The Orchid Plant Stands

The story about the latest in orchid horticulture - that of acclimating these epiphytic plants to survive in water - is something I explained in my blog - https://abreloth.blogspot.com/ - as a way of introducing this new system of caring for orchids that I learned from various internet sites like Pinterest and Youtube. But,  of course, as always I somehow managed to get a woodworking project out of it. 

I used scrap wood. Most importantly was to use the least amount of material possible, yet finish with a robust structure, using glue only. As always the photos are self explanatory.

The next photos show a taller set of legs to elevate the clear container above the enclosure.

Using 3/4 inch scrap plywood, the next stand is far stronger.  Though not necessarily more superior to support the planter, it is just another method worth looking into if the material is available.

The stands, while not necessary to the proper functioning of the clear plastic container, they provide a bit of elegance to the display, akin to the settings for a gem stone.

Rummikub

I was introduced to this board game not too long ago. Purchased online, the set included four black plastic racks on which to set the tiles that are the objects of the game.

The  woodworking challenge is to construct a three level "terrace" with the appropriate grooves where to set the tiles so the player has a good view of them. I think the photos are self explanatory, for the most part. The base is 1/2 inch plywood.  The "terraces" are 1/4 plywood and the racks are from scrap mahogany.

The top "terrace" is 1-1/2 inch wide; the middle "terrace" level is 2-5/8 inch wide and the base is 4 inches - all tapered with a 20 degree slant.

1/4 inch terraces cut to width and length

The racks are first dimensioned to 3/4 by 3/4 inch and a 1/4 inch grooved dado along the entire length. The table saw blade was set to 20 degrees incline.

Always a woodworking truism, one cannot have too many clamps.

Shop Strength Shelves

The simple torsion box, as many times as I had done projects using this time-honored construction method, continues to fascinate me along with many other woodworkers who use it as a lightweight platform of many uses. The first photo below shows a simple shelf that I don't remember how long ago I put it up there - made from particle board - to support some not so heavy items . You can tell the shelf had started to sag in the middle despite a side rail attached to the particle board. 

Next photo are two replacement shelves made with the torsion box construction method. I would have preferred to call them industrial strength shelves for the amount of weight they carry while remaining steadfastly rigid.  Later, below, you will see that each shelf weighs no more than one volume of a dictionary and four magazine issues, which you can carry with one hand.  The particle board shelf weighs six times more.

Side rails and ribs are from 1/2 inch plywood, 1-1/4 inch wide. The "skin" was from 1/4 inch plywood. As in all torsion box constructions, glue and pin nails are all that were used. 

The "skin" is always cut a little over-sized and trimmed later. The quickest way is to use a flush trim router bit mounted on a router table. A hand held router will work just as well.

As a test for its carrying strength the finished shelf carries an anvil and a belt sander with no sign of deflection. Just for dramatic effect to show how lightweight the shelf is, I balanced it with one dictionary and four magazines, shown in next photos.

NOTE: Portable torsion box work bench on two Krenov saw horses.

Those who follow this blog had seen several projects using the exact same construction method - from benches to platform beds and portable work benches, etc. This is a very worthwhile construction method that is easy to learn and get hooked on.