Hidden-Lock Puzzle Box, Cedar Planters, Wooden Christmas Trees 🎄


Obsessed Woodworking


Good morning. In today’s newsletter, I’ve included a few standout builds worth checking out. There’s a DIY wooden Christmas tree project with angled slat assembly, a clever hidden-lock trick box made from oak flooring scraps, and a recycling center cabinet built with repurposed bins. I also included a fold-up ping pong table inspired by a 60-year-old family design—nostalgic, functional, and fun.

If you’re new to the newsletter, thank you so much for being a part of it—and if you’ve been around for a while, I truly appreciate your continued support -Matt

Daily Woodworking Projects:

=> DIY Wooden Christmas Trees with Angled Slat Assembly: Build festive holiday decorations using 1×3 boards cut at 30-degree angles with stop block for repeatable cuts. Features CA glue quick-setting with wood glue reinforcement, customizable heights, and multiple finish options for rustic seasonal display or batch gift production.Retry

=> Curbside Picnic Table Restoration with Character Preservation: Rescue weathered outdoor furniture using conservative repair approach with joint reinforcement and reversible fixes. Features surface sanding to reveal grain, protective thin-coat finishing, and respectful restoration that maintains historical wear patterns.

=> Adjustable Cedar Planter with Movable Platform System: Build three-foot outdoor planter using fence pickets and 2x6 framing with quick-change internal platform. Features pre-drilled adjustment holes, consistent slat spacing, and spar urethane finish for rot-resistant container gardening.

=> Home Recycling Center with Upcycled Bin Compartments: Construct poplar cabinet using half-lap joinery and dust frames with repurposed kitty litter containers. Features SketchUp planning, Luan panel sides, and labeled sorting system for efficient household waste management.

=> Hidden-Lock Trick Box from Oak Flooring Scraps: Build puzzle box using white oak tongue-and-groove flooring with table saw-cut sliding bar mechanism. Features lap joint construction, walnut accent strips, felt-lined interior, and spray lacquer finish for gift-worthy security.

=> Budget Modern Cedar Planter for Under $10: Construct clean-lined outdoor box from fence pickets with brad-nailed panel assembly and corner leg placement. Features pre-drilled pilot holes, fine-grit sanding, drainage holes, and weather-resistant seal for patio use.

=> Layered Maple and Walnut Picture Frame with Geometric Cutouts: Build architectural display piece using contrasting hardwoods with table saw-cut channels and bandsaw pattern work. Features 45-degree mitered corners, domino reinforcement, rabbet backing, and wipe-on poly finish for modern art presentation.

=> Fold-Up Ping Pong Table with Nostalgia-Inspired Design: Recreate grandfather's 60-year-old design using plywood and track saw with Lego mock-up planning. Features black walnut border, pocket hole joinery, flat black paint finish, leveling feet, and regulation-sized playing surface.

=> Lightweight Regulation Cornhole Boards with Portable Design: Build ACA-standard game set using plywood and construction lumber with rabbeted frame assembly. Features folding carriage bolt legs, integrated handles, primer and polyurethane coating for reduced weight backyard entertainment.

=> Two-Piece Mobile Workbench with Fold-Down Extension: Create modular shop system using laminated hardwood legs and plywood construction with rabbet-seated aprons. Features contact cement laminate surface, quick-release shelf brackets, heavy-duty locking casters, and mechanical latch connection.

=> Wall-Mounted Spray Paint Rack with Pegboard Backing: Organize workshop storage using scrap wood with pocket screw assembly and spacer-leveled shelves. Features corner clamp alignment, plugged pocket holes, gray stain finish, and stud-mounted installation for visible can display.

=> Drill Press Storage Cabinet with Full-Extension Drawers: Build mobile tool station using double-sided laminate plywood with Baltic birch drawer construction. Features Accuride micro-adjustable slides, circular saw breakdown method, corner clamp assembly, and heavy-duty locking casters.

"Show us a man who never makes a mistake and we will show a man who never makes anything. The capacity for occasional blundering is inseparable from the capacity to bring things to pass." - Herman Lincoln Wayland

Featured Video:

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Wood Species Guide for Woodworkers

Ever grabbed the wrong wood for a project and regretted it later? 🤦‍♂️
I’ve put together a Wood Species Guide designed... Read more

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— Matt

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Obsessed Woodworking

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