How to make a little shelf

 Hi out there.   Still being practical, I have a easy peasy project today.   Little organization projects can help you keep your wrrkshop neat.   Today let's make a little shelf because I need somewhere to put my glue so I can find it.  I wull be using Proxxon tools.

This can all be made out of one piece of 1 x 6" board.  I mainly am going to use my Proxxon mini table saw and my OZI/E delta sander and new cordless Proxxon mini belt sander.

First i want to cut my (U chose a 16" piece of fence board) on the Proxxon mini table saw.  Using the fence, I measure 4 inches from the fence to the saw blade and lock the fence.

This wood is too thin to simply glue them together, so I am going to make a groove to fit the2 pieces together.   This is easy to do again on the Proxxon mini table saw  I make my first cut 1/2" from the edge of the larger piece.  Remember to set the blade height at 2/3 the height of the board, so in this case at 1/4"

After the first cut I nudge the fence just a tiny bit outward and make another cut.  Look the groove has begun.  I do these 3 or 4 more times until I have the width of the groove the same size as the edge of the other piece of wood.  Now this wood can slip into the groove and this will hold it better than a "butt joint"

Convienetly, the Proxxon cordless mini belt sander is 1/2" and I can use it to smooth and sand my new groove.

next add glue to the groove and place the other piece of wood into the groove.  Make sure it sits at 90 degrees while the glue sets.

I used the Proxxon cordless rotary tool to make pilot holed from the back into the wood after the glue dried to reinforce the bond.  

A couple more pilot holes where i will screw it into the wall.    Now to find a place.

  

Here is a good place, on the back of the door.   Now I will always find my glue.  

Thanks Proxxon tool company.   and thank you all for visiting.        Carol

The Proxxon MICROFLAM Burner Is the Perfect Tool for Torching Creme Brulee

Creme brulee is one of my favorite desserts, and the torching couldn't be easier with the MICROFLAM burner—and so much more energy efficient than firing up the oven broiler.

The MICROFLAM burner is light weight and easy to control. It's powered by butane lighter fluid, and the tank is refillable.

Here's my recipe for the Creme Brulee:

2 cups heavy cream (or 1 cup heavy cream + 1 cup half-n-half)

4 egg yolks

1/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Granulated sugar for topping 

1. Heat cream over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
2. Whisk egg yolks, 1/3 cup sugar, and vanilla.
3. Slowly add hot cream to the egg yolk mixture and a little at a time.
4. Pour into ramekins.
5. Place filled ramekins in a baking dish, and add hot water to the baking dish so that it comes about ¾ of the way up the sides of the ramekins. Take care not to splash water onto the custards.
6. Bake at 325° F for 30-45 minutes until the top is set and slightly colored. The centers will still jiggle.
7. Remove custards from the baking dish and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until chilled. (They can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.) 
8. For serving, sprinkle each custard with ~1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Torch with the Proxxon MICROFLAM Burner until caramelized. Serve immediately, or return to the refrigerator and serve within an hour.

Here you can watch how easy the MICROFLAM burner makes the torching process.

Carole

How to make a spice drawer organizer

 Hi everyone.  I have another organizational project for you today.   And I will tell you why I chose this one.   I am very tired of rooting through the spice jars that are up in the cabinet all crammed in together.  I am tired of them all falling out when I reach for one in the back, and..... well, you get my drift.   Let's fix this.   Today I am going to show you how easy it is to turn a kitchen drawer into a well-organized spice rack of sorts.  Check it out.  👀 This drawer holds 40 spice jars, and I can see the labels too.

Equipment and supplies

Proxxon mini table saw

Proxxonr OZI/E delta sander

Ruler or tape measure

pencil

wood glue  (fast setting is best here)

1/4" plywood

wood clamps

Ok, to get started, I first needed to know the dimensions of my drawer, using tape measure or ruler measure your drawer.  Height, inside width, and length.    Remember this drawer will need to open and shut.

I needed 4 dividers for my size drawer considering the sizes of the different spices.  I figured 9-10 spices per level, so this thing is going to hold up to quit a few spice jars.  

I cut my pieces to size using the Proxxon mini table saw.  I need   (4)  19' x 3" pieces for the "backrests", and (4)  19" x  2' for the risers.  This will work well for a drawer that is at least 4" deep.

Next, they need to be sanded so that there is no rough or splintery edges.   The Proxxon OZI/E delta sander makes this a breeze.  

Next, I used 10-minute glue to glue up the pieces.  I simply glued one of the bigger pieces to the edge of one of the smaller pieces then clamped it while it set.  The angle was approx. 90 degrees.

I checked he fit in the drawer, Looks good    Iwas going to glue them together but really no need. 

Let's see how the spices fit.  

That's a wrap.   I think it will certainly help with the spices even though the larger bottles and cans still need to be stored somewhere.  Amazing how they multiply.    

Thanks for visiting.  Hope you can give it a try.  It was super simple   I have some more ideas for the kitchen and elsewhere.  Someday... I just might be able to find whatever it is I am looking for.  😝

Thanks Proxxon,  love your tools.

How to Make Halloween Tin Punch Decorations

 Halloween tin punch decorations are easy and fun to make with Proxxon MICROMOT tools.

Here are the supplies and equipment that you'll need:

• Aluminum flashing
• ½" Baltic birch plywood
• Halloween Tin Punch Patterns
• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Proxxon Disc Sander TSG 250/E
• Proxxon Bench Circular Saw KS 115
• Proxxon MICRO Press MP 120
• FolkArt Home Décor Antique Wax 

How to make a Halloween tin punch decoration:

1. Print and cut out the Halloween Tin Punch Patterns.
2. Using the bench circular saw and a tungsten carbide saw blade, cut the aluminum flashing into 2½" x 2½" pieces.
   
   
   
3. Use painter's tape to mount the pattern onto the aluminum square allowing a margin at the bottom edge.
   
   
   
4. With the appropriate size punch in the MICRO press position the pattern for punching.
   
   
   
5. To make the stand, cut 2½" x 2" x ½" pieces from the plywood using the table saw.
6. Adjust the table saw blade height to make a partial cut ~¼" deep in the plywood stand piece.
   
   
   
7. Remove the guard assembly on the table saw to allow the partial cut. It is not possible to make a partial cut with the splitting wedge in place. Set the adjustable fence ~¼" from the saw blade. Make the partial cut. Replace the guard assembly.
   
   
   
8. Sand any rough edges on the stand using the disc sanders.
   
   
    
9. Finish the stand with FolkArt Home Décor Antique Wax.
   
   
   
10. Place a battery operated candle on the stand behind the tin punch for a spooky Halloween decoration.
    

Carole

How to make a different kind of picture frame.

Hi there!  I am glad you came to see what we are doing today.  Well I thought we might do an easy project.  I had some leftover pieces of wood from when we did some wainscotting in the kitchen.,  so we are going to use these.       

Supplies. and equipment

tongue and groove boards 3 or 4

wood glue

Proxxon mini table saw

Proxxon OZI/E delta sander

Ruler/straight edge \/ pencil

2 eye hooks and picture hanging wire.

The first thing I did was to measure my picture.   Then I added 3" all around.   This is the size I will need to cut my wood piece.   But first...

Let's glue some of the boards together that will yield a piece the size we need. Spread the glue onto the tongue side of the board.   Let dry well.

Over to the Proxxon mini table saw as it's time to cut this big piece to the size we need.  Remember to leave a 3" border around your picture.  

Notice I am using the extended fence that is located on the left side of the Proxxon mini table saw.

Next, I use the Proxxon mini table saw to cut 2 slats that have the tongue side intact. The slats are approx 1 1/2" wide   Our picture will slide under the tongue and this is what will hold it in place.

Everything is sanded really well using the Proxxon OZI/E delta sander.

  I centered the bottom one and glued it in place.  I clamped it down and let it dry good.

I checked the fit with the picture and glued down the top piece.

On the back I glued another slat about 1/3 of the way down and then placed 2 eyehooks on the ends then strung picture wire for hanging.  All done.

When you make it, you can paint or finish the wood.  I like the look of the naked untreated wood.

Thanks for visiting.   See ya next time.  Take care.

Thanks Proxxon.  Love your tools.   Carol

             

How to Make Farmhouse Picture Holders

 These rustic, farmhouse picture holders are as versatile as they are easy to make. They are a great way to use scraps of wood left over from other projects.

Supplies and Equipment that you'll need:

• Scrap wood
• Proxxon Bandsaw MBS/E
• Proxxon Table Saw FET
• Proxxon Disc Sander TSG 250/E
• FolkArt Monument Gray Milk Paint

Let's make the farmhouse picture holders:

1. Gather scraps of wood—plywood, MDF, hardwood—½" to 1" thick.
   
   
   
2. Cut rectangles using the table saw. Vary the lengths and widths.
   
   
   
3. Measure and mark for the top triangle. Mark the center of the width. Mark each side equidistant from the top.
   
   
   
4. Connect the measurement marks to form a triangle. Cut away excess using the bandsaw.
   
   
   
5. Measure and mark the center width at the top of the triangle.
   
   
   
6. Using the center mark as a guide, cut the picture slot at the top of the triangle using the bandsaw.
   
   
   
7. Sand the surfaces using the disc sander.
   
   
   
8. Finish the farmhouse picture holders with a colored wash. I chose a gray wash. You'll want to test the look on a scrap. Thin the paint with water—4 parts paint to 1 part water. If you want a more solid color, then use less or no water. Apply the gray wash with a brush and immediately wipe with a rag. Let dry thoroughly. If you want more pronounced color, add more coats of the gray wash, following the apply/wipe procedure. Hint: I wore a disposal glove on the hand that was doing the wiping.
   
   
   
9. Enjoy displaying your photos in these farmhouse picture holders.
   

Carole

How to use metal to make a decorative plaque.

 Hi again.   Time for another little project.   I was reading up a little bit on some of Proxxon's tools and I found out that the micro bandsaw cuts metals.  Well, no kidding I should have known this long ago, but in my past. I dealt with a bandsaw that only cut wood. In fact, it was written all over the saw itself, "wood only", and I'm not one to argue with an ornery looking giganto bandsaw.  Finding out that I can cut metals has opened a new door.  Let's walk through it and try a small project.  

 Equipment and supplies

Thin piece of metal

masking or painters tape

Wood plaque or other backing for cutout

Proxxon micro bandsaw

small files

Proxxon OZI/E delta sander

tProxxon drill press and small drill bi

hammer

small nails..

Small piece of dowel (to make nail holder)

saw tooth picture hanger

First thing I did was to place masking tape on the front side of all my tiles and draw my design.  Bearing in mind that there can't be any inside cuts, make sure that you can enter the closed letters at some point that won't interfere with it's stability or readability.  I got my inspiration from my friend.  I asked her what she would like to see on a plaque and she told me, " Beyond Blessed".  Guess who gets the plaque when it is finished.    In the picture above you can see the progress I was making cutting out the saying.   PLEASE MIND YOUR FINGERS-  This cutting requires some up close holding.  Nope, the red on the letters is not blood, it is where I marked the way in to the closed areas.  I guess I should have used green or blue paint.  The Proxxon micro scroll saw cuts easily into this thin metal.  Another word of warning.  Please wear eye protection.  You surely don't need a metal splinter in your eye.  

This is what I wear when there is any danger of eye injury.

Here is how it turned out.

I sand it a little bit using the OZI/E delta sander.  This makes it shiny.

Now over to the Proxxon mini drill press to make some holes.

I want to use a lot of nails as a decorative feature. 

Now lets nail it to our wood piece.  Oh but the nails are too small to hold.   Hint- make this (below).  Take a dowel or small piece of wood and drill a small hole about 1" up that will hold the nail you are going to use.  Make a cut from the end of the dowel to the small hole.  (It doesn't have to be pretty)

Nail holder!  Lightly tap the nail to get it started and pull out the dowel.  Finish tapping in your nail.

Add a picture holder to the back and it's done.  

Give it to someone you love.  

Thanks for visiting.  Come back again and meanwhile play safe

Carol