Member’s Blogs

About me
After a severe illness I found myself at a loose end, I’m feeling well now and getting back into life and doing things. I was told about the BH-Shed as I don’t like to do things on my own in my den. I haven’t sailed but like to kits with my grandchildren.

The Capri is a semi-scale Model Boat with fittings, stickers and plastic windows. It is assembled from plywood inside and natural mahogany outside, the parts are laser cut with spruce strips.

How long: from 6-weeks to 3-months

Instructions
It isn’t as straight forward as it’s led to believe but I found my way through with some help from the Shedders.
Glue pieces together in a certain order with special wood glue, tapes and pins.
Two coats of glue and gloss acrylic.
I painted the other side with Halfords spray paint and gloss in acrylic.
Finish it … Read more..

There’s no denying our Shed wouldn’t run quite as efficiently without the humble cuppa! We recycle materials to give them a new purpose including tea bags. I tear the bags open to air dry, used tea leaves are eco-friendly and biodegradable. Leaves contain different elements that influence plants. Tea contains tannic acid to enrich the soil & deter pests, I’ve already noticed fewer slugs in 4 weeks, although slugs play their part in the eco system. Composting them if you don’t have soil, just plant your seeds in the tea leaves. Mulch the leaves to give a loose covering and spread across the soil. Other uses includes, crafting, dyeing materials: Simmer the used leaves in water to give a natural dye for wood stain, paper or fabrics. Simply boil used tea leaves and strain the liquid and use as dye.
Good luck
“Don’t use poisons that cause suffering and contaminate … Read more..

BUILDING MY OWN: Flat bottomed furniture risers (13 March 2024)

I come to the Shed twice a week and I had some guidance from the supervisor on wood turning. We serviced the wood turning lathe before starting.

What I made
Multi-purpose Chair risers raise furniture to a level that makes sitting and standing easier and are easily attached to your favourite piece of furniture. Can be used on a table, bed or sofa.

How long: 1st one took 2.5 hours, the other 4 took 45mins each.

Wood: soft wood (cheap as chips), could use heavyweight oak.

Equipment: Chop saw, wood turning lathe, Pillar drill.

What I did
I used lots of eye-muscle coordination. I drew a template of a prototype, found a piece of timber from the wood store. It started as a block.

Top Tip! – If moving furniture around regularly, it would need a deep recess so the … Read more..