This past week, Asher and I worked on building a crate with handles. Although we both had previous experience with woodworking, this project was new to us, so we decided to complete the beginner-level assignment and add handles to it. We went through the whole process, including cutting, sanding, drilling, and staining.
To start off, we cut planks out of 1×4 and 2×2 pieces of lumber. We followed the measurements given in the instructions and used the miter saw to make precise cuts on each piece.
After cutting, we sanded down most of the boards with an orbital sander to 240 grit and smoothed any sharp small edges with sandpaper. We also took two of the smaller 1×4 boards and measured out the handles on each. We created a trapezoidal shape and cut it out using a jigsaw that we received permission to use by Dr. Wettergreen.
After cutting out the handles, we sanded its edges first with a rasp and then with an orbital sander. It was difficult to sand the cervices of the handle with a rasp, and I had more success with the orbital sander. We then fully sanded the entire board to 240 grit.
Then we began the assembly. we first assembly the three rectangular rectangles with 1.5″ screws. We first measured out the screw holes so that the screws could be consistent and clamped the crate to the table and the pieces to each other. To drill, we started with pre-drilling to create the hole and then countersunk the holes to allow for the head of the screw to enter the box easier.
We then began assembling the posts that would keep the rectangles straight and together. We placed a few blocks of equal distance between the level to ensure an even placement. We used the same drilling process adding two screws into each corner of the rectangle and one screw underneath the post through the base.
Finally with the crate fully together, Asher did a final sanding to make sure that all the edges were smooth and joints were cohesive.
