Category: 100-200 USD Average Cost

Simple Joinery Dining Table

Ian Anderson

Simple Joinery Dining Table by Ian Anderson
Simple Joinery Dining Table

Design and photography by Ian Anderson
Published in Spring 2021

The original prototype of this design was produced with 1in x 2in wood legs in an effort to push the limits on what a reinforced leg structure could do with the thinnest possible wood. Though it only tended to wobble slightly, because of the wood strength and not structure strength, it was best to upgrade to 1in x 3in legs. Thought it’s aesthetics suffered from the change, its structure triumphed – an all too common tradeoff in the design process. As with all of the Simple Joinery designs, the assembly process is difficult but rewarding.

Simple Joinery Dining Table by Ian Anderson
Simple Joinery Dining Table by Ian Anderson
Assembly
Expand →
1     Measure and saw the lengths of wood specified in the parts index.
1     Measure and saw the lengths of wood specified in the parts index.
2     At a 45 degree angle, saw both 47.5in (121cm) long pieces exactly in half. You should end up with 4 identical pieces.
2     At a 45 degree angle, saw both 47.5in (121cm) long pieces exactly in half. You should end up with 4 identical pieces.
3     About 3in (8cm) from the end of the 76.5in (194cm) long piece, make a mark 3/8in (1cm) from the edge.
3     About 3in (8cm) from the end of the 76.5in (194cm) long piece, make a mark 3/8in (1cm) from the edge.
4     Drill a small pilot hole in that mark. Do not drill through the other side of the wood.
4     Drill a small pilot hole in that mark. Do not drill through the other side of the wood.
5     With a 1/4in drill bit, mark about 1/2in (1.5cm) up the bit with a piece of tape.
5     With a 1/4in drill bit, mark about 1/2in (1.5cm) up the bit with a piece of tape.
6     In the spot of the pilot hole, drill a hole up to the mark made in step 5.
6     In the spot of the pilot hole, drill a hole up to the mark made in step 5.
7     Add glue to the hole, and insert a dowel pin as far in as possible. Wipe away excess glue.
7     Add glue to the hole, and insert a dowel pin as far in as possible. Wipe away excess glue.
8     Repeat steps 3-7 at the other end of the piece of wood, and at points about 12in (30cm) apart along the piece of wood.
8     Repeat steps 3-7 at the other end of the piece of wood, and at points about 12in (30cm) apart along the piece of wood.
9     Line up the piece from step 8 along the spine of the long side of the plywood, with 3/4in (20.5mm) hanging over. Mark where the dowels lie.
9     Line up the piece from step 8 along the spine of the long side of the plywood, with 3/4in (20.5mm) hanging over. Mark where the dowels lie.
10     Drill holes in the plywood where your dowel pins were marked, glue in the holes and along the plywood spine, and join the pieces. It is very important that the top of the plywood and the edge of the 76.5in (194cm) long piece are flush with each other.
10     Drill holes in the plywood where your dowel pins were marked, glue in the holes and along the plywood spine, and join the pieces. It is very important that the top of the plywood and the edge of the 76.5in (194cm) long piece are flush with each other.
11     Repeat steps 3-10 joining a 33in (84cm) long piece of wood to the short side of the plywood. Make sure to glue all areas where wood contacts other wood.
11     Repeat steps 3-10 joining a 33in (84cm) long piece of wood to the short side of the plywood. Make sure to glue all areas where wood contacts other wood.
12     Repeat steps 3-11 on the remaining two sides of the plywood.
12     Repeat steps 3-11 on the remaining two sides of the plywood.
13     Mark 8in (21cm) from the end of a 28.25in (72cm) long piece of wood, at the left edge.
13     Mark 8in (21cm) from the end of a 28.25in (72cm) long piece of wood, at the left edge.
14     Join a piece of wood from step 2 at the mark you made with 2 dowel pins and glue. The sharp point of the piece from step 2 should rest at the 8in (21cm) mark.
14     Join a piece of wood from step 2 at the mark you made with 2 dowel pins and glue. The sharp point of the piece from step 2 should rest at the 8in (21cm) mark.
15     Mark 10.5in (27cm) from the other end of the 28.25in (72cm) long piece of wood.
15     Mark 10.5in (27cm) from the other end of the 28.25in (72cm) long piece of wood.
16     Align the bottom of a 14in (35.5cm) long piece of wood at that mark at a 45 degree angle. Join the two pieces with 2 dowel pins and glue.
16     Align the bottom of a 14in (35.5cm) long piece of wood at that mark at a 45 degree angle. Join the two pieces with 2 dowel pins and glue.
17     Repeating the same method as steps 13-16, join a few more pieces (the assembly on the left is the new one).
17     Repeating the same method as steps 13-16, join a few more pieces (the assembly on the left is the new one).
18     Orient one piece from step 17 vertically, and attach a 33in (84cm) long piece to it with glue and two screws placed not more than 1.5in (4cm) from the end of the vertical piece. Be sure to drill pilot holes and countersink holes for the screw head.
18     Orient one piece from step 17 vertically, and attach a 33in (84cm) long piece to it with glue and two screws placed not more than 1.5in (4cm) from the end of the vertical piece. Be sure to drill pilot holes and countersink holes for the screw head.
19     Repeat step 18, joining the other piece from step 17 to the other side of the 33in (84cm) long piece. Then, drill pilot holes, glue and screw together the two pieces that cross the 33in (84cm) long piece (as pictured).
19     Repeat step 18, joining the other piece from step 17 to the other side of the 33in (84cm) long piece. Then, drill pilot holes, glue and screw together the two pieces that cross the 33in (84cm) long piece (as pictured).
20     Drilling 2 pilot holes and securing with 2 screws, attach the 49in (125cm) long piece at a 90 degree angle to the 33in (84cm) long piece from step 19.
20     Drilling 2 pilot holes and securing with 2 screws, attach the 49in (125cm) long piece at a 90 degree angle to the 33in (84cm) long piece from step 19.
21     Repeat steps 13-19 to make an extra pair of table legs, and attach them to the opposite end of the 49in (125cm) long piece, as in step 20.
21     Repeat steps 13-19 to make an extra pair of table legs, and attach them to the opposite end of the 49in (125cm) long piece, as in step 20.
22     Glue and screw each 7in (18cm) long piece to the ends of each 14in (35.5cm) long piece at a 45 degree angle. Again, drill pilot and countersink holes for the screw.
22     Glue and screw each 7in (18cm) long piece to the ends of each 14in (35.5cm) long piece at a 45 degree angle. Again, drill pilot and countersink holes for the screw.
23     Align the structure from steps 13-22 centered on the underside of your table top. With 2 screws, as photographed, attach each 7in (18cm) long piece to the table top.
23     Align the structure from steps 13-22 centered on the underside of your table top. With 2 screws, as photographed, attach each 7in (18cm) long piece to the table top.
24     With 2 screws, as photographed, attach each table leg to the table top.
24     With 2 screws, as photographed, attach each table leg to the table top.
25     Sand the whole table, rounding the edges.
25     Sand the whole table, rounding the edges.
26     Apply 2-3 coats of varnish to the entire table.
26     Apply 2-3 coats of varnish to the entire table.
Index
Parts
Smooth Planed Hard Wood, 1in x 3in (20.5mm x 70mm)
*Any popular hardwood can be used, like Poplar, Birch, Beech, Cherry, Ash, and Oak, but you will want it to match your plywood. Metric measurements above are actual, not nominal.
 
Quantity required: 2 pieces 76.5in (194cm) long, 2 pieces 33in (84cm) long, 4 pieces 28.25in (72cm) long, 4 pieces 14in (35.5cm) long, 2 pieces 47.5in (121cm) long, 2 pieces 31.5in (79cm) long, 1 piece 49in (125cm) long
Smooth Planed Hard Wood, 1in x 2in (20.5mm x 34mm)
*Match the style of wood above.
 
Quantity required: 4 pieces 7in (18cm) long
Hard Wood Plywood, 3/4in (18mm or 25mm) thickness
*Any popular hardwood plywood can be used, but you will want the exterior laminate to match your 1in x 3in Hard Wood. Have your plywood cut to the size below at any lumber or hardware store before bringing home.
 
Quantity required: 1 piece 75in (190cm) x 33in (84cm)
1/4in Dowel Pins
Quantity required: 40
Satin Clear Acrylic Varnish (or paint)
Quantity required: 1/2 Quart
Flat Head Wood Screws, #6 x 1-1/2in (4 x 35mm)
 
Quantity required: 28
Tools
Hand Saw
Power Drill
Drill Bits
Ruler or Tape Measure
Screwdriver
Wood Glue
Sandpaper, 180 Grit
Help Each Other

Utility Pendant Light

Aandersson

DIY globe pendant light designed by Aandersson
Utility Pendant Light

Design and photography by AANDERSSON
Published in Spring 2019

Designed alongside the One Gallon Floor Lamp and using similar utility-oriented parts, this pendant light replaces the standard pull chain switch and exaggerates the simple task of turning on a light. The full assembly process takes about 2 hours to complete. Steps include drilling a hole in the acrylic ball shade, wiring the lamp, and installing the moving strap switch. The parts cost a little over 100 USD on average.

DIY globe pendant light designed by Aandersson
DIY globe pendant light designed by Aandersson
Assembly
Expand →
1     Cut both ends of the white power cord exterior shell and interior wires to look as pictured. Make sure this is done delicately and cleanly, so no metal wire is cut/exposed except at the ends.
1     Cut both ends of the white power cord exterior shell and interior wires to look as pictured. Make sure this is done delicately and cleanly, so no metal wire is cut/exposed except at the ends.
2     Wrap excess wire around the top of the socket. Match up white “neutral” wires and screw wire nut onto them. Match up black “hot” wires and screw the other wire nut onto them. Make sure no metal wire is exposed. USE CAUTION...Please research how to do this exactly the right way with the socket and cord you have. All parts will be slightly different than those pictured.
2     Wrap excess wire around the top of the socket. Match up white “neutral” wires and screw wire nut onto them. Match up black “hot” wires and screw the other wire nut onto them. Make sure no metal wire is exposed. USE CAUTION...Please research how to do this exactly the right way with the socket and cord you have. All parts will be slightly different than those pictured.
3     Thread parts onto the white power cord in this order: Socket, straight coupling, threaded nipple, neckless ball insert and holder, 6in pipe, male threaded strain relief.
3     Thread parts onto the white power cord in this order: Socket, straight coupling, threaded nipple, neckless ball insert and holder, 6in pipe, male threaded strain relief.
4     Tighten the straight coupling onto the socket, then tighten the threaded nipple onto the straight coupling.
4     Tighten the straight coupling onto the socket, then tighten the threaded nipple onto the straight coupling.
5     Cut the nylon sling to the length of your choice. The standard length is about 17in (43cm).
5     Cut the nylon sling to the length of your choice. The standard length is about 17in (43cm).
6     Seal the cut end of the nylon strap by melting it for a few seconds with a lighter or match. Please use caution.
6     Seal the cut end of the nylon strap by melting it for a few seconds with a lighter or match. Please use caution.
7     Thread a straightened paper clip through the nylon strap and twist it to the beaded string on the bottom of the socket. Make sure the strap is very well secured.
7     Thread a straightened paper clip through the nylon strap and twist it to the beaded string on the bottom of the socket. Make sure the strap is very well secured.
8     Find the very bottom of the acrylic ball and drill into it using the hole saw. Use a very minimal amount of force with a medium drill speed. USE CAUTION. This will take time, patience and a steady hand on the drill.
8     Find the very bottom of the acrylic ball and drill into it using the hole saw. Use a very minimal amount of force with a medium drill speed. USE CAUTION. This will take time, patience and a steady hand on the drill.
9     Insert the light bulbs in the socket and place everything except the neckless ball holder inside the acrylic ball. Pull the nylon strap through the small hole.
9     Insert the light bulbs in the socket and place everything except the neckless ball holder inside the acrylic ball. Pull the nylon strap through the small hole.
10     Place the neckless ball holder on the ball, tighten the 6in pipe to the threaded nipple and tighten the male threaded strain relief to the 6in pipe. Tighten the plastic screw on the strain relief.
10     Place the neckless ball holder on the ball, tighten the 6in pipe to the threaded nipple and tighten the male threaded strain relief to the 6in pipe. Tighten the plastic screw on the strain relief.
11     To install, please do research and follow professional instructions. USE CAUTION...before you install make sure power is fully shut off in the ceiling. To prepare for installation (step 11 and 12), thread the canopy crossbar set onto the white power cord as pictured.
11     To install, please do research and follow professional instructions. USE CAUTION...before you install make sure power is fully shut off in the ceiling. To prepare for installation (step 11 and 12), thread the canopy crossbar set onto the white power cord as pictured.
12     Once you have installed the wire and crossbar to the ceiling (by using caution and following professional guidance not given here) tighten the female strain relief to the threaded nipple and tighten the plastic screw on the strain relief.
12     Once you have installed the wire and crossbar to the ceiling (by using caution and following professional guidance not given here) tighten the female strain relief to the threaded nipple and tighten the plastic screw on the strain relief.
Note: Some parts will need to be replaced for lighting being used outside of USA, Canada and Mexico.
Index
Parts
Nylon Eye-and-Eye Yellow Strap, 3ft (92cm) Length, 1in (2.5cm) Width
Quantity required: 1
Neckless Acrylic Ball, 10in (26cm) w/ 4in (10.5cm) Hole
Quantity required: 1
Satin Nickel 1/8 ips Slip Canopy Crossbar Set
Quantity required: 1
Vacuum Chrome Canopy with 1/8ips Slip Through Hole
Quantity required: 1
Phenolic Socket Cluster with Pull Chain Switch
Quantity required: 1
Polished Nickel Plated Neckless Ball Holder w/ Insert for 4in (10.5cm) Hole
Quantity required: 1
White 18/2 SVT Power Cord, 8ft (3m) length
Quantity required: 1
Large Wire Nut with Spring Insert
Quantity required: 2
Straight Female Threaded Coupling, Nickel Plated, 1/2in W X 9/16in H, 1/8IPS
Quantity required: 1
Male Threaded Strain Relief, Polished Nickel, 1/8ips
Quantity required: 1
Pipe with 1/8ips female thread, Nickel Finish, 6in (15cm) length
Quantity required: 1
Threaded Hollow Nipple, 1.25in (3cm) length, 1/8 IPS
Quantity required: 1
Light Bulb for Medium Socket, Small, LED: 2-4 Watts
Quantity required: 2
Tools
Power Drill
Hole Saw, 1.5in (4cm)
Utility Knife
Screwdriver, Flat Head
Help Each Other

One Gallon Floor Lamp

Aandersson

DIY floor lamp designed by Aandersson
One Gallon Floor Lamp

Design and photography by AANDERSSON
Published in Spring 2019

A tall grey portable canopy weight tank conceals the one gallon of sand that anchors this 6ft (1.8m) high fixture to the ground. The full assembly process takes about 2 hours to complete. Steps include filling the tank with roughly one gallon (3.7 L) of sand or small stones, wiring the lamp, and installing the globe. Only two tools are required for this process and the parts cost 100 USD on average.

DIY floor lamp designed by Aandersson
DIY floor lamp designed by Aandersson
Assembly
Expand →
1     Place 4 vinyl bumpers on the lower portion of the bottom of the Eurmax canopy feet weight.
1     Place 4 vinyl bumpers on the lower portion of the bottom of the Eurmax canopy feet weight.
2     Fill the Eurmax canopy feet weight with sand up to slightly above the bottom of the handle, roughly 1 gallon (3.7 liter). Screw the lid back on.
2     Fill the Eurmax canopy feet weight with sand up to slightly above the bottom of the handle, roughly 1 gallon (3.7 liter). Screw the lid back on.
3     Pull the white power cord through the polished steel tube.
3     Pull the white power cord through the polished steel tube.
4     Thread pieces onto the white power cord in the order pictured: rubber washers and hex nuts (n,w,n,n,w,n,n,w,n), neckless ball holder and insert, threaded nipple, bottom of phenolic socket.
4     Thread pieces onto the white power cord in the order pictured: rubber washers and hex nuts (n,w,n,n,w,n,n,w,n), neckless ball holder and insert, threaded nipple, bottom of phenolic socket.
5     Screw threaded nipple into bottom of phenolic socket with your hands until tight. Use cutting pliers to trim ends of the white power cord so about 1/4in (7mm) of exposed wire is showing on each end.
5     Screw threaded nipple into bottom of phenolic socket with your hands until tight. Use cutting pliers to trim ends of the white power cord so about 1/4in (7mm) of exposed wire is showing on each end.
6     On the interior piece of the phenolic socket, insert the black wire into the “hot” (brass) terminal and the white wire into the “neutral” (silver) terminal. Make sure almost no wire is exposed and tighten screws with a screwdriver. USE CAUTION...Please research how to do this exactly the right way with the socket and cord you have. All parts will be slightly different than those pictured.
6     On the interior piece of the phenolic socket, insert the black wire into the “hot” (brass) terminal and the white wire into the “neutral” (silver) terminal. Make sure almost no wire is exposed and tighten screws with a screwdriver. USE CAUTION...Please research how to do this exactly the right way with the socket and cord you have. All parts will be slightly different than those pictured.
7     Reassemble the phenolic socket and screw on the light bulb.
7     Reassemble the phenolic socket and screw on the light bulb.
8     Stabilize the ball on a box with padding. Place the socket and neckless ball holder insert inside the white ball.
8     Stabilize the ball on a box with padding. Place the socket and neckless ball holder insert inside the white ball.
9     Guide the ball holder onto the threaded nipple and with your hands arrange the hex nuts and washers as pictured on the threaded nipple. Make sure not to over-tighten hex nut against holder and ball.
9     Guide the ball holder onto the threaded nipple and with your hands arrange the hex nuts and washers as pictured on the threaded nipple. Make sure not to over-tighten hex nut against holder and ball.
10     Push the polished tube over the part you just assembled.
10     Push the polished tube over the part you just assembled.
11     Unstrap the Eurmax canopy feet weight.
11     Unstrap the Eurmax canopy feet weight.
12     Arrange the polished tube onto the Eurmax canopy feet weight with the ball oriented upwards. Strap the polished tube down firmly.
12     Arrange the polished tube onto the Eurmax canopy feet weight with the ball oriented upwards. Strap the polished tube down firmly.
13     Stack two vinyl bumpers and place them under the polished tube. Let the tube rim rest on the bumper.
13     Stack two vinyl bumpers and place them under the polished tube. Let the tube rim rest on the bumper.
Note: Some parts will need to be replaced for lighting being used outside of USA, Canada and Mexico.
Index
Parts
Eurmax Hard Plastic Canopy Feet Weight
Quantity required: 1
Polished Stainless Steel Tube, 5ft (1.5m) length, 1in (26mm) diameter
Quantity required: 1
Sand or Small Stones, roughly 1 gallon (3.7 liter)
Quantity required: 1
Self-adhesive Vinyl Bumpers, 1/2in (2.5cm) width
Quantity required: 6
Phenolic Socket with 1/8IPS Cap, E-26 (E-27 for europe) size
Quantity required: 1
White 18/2 SVT Power Cord w/ Switch, 18ft (5m) length
Quantity required: 1
Neckless Gloss Glass Ball, 10in (26cm) w/ 4in (10.5cm) Hole
Quantity required: 1
Polished Nickel Plated Neckless Ball Holder w/ Insert for 4in (10.5cm) Hole
Quantity required: 1
Hex Nut for 1/8-27 IPS
Quantity required: 6
Threaded Hollow Nipple, 6in (15cm) length, 1/8 IPS
Quantity required: 1
Rubber Washer, 1in (2.5cm) diameter, 1/8 IPS Hole
Quantity required: 3
Light Bulb for Medium Socket, LED: 5-6 Watts
Quantity required: 1
Tools
Screwdriver, Flat Head
Cutting Pliers
Alternative Parts
Neckless Acrylic Ball, 10in (26cm) w/ 4in (10.5cm) Hole
Replaces: Neckless Gloss Glass Ball, 10in (26cm) w/ 4in
Help Each Other