March 15 – Dining Room Woodworking, Part 3

March 15, 2023 TwoWritingTeachers.org

Today was hinge day on our new storage benches. I laid awake last night from 2-4 a.m. thinking about hinges. Why? Who knows? I wasn’t in charge; I trust my sister to do the thinking and brainwork, so I really didn’t need to worry. It was cold today, so we mostly worked inside.

We put regular hinges on, which we had to Dremel out a half inch section of wood to make them fit. (I would not have known to do that.)

Then we had some special hinges that needed to be added to keep the lid from slamming down. Those were really confusing. It took both of us to watch the video several times, read and reread the confusing instruction book, discuss and figure out how to get a little doo-hickey turned around, and some trial and error.

I don’t even know why we tried to read this! The video was much more helpful.
Success, finally

Now, I was finally able to put these storage benches at my table.

I plan to store tablecloths, placemats, and large serving pieces in one of them, and extra blankets in the other.

That little stink bug was hanging around when we worked outside. It was the third time we’ve seen him lately. I think he’s bored and enjoys the company.

Now about that table. I thought it would be all finished, but after the last sanding and polishing, it was cloudy. My sister suggested one more coat of varnish. Look what I did–gunked it up in too many places. I’ve learned finishing is the hard part of woodwork. I’m now going to take it outside and sand it again, and let my sister add the last coat of varnish.

 

I am participating in the March Slice of Life Challenge: A slice a day for all of March. Thank you, Two Writing Teachers!