theDIYsource.com » How to’s http://www.thediysource.com/blog Home Improvement. DIY Tue, 23 Sep 2008 05:43:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 en hourly 1 How to build a simple birdhouse http://www.thediysource.com/blog/how-to-build-a-simple-birdhouse/ http://www.thediysource.com/blog/how-to-build-a-simple-birdhouse/#comments Mon, 19 May 2008 06:10:06 +0000 admin http://thediysource.com/blog/?p=6 Building a birdhouse is a great project to do with the kids.
This project is constructed out of 1×6 cedar fencing material.Materials:
1. 1×6 cedar fencing material that is 5′ long.
2. 1-1/2 finishing nails or deck screws which ever you prefer.
3. All weather wood glue.
4. 4″ wood dowel 3/8″ diameter.

Step 1: Cut 2 side panels that are 6″ high by 5-1/2″ wide.

Step 2: Cut front panel that is 8-3/4″ high by 5-1/2″ wide.
Now mark from the bottom up 6″ on each side of the front panel. (Mark with pencil 6″ up panel on each side) Now at the top of the panel measure in 2-3/4″ and make a mark. This is the center point for the birdhouse peak. Now draw a solid line from each 6″ mark on each side up to the center mark then cut.

Step 3. Use the front wall as a template to make the back wall.

Step 4. Now we need to make the birdhouse access hole and hole for the wood dowel. With the front wall laying flat measure and mark up 2″ from the bottom on each side, then find the center between those two marks, this will be the dowel hole. Drill a 3/8 diameter hole but don’t install the dowel yet.
Now measure up 4-1/2″ from the bottom of the front wall panel on each side then find the center point of these two marks. This is the birdhouse access hole. Drill a 1-1/2″ access hole.

Step 5. Assemble both side walls to the front and back walls using wood glue and three finish nails per joint.

Step 6. Cut right roof panel 9″ long by 5-1/2″ wide. Cut left roof panel 9″ long and 4-3/4″ wide. Don’t install the roof panels yet.

Step 7. Take the left over material lay flat on bench put birdhouse on top of material standing upright. Make marks through the top with your pencil the outline of the floor panel. Once complete install floor panel with glue and nails.

Step 8. Install roof panels. Right roof panel (larger one) will overlap the left roof panel to create the peak. There should be approx. 1″ of overhang in front and back. Glue and nail.

Step 9. Install wood dowel with a small amount of wood glue.

Your done. Paint if you like or let the cedar weather naturally.

]]> http://www.thediysource.com/blog/how-to-build-a-simple-birdhouse/feed/ 0 How to pick out Furniture http://www.thediysource.com/blog/how-to-pick-out-furniture/ http://www.thediysource.com/blog/how-to-pick-out-furniture/#comments Mon, 19 May 2008 06:04:37 +0000 admin http://thediysource.com/blog/?p=3 Picking out furniture can be a daunting task.
When it comes to picking out leather furniture here is a secret to know when the salesmen is telling the truth about the product being all leather or leather mate. (leather mate is leather where you touch and vinyl everywhere else.)
Whether its a recliner, sofa or loveseat almost all the time if there is a seam on the backside it is all leather. If there is no seam on the backside for example on the back of the sofa if its covered with one solid piece of material it is vinyl. Don’t let the salesman tell you otherwise. I have seen however some companies will put seams in the vinyl to make it look more like leather. If you can find a raw edge underneath the item its pretty obvious whether its leather or not.
I am in the furniture business and one of the most frequently asked questions is is that dining table solid wood?? Its becoming more rare to have solid wood tables anymore, infact your more expensive table are veneered. A tell tell sign is look at the grain of the wood, does it continue over the edge? Most the time it will run the other way on the edge. This is veneer. If a table is pretty ornate its veneer. Actually you cheaper smaller dining nook sets are more likely to be solid than the bigger expensive sets.
I hate to say this but probably 90% of the dining sets you see in retail stores come from overseas! Its amazing how we can ship supplies over there have it built then ship it back and be cheaper than if we just made it over here!! Don’t get me going on this subject!
Bedroom furniture is the same way as far as determining whether its a veneered product or not.
Good luck with your next purchase.

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