.ย 
  5. Complete the floor frame with joists and sheathing. Nail the joists in place and square the floor as you measure from corner to corner
  6. Frame the walls. Assemble gables and nail the floor together.ย 
  7. Install windows and trim
  8. Frame the roof using a ridge beam, common rafters, collar ties, and roof trusses.ย 
  9. Install roofing.
  10. Install the door.
  11. Paint or stain.ย 

Building a cabinet

  1. Measure windows, doors, and archways. Do not forget to measure the ceiling height from floor to ceiling.ย 
  2. Sketch the cabinet using the actual dimensions. The dimensions should accommodate pre-made cabinet doors. Some designs include storage areas with doors and compartments for different users.ย 
  3. Decide on the position where you want your cabinet to be. That depends on use and size.
  4. Calculate your space and what you need to install in those places. That is how you will get the space for the tour cabinet. Random measurements will compromise some appliances. Remember you have additional units, drawers, and bins to install. Therefore, a fair division of space is necessary.ย 
  5. Cut the lumber pieces and keep the cuts straight and even.ย 
  6. Place your wall-mounted units and be aware of places that produce heat and steam. You would not want to place your cabinet below or about such places.
  7. Use wood glue and nails to assemble the box. The box is part of the cabinet. When you finish the outer shell, glue the plywood shelves inside the frame. Secure with nails.ย 
  8. Install the shelf dividers. Use a hammer and nails as you attach the vertical shelf dividers.ย 
  9. Attach the cabinet facing to the front of the cabinet using wood glue. Set it in place using nails and fill the nail hole with putty.
  10. Sand and finish the cabinet and doors using an electric sander. Stain as you follow instructions.ย 
  11. Install the cabinet
  12. Attach the doors using hinges and screws.ย 

Build DIY Deck

Tools & Materials

  • Hammer drill
  • Masonry bit
  • Drill โ€“ 1/2-inch
  • Drill bit โ€“ 3/8-inch
  • Ratchet wrench and sockets
  • Plumb bob
  • Circular saw
  • Level
  • Chalk line
  • Concrete mixer
  • Hammer
  • Impact wrench
  • Shovel
  • Tape measure
  • Utility knife

Steps

  1. Plan your deck and call 811 to clear your position of any water, gas, and power lines. Do not dig on marked lines. Consult your local building g department when you have your location. Consider the type of deck you want and the style. A detailed drawing is what you need to get started.ย 
  2. Dig holes for posts using a post hole digger. Decks require support from concrete piers. The drawing must indicate the deck piersโ€™ size, number, and location. Square corners and mark footings locations. Dig below the frost line, place concrete tubing in the holes, and level them. Use the tape measure to center the tubes.ย 
  3. Pour the concrete and place post anchors. Pour mixed concrete into the tubing form. Let it cure.
  4. Attach posts to the post base.ย 
  5. Attach rim joists and angle brackets.
  6. Build the deck frame.
  7. Attach inner joists to beam faces.ย 
  8. Install joist hangers.
  9. Install Boards and Add Fasteners to Joists
  10. Boards are measured and installed to form a deck.
  11. If your deck is free-standing against the house, youโ€™ll want your wood decking boards to run parallel to the house. If your deck is in the yard, youโ€™ll need to make the decking run parallel to the framing.ย 
  12. To start the decking so that itโ€™s parallel to the house, align the edge of the first deck board so that it is parallel to the house and run the fasteners in. Let the ends run long on either side.ย 
  13. If youโ€™ve pre-planned and are sure you will end with a full-sized board, you can start against the house and move outward.
  14. Trim Decking Boards in a Straight Line using a saw.
  15. With the boards in place, itโ€™s time to trim the ends.ย 

Building a table

Steps

  1. Take a collection of pictures and choose your design. Your needs and the available space determine your option. If you are a beginner, start with a coffee table.ย 
  2. Sketch your design on paper using a pencil and a ruler. Your dimensions depend on the size you want.ย 
  3. Estimate the amount of wood you need. Make a breakdown of the parts.
  4. Select the wood that suits your budget. Pinewood makes a durable table. Maple and cherry make sturdy tables.ย 
  5. Cut the wood.
  6. Make a tabletop and apron. Put a piece of paper before the tabletop to avoid scratches. Use the flattest side to be your tabletop.ย 
  7. Drill pocket holes.
  8. Attach boards using screws
  9. Clamp and glue aprons to the tabletop.ย 
  10. Attach the legs as you trim them to size. Glue them to the apronโ€™s joints and fasten the legs.ย 

Build DIY Drawer

Steps

  1. Choose your material for the drawers.ย 
  2. Buy slides before building a drawer.ย 
  3. Take away 1inch from the width and height of your cabinet opening to get the outside measurement of your drawer. The drawer length has to be 1inch less than your cabinet depth.
  4. Work on the drawer sizing in the cabinet. The drawer slides are the total length of your drawer. The bottom is the exact size of the drawer.ย 
  5. Secure all the sides of your drawer box.
  6. The box has to be square. Use an assembly square or corner clamp. Use wood glue and screws to attach the sides to the front and back pieces.
  7. Secure drawer bottom.
  8. Apply wood glue to all four edges of the drawer bottom.
  9. Fill screw holes.
David D. Hughes

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