Archive for the ‘How to Build’ Category

How to Build a Stretch Limousine

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

It is somewhat envious when you see a limousine on the road and Build a Stretch Limousinewish that you owned one of them to use for your own pleasure. Purchasing one is absolutely just a dream because the vehicle is really expensive. However you can have the possibility of owning a stretch limousine in an affordable way by turning your car into one. Here are the instructions on how to build a stretch limousine.

Take You Car Apart

You need to take you car apart in order to build a stretch limousine. Remove all of the seats and interior paneling until the inside of the car is almost bare. Crawl under your car and take out the drive line and all the brake fluid lines that run along beneath the vehicle.

Slice Your Car Into Two

Do not forget to take out all the wiring that runs along the entire length of the vehicle. Then take out all the doors and side windows. Then cut the car in half using some metal cutting blades and a saw.

Go to the Wrecking Yard

When you saw the car in half make sure that you avoid the door lines to avoid some complexity as you build a stretch limousine. Ask for some assistance from a friend or family member to aid you in pulling the two halves of the car from each other. Set each of them up on blocks for safety. You can now go to a wrecking yard in your locality and look for a car that is similar to yours. Then take the midsection of that car to be used to build a stretch limousine of your own.

A Six-Door Stretch Limousine

With the midsection of the car from the wrecking yard already at your working place, you can now weld that part into the middle portion of the two halves as you continue to build a stretch limousine. Now the total number of doors that you have is six since you have two spare doors located at the back of your car. After the welding job is done, the welding seams must be grind and sanded for a smooth finish. Finish the bodywork using some bondo and a nice coat of primer paint for a sleek look.

Almost Done

You can now take it to a machine shop to help you put everything back together when you build a stretch limousine. Some of the interior panels from your old car won’t fit anymore and some would still do. Some upholstery work is needed to fit the design of your new stretch limousine. You will also need some extension for the wiring and some long brake lines. Once everything is in place, you can now take your limousine for a paint job. Now you are ready to take a drive around town with your very own stretch limousine and be envied by others.

How to Build a Radio Controlled Plane

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

Not everybody is fortunate enough to be a real-liveBuild a Radio Controlled Plane pilot. The next best thing to it that one may be able to do is piloting a model airplane by remote control. But while many pilots cannot even build their own plane, anyone can learn how to build a radio controlled plane on their own.

Before one begins how to build a radio controlled plane, one would first have to decide if they want to design their own plane or if they should just assemble one from a model plane kit. For beginners, it would be better to go with the latter first. The materials that will be needed to put the model plane together are some sandpaper, a screwdriver, a workbench, paint, paintbrushes, glue, a knife, pliers, the remote control, and the remote receiver.

One will require a suitable space to work on the remote controlled plane as well as for storage. A spacious garage will do nicely for this purpose. Storing the plane in the garage would shelter it from harsh elements which may be damaging to it. Remove needless clutter from the garage in order to make the necessary working space. Gather the tools that will be used for assembling the plane. One should also place the workbench in an area where the tools can easily be accessed.

The parts of the model plane should be categorized so that important pieces will not be misplaced. They should also be stored to protect them from harmful elements. In the actual assembly of the plane, follow the set of directions that typically come in most model kits. They usually come with comprehensive steps and easy-to-follow diagrams to guide one in how to build a radio controlled plane, which includes piecing it together and wiring its electronic components.

If the model plane is made out of wood, one should make certain to sand the pieces down using sandpaper. This should be done while the plane is being built, as one will find it more difficult to sand down the completed model. Upon completion, the plane is applied with finish and then painted in however way that one would desire. One can paint any color or design that they wish to give their plane its own unique look.

After having finished how to build a radio controlled plane, it would then be time to take it on its maiden voyage. The test flight should be done outdoors, preferably out in a park where there will be plenty of space for the plane to soar through. If all goes well and the test runs smoothly, one can now enjoy the fun of piloting their own aircraft clear across the skies while still keeping their feet on the ground.

How to Build a Go Cart

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

Building a go cart requires more than just welding some Build a Go Cartpipes here and there. A lot of planning is required before the first piece is welded.

Required Tools and Materials

Chalk
Pencil
Design plans
Tape measure
Sheet metal
Brake and throttle kit
Tubing (round or square)
Tubing bender
Engine mounting plate
Welding tools or metal saw
Pipe
Steering assembly
Seats

Step 1

Sit on the floor as if you’re in the go cart. Draw an outline around your body. This will be the space in the go cart. Decide if there’ll be one or two seats. Get up. Jot down the figures from the widest section and the one through the middle.

Multiply these figures by two. Add 6” to the result. This is the cart width. Put in 1” to the cart length. Mark 6” at the back and front.

Step 2

To start building a go cart, create the go cart frame. To avoid difficulties, use a 1”-1’ scale system.

Step 3

Put the pipe on the floor. Set the cross pipe at the 6” spot you marked. Weld it. Get a pipe that is 8” wider than what you need. Weld it to the front to make the front bumper. For the rear, weld a pipe 4” wider than the go cart frame.

Step 4

2” from the middle of the pipe you joined together, mark the ends. Weld a tube 4” vertically. Weld it at the mark you made. Next, get a pipe the same length of the go cart frame. To continue building a go cart, weld it 4” from the middle of the passenger’s side.

Step 5

Mark 1 ½” from the frame’s front. Weld a tubing along that point. Continue to the frame’s edge up to the welded pipe.

Step 6

Get the metal sheet. Weld it to the width and length of the go cart. Remember to add 1” to the length.

Step 7

Set the engine mounting plate properly before welding it. Take the steering kit. Go over the instructions and install it as directed.

Step 8

Take out your brake and throttle kit. These kits are installed in different ways; follow the instructions as stated.

Step 9

You are almost done building a go cart. Get your seats and position them in the cart. Find the most comfortable spot for the seat and install it. If installing a passenger seat, install it too.

Step 10

Take out your engine and set it on the engine plate. Link the chain. Connect the wheels to the go cart.

Tips and Warnings

You can use round and square tubing during construction. Try using the round tubing when working on the axles and squares for the frame. Remember that the go cart dimensions should be commensurate to the person riding it. Protect your eyes at all times when welding. Take all necessary precautions when testing the go cart.

Building a go cart is not easy. But with enough planning, creating your dream go cart won’t be too far off.

How to Build a Storage Shed Ramp

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

With a bit of patience and time, you will able to Build a Storage Shed Rampbuild a storage shed ramp without help from a carpenter. Just follow the instructions below.

Required Tools and Materials

Drill
Two wrenches
2 x 4 treated lumber (1 piece)
Several 4 x 4s
?? plywood sheet
Wood drill bits
Metal drill bits
Through bolts
Circular saw
Shovel
Asphalt shingles (optional)
Tape measure
Wood pencil

Step 1

Drill a 1? hole below the shed door. Make three holes that are equidistant from each other. Make them just a bit smaller than the bolts you?ll be utilizing.

Step 2

Cut the 2 x 4 and make it as long as the lip shed?s width. Use a pencil to get the dimensions right if necessary. Drill holes into the 2 x 4s smaller than the bolts you?ll use. To build a storage shed ramp, link the 2 x 4 onto the shed. Use the wrenches to fasten the bolts in place.

Step 3

Cut the 4 x 4s so it is 1? long per 3? that the shed is off the floor. As a rule, you?ll need a 4 x 4 per 2? width of the shed lip. Do not make the ramp too steep.

Step 4

After cutting the 4 x 4s to length, set them on the shed?s lip. Note the spots where the other ends will touch the surface. Dig a hole as wide as the shed?s lip. This is necessary when you build a storage shed ramp so the structure won?t slip when it?s carrying heavy loads.

Step 5

Saw both ends of the 4 x 4s at 45 degree angles. Put the sharpened ends of the 4 x 4s on the ground horizontally. Measure 2" back and 1/2" inch down from the 4 x 4s? tips. Use your pencil and tape measure to get precise measurements. Cut along these marks with your circular saw. This will make them easier to fit over the 2 x 4s.

Step 6

Put the notched end of the 4 x 4s on the 2 x 4s. Hammer a few nails to secure the wood.

Step 7

As you build a storage shed ramp, you need to put the plywood on top of the 4 x 4s. Draw lines to get the dimensions you need. Get the circular saw and cut along these lines.

Hammer several nails to fasten the plywood in place. Make sure the nails are set in rows and on the 4 x 4 studs. If you want, you can add asphalt shingles onto the plywood.

Tips and Warnings

Wear goggles and gloves when using the circular saw. Take care you don?t hurt yourself when hammering in the nails. Make sure the measurements are correct; if the angle is wrong, the ramp will not be aligned properly.

If you?re having trouble getting stuff in your shed, it?s time you build a storage shed ramp. It only takes a few hours, not to mention the fact it can save you money.

 

How to Build Deck Railings

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Aside from serving as a beautiful decorative feature, a Build Deck Railingsdeck railing is designed to serve as a reliable safety feature. Its primary purpose is to prevent people from falling off the deck area. In case you have an elevated deck at home, make it a safer place to stay by learning how to build deck railings.

Materials Needed

The primary materials you need to perform this easy task include an electric drill, a wood saw and a 2-inch-by-2-inch wood. Likewise, you have to prepare galvanized screws, a 2-inch-by-4-inch wood and carriage bolts. In addition, it can help a lot to have a paintbrush and an outdoor stain.

Steps

When planning to build deck railings, it is very important to base them on the rules set by the building codes of the area you are living in. For instance, every spindle must be at most 9 inches apart from each other. Likewise, the railing must stand at least 4-feet high. Calculate how much wood you need to complete this project and then buy them at the nearest hardware available.

Get the wood saw and then use it to cut the 2-inch-by-2-inch wood for the spindles. In every spindle, drill a couple of holes, one of which must be 1? inches from the bottom part of the deck. Put the second hole approximately 1? inches from the top part of the deck. These holes will serve as markers. They must be smaller than the carriage bolts.

Use the electric screwdriver to bolt the spindles in place. The use of carriage bolts is preferred because of their stability and strength. Flush the spindle pieces against the bottom part of the deck. Be careful with this step because even a simple mistake can be noticed easily.

Cut the 2-inch-by-4-inch wood into smaller pieces. Use a screw to attach each piece to every spindle piece. If necessary, combine two pieces of the cut 2-inch-by-4-inch wood to form a joint. Lastly, decorate the deck railings with a matching stain or simply paint them with your preferred color.

Additional Tips and Other Helpful Information

Making the right measurements can help you achieve better results. Committing errors can be costly because they will only prolong the process of completing this project. The more time you save, the more time you can have to improve the details of your work further.

It is better to buy pre-cut wood at the hardware store to make things a lot easier. While using power tools like the wood saw, protect your eyes from wayward debris by wearing safety goggles.

How to Build a Two-Room Dog House

Monday, December 28th, 2009

Do you want to provide comfortable shelters for your dogs? Build a Two-Room Dog HouseDoghouses are important to keep dogs warm during winter and cool during summer. If you are a dog lover, you have nothing to worry about having a dog shelter. You can save money by learning how to build a two-room doghouse in your backyard. Discussed below are the steps that you can follow to finish this project.

Materials

To finish the project easily, you need to get all the materials beforehand. The materials that you need include a ¾-inch plywood, 13 pieces of wood that has a dimension of 2×4 and a piece of 2×2 wood. In addition to these, you need a saber saw, weather resistant nails and screws, a nail gun and a hammer.

Procedures

The initial step in this project is to measure the pets that will be occupying the house. Determine the length of the animals. The length of the animals will be the basis for the width of the houses. Do not forget to add 12 inches to the total length of the dogs. To determine the length of the houses, you need to add 18 inches to the total length of the animals.

Measure the height of the animals while sitting. Add nine inches to the height to get the height of the doghouse. Use the 2×4 wood pieces to make the frame of the house’s base. Secure the base of the house using the water resistant screws.

Get the ¾-inch plywood to install the floor. Cut the remaining wood pieces based on the length and height of the doghouse. Use these in creating the sides of the house. Secure the sides with the water resistant nails.

Create the front and back of the house by cutting pieces of wood using the height measurements. Attach the wood pieces to the frame using the screws. Get the plywood and cut a sloped roof. Use the saber saw to cut the wood easily.

Use the saw to make a hole on the front to serve as the entrance to the animals. To know the height of the entrance, measure the height of your pets while standing. Add six inches to the measurement. To make the doghouse more attractive, you can paint it and you can add designs to the house. After painting the wood, you can apply gel coat to make the doghouse more durable to climate changes. You can also paint the names of your pets on the doghouse.

How to Build a Hutch

Monday, December 28th, 2009

You will want to know how to build a hutch Build a Hutchif you’re either raising rabbits or your kid just wants to keep one as a pet. Either way, you will have to construct a hutch for these little animals if you want to keep them at home. You can spend a good deal of money if you buy one at a pet store. Another alternative is to construct one of your own and save about half the cost of purchasing one.

Needed Tools and Materials

For this project you’ll need a pound of one-inch nails, a pound of three-inch nails, a measuring tape, a straight edge, hammer, screwdriver, wire cutters, and pliers. You’ll also need materials like staples, 1×2 boards that are about six feet long, eight pieces of 2×4s that are about eight feet in length, a couple of sheets of plywood, a latching device, and chicken wire.

How to Build a Hutch

The first step on how to build a hutch is to grab a pen and paper and make a sketch of your hutch. Make sure you write down your intended measurements. You should decide on its dimensions based on how much space you have available. You should also decide on how many rabbits you want it to hold. Once you have all the plans laid out you can begin constructing the frame.

The next step on how to build a hutch is to construct the frame. Use your 2×4 boards to build the frame. Cut four 2×4 boards to a length of 48 inches. Next, cut eight boards to 24” in length. Join these one of each piece to form an ‘L’ shape. The 24-inch board must be located on the inside section of your frame.

Join two pieces of ‘L’ shaped wood to form a ‘U’ like shape. Do the same with the rest of the pieces thus making two ‘U’ shapes. Combine both of these sections of the frame to form a rectangle. Next, grab four 24” inch boards and nail each one to a corresponding corner of the rectangle making posts.

Nail similar pieces of wood on the top of the posts thus making a rectangular box with the ends forming a square. Cut the sheets of plywood to fit each side of the box except for the side you’re going to use as a door. Nail these sheets to make the cage a closed box. Construct a door using the remaining pieces of wood and the chicken wire. You can either nail the chicken wire to the door or staple it on. Attach the latching mechanism/device to let the door open and close.

The finishing touches on how to build a hutch includes adding legs to raise it to the desired height and painting the cage. You can add partitions if you like or just keep the animals together in a large space.

How to Build a Bird House For a Cardinal

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

You only need a few simple tools to start building a Build a Bird House For a Cardinalbird house for Cardinals. Proceed to the instructions once you have the necessary supplies.

Required Tools and Materials

Wire cutters
Wool
Fabric scraps (cotton recommended)
Feathers (no dye)
Wire (plastic coated)
Twigs
Cleaner (non toxic)
Bird wire cage
Bird house support (i.e., branch about 5 to 8 ft above ground)

Step 1

Look for an ideal tree branch. It should be far away from human activity. The branch needs to be no lower than five feet. If there isn’t a branch available, you can make a support or post. The maximum height should be 8 ft.

Step 2

To start building a bird house for Cardinals, clean the bird wire. You can use the non toxic cleaner. Wash and let it dry. When it is dry, put the twigs and wool below the wire cage. Put the fabric and feathers under the cage.

Note: it’s crucial that you employ the wire cage. This will prevent the Cardinal from thinking the nesting is enclosed. By making sure the bird cage is open, there will be that open feeling the birds like when nesting.

Step 3

Slice a 2” wire. Wrap this all around the door of the bird cage. Set it up so that the door doesn’t close inadvertently.

Step 4

If building a bird house for Cardinals, you must cut some wire lengthy enough to go over the branch you chose. Run it over the top of the cage. Fasten and twist the ends. When it’s tight you can set the Cardinal house in place.

Making a Support for the Bird House

If you need to make a post, cut some lumber. Make it at least 5 ft high. When the bird house is finished, you can fasten the wires on the lumber. You can also attach the bird house to a wall. Just make sure the bird house is stable.

Tips and Warnings

You can use other types of fabric materials when building a bird house for Cardinals, but natural ones are ideal for these birds. The size of the bird house is up to you. If there are many Cardinals in your area, consider making several bird houses.

Keep in mind that Cardinals are drawn to places with shrubs and also trees. Try planting these to attract the birds. If these are present already, you should place the bird house in it.

Again, the most important thing to remember is the bird house needs to be set far away from humans. No matter how well made the bird house is, the Cardinals won’t go there if there are too many people.

Be careful when using the wire cutters. You also need to make sure the cleaner has no toxins. A toxic cleaner may kill the birds.

It’s easy to start building a bird house for Cardinals. As long as you put it in the right place, you can expect the birds to nestle in the bird house you made.

How To Build A Pedestal Bedframe

Saturday, December 26th, 2009

Having a pedestal bed in your bedroom means Build A Pedestal Bedframesleeping in comfort. Pedestal bedframes are actually better in comparison to the typical bedframes. The only concern is that this type of bedframe is usually not available in standard sizes and materials. Read on to learn the process on how to build a pedestal bedframe using the usual materials for a bedframe.

Materials Needed to Build a Pedestal Bedframe

Screws and screwdriver or hammer and nails
Four pairs of brass plated four-inch hinges
Two pieces of four feet by eight feet plywood or MDF with a minimum thickness of half an inch
Saw
Four pieces of two feet by six feet lumber

How to Build a Pedestal Bedframe

Buy the materials you need at a local hardware store or a home improvement shop.

Use a saw to cut the four pieces of lumber according to the dimensions of a standard bed. You will be able to produce two pieces of lumber with a length of 54 inches and another two pieces of lumber with a length of 80 inches. You will have some leftover pieces of lumber of two pieces of 16 inches and two pieces of 42 inches.

To build a pedestal bedframe, connect the lumbers on their edges and attach the hinges at every corner. The pins of the hinges must be positioned on the outside portion of the lumbers. Once the lumbers are already connected, you will be able to view the bedframe of your pedestal bed. You don’t to put the hinge pins yet at this moment.

You need to connect together two cross braces of lumbers composed of the leftover pieces of lumber – one 16 inches and one 42 inches. The entire length of each brace must be 54 inches so you must overlap the two pieces of lumber to attain the said length. The two cross braces must be situated in the inside area of the bedframe. The purpose of these braces is to give support when the mattress is laid above the bedframe.

Take the MDF and use a saw to cut the sheet into two pieces of board measuring 27 inches in width and 80 inches in length. If you don’t want to cut the MDF yourself, you can ask the hardware store where you bought them to cut the sheets for you according to the required specifications to build a pedestal bedframe. Those leftover pieces of MDF can use for the shelving in the bed if you want to.

Arrange the corners of the bedframe and put in the hinge pins to steady it. These hinge pins can be remove easily when you want to move the bed to a different location.

Attach the cross braces on the inside portion of the bedframe about 36 inches away from the end of the frame. Place the two MDF sheets on the top of the bedframe joining in the middle. Use screws or nails to fasten the sheets into the bedframe.

Now that you have learned how to build a pedestal bedframe, you can now place your mattress and bedding on top and enjoy a comfortable sleep after a hard day’s work.

How to Build a Drywall Ceiling

Saturday, December 26th, 2009

Drywall is commonly used as Build a Drywall Ceilingprimary material for making ceilings because it is neat looking, durable and longer lasting. Furthermore, it is very easy to install even without the help of professionals. Spending too much is not necessary to have a beautiful ceiling. In order to enjoy this, all you have to do is to learn how to build a drywall ceiling.

Materials Needed

Aside from the drywall, you also need other materials to accomplish this moderately easy task. These include drywall screws, a drill and a ladder high enough to reach the ceiling area. Once you have these things, you can start this task right away.

Steps

To make things a lot easier, try to rent a drywall lift, which only costs around $25 to $50 per day. In case you are planning to buy one, expect to pay close to $150. This material is important since a lot of drywall is needed to complete the entire ceiling. Likewise, you can store it for later use in case you have to repair something on the drywall ceiling. It is easier to determine how many drywall is necessary to complete the ceiling by lining it up.

Raise the drywall one at a time and then connect each of it to the ceiling using 1¼-inch screws, preferably one on each corner. Put every screw 4-inches starting from the edge. Aside from these, a screw must also be placed every 8-inches into the middle of every joist. Add sheets of drywall until the entire ceiling of the room is covered.

The panel at the corner is commonly smaller than the other sheets in the row of drywall. For this reason, you need to measure the size of the remaining empty space in the ceiling. After this, cut the drywall based on the measurement that you have made. Screw it in place.

After completing the first row, you can start with the second row. This must not be lined up with the first row. Instead, it must be staggered just like in cinder block walls. Start the second row by screwing a piece of drywall starting at the middle part of the first row’s very first piece of drywall. Measure the empty space before the first panel of the second row and then use the measurement to cut a piece of drywall. Screw it in place.

The first row is usually in line with the odd-numbered rows, namely the third, fifth and seventh. On the other hand, the second row must be in line with the even-numbered rows, which are the fourth, sixth and eighth rows.

Additional Tips and Other Helpful Information

When installing a drywall, it is best to protect yourself at all times. Wear work gloves, work boots and safety glasses at all times while doing this task.