I might be the worst carpenter. but I'm trying to psych myself out to step up.

[911 Rod]

I would try taking it apart and then just put it back together. Longer screws etc.

[look 171]

Nothing wrong with that thing. Needs a new back to stiff the structure up. There should be a back on there, remove it and install a 1/2" CDX plywood back. Measure both corners or diagonals and get it sq up, nail it and it will last a long time. As far as the face frame goes, just nail on new pieces if not, re-nail existing but use glue. Dig the hole about 16" down insert the pole, pour concrete. Make sure concrete is a bit above grade with slope if that's even important. Use a couple of stakes to keep the structure plum.

[cantdrv55]

I don’t have any advice to offer. I just want to see the final product.

[look 171]

BTW, there are really no cuts needed on the table if you can go get that 1/2" back cut at home depot.

Here are a few old pics of student's projects when I taught school. The two bench were made by a couple of 15 and 17 year old girls. The floating coffee table was made by 16 year old boy. Oh yeah, they know how to sue the table saw safely.

[look 171]

Sorry, forgot the pics

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by vash

the lady across the street installed a little library. last year, some hoodlums pushed it over and really tweaked it. parents heard, and the next morning, I saw a them supervising the kids trying to straighten it out.

it is about done now. door is gone, it is a rombus in every direction.

nobody seems to care. people use it. especially the little kids and the elderly.

so, I think I am going to take it on. I have a fear of table saws. PTSD almost from cutting myself badly.

how hard can this be? I plan on gluing and clamping boards for the structure. and installing a new library from the post up. digging a hole will suck.

the OG lady moved to Minnesota so I think it is up to me. I'm helping a coworker prep for upcoming promotion interview. maybe he can repay me by helping me. he is a finish carpenter..well in his youth. he has skills.

Remember, Push blocks are your friend. Me? I ran a framing nail through my pointer finger and it pierced the tip of my middle finger. I've cycled tens of thousands of nails through that nailer and one time it double pumps and BAM I've got a framing nail sticking through the meaty part of the pointer finger. What I'm getting at is, no matter how many times you do something, there's always a chance for an accident. As others have said, respect a table saw and understand where your hands shouldn't be.... and that's generally anywhere near the blade..... push blocks.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

2 cent advice-
If you decide to remake it, try to avoid plywood. I made my wife a mailbox and used similar plywood. Problem is, moisture soaks between the plys and rips them apart.

I got the "opportunity" to start over from scratch about 2 years later.

This is an environment where single solid pieces rule out over ply.

Good luck!
R

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Baz, I bet if you asked nicely, and provided a detailed plan of every piece needed, bird parts members would each cut you a piece and send them to you.
A birds parts bird feeder for books.

You'd assemble and be done with it. This would, of course, require a very good plan. People would sign up for each individual piece and send it in.

[MMiller]

Dang those hoodlums, I love those little libraries. Have a couple by my house I use all the time. Good on you for getting it back in proper shape.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by vash

Original is plywood. I feel I can do better.

New door. Coat of paint. Call it a day.

Or let the lumberyard or depot make the rips for you. You can do this without a table saw. Frankly I often use a circular saw with a clamped guide.. or snapping a line and following it is ok for this type of work. As my dad used to say, ‘you’re not building a church’

[Crowbob]

I’ve abandoned a few woodworking projects simply out of frustration. Seems like no matter how many times I cut a board it’s still too short.

[LWJ]

Vash,

I hear you. I am not a craftsman but I seem to spend a fair amount of my time making stuff. There are wins, and, well, there are other end results.

But I wanted to comment RE: the PTSD and a tablesaw. My HS Shop Teacher was pretty gifted. He was missing two and one half fingertips. At a very clean, surgical angle. Yep. Tablesaw accident. This got my attention. If he could cut off fingers, I could absolutely do the same. A lesson I have held close for 40 years.

Me? First, I am left handed. Second, I am not particularly coordinated. Third, I am right eye dominant. This means shooting a simple basketball shot is pretty goofy and hilarious. It also means I am terrified of cutting something off of me - which - is a high probability.

I make a point to slow down. Plan my actions. Think about stuff. Then cut. I made a pretty fair fence this summer with no accidents. I am making a 10x12 shed right now. There have been mistakes but it is coming together. I expect to put on roof decking today and tomorrow. Lots of hand sawing! Yay!

But my point? Slow down. Anticipate. Use safety devices (push stick) and things are far far safer. Just don't ask about my super near miss with a router. Because that would have had me in the hospital or morgue.

[HobieMarty]

As suggested, that box doesn't look too bad, so I would save myself some grief and just refurbish what is there. Take it apart, rebuild it, add a door back to it, seal it all up well to protect the books from weather, and utilize the existing post. Easy peasy.
If you do end up sawing something, measure twice, cut once!!!

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Crowbob

I’ve abandoned a few woodworking projects simply out of frustration. Seems like no matter how many times I cut a board it’s still too short.

It's all about scale man. That board isn't cut too short, Yer just scaling the project down a bit. Trick is to cut the next board to the same size as the one that was previously thought to be too short!

[masraum]

I have this idea, that Vash is eventually going to post a pic of his finished result, and it's going to be an aesthetic masterpiece that's also sturdy enough to support a tank.

[1990C4S]

Get an air (or battery) pin nailer. That will make your repairs easier.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by 1990C4S

Get an air (or battery) pin nailer. That will make your repairs easier.

You guys just want and excuse to buy a new tool

A few small finish nails and some glue will do the trick. Its needs to be repaired with a few deck screws and be done with it.

Vash, is the post loose and no longer stable for the kids to knock it over? If its stable, jsut repair it. Screw down the top and fix the face frame and call it the day. When done, I want to see your face in the local papers and how you saved the day for both the young and old. Vash for city mayor

[Steve Carlton]

[masraum]

Originally Posted by look 171

You guys just want and excuse to buy a new tool

A few small finish nails and some glue will do the trick. Its needs to be repaired with a few deck screws and be done with it.

Vash, is the post loose and no longer stable for the kids to knock it over? If its stable, jsut repair it. Screw down the top and fix the face frame and call it the day. When done, I want to see your face in the local papers and how you saved the day for both the young and old. Vash for city mayor

Hometown hero this week. Mayor next month. Governator next year!

[Steve Carlton]

Jesus started out as a carpenter.