by A.H.
I printed a picnic table plan from the internet. It listed supplies and instructions to build the table. My dad and i went to home depot for supplies. I got to choose big screws and bolts for the table. I also chose purple and blue paint. I then got to choose the wood. I had to add and subtract (with my dad’s phone and help) how long of pieces I needed. I chose redwood and Douglas fir I did not want to waste any wood and chose only the exact amount. The Home Depot staff helped me lift the wood onto our cart for cutting. I stayed far away from The cutting saw because it was loud and dangerous. When my dad and i got home, we had to measure each cut piece so my dad could cut angle’s with another loud saw. I wore headphones and safety glasses while he used the loud saw. I then used the shop-vac to clean up the saw dust.
I used a combination square to help find the middle of the boards for the legs. My dad then bolted the legs together as an X for painting. I then helped my dad layout the table top for gluing. I used a rubber mallet to even out the table top. It was fun hitting the wood with the mallet. I then helped my dad prepare the painting area. I got to shake the can to mix the paint. My dad painted the legs while I watched.
My dad let me use his drill to make pilot holes for screws. The drill was heavy but I was strong and did my best. I also helped my dad to attach the legs to the table top. It was fun attaching the clamps to hold the legs in place for drilling.
I had so much fun building the table and can’t wait to build benches for it another day!
