Hello, everyone in this post I’m sharing details on how I made an 8-bit R2-D2 from Star Wars. I made R2-D2 using the same technique I used to create a few of my other pixel art creations like 8-bit Link, Goomba, Lakitu, Spiny, Koopa Troopa and Blooper.

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Instagram and for more DIY project tutorials subscribe to my YouTube channel!)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  That means if you purchase an item via one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no added cost to you.  This helps keep the content on the site free and I appreciate the support! :o)

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to make 8-bit R2-D2:

TOOLS

• Jigsaw or a bandsaw
• Orbital Sander
• Router with 60 degree v-groove bit
• Clamp edge guide
• Kreg Mobile Project Center
• Ruler

SUPPLIES

• 2′ x 2′ plywood – 1/2″ thick
• Acrylic craft paints (white, black, blue and red)
• Primer spray paint
• Clear coat
• Sand paper

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL

Click play and watch the video tutorial below.  The video shows how I made pixel Link, but the general steps remain the same for pixel R2-D2. For more woodworking videos, CLICK HERE to subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Continue reading for the written tutorial.

How to make R2-D2

Here’s how to make R2-D2 in 5 easy steps.

Step 1: Draw a grid on a piece of plywood.

Use a ruler to mark grid lines space 0.75″ apart.

Step 2: Use a router and route a v groove along the grid lines

Install a v-groove router bit and route along the grid lines. Use a clamp edge guide to ensure straight lines

Step 3: Cut out the silhouette of R2-D2’s shape

I followed a pixel grid for R2-D2 that I found online. Here’s the source of my image.

Trace out the silhouette of R2-D2 and then cut out the R2-D2’s shape with a jigsaw (or use a bandsaw).

Step 4: Sand and prep the surface for paint

Sand between the grooves and sand the surface of R2-D2.  I used scrap piece of wood to support the sandpaper as I sanded between the grooves.

Step 5: Paint the pixels

Paint each pixel on R2-D2. Painting between the grooves is a little tricky. Use painters tape to maintain clean lines. I was impatient and used paint brushes for painting miniatures to paint in the crevices. 

If necessary, apply multiple layers of paint. Once the paint is dried, protect the finish with a clear coat.

8-Bit R2-D2

Install some hanging hardware and enjoy!

FIND ME ONLINE!

• Instagram: @handmadewithashley
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What do you think of the pixel R2D2? Leave a comment below!

The post 8-Bit Star Wars R2-D2 Pixel Wall Art Tutorial appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

How to build a bandsaw circle cutting jig. Make repeatable perfect wooden circles!

Hello everyone, today I’m sharing how to build a circle cutting jig for your bandsaw. This is a really easy shop project that will make cutting circles a breeze. My bandsaw circle jig is largely inspired by George Vondriska’s bandsaw circle cutting jig. I loved the adjustable dovetail slider feature in his jig and had to incorporate into my jig.

Let’s get started!

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Instagram!)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  That means if you purchase an item via one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no added cost to you.  This helps keep the content on the site free and I appreciate the support! :o)

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to create my bandsaw circle cutting jig:

Tools

• Bandsaw
• Table saw
• Drill press
• 3/16″ drill bit
• 5/16″ drill bit
• Clamps
• Playing cards

Supplies

• 1/4″ – 20 Threaded Inserts
• 1/4″ – 20 Thread Size Star Knob
• Sticky Measurement Tape
• 3/16″ dowel
• 1/2″ Plywood (I used scraps)
• Scrap hardwood for miter slot runner and stop block
• Double sided tape
• Rare earth magnet
• E-6000 Glue
• Wood Glue

How to Video Tutorial

Watch the how to make video below or continue reading for the written tutorial.

How to Make a Circle Cutting Jig for the Bandsaw

The bandsaw circle jig is a quick weekend shop project that can be made using scraps from your woodworking pile.

Step 1: Cut a piece of plywood for the base of circle jig

Cut a piece of plywood for the base of your bandsaw jig. My circle jig was created to fit on the Rikon 10-305 bench top bandsaw and is roughly 11″ x 16″. Your dimensions will vary based on the size of your bandsaw and on the size of the average circles that you want to create.  The maximum sized circle that I can cut with my jig is just shy of 16″ radius.

Step 2: Cut a sliding dovetail

Cut a second piece of plywood to match the dimensions of your circle jig base.

Make a mark where the bandsaw blade will line up and from that point mark two lines: an inch above and below the initial mark.  This section will be the adjustable sliding dovetail.

Cut along the lines with a 30 degree bevel on the table saw to create the sliding dovetail.

Sliding dovetail cut at a 30 degree bevel

Step 3: Assemble the jig

Glue the top sides to the base of the circle jig. First glue and clamp one side. Place the sliding dovetail with a card on each side before gluing and clamping the second side. This will ensure that the dovetail has room to freely slide in and out.

Using playing cards as a shim for the sliding dovetail

Once the glue dries, trim up the edges of the jig on the table saw.

Step 4: Create a stop block

I used a scrap piece of oak and attached it to end of the circle jig.  You’ll want to ensure that the stop block allows the jig pivot dowel to line up with the front of the bandsaw blade.

Step 5: Attach a runner for the miter gauge

Attaching a runner for the miter gauge slot

Using more scrap oak, I ripped a piece of oak that matched the width of my bandsaw’s miter slot and attached it to the base of the circle cutting jig.

Step 6: Install magnets for jig stability

At this point I noticed a had an imbalance issue with my bandsaw jig. I installed a small rare earth magnet to the base of my bandsaw jig. It was a magnet that purchased a long time ago so I do not know what the strength rating was, but it did the trick in resolving my jig’s balance issue.

Step 7: Create clamping mechanism for the sliding dovetail

Drill a 5/16″ hole in the sliding dovetail channel. Install a 1/4″ threaded insert. Screw in a 1/4″ star knob to clamp the sliding dovetail into place.

Using a threaded insert and a star knob for the sliding dovetail’s clamping mechanism

This was my first time using threaded inserts. It was a breeze and adds a nice touch to the project.

Step 8: Install dowel for circle pivot point

Drill a 3/16″ hole and insert a 3/16″ dowel. This is the pivot point for the wood blanks.

Step 9: Install sticky measurement tape

This final step is a really nice to have: installing sticky measurement tape.  To install the tape:

1. Lock the sliding dovetail into place
2. Cut a circle on the bandsaw with the jig
3. Measure the diameter of the circle
4. Line the sticky measurement tape up with the end of the sliding dovetail
5. Cut off any excess tape

Applying sticky measurement tape to indicate the radius of the circle

Now you’re adjustable bandsaw circle jig is ready for action. Enjoy!

Cutting a circle with the bandsaw circle cutting jig

Bandsaw circle cutting jig on the Rikon 10-305 bench top bandsaw

How to cut a circle without drilling a hole

More often than not you’ll probably want to cut a circle without damaging the surface by drilling a hole for the pivot point. You can avoid marring the surface of your circle by first cutting a sacrificial circle.

Attach a wood blank to the sacrificial circle using double sided tape. Now you can cut a circle from the wood blank without damaging the surface.

FIND ME ONLINE!

• Instagram: @handmadewithashley
• Facebook: @handmadewithashley
• Twitter: @handmadewithash
• YouTube: @handmadewithashley
• Pinterest: @handmadewithashley
• Instructables: @handmadewithashley

Hope this post inspires you to build a circle cutting jig of your own. It’s a huge time saver over using a router and much more accurate that cutting a circle with a jigsaw.

Here’s a fun little gif of the bandsaw jig in action!

The post Bandsaw Circle Cutting Jig | How to Build Tutorial appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

8-Bit Super Mario Bros NES Cheep Cheep Pixel Wall Art Tutorial

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Instagram!)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  That means if you purchase an item via one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no added cost to you.  This helps keep the content on the site free and I appreciate the support! :o)

Tools and Supplies

I used the following tools and supplies to create pixel Cheep Cheep:

Tools

• Jigsaw or a bandsaw
• Orbital Sander
• Router with 60 degree v-groove bit
• Clamp edge guide
• Kreg Mobile Project Center
• Ruler

Supplies

• 2′ x 2′ plywood – 1/2″ thick
• Acrylic craft paints
• Primer spray paint
• Clear coat
• Sand paper

Watch the video tutorial

Click play and watch the video tutorial below.  The video shows how I made pixel Link, but the general steps remain the same for pixel Cheep Cheep. For more woodworking videos, CLICK HERE to subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Continue reading for the written tutorial.

How to make 8-bit pixel Cheep Cheep in 5 easy steps

1. 1. Draw 1.5″ grid lines
   2. Route along the grid lines
   3. Cut out Cheep Cheep’s silhouette
   4. Prep Pixel Cheep Cheep for painting
   5. Paint Pixel Cheep Cheep

Step 1: Draw 1.5″ grid lines

Use a ruler to mark grid lines space 1.5″ apart.

Step 2: Route along the grid lines

Install a v-groove router bit and route along the grid lines. Use a clamp edge guide to ensure straight lines.

The start of another pixel project. It’s not my project idea for the @artofgeekchallenge but it is a character from the Super Mario universe. . #vgroove #whitesiderouterbits #makitacompactrouter #makitarouter #router #plywood #scrapwoodproject #kregmobileprojectcenter #mobileprojectcenter #woodworking #woodwork #woodworker

A post shared by Ashley Grenon | Geeky Maker (@handmadewithashley) on Jul 6, 2018 at 8:38pm PDT

Step 3: Cut out Cheep Cheep’s silhouette

Cut out the Cheep Cheep’s shape with a jigsaw (or use a bandsaw).

Step 4: Prep Pixel Cheep Cheep for painting

Sand between the grooves and sand the surface of Cheep Cheep.  I used scrap piece of wood to support the sandpaper as I sanded between the grooves.

I got the main shape cut out. I need to clean up a few spots before painting pixels next. Can you identify the character? #supermariobros . #aogmario #supermario #geekcraft #nerdcraft #geekdiy #woodwork #woodworker #woodworking #mfpbehindthescenes #pixelproject #8bitmario #8bit #cheepcheep #pixelcraft #maker #makersgonnamake

A post shared by Ashley Grenon | Geeky Maker (@handmadewithashley) on Jul 7, 2018 at 2:51pm PDT

Step 5: Paint Pixel Cheep Cheep

Paint each pixel on Cheep Cheep. Painting between the grooves is a little tricky. Use painters tape to maintain clean lines. I was impatient and used paint brushes for painting miniatures to paint in the crevices.

Painting 8-Bit Cheep Cheep’s pixels with acrylic craft paints

If necessary, apply multiple layers of paint. Once the paint is dried, protect the finish with a clear coat.

DIY 8-Bit Pixel Cheep Cheep

I am really happy with how pixel Cheep Cheep turned out and look forward to working on my next pixel project!

8-Bit Super Mario Bros NES Cheep Cheep Pixel Wall Art

Super Mario Bros 8-Bit Cheep Cheep

PIN IT!

FOLLOW ME on Pinterest.

The post 8-Bit Super Mario Bros Cheep Cheep Wall Art Tutorial appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Kids Art Table with Hexagon Table Top Pattern

Hello everyone, today I’m sharing details on how I built a kids art table for my niece.  The art table is very similar in design to the one I built for my son a couple years ago. You can read about that project here. The main difference between the two tables is the newer version is slightly smaller in size and lacks a built-in paper roll.  The new version also has a slightly recessed drawing surface to incorporate an acrylic sheet cover.

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Facebook and Instagram!)

Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest is a monthly furniture decorating contest.  Each month there is a new theme and a new sponsor.  June’s theme is “One Panel Challenge,” and June / July’s sponsor is Purebond Plywood!  The goal of the challenge is to create one piece of functional furniture from a single sheet of plywood.

Purebond Plywood offers quality, formaldehyde-free hardwood plywood. The sheets of plywood come in a variety of prefinished and unfinished options. Purebond plywood is manufactured and source in the United States and Canada. You can find Purebond Plywood sheets at your local Home Depot or you can visit this link to find additional options on where to buy Purebond Plywood near you.

Fab Furniture Flippin Hosts

Our fab host for June / July is Jodi over at Ballard Designs. She kicked off this month’s One Panel Challenge with a table upcycle project. If you are a blogger and you are interested in participating in future contests, please send an email to info@eveyscreations.com.

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links.  I received one sheet of Purebond Plywood for free.

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build the kids art table:

Tools

• Pocket-Hole Jig
• Track saw
• Miter saw
• Bandsaw (alternatively you can use a jigsaw)
• Orbital sander
• Drill / Driver

Supplies

• 1 sheet of 3/4″ Plywood
• 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
• Acrylic Sheet 20″ x 32″
• White Paint
• Gloss clear coat
• Cardstock in a variety of colors (the hexagons)
• Die cutting machine (for cutting out hexagons)

How to build a Kids Art Table

How to build a kids art table

I did not deviate much from the previous design of the kids art table. I removed the paper roll feature because over time we used it less with my son’s art table. I added an acrylic sheet to cover the table surface to make clean up (of paint, clay, markers and crayons) easier.  I recessed the table top surface so the acrylic sheets stays in place and won’t slide off the table.

Step 1: Break plywood sheet down to final dimensions

Here’s the cut list for art table. I altered the dimensions to work with the pre-cut size of the acrylic sheet.

• Legs – 23 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ (4)
• Short aprons – 18 3/4″ x 3 1/2″ (4)
• Long aprons – 25″ x 3 1/2″ (2)
• Tray – 5 1/2″ x 20 1/4″ (2)
• Short sides – 20 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ (4)
• Long sides – 46 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ (2)
• Table top – 32 1/4″ x 20 1/4″

Plywood cut to final dimensions

Step 2: Taper legs

Add a slight taper to the art table legs. I used my bandsaw to cut the taper. A jigsaw will work well here too.

Step 3: Drill pockets holes and assemble the pieces together

I used pocket hole joinery to build the art table.

Assembling the art table

Step 4: Apply a finish

Conceal the rough raw edges of the plywood. Sand. Prime and paint the the table.

For the geometric pattern, instead of painting hexagons I cheated and used cardstock. I used my Silhouette Portrait to cut out the hexagon shapes. I glued the hexagons in place and sealed them with a clear coat.

Cardboard hexagons cut from

DIY Kids Art Table with Hexagon Geometric Pattern

I’m pretty happy with how the art table came out. It was a fun build to make use of a single sheet of plywood.  Specials thanks to the Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest and Purebond Plywood for sponsoring the challenge!

DIY Kids Art Table with Hexagon Geometric Pattern

The post DIY Kids Art Table with Hexagon Geometric Table Top Pattern appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Mobile Lumber Cart | Plans from Woodworking for Mere Mortals

Hey everyone, today I’m sharing details about my latest woodworking build: a mobile lumber cart! I followed plans from Woodworking for Mere Mortals. Steve Ramsey has a great build video for the project. You can check out the video on his YouTube channel here. This lumber cart replaces a previous one that I built a few years ago. My old lumber rack could not store sheet goods and took up too much floor space in my garage.  I disassembled the 2x4s from it and hope to recycle them for a future shop project.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  That means if you purchase an item via one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no added cost to you.  This helps keep the content on the site free and I appreciate the support! :o)

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I used to build my new lumber cart. Visit Ramsey’s plans for the full list of supplies and tools.

Tools

• Track saw
• Miter saw
• Drill Driver

Supplies

• 3″ Heavy Duty Swivel Caster Wheels
• Wood Glue
• Spax 1 1/4″ Woodworking Screws

Building the Rolling Lumber Cart

I did not deviate (at least not intentionally) from the original build plans.  Here are a few work in progress photos:

Lumber storage cart dividers

Dividers installed via dadoes and secured with wood glue and SPAX wood screws

Mobile lumber cart almost complete! (Just missing two shelves in this photo)

DIY Mobile Lumber Cart

I am very happy with my new lumber cart. I love the reduce footprint compared to my old lumber rack and I love having a spot to store plywood.  If you build one, don’t skimp on the caster wheels. Fully loaded, my cart will not budge.

Now I have to work on getting the cart empty as it’s really way too full.

Old mobile lumber rack | Plans by the Rogue Engineer

New lumber rack | Love the reduced floor footprint

The post DIY Mobile Lumber Cart (Plans from Woodworking for Mere Mortals) appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Puck Shot Festival Game

Honestly, I’m not sure what to call my lastest creation.  So, we’ll go with “puck shot festival game.” A couple months ago, I received a request from a friend to build a tabletop game for an upcoming fall festival. This is what we came up with.  It was a hit with the children.  The game is not too easy and not too difficult.  Follow along for step by step build instructions.

Puck shot game in action!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build the puck shot festival game.  I already had a half sheet of plywood in my garage.  The remaining supplies cost me about $40.

Tools

• Circular saw
• Jigsaw
• Brad Nailer
• Belt sander (Optional. You will need this if you want to round the end corners)
• Router with 1/4″ radius router over bit (Optional)
• Drill with drill bits
• Orbital sander and sand paper
• Straight edge
• Measuring tape
• Air hockey paddles
• Puck

Supplies

• 1x4x8 (2)
• 1x3x8 (1)
• Quarter sheet of 1/2″ plywood
• Spray paint (two different colors)
• Spray sealer
• Washi tape
• 1 1/4″ Brad nails
• Wood glue
• Painters tape

Cut List

• 1×4 – 48″ (2)
• 1×4 – 25.5″ (1)
• 1×3 – 24″ (1)

How to build a Puck Shot Festival Game

This is an easy build that can be completed within a weekend.

Puck Festival Game plans

Step 1: Cut the lumber to the appropriate sizes

First up, cut all of the lumber down to sizes listed under the cut list.

Project pieces cut to the appropriate lengths

Step 2: Round one end of each long frame side (Optional)

Next up, round the corner end of each long frame side (the 1x4x48″ pieces). This is an optional step, but I think this gives the game a nice polished look. I used a recycled can to trace a corner radius on each piece.  I used my belt sander to round the corners.  You may also use a jigsaw to perform the same task.

Tracing a corner radius on the game’s side frames

Step 3: Create an opening for the puck

Create a 4″ wide opening in the middle of the 1x3x24″ board.  This is the goal.  You may want to adjust the size of the opening based on your desired difficulty for the game and size of your puck.

I first drilled two pilot holes at each corner of the goal.  Then, I used a jigsaw to complete the opening.

Drilling pilot holes for the jigsaw

Step 4: Route one short end of the plywood (Optional)

I was concerned about little hands getting scratched at end of the plywood.  I used my trim router equipped with a 1/4″ radius round over bit to soften one short edge on the plywood.

Rounding over plywood edge

Step 5: Sand

Sand all the boards and the surface of the plywood.  Take your time and cycle through 80, 100, 150, 220 grits of sand paper. (Avoid using some of the lower grits of sandpaper on the plywood.  For the plywood, start with 150 grit.)

Step 6: Paint

Paint the boards to your heart’s content.  I used orange spray paint to color the 1×3 and 1×4 boards.  I taped off the shape of a triangle onto the plywood and spray painted the exposed section green.

Triangle shape taped off

Project painted and ready to be assembled

Step 7: Assemble the game

Use wood glue and a brad nailer to attach the pieces together.

1. Attach each long frame side (1x4x48″) to the plywood base.
2. Attach the board with the goal slot (1x3x24″).  I placed my goal board 4″ from the edge of the plywood end.
3. Attach the remaining short frame side

Attach long side frames to the plywood base

Attaching puck goal

Attaching back frame

Assembling the game

Step 8: Add washi tape around the perimeter of the frame (Optional)

Washi tape is a fun way add a nice pop of color to project.  I wrapped the washi tape around the outside frame of the game.

Green washi tape

I used this washi tape technique in my mini bowling lane project.

Step 9: Seal and enjoy!

Seal the project.  I used a clear matte spray finish.

I used the paddles from this Hover Hockey game.

Hover Hockey Game

For the hockey puck I used a 3.5″ wooden disk and attached a felt pad to the bottom of it.

DIY Puck Shot Hockey Game

If you build a puck shot hockey game, please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @handmadewithashley or Twitter @handmadewithash.   I’d love to see your pictures!

Add it to Pinterest!

The post DIY Puck Shot Festival Game (FREE Plans!) appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.