# DIY and Hobby projects, small to big. Pictures of course **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** arts-crafts, tools-electric-diy\ **Created:** [January 17, 2022, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910 "2022-01-17T00:50:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2023, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/281 "2023-04-02T15:43:39Z")
YouTube is carrying clips and there are a few full episodes, as well. Why, [here’s the YT page](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+repair+shop) as I speak: ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2023, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/282 "2023-04-02T15:46:26Z")
This is exactly the type of story I was hoping to read here, pictures and all. Great work! ---
**Author:** ![FordPrefect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e99b99/32.png) [@FordPrefect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordPrefect)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2023, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/283 "2023-04-03T23:56:45Z")
A couple of pictures of some of my my latest projects: Cherry side table for my work from home and gaming desk. The desk is 3 or 4 years old, you can see a tiny corner on the top right corner. The side table will darken like the desk over time. The trestle legs are steel and the drawer handles are walnut. [![](https://i.imgur.com/PW701Ng.jpg) ](https://i.imgur.com/PW701Ng.jpg) The second pic is the same table, with a center mount controller panels for DCS, the FA/18 module specifically. This project was a combo of electronics, working with PVC and Arduino coding. [![](https://i.imgur.com/YhPdk77.jpg) ](https://i.imgur.com/YhPdk77.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2023, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/284 "2023-04-04T00:02:11Z")
> [@FordPrefect](#): > > working with PVC and Arduino coding. Nice! Did you use the Joystick library? I used that for a little micro joystick system on a mini arcade box and it was basically trivial to use. It produced a standard USB HID controller that worked both on Windows and a RasPi. Super easy. ---
**Author:** ![FordPrefect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e99b99/32.png) [@FordPrefect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordPrefect)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2023, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/285 "2023-04-04T00:06:25Z")
I used the [DCS-BIOS\FlightPanels](https://github.com/DCSFlightpanels/dcs-bios) I have another button box on the chair to the left that I used a Leo Bodnar controller, very easy too. ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2023, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/286 "2023-04-04T03:20:10Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > That came out great. I’m really impressed. > [@Biggirl](#): > > Nice job! Thanks! I may be tinkering with it a little before the show, making the handles a little beefier and easier to attach/detach. I don’t want it to break while the kids are rehearsing with it, or worse, during a performance. ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2023, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/287 "2023-04-04T15:44:48Z")
It seems like wheelbarrow handles might look good – I think they might be pretty inexpensive at a hardware or big box home improvement store. > **[Ames Handle Hardwood 2 pk - Ace Hardware](https://www.acehardware.com/departments/lawn-and-garden/gardening-tools/wheelbarrow-and-hand-truck-parts/74647?store=18170&gclid=Cj0KCQjwla-hBhD7ARIsAM9tQKvgEkHlSzxNvu7-p6w1lPAuf6RZQGdwwGAcKPlDbye4gdDfKknd4S8aAgE4EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds)** > > This heavy-duty Ames True Temper C Series 60 in. Hardwood HD Wheelbarrow Handle includes two handles with holes for easy installation. The tool has been constructed from premium quality hardwood that offers added durability and stability. This budget... ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2023, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/288 "2023-04-04T17:22:30Z")
Excellent, @eschrodinger! Just what I need, because the square shape of the shaft will make it easier to secure firmly to the underside of the wagon, using a screw and t-nut so it can be removed and reinstalled without the risk of undue weakening. The Dope comes through again! The funny thing is that the similar item at my nearby Home Depot is in stock at $20 each, and the ones from Ace are $25 for two at the closest store and only $17 for two at the one that’s ten minutes further away. For both of those I have to have them shipped to the store. But it’s weird that the two stores have different prices. I guess that Ace stores are franchises that can set their own prices, and the nearby one is in upscale Marblehead, MA. Thanks again, @eschrodinger. ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2023, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/289 "2023-04-04T17:41:54Z")
That’s funny – Home Depot has a whole wheelbarrow, including wood handles, for $39. > **[True Temper 4 cu. ft. Poly Wheelbarrow PW4UT24 - The Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/True-Temper-4-cu-ft-Poly-Wheelbarrow-PW4UT24/202531275?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D28I-028_011_TOOLS-NA-NA-NA-SMART-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-SMART_SHP&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D28I-028_011_TOOLS-NA-NA-NA-SMART-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-SMART_SHP-71700000080837639-58700006820161831-92700069237860034&gclid=Cj0KCQjwla-hBhD7ARIsAM9tQKsCRZuRUGLKR0zzDYLX0AWS0lkaAuhNCVpdXeqTWm5_e_g1-_P9YO8aAmNOEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds)** > > From mulching to general cleanup, this 4 cu. ft. True Temper poly wheelbarrow is the perfect size for lots of jobs around the yard. It's small and nimble for versatile use but large enough to knock out ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2023, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/290 "2023-04-09T20:30:32Z")
So I ordered wheelbarrow handles from Ace, to be delivered to a nearby store, but they were delayed, and while talking to the people in the store, they mentioned that they had a set on hand. So I went and saw them, they were unfinished, which was good, because the others were coated, and I’d have had to sand that off to stain them to match. And they only wanted $10 for the pair! Yes! So now the wagon is complete, and these new handles are just perfect, so much better looking than the original broomsticks. Thanks a million, @eschrodinger, for suggesting them. [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AMWts8DhkJ1NFv2sBwZtx4SCx_riu_LdDWYD-4F1r6aFrpdwXGvCqz_f1lBdhxmN5YL_YCVbIw_Te2uc1I3xBkmeG-IOJuGIfUq4Uoa_cyXIuue8dLzhzy5F=w600-h315-p-k "New item by James Hyder") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/7BHA1C3Gugxp4vGo8) ---
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2023, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/291 "2023-04-09T21:17:41Z")
Awesome! Happy that it worked out. I have a project I started last summer, which I won’t be able to finish until the rain stops here – so like 2-3 more months. But I always have something going. I just need to remember to take “before” pictures. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2023, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/292 "2023-04-21T18:48:20Z")
I finished my cross-stitch rainbow spiral! [[Album] FINISHED rainbow spiral ![](https://i.imgur.com/zb4qIrQ.jpeg?fb "FINISHED rainbow spiral") ](https://imgur.com/a/SQ0G5Bg) ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2023, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/293 "2023-04-21T22:04:40Z")
So very nice! I’m impressed. In my lifetime of trying all crafts ever, I did try my hand and cross stitch and found 1) It’s gotta be stamped as I am too much of an idiot to try it the real way and 2) it takes more patience than I possess. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2023, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/294 "2023-05-08T19:56:37Z")
[Talked about Atomic Boy in this thread.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vintage-furniture-knowledgeables-should-i-paint-this-lane-table/982534) and now he is done. I named him Atomic Boy but it is actually a Lane Thunderbird lamp table. Here he is when I got him: [![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/53cT7SN.jpeg "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/53cT7SN) [![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/RZ2HjKU.jpeg "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/RZ2HjKU) And here he is all done in his new home: [[Album] imgur.com ![](https://i.imgur.com/EgYljIp.jpeg?fb "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/a/Lm9mCNZ) ---
**Author:** ![Sitnam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2023, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/295 "2023-05-08T21:43:11Z")
never mind ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [May 8, 2023, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/296 "2023-05-08T22:22:33Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > I named him Atomic Boy but it is actually a Lane Thunderbird lamp table. Looking good! ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [May 9, 2023, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/297 "2023-05-09T22:17:53Z")
Also for the school production of _Fiddler_, I decided to make a fake antique sewing machine, since real ones weigh about 25 pounds (11 kilos), and therefore would be hard for middle schoolers to move around and dangerous if dropped or knocked over. This one weighs 4 ounces (110 grams)! [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AJFCJaUiKXzrmnh8pUnkkItxAw-_PPxBy58g-UfQWYZIQWQMHkBxpncdNlNsbLpnxid3qFZ4-2s5WRsRM7CMRhg2ratECTyvgcHhbF1TnMH1HD5XIQxdsh2a=w600-h315-p-k "New item by James Hyder") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/RR9YnBfMCAQpYLhH8) I carved it out of foam, glued the pieces together with hot glue, with a dowel through the four pieces to add strength. Spray painted, and the decoration drawn with a gold ink marker. (I added a bobbin on the top after taking this picture.) I just hope no one breaks it before the final show. Here is a picture I used as a reference. [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8bVYbHd8KM8/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8bVYbHd8KM8/maxresdefault.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2023, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/298 "2023-05-14T16:49:50Z")
I do not like working with wood. The tools are super loud and scare the snot out of me–every woodworking machine is begging to cut your fingers off if not worse. With that said, when I first had a home of my own, I bought some basic shop tools and made things like boxes and such. My boss at the time was a serious woodworker with a fancy shop and articles published in fine woodworker magazines, so he encouraged me. One day he told me about an auction at the local lumbar yard that he was going to and asked if I wanted any wood–we picked out a project and he found a specific lot that had enough cherry wood for the job–I paid about $130 for the lot. There was well over enough wood for the job, so I set aside the best boards for my wife’s desk and used the smaller pieces for a little table. Almost 25 years later and these are the only decent woodworking projects I have ever done. (These days I have a machine shop and I work in metal, a much nicer hobby for me.) [![](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GKWzzjW/0/488e5ac3/O/i-GKWzzjW.jpg) ](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-GKWzzjW/0/488e5ac3/O/i-GKWzzjW.jpg) [![](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Hcx6Rp4/0/4fe5d4a8/X5/i-Hcx6Rp4-X5.jpg) ](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Hcx6Rp4/0/4fe5d4a8/X5/i-Hcx6Rp4-X5.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2023, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/299 "2023-05-14T16:52:01Z")
> [@FordPrefect](#): > > Cherry side table for my work from home and gaming desk. The desk is 3 or 4 years old, you can see a tiny corner on the top right corner. The side table will darken like the desk over time. The trestle legs are steel and the drawer handles are walnut. Beautiful! I am envious! ---
**Author:** ![FordPrefect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e99b99/32.png) [@FordPrefect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordPrefect)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2023, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910/300 "2023-05-14T17:02:55Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > There was well over enough wood for the job, so I set aside the best boards for my wife’s desk and used the smaller pieces for a little table. Those are both lovely pieces and that cherry is fantastic! It has darkened beautifully over the years. I have machine shop envy, I would love to get into that hobby one day, with it’s even steeper learning curve, and required investment. Till then I will keep watching machinists on YouTube. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diy-and-hobby-projects-small-to-big-pictures-of-course/957910.md?page=16)