Tag: project index
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Skin-on-frame Kayak
This started two years ago, when I first drew up the plans, since everything I found on the internet for skin-on-frame were single kayaks. Daphney wanted a tandem, so drafting was the only way. I modeled it after drawings of some fast tandems and tested buoyancy and stability curves on software. The project had fits…
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Building a Playhouse
Two days after California’s statewide shelter-in-place order, I embark on a coronavirus home project. Little did I know that Lowe’s and Home Depot would see surges in their sales; everyone is doing the same thing. Earlier, Yan and I had perused many designs and plans. We settled on a design by Rogue Engineer, with modifications.…
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Fables of Ancient China
Another project during the coronavirus shelter-in-place order is creating a storybook as a gift to Daphney on her fourth birthday. Years ago, I bought a book of 100 Chinese Fables from a bookstore in Hong Kong. After picking out some of the stories that are fitting for a four-year-old, I illustrated to the text. The…
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Finishing the Rockers for the Cradle
When I first made the walnut and maple cradle, it took too long; any longer, and Daphney would have completely outgrown it. I didn’t have time to make rocking rails. With our second child on the way, I used more walnut and maple pieces to make the rails. For the supports, I dovetailed curved walnut…
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Walnut and Maple Cradle
This project took a lot of planning. It all started out when Yan suggested that I make a cradle for the baby—a bassinet that can be handed off to the next generation as an heirloom. After giving some pushback, I finally accepted the project. Planning I scoured the internet for ideas, but finally, I settled…
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Gazebo Seat Project
This second of three projects for the year (the first being the cabinet) was dragged out over too many months, but I’m so happy that the gazebo seats overlooking the pond are finally done: the designing, joining, sawing, assembling, painting, and cleaning. The lumber was a combination of maple for the seat bottom and poplar…
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Cabinet Construction
Of the three springtime building projects, this cabinet was the first to get done. The stairs down into the pond pump and filter vault needed to be concealed, and I thought a cabinet would both be functional and aesthetic. Starting in May, I bought some redwood lumber to supplement the scrap pieces that I already…
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Bridge and Gazebo
There was a lot of work this year. First, we decided to extend the bridge to the other side, and that involved draining the pond somewhat. Also, for the platform above the vault, I finally got around to drafting the plans and getting the framing underway. Constructing the gazebo took some thinking and planning, but…
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Tentmaking
Today is the official day that I finished making this tent. Actually, I finished it several weeks ago, but then there was the bag for the pole and also the sack for the tent itself. Those are done now, and after testing it in a storm, it’s officially done. It started with my REI Half…
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Guqin Construction
The guqin project is finished! It began with mathematically modeling the construction manual 與古齋琴譜 with a few of my adjustments. From start to finish, it spanned 144 days.
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Pond Construction
After several months of work, the pond is finally done and filled to the right level. Everything seems to be working well. The only thing left to do is to perfect the level mechanism to autofill and to finish some of the edging detail where there is exposed liner.
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Kayak Building
After looking at a number of designs, I got lumber and other supplies from Chesapeake Light Craft. Building the kayak took about a month. The most difficult part was in trying to get the epoxy resin and fiberglass to go on without bubbles or wrinkles. Taking it out on the water for the first time…