A "Challenge">>>>>>>>

[GrayBeard]

Two years ago I helped a friend build a shed from a kit. Nice easy project...like putting together a big 'model'. All precut and marked.

Today he dropped by with a box of 'off fall' lumber.
36 pieces of 1 X 4 - 18" Roughsawn Cedar!

The 'challenge' to you all is to help me come up with something to do with the stuff!
Good, Clean cedar with no knots. Rough on the one side. 3/4" X 3 1/2" X 18".

I have a table saw, miter saw and router with table.

My only idea so far is to rip some in half and make some 'frames'.

Help me out, folks....

Thanks!

~~~GrayBeard~~~

[boxmaker]

Well Greybeard , Cedar is an excellent outdoors wood, maybe some outdoor projects like Butterfly houses, Bluebird houses, Bat houses, Mailbox numbers, Signs. If you have bluebirds where you live and make one, put the rough side in. Same goes for butterfly houses rough side in, which I am sure you have butterflies. Butterfly houses are easy to make, use your router to make the slots. Here is a link in case no one knows what a butterfly house is. Good luck

http://www.bestnest.com/bestnest/butterfly_houses.asp

                                                             Mark

[julief]

Let me add toad houses to that list.  They are very popular here.

[Judy Hunter]

Julie, can you tell me more about toad houses? a picture?

[scrollsaw]

you can always give it to me.i think that would be the best thing for you to do with it.

[dunk]

Judy here is one concept.
http://www.diylife.com/2008/04/11/avant-yard-toadily-easy-toad-houses/

[Russ C]

And I thought I had heard it all. A toad house! That is a new one on me. LOL 

[dgman]

Hey GB, I think this is a no brainer. What sold at you craft show? Bird houses! Make some more bird houses to replenish your stock!

[GrayBeard]

Bird FEEDERS, Dan....I don't do houses!

I still have 23 in stock of three styles!

~~~GB~~~

[Rapid Roger]

You could build a few step stools. Kids need them in bathrooms and kitchens to reach the sink and most of us need them to change light bulbs and reaching the top shelf  from time to time.

Rog

[Becky]

Dang, I never heard of butterfly houses OR toad houses!  I guess that's my new-learned thing for the day.  Question though - do you put the rough side in because they like it like that or just so you don't have to sand it smooth?

Could you make some sort of wind chimes?  I realize the sound of the wood clunking together might not be great but you could still use the wood in the design.

[dgman]

Bird FEEDERS, Dan....I don't do houses!

I still have 23 in stock of three styles!

~~~GB~~~

Well make some dang bird houses!

[boxmaker]

Becky the rough side is in, mainly so the birds and butterflies can climb out easier. And GB if you have 23 feeders in stock it's time to try some houses.LOL

                                                               Mark

[GrayBeard]

Dan....
If you go to the Farmer's Markets and outdoor fairs there are TONS of bird houses of every sort and style! Most of the damn things come by boat from the Far East!
Nobody wants a plain ol' wooden birdhouse any more. They want them all decorated in 27 vibrant colors with porches, patios and pools!

I'll stick to simple feeders!

~~~GB~~~

[Judy Hunter]

Thanks Dunk............so a toad house is literally a place where toads live.  I was thinking a decorative thing like a fairy house or some such.  around here toads are on there own.  I do not do condos fo toads.