Category : How tos


We live in an apartment. Every space outside our humble abode is common space. That means I have to do all my work inside the house.
  • To cut a piece of wood I use the center table in the living room.
  • To bore a hole into wood I use the little space in the guest room
  • To Paint or stain wood I use either of the balconies
  • And my tools are all in the service area
Clean up the mess
This is only a fraction of the mess I make
Now, here's the downside to not having a dedicated work space. There is going to be lots of scrap wood, saw dust, dirty cloth, screws, nails, sand papers and tools all strewn across every square inch of where you work. What is even worse is the spilled paint / stain or the quick bonding fevicol on the tiles that takes lot of work to remove. And trust me, tidying up is the most boring task of any woodworking project. Sanding only comes second.

Here are some useful tips that you can follow to make things easier for yourself:
  1. Try to work in one place. Makes cleaning up easier even if you generate lot of mess
  2. Move your tools closer to your place of work. Reduces moving around while in the middle of a project.  I moved most of mine into an empty shelf in the guest room wardrobe.
  3. Spread news papers across the floor. When you are done, rather than picking up the bits and pieces, you can just carefully remove the papers and dispose them off. You may also want to do it on the wall. Paints and stains on wall are quite impossible to remove.
  4. Have thinner with you all the time. Any spills can be managed immediately by wiping off the stains from the tiles using thinners
  5. Try to finish your work before the maid gets to work. The sweeping and mopping will take care of most troubles you create.
  6. Wear latex gloves while using paint. They are inexpensive and can be thrown off after use. Also reduces effort spent on cleaning up your fingers. In Chennai, you can get these gloves for Rs.3 a pair at Nilgiris.
  7. Use inexpensive containers for mixing paints, sealants etc… Again reduces clean up work as you can straight away dispose them after use.
Most importantly, make sure you wear these essential safety gears while indulging in a woodworking DIY project. Mess can be cleaned up. But a broken finger may take time to heal.

Your turn now : 
  • Do you make a lot of mess while indulging in DIY ?
  • Do you enjoy the clean up process ?
  • Do you have other clean up tips to share ?

Linking in : Colours Dekor
- Somu


When we made a post on a DIY laptop stand, Vinay Oommen from House on the Rock asked : "Hi Can you post sometime on how to work with laminate : How to cut it, paste it and precautions to be taken, tools to use and avoid etc." So here goes.
Wooden laminate, a popular choice for wardrobes and kitchen cabinets, is ideal for your small woodworking furniture projects. Laminates provide a whole range of options in terms of color, texture and patterns adding the much needed variety to your home DIY projects. You can check out Merino Laminates or Greenlam India to get an idea.

Laminates for wardrobes and cabinets
Cabinets installed with laminates


This tutorial only addresses simple installation of laminates using Fevicol SH synthetic resin glue for “small” projects that you do inside your home. Their industrial applications and factory installation using presses are not handled here. This DIY also has nothing to do with wooden floor laminates.

Step 1: What you need

Laminate installation - materials required
Materials required for laminate installation

  • Laminate (May be available only in 8ftx4ft or similar standard dimensions. You will have to check with your supplier if he will have left over stuff)
  • Cutter (A mica cutter or an xacto knife)
  • Glue (Fevicol SH Synthetic resin glue)
  • Masking tape or clamps


Step 2: Cutting the laminate

Laminate being cut using a mica cutter
Cutting laminate using mica cutter / Xacto knife

  • The laminates are only 1mm thick which makes it easy to cut them to the desired size using a mica cutter (shown above) or an xacto knife.
  • They can be cut much like how you would cut a sheet of cardboard using a pencil knife.
  • Run the knife or the cutter along the cutting line couple of times before breaking the laminate off.


Step 3: Applying glue

Glue application for laminate installation
Glue applied on the rough underside and on the wood surface

  • Have you seen tiles being installed on a smooth wall?  Before the installation, the wall is chipped a little along the area of installation to make it rough. This makes it easy for the cemented tile to have a strong hold.
  • Similarly, laminates and Mica sheets come with a very rough underside enabling a strong bond to be created with the surface it is being stuck on to.
  • Apply glue generously on the underside and also on the wooden surface. Give it a minute.


Step 4: Installing the sheet

Laminate held onto the wood using masking tape
Use masking tape and clamps to hold laminate in place

  • Remember I mentioned that they are only about 1mm in thickness? It means that they have a natural tendency to bend (will break beyond a certain point). Because of this bend, they may not sit properly when the glued underside is placed on the wooden surface.
  • To overcome to issue, it is important to hold the laminate tightly pressed onto the wooden surface until the glue dries.
  • Use a masking tape (Click here for other practical uses for the masking tape) or C-Clamps to keep the laminate in place. Allow enough time for drying (Be safe and wait 8 hrs at least)

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Any protrusion of the laminate can be trimmed using the xacto knife to ensure it is neatly aligned along the edge of the wooden surface.

So there you go. Try it out. My plywood supplier has lots of leftover laminate sheets in different sizes. He does not have much use for them because there may not be takers and so is always happy to part with them for an amount. You just need to be lucky enough to find the colors of your choice just as I found the orange laminate for my DIY laptop stand.


It's your turn now
  • Have you worked with laminates before? 
  • Have you used it for your wardrobes and kitchen cabinets ? 
  • Did you have a tough time choosing from the variety of available designs ? 
  • Share your thoughts.

Linking in : Colours Dekor
- Somu


DIY Laptop Stand

Working from home is turning out to be more resourceful especially considering the commute distance. The low center table  has always been where we laid the laptop while working. However, there are times during a call when we needed to work from the room, and it was not possible to move the table. And so the need to make a portable DIY laptop stand. While it was intended to be used as a laptop stand, here are other functional uses for this piece of furniture.
Make your own DIY laptop stand
DIY Laptop stand


Seriously. Why make your own Mod Podge when it is readily available !

In Chennai, until sometime back, Pidilite’s Hobby Ideas Glue ‘n’ Gloss was the only decoupage glue (that I am aware of) available in crafts stores. But recently, when my search for Glue 'n' Gloss hit a roadblock, I was given to understand they have decided to stop its production. And hence the need to make my own Mod Podge from easily available resources.
A decoupage on wine bottle using Hobby Ideas Glue n Gloss
Click to view our decoupage post
After a bit of research on the net, here’s what I found. This is a quick DIY using Fevicol. I tested it on a piece of wood using news paper bits and it did work. However, be aware that this is only a cheap alternative (not in cost but in quality) to Mod Podge.

Quick tutorial on how to make your own Mod Podge

  • Get Fevicol MR from your near by hardware / crafts store
  • Mix equal parts of water to it (50-50 mixture). You can also use Camel’s acrylic gloss medium instead of water
  • Shake / stir well until the glue and water form a dilute homogeneous mixture
  • Use it the way you would use Mod Podge 
  • Apply few layers of clear varnish to protect your work. Fevicol + Water cannot provide the same kind of protection Mod Podge can 
Make your own Mod Podge
How to make Mod Podge at home

Some Caveats

  • The classy effect of Glue ‘n’ Gloss is blatantly missing. 
  • And to play the devil's advocate, here's a blog post on why this method is not recommended for long lasting effect
  • So, use your discretion. Make this DIY decoupage glue only because Mod Podge is not available in your locality. 
I wrote to Pidilite about this and they were kind enough to call back. Glue ‘n’ Gloss is officially going out of production and their Hobbyideas ModPodge is available in select stores (Chennai unfortunately is not in that list). Here’s the address of two stores, besides many others, that are stocking the Mod Podge

HOBBY IDEAS
Kemps Corner,
Noah's Art,Ground Flr,
Kwality House,Kemps Corner,
Mumbai – 400036
912223825621/ 912222937776
HOBBY IDEAS (STAPLES)
East Land Holdings Pvt. Ltd.
Muncipal No. 102, Hosur Road,
Opp. Big Bazaar, Koramangala,
Bangalore – 560001
080 - 40928005


The next time I am in Bangalore, I know where I am going to be shopping. Meanwhile, if you are in Chennai, do you know places where I can get Mod Podge. Until then I am going to try this home made Mod Podge recipe.

Update : Click here for the complete list of stores in India where Mod Podge is available.

References :
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
If you have used this DIY glue, do let me know your experience with it

Linking in : Colours Dekor
- Somu


So, how do you install curtains,
  • When your landlord does not allow for drilling on walls in your rented apartment ?
  • When you don't have the necessary tools to drill on wall ?
  • When you don't want to puncture a hidden water pipeline or electrical duct ?

how to install a curtain rod
How to install a curtain rod without drilling on wall
Here's how you can install curtain rods using adhesive hooks, without having to drill holes on your wall. This is an easy to do installation and anyone can try this out at home.


Here is a short DIY tutorial on how to make your own wooden DIY photo / picture frame . These photo frames are built completely with wood materials that are easily available at the local plywood store.

All the materials, supplies and tools required were bought at a local hardware store in Chennai. Only tool that is used is a hack saw blade which is available for Rs.2/- at the hardware shop. Ready made wooden frame moulds are also available which come with the groove for glass / picture insertion.
Photo frame DIY
Wooden DIY Photo Frame
Home made picture frame
DIY Photo frame

How to make a picture frame
Make your own photo frame

1. Materials, supplies and tools required

  • Wooden sticks (1/2"x1/2")
  • Plywood beading (Usually used for edge banding and available in different designs. We have used the curvy edge banding for this frame
  • Glue (Fevibond / fevicol)
  • Hack Saw blade
  • Set square (To mark the 45 degree miter joint)
  • X-acto knife or a pencil knife

2. The wooden stick base

    The wooden stick will form the base of the photo frame and will not be visible from the front. The frame face (Beading) will be glued onto this base.

3. Cut the wooden sticks

    Cut the wooden sticks to the desired length using a hack saw blade. These cut sticks will be glued to each other to form a rectangular base onto which the frame face will be glued. The inset dimension of the rectangular base should be equal to or slightly higher than the dimension of the photo being framed, else the photo will not fit into the frame.

4. Glue the sticks together

    Generously apply glue on the edges of the wooden sticks and glue them together. Use masking tape to hold the sticks together while the glue is drying. Allow for at least 3 hours before the glue can completely dry. Allowing it to dry ensures the glue bond is much stronger.
Useful tip: Use a masking tape to hold the sticks together. This will ensure the sticks do not move away from each other and will also provide enough pressure to strengthen the glue bond
Do it yourself photo frame
Learn to make a wooden photo frame

5. Build the frame face using plywood beading

    Now cut the frame face. The outer edge of the frame should align with the outer edge of the base. The frame will look good if it is joined together on the edges using a miter joint (the edges are at a 45 degree angle)

6. Mark the 45 degree angle

    Before cutting the frame, mark the 45 degree angle using a set square. To ensure the hack saw blade cuts along the 45 degree line, create a ridge or groove along the line using an Xacto knife / pencil knife or a mica cutter. This will ensure the blade does not slip while cutting and will result in an almost perfect 45 degree cut.

7. Cut the wooden frame

    Cut the 4 frame sticks to the desired dimension using the hacksaw blade. 

8. Glue the frame to the base

    Generously apply glue both on the rear of the frame and the rectangular base. Use masking tape to hold the frame tightly onto the wooden base. Allow for at least 3 hours of drying time.
Useful tip: Make a ridge or groove along the 45 degree line to ensure the hacksaw blade does not slip and stays on the cutting line resulting in an almost perfect cut
How to make a photo frame using wood
Wooden photo frame - Do it yourself

9. Clear view of the frame face being glued onto the wooden base

10. Rabbet

    Rabbet is a step-shaped recess cut along the edge or in the face of a piece of wood, typically forming a match to the edge or tongue of another piece. The additional width of the frame stuck to the wooden base forms a recess or groove (called rabbet) at the rear, onto which the picture will be housed

11. House the photo in the rabbet

    Overturn the picture and place it neatly on the recess formed at the rear of the frame.

12. Your wooden photo frame is ready to be showcased and showed off

FAQ: What is Miter Joint?
A Miter Joint (mitre in British English), sometimes shortened to miter, is a joint made by bevelling each two parts to be joined, usually at a 45 deg angle, to form a corner, usually a 90 deg angle. Common applications : Picture frames, pipes and molding.
Source: Wikipedia


Curious to know how the photo frame has been made to stand  upright on the table ? Join us on FACEBOOK just so you don't miss the follow up post on making the stand using wood / cardboard / cork board and a hinge.

Meanwhile, let me know what you think of this DIY. Do you think there is a better way to do this ? Are there alternatives to a wooden stick for making the frame ? Have you done a DIY frame post yourself ? Do share the link. Would love to know your methods.

Linking in : Lines Across my Face, Colours Dekor


A Pilot hole is a small hole that is drilled into wood, before driving a screw, a larger drill bit or a nail. Following are the common reasons why a pilot hole is required:



  • It is not possible to generate enough power using ones hands to drive a screw directly into wood, unless a power screw driver is used. Pilot holes make it easier to drive screws using a hand screw driver


  • When a screw / nail is driven directly into wood, it might possibly split the wood. The chances are very high if the screw / nail is used along the corners / edges of the wood. Pilot holes help prevent tension on the wood making it easier for screws to be sunk without causing any damage


  • When using a larger drill bit, it is possible for the drill to slip while it is being driven. The pilot hole increases accuracy by acting as the guiding fissure into which a larger screw / drill bit can be easily and precisely driven
What is a pilot hole?
Pilot hole for driving a screw in wood
Pilot holes have to be lesser in diameter and depth than the screw that is being driven into it. Larger holes will not create enough grip around them for the screw to tightly hold on to the wooden surface.

Pilot holes are commonly used within the house for installing a bathroom hanger, key holders, hanger rods for the wardrobe etc… while they are also extensively used in furniture making, cabinetry, and other woodworking needs where screws and nails are predominantly used.

If you liked this post, you may also be interested in
What is sanding ?
What is the difference between Wood stain and paint ?
How to install Euro hinges ?
How to install a glass door ?

P.S. Linking in : Lines Across my face
- Somu


Before getting into the how tos of Priming and Painting wood, it helps to understand a little bit about the difference between wood paints and stains. This tutorial is particularly useful for your everyday small wooden DIY projects while it can also be extended to bigger ones like your furniture.
Note: This post only addresses painting on bare wood. The technique is different when an already finished wood needs to be repainted.

Why is priming required on wood ? (Back to Top)                                                                                           

  • Priming is essential to provide the undercoat and topcoat of paint an even surface
  • It allows for uniform absorption of paint, helps cover the grains and pores and thereby enables a flat, opaque, and smoother finish.
Some safety pre-requisites (Back to Top)                                                                                          


Primer and paint give out strong fumes. It irritates the eyes and can also cause certain discomfort if inhaled. You may want to be better prepared with woodworking safety equipments like face masks and eyegears while indulging in this activity.

Materials and consumables required (Back to Top)

Primer allows for uniform absorption of paint, helps cover the grains and enables a flat and smoother finish
Wood primer and paint
Primer, Paint and Brush


Do you have the need to cover a cabinet with a glass door?
Do you feel your existing cabinet glass door can do with some newer look?
Or do you just wish to learn something cost effective and functional?
Then this tutorial is for you.
After three years of following up with the original vendor who built our TV floor unit, we decided to install a door for the centre cabinet .The DTH system and DVD player are remote controlled and hence installing a glass door was the obvious choice. Here’s how you can do a glass door installation.


Cost of project: Low- includes cost of the glass panels, and glass door hinges
Difficulty level: Medium to high
Time required: 2-4 hours


Installing a cabinet door is a very easy and functional activity and can be done with the help of few easy-to-use tools. While the need to install a door may not be so frequent, this tutorial will help when you have a creaking / broken door that needs replacement. Considering this is the first DIY tutorial on Woodooz, I would appreciate any comment/ feedback. Feel free to drop in your opinions. 
This tutorial is also useful if you are specifically looking for details on how to install door hinges / European cup hinges. Note: Click on the pictures for a bigger / clearer view if required

CONTENTS
1,2:Cabinet identification,Materials reqd 3. Plywood door dimension 4. The European Cup Hinge
5. Mark Points to Secure Hinge 6,7 Bore hole, Install door 8. Add more hinges


Step 1 - Identifying the Cabinet
Step 2 - Materials Required

Step 1 : Identify Cabinet Needing a door (Back to Top)
  • Identify the cabinet needing a door
  • Our TV stand turned Shoe Rack badly needed a door and was the obvious choice for this exercise. The rack is in the living room, and going by the contents in the cabinet, you can pretty much understand why this needed to be covered.
  • Measure the sides of the cabinet before buying the plywood for the door

Step 2 :Materials and Tools required


What is Sanding ? It is is a tedious, yet a necessary activity in the process of woodworking. Using a sanding block is much convenient than trying to sand with the sand paper folded. The block allows for easier application and equal distribution of pressure on the piece of wood and hence gives better results.


How to make a sanding block at home
Though sanding blocks are commercially available, you can make one at home. 
  1. You would need - A palm sized scrap piece of wooden block. If not, even a detergent bar would do. A Scorch bite (Cork is normally recommended) for the smooth underside to lighten the impact on wood. A screw / nail for a better hold.
  2. Stick the scorchbite onto the block using fevicol.  The screw / nail is drilled into the top of the block.
  3. The nail / screw is primarily for a better hold when sanding. It allows for an easier grip of the entire block between your fingers.
  4. Insert a small chunk of sponge around the nail / screw to protect your fingers from possible irritation / pain.
  5. Cut the sand paper to a width longer than the block for you to hold it during the process of sanding. While a folded sand paper serves the purpose, it can put lot of strain on your arms. You would most certainly find it easier now to sand flat surfaces using the block. 
~ Somu

P.S. Linking in : Kreative Korner

- Somu


When custom making furniture, the end user may want to have an idea of the product through a 3-dimensional image (Check out our 3D gallery of furniture). Besides serving this purpose, a 3D image is also useful to estimate raw material requirement, identify areas for additional reinforcements, play around with colors, and most importantly to arrive at a near accurate cost estimation. Having a 360 degree view helps plan for every possible requirement in advance as against learning and applying during the making process.

Creating a 3D image is easy if your basics on geometry, elevation, projection and perspective are intact. It is addictive and you can see yourself creating more designs - copied, inspired, original or otherwise. This coffee table was inspired by many similar designs and has been approved by the potential user. It is now work in progress and likely to be completed in another week. For this project, I used Google Sketchup.

Creating a 3D design of a room using Google Sketchup

Sketchup is a freely available Google tool that allows for creation of 3D models of furniture, rooms, and other design models. It is used by designers to play around with their designs and comes with a user friendly interface.   I created this 3D model of our kitchen for the SMALL KITCHEN COMPETITION @ APARTMENT THERAPY. Considering I have very limited background on design, you can imagine how much of an easy to use tool it is.

P.S. Linking in : In the Studio, Sneak peak, Kreative Korner, @ the picket fence, Colours Dekor, Lines Across my Face, todayscreativeblog


Over to you : Do you plan your designs prior to implementing them ? Be it decorating your room, or building a piece of furniture, do you visualize what you want and how you want through an interface besides your mind ? What tools do you use ? Or do you love the traditional way of capturing your visuals in a paper ? Share  your thoughts.



- Somu

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