Back Again

So, I just realized it has been 3 years since I have wrote on here. Things have been going a little crazy the last few years. We moved into our forever home, had different jobs, and tried to keep up with the woodworking and our other hobbies. 

Quite recently we "re-opened" D & K Custom Woodworking. Dave had his fare share of jobs, and realized that it was more important to do what he enjoyed and that was building. So he took a major pay cut to take on a position at a local cabinet shop. He worked there for about 9 months, then decided it was time to go out on his own. In this same time I had also left my job (soon to find out it would only be temporary) to be home with the kids since we were both gone most of the days. So I lasted exactly 4 months at home, and after UPS offered me my position again, and I decided to take it. 

In that four months of absence for me, and Dave's new venture, we started with our own kitchen and remodeled it. Then we started branching out to others who were looking for cabinets, and refacing or really anything that involves furniture, cabinets and wood. So far it has been very rewarding for us, along with the stresses that come with working for yourselves.

During this time I was encouraged to make my baking "official". I decided to concentrate on doing gourmet cupcakes, but really enjoy creating again in the kitchen. The response from this has also been overwhelming. I mean I knew I was good, but I guess I did not realize that other people thought so too. 

So that brings me back here. Doing something that is very effective to share our adventure and talk about it even more than I do! Sharing, and making sure you have covered everyone, is something that is not always the easiest, and writing again is a one stop shop in my opinion. I hope to be better at this than I was before. I am also thinking about maybe changing the aura of what I do on here. I think I was trying to do to much and not just letting my fingers hit the keys however it comes. Who knows, we will work out this together and I am excited to once again take the time to behind the keyboard!

Kirstie

Behind the Scenes-Design

Once we have a purpose and an idea we are able to move on the design phase. This is probably the most time consuming step. We get measurements, type of wood, style, sketch up design, (or hand drawn draft) set of plans, materials list, and an estimated cost.

Before we can create a design we have to take specific measurements of the area the piece is going to be. This way we can have the dimensions to draft and design the piece. Since what we do is completely custom, we spend a lot of time with the clients to get their idea onto paper, and to make sure it is perfect for them.

We start out with a pencil and paper drawing, it isn't always pretty, but it gets the main idea on paper. We then take that sketch and use Sketch Up (you can use any Computer Aid Design Software) to design the piece.

You can download a free version of Sketchup off the internet. I will touch on basics in this post because there is so much for Sketchup I can dedicate a post just to it!

To start, open Sketchup. The page will look like this.

 

As you can see there is an x, y, and z axis. This will allow you to create a 3D object.Your basic tools are a pencil, rectangles, circles, arc, push pull, tape measure and color. To make an object draw a line or a shape on the axis you want. You can make the basic shape, then go down into the dimensions box and type in the dimensions you want it to be. Keep doing that until you have your finished design. Here is an example of how a Sketch Up model will look.
 

Next step is making a set of plans. These will provide you with a cut list of pieces you will need. These are the instructions to put your pieces together. To make it easier for yourself, be sure to be as detailed as you can. Down to where each screw is going to go. This will save you any confusion down the line. 

Now that you have a cut list and a set of plans it is time to make a materials list. First you need to pick what materials are going to be used. For instance, the bookcase above can be made out Maple hardwood plywood, and Maple stock.Then you have to decide what finishing products you need and any hardware if needed.

Once you have everything decided, you create a materials list.You have a sketch or model that provides you with measurements for your wood. With those measurements you can figure out out much material is needed, for instance for the trim pieces for the bookcase, you might need 1 1x1x6 and a 1x4x8 piece of Maple, one 4' by 8' piece of Maple plywood. 

Example of Lists:

Tools Needed:

Ear and Eye Protection

Table saw

Kreg Jig

Drill

Clamps

Orbital Sander

Foam Brushes

Rags

Materials List:

1 Sheet 4’x8’ Maple ¾” plywood

1 1x1x6’ Maple

1 1x4x6’ Maple (Will need to be ripped down to 3 ¼”)

Pocket Hole Screws

Wood Glue

Stain

Polyurethane 

Cut List:

 

2- 12”x 48” plywood-sides of shelves

5- 36” x 12” shelves and top and bottom

1-1x1x39” front trim top

2-1x1x12” side trim top

1-1x3 ¼” x39”  bottom trim front

2 1x3 1/4x 12” side trim bottom 

Below is an EXAMPLE of a diagram on how to cut the plywood, note nothing is to scale in this picture.

 

I will have an example  of our plans in the Building Post since we are in the process of creating some for the project.

Now that you have a design, plans, and a materials list its time to round up the things you need and start building!

In the next post I will explain how we go about building a project!

Enjoy!

Kirstie

Back on Track

WOW!! I just realized it has been around 2 weeks since I have posted. I just wanted to apologize. I have been having technical difficulties with my internet not staying connected for more than minutes at a time. I now have a new modem for our internet so I am good to go again! Today I will post the Design part of Behind the Scenes. We also have a new project for the week that we will have a tutorial on! Thank you all for your patience!

Enjoy

Kirstie

Behind the Scenes-Purpose and Idea

Before we start any project there is usually a purpose behind it. The purpose can be anything. Do you need something for you? Do need a gift to give? Or do you want something for an empty space?  After you have the purpose is when you have an idea. 

Example: 
Purpose-"I need something to organize our coats, this entry way is a disaster!"
Idea-"How about a coat rack?"

Once the purpose is found, and the idea is in your head, it is time to get designing! 

In the next post I will explain how we get the design, and the tools we use to make the process much easier.


Enjoy,

Kirstie

Behind the Scenes of The Woodworker and The Woodworker's Wife-Intro

Hello All!

Behind The Scenes Intro

We have come to the reality that most people only see  (and sometimes care about) the final piece. This is where we get the post comments, likes and shares on our pictures and the "Looks Good!" It's hard to explain to a person the process it takes to get to that finished product. For the next few days I am going to give you the "Behind the Scenes of the Woodworker and The Woodworker's Wife", and a tour of D & K Custom Woodworking. Or in other words, explain to you the process' we go through, the tools we use, the time we take, and much more! (I have a surprise up my sleeve!)

My goal is to go through the major steps of finishing a project. Starting with: 
The Purpose, 
The Idea, 
Design,
Preparing for the Build,
The Build,
Finishing,
Presentation

Hope You all enjoyed a very Merry Christmas and have a wonderful New Year!

Enjoy,
Kirstie

Brag Day!

Hey All!!

Today is our Brag day! This is where we all share our brag stories. Please post a picture or pictures and a small description of your favorite piece in the comments!

My two for this week!

Bookcase
The kids have been given totes full of books so we needed a book shelf for them. This was a quick make out of some scrap wood we had laying around. The shelves are adjustable. We finished it with Red Mahogany and Clear Satin Polyurethane.  The hubby always surprises me what he can come up with out of scrap wood!

Art Easal

Dave made this kid's art easel for a Cancer Awareness Fundraiser last month. Chalk Board on one side, dry erase on the other side. Then a roll of paper can be placed in the middle and pulled through the top and down under the tray. The tray is removable, and the easel will fold up for easy storage. Our daughter uses it everyday!

 Enjoy!

Kirstie

See something you would to have custom made? Contact D & K Custom Woodworking LLC to order.

Woodworking Project Start to Finish-End Grain Cutting Board Part 2

Hey All!!

First of all I want to take the time to thank everyone who has taken the time to look at Part 1. This project has definitely been the most viewed!

Supplies Needed For Part Two

Scraper or Chisel
Hand Plane
Orbital Sander with 80 grit Sandpaper
Router/ Cutting and 1/4 inch Round over bit.
Hand Hold Jig
320 Grit Sandpaper
Rag
Butcher Block Oil
Table Saw

We left off in Part 1 by letting the glue dry after we had our cutting board clamped together. After the glue was dry we removed all of the clamps and scraped off the excess dried glue.

Now sand. We had some high spots where the seams didn't match up like we wanted. This was a quick fix with a small hand plane. This also helped remove some of the missed glue.

We took the orbital sander and sanded the board until all of the glue and high spots were off. Since we are sanding the end grain, it takes a lot longer. Be patient, this is what is going to make the board beautiful!

After we were done sanding, we trimmed up the edges with the table saw to make the board as square as possible without taking very much off. You don't want to cut into the board because you will be cutting into the pattern.

We decided to cut hand holds into the sides of the board to make is easier to pick up and move around. For this we built a jig to make shape we needed. The router sits inside of the jig, and allows for straight lines. I made mine 4" x 1 1/2" and 1/2" deep. When routering out the area for the hand hold, we only cut out about a quarter of an inch of the way down. Then lowered the bit down to the final depth of 1/2" in the router and cut the final depth.

When both hand holds were finished, we moved on with rounding the edges over with a 1/4 inch round over bit. Then we took 320 grit sand paper and gave the board a final sand. At this time we made sure to rough down the bottom edges and corners to make them less sharp.

Wipe off the cutting board to remove all of the dust. Take a rag and dip it into the butcher block oil and rub the oil into the wood, starting with the bottom side of the board. Let the oil soak in and wipe of the excess. When dry, apply another coat.

I want to take this time to explain why we use butcher block oil on the cutting board. There are many different types of wood finishes, (Which I will explain the uses of them in another post) but when you are working with anything that is going to be used with or around food it is important that you use food safe finishes. This can be anything that is natural, that is not blended with any other ingredients, has no hidden ingredients and most importantly non toxic. Some common finishes are:

Butcher Block Oil
Pure Tung Oil
Raw Linseed Oil
Mineral Oil
Walnut Oil (Avoid if anyone has a nut allergy)
Beeswax
Carnauba Wax
Shellac
  
After all of the oil is rubbed in wait about 12 hours and reply another coat. You would want to so this at least twice but three would be the best. Sand with 400 grit sandpaper in between each coat. Then wait 72 hours before using after your final coat.

I am very excited about this cutting board and can't wait to make some more!

Enjoy!

Kirstie

Do you want your own custom made end grain cutting board? Contact us at www.dandkcustomwoodworking.com to order!