One man's junk
Posted: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 by Travis Cody inI had Legos, Lincoln Logs, and Tinker Toys. I had Hot Wheels and model cars.
But I don't know how to build stuff or fix cars. I didn't take any shop in high school. I can put together pre-fabricated furniture, like the CD/DVD cabinet and the TV shelf I bought. I can handle a power drill for hanging curtains.
But I'm not really the guy to take your scrap wood and make something fabulous.
I've been learning some stuff from my stepdad. He's a terrific carpenter - he built a fireplace surround and some beautiful bookcases. He helped me hang my cabinets here at the condo.
He's also rebuilding a 1940 Ford Fordor Sedan. He did the engine and the exhaust system, plus the electrical. He sanded the whole car down to the base and just finished the paint. This fall he'll put it all back together and it will be ready to hit the car shows next summer.
I'm fascinated by people who can build stuff. I've been watching this show called Junk Brothers on HGTV. Steve and Jim Kelley cruise around at night looking for stuff that people have set out by the curb as junk. They grab two pieces and take them back to the workshop where they transform the junk into something unique and special. The only requirement is that the discarded junk has to be recognizable, because after they finish the project they actually take it back to the homeowner!
If you've never seen this show, check it out on HGTV at 11pm on Wednesdays.
One thing I've learned from watching this show...a sewing machine is a power tool! Who knew?
I can't build stuff either. We were supposed to build a frame support for our bath when it was installed (for very little £) last year... Still thinking about doing it, rather than actually doing it.
And you're one up on me if you can use a power drill. I genuinely find that really difficult... to make the holes straight and to keep the drill in the same place. (A girl DIY stereotype! Aaagh.)