How to Make a Custom Shelving Unit for Video Consoles

 This project come as a request from my son so he could have a more organized space for his video  and gaming consoles. 

Supplies and Equipment:

• Four 13" x 18" x ¾" shelves
• Two 13" x 16" x ¾" sides
• Twelve 1½" screws
• Eight self-tapping screws
• Liquid wood adhesive
• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Proxxon Delta Sander OZI/E
• Proxxon Bench Drill Press TBM 115
• Proxxon MICROMOT Flexishaft 110/BF

How to construct the shelving unit:

1. Decide on the dimensions for your shelving unit. You will need four shelves and two sides. You'll also need to determine the space between the shelves. The back of the unit is open.
2. Cut the shelves and side using the table saw. Set the blade height and, if necessary, use the extendable extension.
   

   

   
   
3. Sand the shelves and sides using the Delta sander.
   
   
   
4. Measure and mark for holes on the side pieces. You'll need three holes on the top and three on the bottom. Since my boards are ¾" thick, the holes needed to be equally spaced 3/8" from the top and bottom edges of the side pieces.
   
   
   
5. Drill these holes on the side pieces using the bench drill press. Set the adjustable fence to ensure accurate spacing from the edges.
   
   
   
6. Change the bit in the drill press to a countersink bit WITHOUT moving the adjustable fence. Set the depth gauge on the drill press and countersink the holes on each of the sides. You can drill a hole in a scrap piece of wood to test the depth of the countersink.
   

   
7. Now, on the inside of the side piece mark placement for the self-tapping screws to support the  removable two center shelves. You'll need four self-tapping screws—two on each inside side piece—for each of the center shelves. Drill these holes and screw in the self-tapping screws. This is a self-tapping screw.
   
   
   
8. Next, you will need to drill holes in the top and bottom shelves where they will be screwed to the sides. I used a workbench to secure the shelf so I could position and clamp the side piece on it, and then, used the holes that I drilled in the side piece as a guide for drilling the holes in the shelves using the flexishaft.
   
   
   
9. Next, I unclamped the side piece leaving the shelf piece in the workbench, and applied liquid wood adhesive to the edge of the shelf.
   
   
   
10. Now, reposition and clamp the side piece in place again. Screw the side and shelf together. 
    
    
    
11. Repeat for the other side. Let the glue dry, and you're ready to use the shelving unit.
    

Carole

Easy Reindeer for kids to paint

 Hey happy holidays to all of you!!

This is an easy to make on purpose so you can make a dozen.  The idea is to give these to kids to paint and this might keep them busy for a little while.  Its best with a small group so it doesn't get out of control.

I used Proxxon tools to make these and I admit it was fun for me too.  Some of the kids enjoyed watching the process and having me change a few things so there's was a little different.  It's easy to personalize this little reindeer.  

For a little nicer reindeer if you are aiming for pretty instead of fun look at the last blog before this for step-by-step directions.  

Equipment and supplies.   Thin Plywood, short pieces of 1 x 3 board, pencil, Proxxon mini scroll saw, Plaid paints glue, clamps.   Add a few kids and this is going to be fun!

1-Firstly, draw your easy design onto your plywood piece.  

Make 2 of these per reindeer

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Cut these out using the Proxxon mini scroll saw.

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Use a little wood glue and glue the two pieces together and clamp then till dry.

Using the Proxxon mini table saw set the fence about 1" from the sawblade and set the saw blade at about 1/4" high.  You will run the short piece of 1 x 3 across the saw blade.  (You must remove the blade guard to do this), This will make a groove that the reindeer feet will sit in so it will stand upright.

Get the kids and let them paint their new little project.  Use Plaid paints for good coverage.

Add a little bling bling if desired and your done,

The kids had a blast. and I think they came out cute.  Wish I had a picture before they took them home.

Merry Christmas everyone.  I'll be seeing you in the new year.  

Play safe!

Carol W