Video Game Console

I have been wanting a console to store all of our video game equipment on because it always seen to be a mess.  When I found a free dresser on spring clean up day I knew it could become something wonderful!  After looking at a lot of other consoles I knew the look I wanted and was ready to go.

I started with this dresser and cut off the top to get the correct height.  I also removed the drawer sliders because I only need 1 drawer for the controllers.

Once I had it ready to modify.  I created shelves from 1/2" plywood and attached them to the existing supports using my Kreg Jig pocket hole system.  They are nice and sturdy and were easy to put in.  I then made a top from 1 x 6 boards.  I wanted a dark wood top so I used Dark Walnut stain and 3 coats of Poly.  I also removed the decorative bottom and put on a 3" plain wood trim, it is much more my style this way.

I had planned to put on new drawer pulls but the way these were attached it wasn't feasible so spay paint came to the rescue.  I primed them first because they were pretty beat up and finished with a brushed nickel paint.

The finished project!

My First Crate

I have been wanting to build a crate for awhile now and finally the opportunity came when our school was doing an online auction.  They requested a basket to sell/store the "fun in the sun" collection of things and I knew this was my chance to build for a good cause.

I started cutting the boards and side supports at 24" long and 18" long and planned it to be 18"tall (they wanted it BIG).

I used wood glue and my 16 gauge nail gun to put the sides of the crate together.  I followed that by cutting a bottom out of a solid piece of 1/2" plywood using my bench saw and jig saw.  Yes, that is my wood stash in the background.

I glued and nailed on the bottom and now I was ready to stain it.

I decided to use my vinegar and steel wool stain to give the wood a more antiqued look.

When I first finished the stain it was too dark so I added a white wash by just lightly brushing on some white paint.  I used some homemade rope my boys made at a scout activity and drilled holes that I tied the rope through.  I lightly melted the fibers at the end of the rope to reduce any fraying in the future.  I was really pleased and the crate was a hit at the auction.  Get out there and  build yourself a storage box, I can't wait to build one for myself!