When my son was a toddler I got the idea of building a mud kitchen for him because I have fond childhood memories of making mud pies with my sisters. A couple years and an additional child later, my idea for a mud kitchen has finally come to life!

The modern mud kitchen features a concrete tabletop, a parking spot for a stainless steel mixing bowl, and a large open storage space underneath.

CLICK HERE to head over to The Home Depot blog for the step by step tutorial on how to build one for yourself!

The mud kitchen build was my first time working with concrete. I choose concrete for the tabletop because the surface would be wet for a good chunk of the time, and I wanted a nice contrast to the wooden base. Working with concrete was more challenging that I initially thought it would be, and I walked away from this project with a new found respect for people who work with material.

I opted for using a stainless mixing bowl to act as a sink for the mud kitchen. It rests at the same level as the tabletop and serves as a nice spot for mixing mud.

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Instagram and for more DIY project tutorials check out my project gallery!)

To create some visual interest to the sides of the mud kitchen, I alternated between 3″ and 1 1/2″ wide pieces of cedar. I left the base of the mud kitchen wide open to allow for versatile storage options. The kitchen is easily accessible from either side. This was a really important design consideration, because sometimes sharing is hard.

My children love their new mud station, and I love watching them create their new messes. Thank you for checking out my project and many thanks to the Home Depot for helping me bring this project idea to life! <3

Check out some of my other kids woodworking projects:

• DIY TIE Fighter Bookshelf
• DIY Geometric Art Table
• Build a Toy Monster Truck Arena
• DIY Kids Toy Bowling Lane

Find me online!

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

The post Build a Modern Mud Kitchen | Concrete + Woodworking Tutorial appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Hello everyone, today I’m sharing details on my latest build: a 4′ tall 8-bit Goomba that doubles as a lumber storage cart. This is not the most practical of lumber carts, but it was a fun project that fits with my growing collection of retro video game garage decor.

RELATED POSTS:

• Lumber Storage Cart (Woodworking for Mere Mortals)
• 8-bit Goomba (Super Mario Bros.)
• Lumber Rack (Rogue Engineer)
• 8-bit End Grain Goomba (Super Mario Bros.)

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Instagram and for more DIY project tutorials check out my project gallery!)

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.

Let’s get started on the build!

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build the 8-bit Goomba lumber cart.

Tools

• Track saw
• Table saw
• Pocket Hole Jig
• Router with circle cutting jig
• Jigsaw
• Orbital Sander
• Router with 60 degree v-groove bit
• Clamp edge guide
• Drill / Driver

Supplies

• 2 Sheets of 3/4″ Plywood
• 1 1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
• 3″ Caster Wheels (4)
• Screws and washers for caster wheel installation
• Wood Glue
• Spray paint (tan, brown and black)

How to build a Geeky Lumber Storage Cart

Watch the build video below or continue reading for the written tutorial.

Step 1: Cut parts according to the cut list

Break down the sheet of plywood into the following parts:

• 48″ x 48″ (Goomba)
• 42″ x 11 7/8″ (Dividers) x 4
• 24″ x 11 7/8 (Base)

Step 2: Draw grid lines for Goomba

Use a ruler to mark grid lines space 3″ apart.

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: Cut out Goomba’s silhouette

Trace out the silhouette of Goomba and then cut out the Goomba’s shape with a jigsaw.

Step 5: Paint Goomba’s pixels

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

Tape off sections and spray paint the Goomba’s pixels.

Step 6: Drill pocket holes

Grab a pocket hole jig drill and drill pockets holes on the following parts:

• One side on the cart base
• On the bottom and back side of the dividers

Step 7: Assemble the cart

Assemble the cart according to the diagram.

Step 8: Install caster wheels

Attach boards to the base of the lumber storage cart for caster wheel support.

Grabs screws and matching washers and install 4 casters to the underside of the lumber cart.

DIY Goomba Lumber Storage Cart

Thanks for checking out my project!

Find me online!

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

The post Giant Goomba Lumber Storage Cart | Tutorial + Free Plans appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Dust Collection Cart for Shop Vacuum with Dustopper (FREE PLANS)

Hello everyone, in this tutorial I’m sharing how to build a dust collection cart for the Ridgid shop vacuum and Dustopper  (a cyclone dust separator for a 5 gallon bucket). This is a weekend DIY project that can be built from a single sheet of plywood.

Ridgid Shop vacuum + Dustopper Cart

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Instagram and for more DIY project tutorials check out my project gallery!)

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.

Let’s get started on the build!

Watch the video tutorial

Click play and watch the video tutorial below.

For more woodworking videos, CLICK HERE to subscribe to my YouTube channel. Continue reading for the written tutorial.

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build the dust collection cart.

Tools

• Track saw
• Table saw
• Pocket Hole Jig
• Router with circle cutting jig
• Jigsaw
• Drill / Driver

Supplies

• 1 Sheet of 3/4″ Plywood
• 1 1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
• 3″ Caster Wheels (4)
• Screws and washers for caster wheel installation
• Wood Glue

The 36″ hose that came with the Dustopper is a few inches too short so I used the hose that came with my Ridgid vacuum.

I also use a Bosch vacuum hose for my orbital sander. It’s a nice hose and I recommend it. It needs an adapter to connect to the Dustopper.

How to build a Cyclone Dust Collection Cart

DIY Dust Collection Cart Woodworking Plans

My dust collection cart is largely inspired by the dust carts built by John of John Builds It and Matt of MWA Woodworks. I merged my favorite features between the two carts into this one.

It has been a long time since I built something I modeled in SketchUp first. I have some rough woodworking plans for the dust cart. I hope to get better at this in the future.

Step 1: Cut parts according to the cut list

Dust Collection Cart Plywood Cut List

Break down the sheet of plywood into the following parts:

• 23 1/2″ x 40″ (Sides) x 2
• 24″ x 22″ (Base)
• 24″ x 14″ (Top Shelf)
• 4″ x 24″ (Braces) x 3
• 4″ x 22″ (Caster Supports) x 2

Cut diagram for the dust cart sides

Step 2: Drill pocket holes

Pocket holes drilled into plywood parts for the dust cart

Grab a pocket hole jig drill and drill pockets holes on the following parts:

• All four sides of the base
• The short sides of the top shelf
• The short sides of the braces

Step 3: Assemble the dust cart

Assembling the dust cart with pocket hole screws

Assemble the cart following the diagram. Attach the two sides together via the top shelf and three braces. Install the base 3/4″ from the bottom of sides to allow clearance for the caster supports.

Attaching caster support boards to dust cart

Finally attach the caster supports.

Step 4: Install caster wheels

Grabs screws and matching washers and install 4 casters to the underside of the dust cart.

Step 5: Cut a hole in the top shelf for the Dustopper bucket

Using a router with a circle cutting jig to cut a hole for the Dustopper bucket

Use a router with a circle cutting jig or a jigsaw to cut out a circle for the Dustopper bucket.

DIY Dust Collection Cart

The Dustopper + Shop Vac cart is a much needed shop addition. It’s so nice having the bucket on a set of wheels now.

Ridgid Shop Vacuum Dust Separator Cart

DIY Dust Cart for the Dustopper Dust Separator

DIY Project Challenge #1: Organization

My dust collection cart is part of a monthly blogger DIY project challenge. April’s theme is organization. The goal was to create a project that organizes some part of the home for under $50. Check out the other organization themed projects by my fellow bloggers:

• Easy DIY Corner Cabinet Organizer (Emory Farm)
• DIY Blanket Ladder (Joyful Derivatives)
• $50 Office Window Treatment Makeover (Kippi at Home)
• DIY Boot Tray (Sand Dollar Lane)
• Sunglass Holder – Easy DIY Wall Display (Never Skip Brunch)
• DIY Jewelry Wall Organizer (1905 Farmhouse)
• DIY Wrapping Paper Storage (Rufus & Henrietta)
• $50 Coat Closet Makeover (Southern Yankee DIY)
• DIY Bathroom Organization (Rocky Canyon Rustic)
• DIY Midcentury Modern Dresser Makeover (The DIY Nuts)

DIY Project Challenge #1: Organization

FIND ME ONLINE!

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

DIY Dust Collection Cart

The post Dust Collection Cart for a Shop Vac and Dustopper | How to Build Tutorial appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

How to make a gradient cutting board

• How make a Tardis End Grain Cutting Board
• How to make a chevron cutting board
• How to make an End Grain Cutting Board from Scraps
• How to make walnut cutting board with maple strips

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES

TOOLS

• Table saw
• Micro Jig GRR-RIPPER (A personal table saw must have)
• Planer
• Jointer
• Clamps
• Orbital Sander
• Router with 1/4″ Round Over and 45 degree chamfer Router Bits

SUPPLIES

• Mineral Oil
• Wood Glue
• Walnut
• Maple
• Howard Butcher Block Conditioner

How to make a gradient cutting board

Cut List

• 1/8″
• 1/4″
• 3/8″
• 1/2″
• 5/8″
• 3/4″
• 7/8″

The Glue Up

Round Gradient Cutting Board

Using my bandsaw circle cutting jig to create a round gradient cutting board

Add a Router Profile to the edges

Walnut and Maple Gradient Cutting Board

FIND ME ONLINE!

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

The post How to make a gradient cutting board appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

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

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.

Hello everyone, in this tutorial I’m sharing how to make an 8-bit end grain Goomba! This was a scrap wood project I made using remains from my Tardis end grain cutting board. I held onto the leftovers from that project for over a year. I could not bring myself to toss them out.

Let’s get started with the tutorial!

CLICK HERE to view more geeky and nerdy DIY projects.

Related Posts:

• 8-bit Blooper (Super Mario Bros.)
• 8-bit Goomba (Super Mario Bros.)
• 8-bit Lakitu and Koopa Troopa (Super Mario Bros)
• 8-bit Link (The Legend of Zelda)
• 8-bit Cheep Cheep (Super Mario Bros.)
• 8-bit Mario (Super Mario Bros.)

(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 used to create end grain Goomba

Tools

• Bandsaw
• Orbital Sander
• Drum Sander

Supplies

• Walnut
• Cherry
• Maple
• 1/4″ Plywood
• Wood Glue
• Howard Butcher Block Conditioner

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL

Click play and watch the video tutorial below. For more woodworking videos, CLICK HERE to subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Continue reading for the written tutorial.

How to make 8-bit End Grain Goomba

End grain Goomba is my second 8-bit Goomba project. I’ve previously made a large pixel Goomba from 1/2″ plywood. CLICK HERE to read the tutorial on my original Goomba project.

This project I created using leftover pieces 3/4″ x 3/4″ x 2″ wood from my Tardis end grain cutting board project.

Step 1: Cut wood into 1/8″ thick squares

Cut the scrap walnut, maple and cherry into 1/8″ thick squares. I made these cuts on the bandsaw.

However, if I was not working with scrap wood I would have made most of my cut on the table saw.

For 8-bit Goomba you’ll need:

• 52 walnut squares
• 42 maple squares
• 96 cherry squares

Step 2: Glue wooden squares to plywood backer

Use wood glue to secure the wooden squares to a piece of 1/4″ plywood. I used my previous Goomba project as a pixel grid guide.

Step 3: Sand Goomba

View this post on Instagram

Just cleaned up Goomba’s surface. (I passed him through the drum sander multiple times between the first and last shot. ) Next, I’ll cut out his silhouette on the bandsaw. . #goomba #8bitgoomba #8bitsupermario #supermariobros #pixelart #geekcraft #geekdiy #videogamegeek #walnut #maple #cherry #drumsander #supermaxtools #supermaxdrumsanders #woodwork #woodworker #woodworking #makersgonnamake

A post shared by Ashley Grenon | Geeky Maker (@handmadewithashley) on Oct 8, 2018 at 1:22pm PDT

Sand Goomba. I used my drum sander to make quick work of the task.

Step 4: Cut out Goomba’s shape

Use a jigsaw or bandsaw to cut out Goomba’s shape.

View this post on Instagram

Cutting out most of Goomba’s shape on the bandsaw. The few tight areas I’ll cut out on the scroll saw. I noticed a few gaps so I guess next I’ll figure out a way to conceal my alignment errors. . #bandsaw #grizzlybandsaw #timelapse #lagunaresawking #grizzlyindustrial @grizzlyindustrial #mfpbehindthescenes #grizzlytools #g0555lx #goomba #pixelgoomba #8bitgoomba #rockler #dustright #woodwork #maker #geekcraft #geekdiy #woodworker #woodworking

A post shared by Ashley Grenon | Geeky Maker (@handmadewithashley) on Oct 8, 2018 at 1:55pm PDT

Step 5: Apply a finish and enjoy!

I used a beeswax and mineral oil mixture to finish Goomba. I installed a couple magnets on the backside to hang it on my garage door.

8-Bit End Grain Goomba | Super Mario Bros

Despite a few flaws, I’m pretty happy with how Goomba turned out. From a distance it’s hard to notice the mistakes (alignment issues).

Thanks for checking out my project! I hope it inspires you to create some 8-bit decor!

The post 8-bit End Grain Goomba | Super Mario Bros Pixel Art appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Learn how to build a Bailey Chair for dogs suffering from Megaesophagus (an enlargement of the esophagus).

Hello everyone, today I’m sharing details on something I built recently: a Bailey Chair for dogs suffering from Megaesophagus.

Dogs with megaesophagus have an enlarged esophagus. This makes swallowing food difficult. Eating while in an upright position helps and the task of keeping the dog vertical is easier when the dog is sitting in a Bailey chair.

This blog post is less of a detailed how to and more of showing in progress photos. Adam, over at Lazy Guy DIY, has put together a great tutorial on how to build the Bailey Dog Chair. I followed his instructions with very few modifications.

(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 build the Bailey Dog Chair.

Tools

• Table saw
• Bandsaw (optional)
• Router with flush cutting bit (for rounded corners)
• Corner radius template
• Router circle cutting jig (or a jig saw)
• Orbital sander
  
• Pocket hole jig
• Drill / Driver
• Silhouette (for optional name customization)

Supplies

• 3/4″ plywood
• 6″ stainless steel bowl
• 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws
• A pair of door hinges
• 1 square of EVA foam flooring (used this as cushion in the interior of the chair)
• Clear gloss spray can
• 1 sheet of black cardstock (for optional name customization)
• Spray adhesive (for optional name customization)

How to build a Bailey Dog Chair

To build the chair, I just followed Adam’s instructions. The dog’s measurements were taken and I adjusted the plans to match.

3D Printed Router Corner Radius Guide

I added a corner radius to a few of the corners. I used my router paired with a corner radius guide. This was a neat tool that I 3D printed.

Watch the Instagram video below to see it in action:

View this post on Instagram

Here’s a quick video of the 3D printed corner radius template in action. Super handy! (If you missed my previous post I found the model for these on @thingiverse.) I think these will work better on a router table but using it with a handheld router worked pretty well. Clamps got in the way so I used some double sided tape from @xfastenbrand to keep the template in place. My corners are a match so I am really happy with that. . #3dprintedtools #woodworker #woodwork #thingiverse #mfpbehindthescenes #3dprint #cornerradius #plywood #makitarouter

A post shared by Ashley Grenon | Geeky Maker (@handmadewithashley) on Dec 22, 2018 at 5:09pm PST

Pocket Hole Joinery

I used pocket hole joints to assemble the chair. This was a really quick build.

Name Customization

I thought adding the dog’s name would be a really nice touch to the Bailey Chair. I used my Silhouette Portrait to cut the dog’s name, Chewewee, out of black card stock.

I used sprayed adhesive to attach it to the door of the Bailey chair.

DIY Bailey Dog Chair

The post DIY Bailey Chair for Dogs with Megaesophagus appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Hello everyone, today I’m sharing how I made a set of chevron wooden coasters. This is a nice little scrap wood project that can be completed within a weekend.

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

RELATED POSTS:

• How to make resin coffee bean coasters
• How to make a chevron cutting board

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 created the chevron cutting board.

Tools

• Table saw
• Micro Jig GRR-RIPPER (A personal table saw must have)
• Planer
• Clamps
• Orbital Sander
• Router with 45 degree chamfer Router Bit

Supplies

• Wood Glue
• Red oak scraps
• Howard Butcher Block Conditioner

How to make Wooden Chevron Drink Coasters

This was a fun scrap wood project. I started it back in November with hopes of gifting it to someone as a Christmas present, but things got in the way of me completing the project. The dimensions of the coasters are roughly 4″ x 4″.

Here’s how I made them.

Step 1: Rip scraps into 3/4″ strips

Rip the scrap wood into 3/4″ wide strips on the table saw. I used 5 pieces of wood for my coasters. 

Step 2: Glue up the 3/4″ strips

Apply wood glue to the edges of the strips and clamp the pieces together. Allow the glue to completely cure before moving onto the next step.

Step 3: Clean up the glue up

Remove the excess dried glue. Use a scraper to remove any large chunk and a planer to quickly clean up the surface.

If you don’t own a planer, a belt sander is a good alternative. Just take care to remove the material evenly.

Step 4: Crosscut the glue up

Set the miter gauge on the table saw to 45 degrees and cross cut the glue up.

Step 5: Final glue up

Take the pieces created from the previous step and glue them together. Allow the glue to completely cure before moving onto the next step.

Step 6: Clean up the glue up, again

Remove the excess dried glue a second time. Use a scraper to remove any large chunks. Running the coaster through the planer is a not a good idea at this point so use a belt sander (or drum sander) to make quick work of cleaning up the surface of the coasters.

Step 7: Trim up the ends

Carefully cut off the jagged ends of the coasters on the table saw. Before you make the second cut, make sure the coaster will be square.

Step 8: Route the edges of the coasters

Add a nice touch to the coasters by using a router with a 45 degree chamfer to route along the top and bottom edge of each coaster.

View this post on Instagram

I have several unfinished projects that I want to complete before starting anything new. So here’s unfinished project 1 of 10 (possibly more). This is a set of chevron coasters. I made it from red oak scraps. I started this back in November. Anyways, I just need to sand and apply a finish and then it will be done! . All my in progress projects are making it difficult to maneuver around the shop so the time has come to either toss them or finish them. . #chevron #chevronpattern herringbone #herringbonepattern #woodencoaster #scrapwoodproject #woodwork #woodworker #woodworking #unfinishedproject

A post shared by Ashley Grenon | Geeky Maker (@handmadewithashley) on Jan 31, 2019 at 9:29am PST

Step 9: Sand and apply a finish

Cycle through the appropriate grits of sandpaper (80 – 220) with a orbital sander.

Once the sanding is complete, apply a finish. I used a food safe finish, Howard Butcher Block Conditioner.  

Step 10: Enjoy!

DIY Wooden Chevron Drink Coasters

I’m really happy with how the chevron coasters came out and I love that I reduced my scrap wood collection in the process too!

PIN IT!

FOLLOW ME on Pinterest.

The post DIY Wooden Chevron Coasters appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Learn how to build a toy monster truck arena with wood and pink insulation foam.

Hello everyone, today I’m sharing how to build a toy monster truck arena! Earlier this year my son and I attended our first Monster Jam. That trip inspired this project.

(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 some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build the toy monster truck arena.

Tools:

• Miter saw (or circular saw or hand saw)
• Table saw
• Orbital sander
• Foam hot knife cutter
• Kreg Jig Pocket Hole Jig

Supplies:

• Pink insulation foam
• Brown spray paint
• Blue spray paint
• Spray adhesive
• 1″ caster wheels (4) and hardware to install them
• White acrylic paint
• Dollar Tree Cars (2 packs)
• 1/4″ plywood (2′ x 4′)
• 1×4 pine boards (8′ – 2x)
• 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws

Watch the How To Build Video

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

How to build a toy monster truck arena

I built the toy monster truck area with some scrap wood for the frame. The “mud” is pink insulation foam. I sized the arena so it could fit underneath my son’s train table. Continue reading for more build details!

Step 1: Cut the boards to size and drill pocket holes

Cut the 1×4 boards and 1/4″ plywood to size:

• 30″ (2)
• 20″ (6)
• 19 7/8″ x 29 7/8″

Drill pocket holes.

Drilling holes with the Kreg K5 Pocket Hole Jig

Step 2: Assemble frame with pocket hole screws

Build a rectangular frame and attach boards to the bottom for supporting the insulation foam.

Assembled monster truck arena frame

Step 3: Cut foam

Cutting the insulation foam was the most fun step of the whole project. I used a box cutter to cut straight lines out of the foam and a hot foam cutter to cut out curvy shapes. If you use the hot foam cutter, make sure you do this in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator.

• First you need to create a base layer for the arena. Cut a piece of foam to the size of the 1/4″ plywood.
• Next, cut out corner pieces of foam to the borders of the arena
• Finally, cut out a piece of foam for the center dirt mound in the arena.

Cutting pink insulation foam for the toy monster truck arena

Customize this step to match your desired appearance for the arena. I modeled the arena to match what it looked like at the Monster Jam event.

Step 4: Glue foam to plywood

Glue the base pink insulation foam to the 1/4″ plywood.  Glue the arena corners and dirt mounds / obstacles on top of the base layer with some spray adhesive. You could probably use hot glue instead. You want the bond to be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of a young child.

Heavy duty spray adhesive to attack the pink insulation foam to the plywood base.

Step 5: Paint arena and seal

Spray paint the pink foam brown. Spray paint the frame of the arena another color. I also spray painted some cheap Dollar Tree cars the same color as the arena.

I painted arena border line with white acrylic paint to somewhat match the appearance of the Monster Jam arena.

Seal the paint with a few layers of a clear coat.  I recommend spraying 2 layers of gloss (for high protection) followed by a layer of satin or matte to tone down the shininess.

Step 6: Install caster wheels

Install 1″ caster wheels on each corner of the arena frame.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Insert the foam inside of the arena frame and enjoy!

Toy Monster Truck Arena inspired by Monster Jam

DIY Monster Truck Arena

My son loves the monster truck arena! It has seen many hours of play. If you build one, please share a photo and tag me on Instagram or Twitter!

DIY Toy Monster Truck Arena Inspired by the Monster Jam show

DIY Toy Monster Truck Arena Inspired by the Monster Jam show

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Build a Toy Monster Truck Arena

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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!

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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.

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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.