This week and last, I have spent time around my brother's new house helping out with small bits of diy, trying to save him a little money.

It's not often I do things like this, even though I can. I do choose to avoid these things, even with people offering to pay me.

Houses in generally can be problematic, in the sense they are often never square, with walls running out, door frames bowed, uneven floors, the list goes on.

In the time spent over at the house (A 1930s house) I have reused, and hung 2 doors which involved ripping off the original hinge housing, gluing on strip of oak, and rehanging. Something you dont tend to see a lot of these days, because it's a hassle, but the doors where relatively new, and expensive. I think once a finish is applied you wont be able to notice, unless you're looking for it.

One of the door frames had a 20mm bow. The centre where the strike plate is, was the widest part, with the top and bottom needing a wedge like shape removed.

It was a little weird working back on myself, because the holes for the handle's had already been drilled in the previous house.

Other jobs included replacing kitchen benches, moving and adding units, replacing plinths/end panels.

Again to save money, I made all of the plinths etc. out of a board of moisture resistant MDF, which will be painted along with the unit doors.

Although I'm not a fan of working with MDF, I have to admit everything in the kitchen looks 10 times better, even with the hideous green MDF needing to be painted, especially with the original parts being damaged, and grimy.

Everything did need fitted, and i do mean everything! Unfortunately I didn't get any good photos, but here a few things to give you an idea.

On one unit end panel the wall was out 15mm over the length of a meter.

One section of the floor had a 15mm hump that needed scribed.

Another plinth ran from 150mm to 167mm, over the span of 570mm.

To some, who do this day in and day out, it’s probably nothing to them, and although I didn't struggle with anything, i do feel a professional would have done these jobs quicker.

I must admit things did go alot quicker with the use of a track saw, which in the past, I didn't own.

It’s ironic that for all these years I've avoided this type of work, only to be looking to do more as a possible day time job change from scaffolding, due to a growing disillusionment of the politics, and damage to my body.

Still lots to do to the kitchen, but with some paint and a new floor, it should look more presentable, and homely.

Wood porn

The above chair is by turn black home. I think the proportions are just right, and the curves look like they will provide good comfort.

What impressed me

The above table was made by Danielpoolemel, and what impressed me was the way its assembled. It’s very simple, but cleaver at the same time. I like how the centre rails attach to the legs, which makes this table more transportable, which can be an issue for furniture makers.

Click the image to see how the table is joined together.

Woodwork ponder

In a nearly 100 years old house, I wonder how much skill is locked away in any remaining original areas covered up by paint etc.

Podcast

In case you missed it, the podcast is available to those who are interested.

You can listen on Spotify here, and Apple Podcasts  here.

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Thats it for this one guys, see you next week!

Regards 

David