Subscribe to Cedar River Woodworking on YouTube
In the world of DIY, using scrap materials can lead to creative projects and potential profit. With the holiday season approaching, there’s a perfect opportunity to transform leftover wood scraps into unique decorations.
Andy from Cedar River Woodworking shows how these bits of wood, often overlooked, can become charming pumpkins that add character to any space.
As Andy walks through the process, he emphasizes safety while using tools and shares tips for crafting these festive pieces.
It’s a chance to not only clean up the workshop but also to create something special that can bring joy to others.
Embracing creativity with what you have can result in wonderfully crafted items that celebrate the spirit of the season.
Key Takeaways
- Scrap materials can be turned into festive decorations.
- Safety tips are essential when using tools for crafting.
- Creative projects can bring joy and potential profit during the holidays.
Using Scrap Material for Crafting
Turning scrap wood into new projects is not only a great way to save money but also a fun and creative activity.
Andy shared some insights on how to repurpose leftover materials from previous builds, like planter boxes.
He highlighted that it’s possible to create charming decorations, such as pumpkins, from these scraps.
For this project, a few key pieces of wood are needed, specifically strips that are about 1.5 inches wide and approximately 13.25 inches long.
If the original scraps are not available, one can easily cut down new materials to fit these dimensions.
Here’s a quick list of what you need to begin crafting with wood scraps:
- Wood scraps (from previous projects or new materials)
- Wood glue (like Titebond II or III for outdoor use)
- Brad nailer (for secure fastening)
- Saw (preferably a miter saw for angled cuts)
Steps to Create a Wooden Pumpkin
- Cut the Wood: Use a miter saw to cut strips of the desired size. Ensure to make precise 45-degree cuts for clean edges.
- Assemble the Base: After cutting, apply glue to one piece and lay others across it, aligning the edges. Secure them with brad nails.
- Add Decorative Touches: Once assembled, you can paint the pumpkin using various colors to achieve a rustic look.
Crafting from scrap materials allows for creativity while helping reduce waste. With simple supplies and some imagination, old scraps can become enjoyable holiday decorations.
Safety Guidelines for Operating a Miter Saw
When using a miter saw, safety is key to ensuring a smooth and accident-free experience. Here are several important tips to keep in mind:
- Wait for the Blade to Stop: Always let the saw blade come to a complete stop before lifting it. This prevents any chance of kickback or injury.
- Use a Stop Block: Setting up a stop block can help make accurate cuts. It keeps the workpiece stable and prevents movement during cutting.
- Secure Your Workpiece: Make sure to hold the material firmly against the fence and the table. Using clamps can add extra security.
- Be Mindful of Hand Placement: Keep hands clear of the blade path. It’s best to keep fingers at least six inches away from the blade.
- Wear Safety Gear: Always use safety goggles to protect eyes from flying debris. Hearing protection is also recommended due to the noise level of power saws.
- Check the Blade: Inspect the blade for any damage before use. A dull or damaged blade can lead to poor cuts and increase the risk of accidents.
- Keep the Area Clean: Maintain a clean workspace by removing any scrap materials or debris. This helps prevent tripping and makes it easier to operate the saw safely.
Subscribe to 731 Woodworks on Youtube
Transforming Leftover Materials
Today, Andy shares a fun way to make extra cash by using scrap wood for holiday projects. He has a lot of leftover scraps from previous planter builds and wants to turn them into pumpkins.
First, Andy selects specific scraps that are about 13 and 1/4 inches long. He uses a miter saw to make precise cuts, setting up a stop block to ensure safety.
He needs two pieces of this size for his pumpkin project. To create interesting shapes, he plans to cut some pieces to 20 inches at a 45° angle.
Once the pieces are cut, Andy gathers his materials: glue, a brad nailer, and his wooden scraps.
He mentions that if viewers don’t have their own scraps, they can use standard fence pickets. He explains the dimensions needed for the cuts.
Next, Andy begins assembling the pumpkin. He lays one piece down, adds glue, and lines up two more pieces.
After securing everything with about six brad nails, he measures and positions a longer piece with another layer of glue.
With everything in place, he continues to build the pumpkin, adding side pieces to give it shape.
To finish off the project, Andy discusses painting. He suggests using three colors: dark green, orange, and flat black.
Starting with a black base coat, he aims for a textured look, allowing some wood to show through for contrast.
Creating the Pumpkin Shape
To begin crafting the pumpkin shape, he starts with scraps from a previous planter build. He collects strips of wood that are about 1.5 inches wide and 13.25 inches long.
If someone doesn’t have these specific scraps, they can simply use a standard fence picket and cut it to the right sizes, aiming for similar dimensions.
When preparing the wood, he emphasizes safely using a miter saw. He cuts the lengths and a 20-inch piece at a 45-degree angle.
This step is important because it makes sure the angles align correctly for the overall shape. After cutting, he gathers all necessary materials: glue, a brad nailer, and the wood pieces.
For assembly, he applies a layer of glue on the chosen piece of wood. After that, he places two other pieces on top, aligning them carefully.
He uses the brad nailer to secure the pieces together, ensuring they stay in place. Each connection uses multiple nails to strengthen the build.
Next, he adds another piece of wood about 3 inches down and secures it. This piece acts as a stake for stability in the ground.
He finally attaches the other cut pieces to complete the pumpkin shape. The structure now has a rustic garden look, ready for the next step: painting.
Alternative Material Suggestions
Andy encourages creative thinking when it comes to using materials for woodworking projects. Here are some options if you don’t have scraps from a previous build:
- Purchase Fence Pickets: If someone didn’t create a planter, they can buy new materials, like fence pickets. These are affordable and can easily be cut to the needed sizes.
- Check Local Sources: Look for leftover wood at local hardware stores or ask friends if they have scraps lying around. Often, people are happy to give away unused materials.
Size and Adjustments
To make the project easier, consider making the following adjustments:
- Shorten the Height: For those starting from scratch, cutting the pieces down to around 11.5 inches or 12 inches instead of the usual height can help save material.
- Create Dog Ears: Simple cuts can be made at the top of each piece. Just measure 1 inch down from the top and cut a 45-degree angle on both sides.
Recommended Materials
When gathering materials, focus on:
- Quality Glue: Using a good quality wood glue, like Titebond 2, is important for durability. For outdoor projects, Titebond 3 is a better option due to its waterproof properties.
- Brad Nails: An 18-gauge brad nailer simplifies fastening pieces together and provides a strong hold.
Creating the Pumpkin
To start building the pumpkin, Andy gathered scraps from his previous planter projects. He chose pieces that were about 13 and 1/4 inches long, but if someone doesn’t have these exact scraps, they could cut down some fence pickets to the required size.
At his miter saw, he made a few cuts. First, he cut two pieces for the body of the pumpkin. Then, he used a stop block to cut a long piece at a 45-degree angle, ensuring accuracy for later steps.
After cutting, he moved over to the workbench with all the parts ready.
He laid out the pieces and planned to use glue and a brad nailer for assembly. Andy mentioned that using Titebond 2 glue would work well for general projects, while Titebond 3 would be better for outdoor pumpkins due to its water resistance.
He took one of the prettiest pieces, laid it face down, and applied glue. He then placed two other pieces across it, aligning the edges.
With about six brad nails, he secured these pieces together. After that, he added glue to a longer piece, measured down about three inches from the top, and attached it, making sure everything was lined up.
Next, he attached the other pieces to create the pumpkin shape. He showed that the base could serve as a stake to drive into the ground.
Once everything was tacked in place, he had the pumpkin structure ready.
For a finishing touch, Andy wanted to paint the pumpkin. He suggested using three colors: dark green, orange, and flat black.
Beginning with the flat black, he aimed for a light base coat to create contrast, allowing some of the wood grain to show through.
Meet Tony the Shop Cat
Tony is a friendly presence in the workshop. He often wanders around while the team works on various projects.
With a curious nature, he loves to explore and check out what everyone is doing.
Tony enjoys getting attention and sometimes seems a bit jealous when the projects take the spotlight.
His playful behavior adds a lighthearted touch to the busy atmosphere of Cedar River Woodworking.
When it’s time to work on new creations, Tony is there, watching closely. His company makes the work more enjoyable, and everyone appreciates having him around.
It’s clear that having a shop cat like Tony brings a lot of joy to the workspace!
Crafting the Pumpkin
In this project, Andy uses leftover scraps from previous builds to create festive pumpkins. He starts with strips of wood, specifically a 1.5-inch wide piece.
The pieces should be around 13.25 inches long, but if needed, they can be trimmed to 12 inches.
Cutting the Wood:
- Two pieces are cut to the specified length, and then a 20-inch piece is cut with a 45-degree angle at each end.
- Safety is important: Always wait for the saw blade to stop before lifting it to avoid kickback.
Once the pieces are cut, Andy gathers glue and a brad nailer. He emphasizes that using leftover wood from planter builds makes the project easier.
If new wood is needed, a fence picket can be purchased to create the desired shapes.
Assembling the Pumpkin:
- One of the prettiest cut pieces is chosen as the base.
- Glue is applied to the base, and two more strips are laid across it, aligning the bottom edges.
- About six brad nails are used to secure the structure.
Next, another layer of glue is added, and the longer piece is attached, leaving a stake to help anchor the pumpkin into the ground.
The sides are secured with additional strips to complete the pumpkin shape.
When all the pieces are tacked together, it creates a rough form of the pumpkin.
To enhance the appearance, Andy moves on to the painting process, and he prefers to use several colors for depth.
Painting Process:
- The colors needed are a dark green, orange, and flat black.
- Starting with the black, he gives a light base coat over the pumpkin, aiming for a textured look.
- The plan is to allow some wood and black to show through the orange, which adds character and contrast to the finished product.
Final Steps and Presentation
To finish the pumpkin build, the maker first prepared the cut pieces and set them aside. They used leftover scraps from their recent planter project.
If someone doesn’t have those specific scraps, they can easily use a standard fence picket, adjusting the sizes as needed.
Materials Needed:
- Glue (Titebond II for water resistance, Titebond III for waterproofing)
- Brad nailer
- 1″ 18-gauge brad nails
After gathering the materials, the maker laid out the best piece face down and applied glue.
They then placed two other pieces across it, ensuring the bottom edges aligned before securing them with brad nails.
Next, the maker applied more glue to a longer piece, measuring down about three inches from the top.
They reminded viewers that while squares can help align pieces, pumpkins don’t have to be perfect.
Adding the Final Touches:
The side pieces were tacked on easily to shape the pumpkin.
At this stage, the maker discussed painting. For a stylish look, three colors were chosen: dark green, orange, and flat black.
Starting with flat black as a base coat, they mentioned wanting a slightly blotchy look to create contrast.
This approach allows areas of the wood to show through, enriching the pumpkin’s final appearance.
With the colors ready, the maker prepared to transform the assembly into a vibrant holiday decoration.