DIY disasters

**Leej** · 14-08-2006, 9:07 AM

A bit of fun to start the week. I am usless at DIY. Most things i try end up rubbish.

The wifes away so I am attempting some DIY around the house. Probably like some of you I have too many DVD's for the unit, so today I am going to make a DVD unit. Below are the tools I will be using.

If i can find some, i'll use smaller nails and the sledge is only there if it turns out to be my usual effort.

Any one else not too good at DIY?

Right , off to make it.

Philly112 · 14-08-2006, 9:35 AM

I'm guessing that the small hammer is to build it, the large one to knock it down again, and the sponge to wipe away the tears!

Phil

Drd · 14-08-2006, 9:40 AM

I'm impressed that you're going to nail that piece of cardboard together to produce a dvd rack.Wouldn't a piece of wood be better,or some chrome and glass?

ush flynn · 14-08-2006, 10:00 AM

i like the ruler and the black pen, making a mark as far as the ruler reaches, then moving it along to measure another 15cm, and another, and another. then add another 5cm. Ok cut there, on the 6th black mark, thats it!
Get a tape measure mate! and a Square to make sure your doing it right! thought of using dowel joints or mitre joints in the build? would look nicer and possible less risk of screwing it up with them huge nails

**Leej** · 14-08-2006, 10:55 AM

I have finished putting it together.

Not quite perfect and a bit leany.Hopefully it will look ok after i paint it.

Off to paint.

Philly112 · 14-08-2006, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ush flynn

i like the ruler and the black pen, making a mark as far as the ruler reaches, then moving it along to measure another 15cm, and another, and another. then add another 5cm. Ok cut there, on the 6th black mark, thats it!
.

Sounds good to me - it's what I do! Is there a better way?

Phil

**Mark Hodgkinson** · 14-08-2006, 11:05 AM

It's beautiful, would you consider selling it?

pave · 14-08-2006, 11:08 AM

Get a miniature......

Might even it up.......

Fusewire · 14-08-2006, 11:33 AM

Looking good.

My DIY maxim... there's nothing a man with a big enough hammer can't fix.

ush flynn · 14-08-2006, 12:37 PM

"A man only ever needs 2 tools. Duct tape, WD40. If it moves and it shouldnt, use Duct tape. If it doesnt move and it should, use WD40"

But seriously, a square might have helped you out there mate

Drd · 14-08-2006, 1:28 PM

Quality!The really worrying thing is that the side IS vertical,if that piece of wood on what is presumably your house is vertical.Or is your house leaning too,in which case this item is obviously carefully tailored to fit your room.

JohnG · 14-08-2006, 1:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leej

The wifes away so I am attempting some DIY

Oooer

do you need to borrow some magazines or DVDs

Philly112 · 14-08-2006, 1:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnG

Oooer

do you need to borrow some magazines or DVDs

Woodworking Monthly or the latest Changing Rooms DVD would be a good place to start.

Phil

Joe90sDad · 14-08-2006, 1:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leej

I have finished putting it together.

Not quite perfect and a bit leany.Hopefully it will look ok after i paint it.

Off to paint.

Yeah, the paint should sort out the lean.

Ikea would have saved you the effort.

**Leej** · 14-08-2006, 2:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnG

Oooer

do you need to borrow some magazines or DVDs

**Leej** · 14-08-2006, 2:23 PM

Not enough paint. Never mind i'll sort it another time.

Here it is finished and in action

Don't know why it's leaning, if I attach it to the wall it might sit straighter.
ush flynn, a square would of helped no end

Alternately I could do this

Do you think I should paint the brick

For me thats not too bad, just a couple of things to sort. At a cost of nothing, using old materials

**Leej** · 14-08-2006, 2:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drd

Quality!The really worrying thing is that the side IS vertical,if that piece of wood on what is presumably your house is vertical.Or is your house leaning too,in which case this item is obviously carefully tailored to fit your room.

It's against the shed. I daren't show you the whole shed

Has anybody got any DIY disasters they would like to share?

Jamiewalshe · 16-08-2006, 12:42 PM

i think im going to attempt to make something in the following week, id like to make a new coffee table, but might stick with a dvd rack like you. not done anything like that for 10 years or so.

so ill post back in a week and tell you of my disaster!

rio1981 · 16-08-2006, 1:21 PM

The Mrs and I tried last weekend to put up a chunky shelf in our new house, in the living room.

Had a nightmare with Rawplugs and the walls - being an old house it's built solid, so you've got plaster on top of brickwork, and then what seems to be solid concrete.

Somehow we got the thing up, but it sure ain't straight that's for sure... but with the walls not straight a spirit level really isn't going to help!

Jenn · 16-08-2006, 2:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leej

I have finished putting it together.

Not quite perfect and a bit leany.Hopefully it will look ok after i paint it.

Off to paint.

It looks just like MFI furniture once you're done with assembling their stuff.

Joe90sDad · 16-08-2006, 2:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rio1981

Somehow we got the thing up, but it sure ain't straight that's for sure... but with the walls not straight a spirit level really isn't going to help!

Eh? Even if your walls are not straight the shelf can be (and should be). Always use a spirit level! Or you can use those new laser jobbies.

**Dave** · 16-08-2006, 3:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe90sDad

Eh? Even if your walls are not straight the shelf can be (and should be). Always use a spirit level! Or you can use those new laser jobbies.

If there's nothing else on the wall that's level and the ceiling is out, it will look awful.

You can't beat your eyes for situations like that and if it looks right then it is. A level shelf in a not level room will only draw attention to the fact.

Right, off my soapbox now. Not trying to be pedantic but it's one of the first things they taught me at work.

CFS · 16-08-2006, 3:29 PM

Thanks! This thread has just made my day!!

Philly112 · 16-08-2006, 3:35 PM

Yer, good thread Leej!!

If it's a spoof - it's a good un!

If not - well, still a good un!

Phil

**Leej** · 16-08-2006, 7:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daerve

You can't beat your eyes for situations like that and if it looks right then it is.

That's my problem. I trust my eyes

Why does the saw keep getting stuck in the wood?

Today i've painted the kitchen walls. And floor and fridge and sink

.

Joe90sDad · 16-08-2006, 7:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daerve

If there's nothing else on the wall that's level and the ceiling is out, it will look awful.

You can't beat your eyes for situations like that and if it looks right then it is. A level shelf in a not level room will only draw attention to the fact.

Right, off my soapbox now. Not trying to be pedantic but it's one of the first things they taught me at work.

The OP is referring to the walls not being straight, not the ceilings or anything else on the wall, so my point is still correct.

Regards alignment with other stuff, it really depends on the fittings and the proximity whether you should go with spirit level or eye.