Making a Garden Lighthouse Part 1

[@grahamspall7858]

Excellent video, thank you. Built mine out of one 8x4 sheet of 3/4 plywood, added a rotating light. Used it for a school fundraiser (“Beacon” Academy). Thanks again for the awesome video!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to hear that you had a successful project Graham. The pictures you sent are nothing short of amazing. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for chiming in with your comments.

[@JMcad]

From one KZbinr to another I really appreciate the time and effort you put into this project. Some don’t realize how much time really goes into this stuff!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for the kind words on the show. I will agree with you that most people don't realize how much time is spent to produce a show, let alone 2 shows a week like my channel does. I appreciate you tuning in and taking the time to acknowledge my efforts. Thank you.

[@raymondbradford3328]

This is looking be another great project Kenny, thank you for sharing with us.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad that you like it Raymond. I hope you enjoy the second part of the series. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@521farmer]

Wow ya make it Look easy to build so will give it ago thks for sharin keep them comin

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You've got this. Good luck on your project and thanks for tuning in.

[@bee-u-tifuladventures4771]

This is a great tutorial. I learned about splayed miter angles last year when I built my first lighthouse birdbath. Another KZbinr (Matthias) explained it to me first with his video of splayed miter angles. Even after that, it still took me a few tries to get it figured out. Thanks for taking the time to film, edit and share this. I am now subscribed and headed over to part2 of this build. :-)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

So glad to hear that you enjoyed the show and found it useful. I'm glad to have you as a subscriber and I hope that you will find plenty on the channel to interest you. There are over 500 episodes of the program to choose from so feel free to browse and ask whatever questions you might have. I'd be more than happy to help if I can. Thank you for tuning in and for subscribing.

[@bee-u-tifuladventures4771]

@@acutabove_woodworkings Thanks for the warm welcome. I am still learning and trying to get my small workshop better organized and more productive. I am sure that I will have many questions along the way. :-)

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@bee-u-tifuladventures4771 Looking forward to them. I don't rush anything, especially woodworking and my show. Some say I talk too much, but that's just the way I teach. Good luck on your learning adventure. This hobby has served me well for over 42 years and I'm still going strong.

[@paulsmessyworkshop]

Kenny, that is really a nicely sized lighthouse. I am amazed, two painted projects. Nice to see a plywood project too. Looking forward to the next part in the series.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You just never know what you will get on the show Paul. Glad to hear that you liked it. Thanks for tuning in sir.

[@michaelmarchione3408]

Another great series! I'm tuned in!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to hear that you will be along for the ride Michael. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@herkleslie4561]

Your awesome great easy to follow diresction and needed dimensions outstanding above most all the vids on here tyvm

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're very welcome Herk. Thank you for tuning in to the show and taking the time to leave your kind words. I appreciate it. Good luck on your build.

[@davidkraiger4377]

This is perfect. I've been wanting to make some of these for a long time now. Thank you

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You're very welcome David. Good luck with your build. Thanks for tuning in.

[@kevinsumlin9962]

Half way through this project before seeing this, I didn't have that cool jig for cutting the taper so my cut was not great, so I used my 3D printer to print 60 degree inner angle brackets to screw in place & hold the pieces in combination with the clamps to strengthen the adhesion, I love your mounting Idea too, I will do that!!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

For every process in woodworking, there are multiple ways of achieving the same result. Your printed brackets have just proved that. Good for you for coming up with a solution to a missing jig. Good luck with you mounting and thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@peterisdebaas3027]

Geweldig ben nu ook eentje aan het maken

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'd love to see it when you are done. Thanks for tuning in.

[@mariawaczek4823]

Great video. Is there a way to get the measurements. I was trying to write it all down, but needless to say, I couldn’t keep up………..

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

There are no plans for this one and all of the measurements are contained in the show. If you are having trouble keeping up, I would suggest pausing to take notes. Sorry about that. Thanks for tuning in.

[@williampiniarski1702]

If you use plywood though how do you keep all your work from rotting? would you suggest a specific sealer and paint? Short of making a giant lighthouse with pressure decking boards.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I painted this entire lighthouse with Tremclad oil based paint and sealed all the joints using clear silicone. This lighthouse has been outside since this show was posted and has only been brought in during the winter months and it is still in perfect condition with no rot at all. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show and good luck on your build.

[@dannyparke4477]

My wife loves it and asked if you had ever thought about doing a garden windmill. Just asking. Thanks

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I have thought about it Danny but I just don't have the room for one. I may just have to make a couple of smaller whirligigs instead. Glad to hear that your wife loves it. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@lloydosmondjr1]

I just noticed the map of Newfoundland on your ceiling. I'm from Port Aux Basques, NL

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Been there many times after the Atlantic crossing from North Sydney. My family is from Central NL and I still come back almost every summer. I hope you enjoyed the show. Thanks for tuning in.

[@montgomeryharrisSSteampunk]

Where did you get that measuring square? It looks like something that would be invaluable to me

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

That measuring square is called a T-rule and they are made by INCRA. You can get them directly from incra.com or from most woodworking suppliers. Heck, I even think that amazon sells them. I got mine at Lee Valley Tools. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in.

[@montgomeryharrisSSteampunk]

@@acutabove_woodworkings thanks. I am visually impaired, so something like that with preset measurement will be great for layouts.

[@stephenhoosick7434]

Nice job,,,You make it look easy and I know its not,,LOL

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

It's not the easiest project but it isn't the hardest one either. It's pretty forgiving and I hope that you will give this one a try. Thanks for tuning in Stephen.

[@steveshetterjr.6976]

where can I obtain the plans for the "cutting jig" you utilize with the tablesaw? I have a stream and large pond that I want to build one of these and place on it. I appreciate the work you have done. It is beautiful. I love light houses as well.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I do not have plans for the taper jig that I used to make this lighthouse but I do have a step by step tutorial video on the channel. You can find it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bouueo2krs-gpas I hope this helps you to make your own large taper jig. Thanks for tuning in.

[@danpietila6555]

Can you cut the tapered edges without a jig i dont have1 and it might be stretching my abilities to make 1

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You can cut the tapered edges without the jig but it can be tricky. If you are interested in the show where I demonstrate how to make the taper jig, you can find it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bouueo2krs-gpas Check it out. I think you will be surprised at how easy the jig is to make. I hope this helps. Good luck on your project and if you have any questions along the way, please don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@danpietila6555]

@@acutabove_woodworkings ok thankyou im a very amatuer woodworker with only basic tools and i an just trying to make a lighthouse for my mom

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@danpietila6555 The jig is basically a large board that has an angled fence on it. If you don't have the ability or the tools to make the jig, you can always temporarily nail a fence onto a larger piece of plywood and use that as your jig. It's a little more time consuming to do it this way but there's no need to over complicate it.

[@danpietila6555]

@@acutabove_woodworkings thank you i did watch the video for making the jig

[@danpietila6555]

@@acutabove_woodworkings ok thank you i was just wondering if that could work

[@wbhedrick]

How tall is this Lighthouse? We need a well pump cover and I'm going to make it. My husband's grandfather was a lighthouse keeper. So his Mom grew up on an island w a lighthouse. The perfect gift for my husband.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

This lighthouse is approximately 5' tall. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in and good luck on your project.

[@phillipharrelson3449]

Where can I find the video for making a angle jig?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

The link is in the video description. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bouueo2krs-gpas Thanks for tuning in.

[@mindymarsh3825]

My mom loves lighthouses

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Well it looks like you have another project to work on Mindy. LOL. Thanks for tuning in to the show this week. I appreciate it.

[@davidtinsman6779]

where did u get your taper jig larger platform

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

The larger tapering jig was made on the show. There is a tutorial for it on the channel and the link to that is in the comments. Alternatively, you can find it here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bouueo2krs-gpas I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in David.

[@frenchy8611]

Im confused on the measurements as far as the main body of thr light house. Would you be able to give rhe measurements?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I am assuming that you are the one that contacted me via email through my website's contact information. I will do my best to answer all your questions tomorrow morning once I am home and at the computer. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in.

[@grahamspall7858]

If there is a way of adding pix please let me know. Happy to share my sketches.

[@bobbissett9305]

can i get in measurements etc. to attempt to build one ??

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

All of the measurements you need are contained in the video tutorial. Just watch the two part series and take notes as you watch and you will have all the measurements. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@JoanneOchiuto]

How do you secure it to the ground

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

In the bottom of my lighthouse Joanne, I have four hole drilled. I poured a small concrete pad in my garden with threaded studs embedded in it that line up with those four holes. There is a door in the back of the lighthouse's bases that I can access the threaded studs and I just thread nuts down over the studs to hold the lighthouse in place. I believe I explain it in part 2 of this series. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@JimLambier]

My wife's family is from the Maritimes and she is also infatuated with lighthouses. In fact, I can see 5 lighthouse ornaments from where I'm now sitting. I have a question about the long tapered pieces. Do they also need a 6 degree cut on the ends like the hexagonal pieces? Also, what type of plywood do you choose? Usually the exterior grade stuff doesn't look that nice.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

You can choose to cut the ends of each tapered piece at a 6 degree angle if you want to Jim but I decided that I would leave it along. The base of each of the sections is what holds everything together so there was no need for a flush fit. It will become a little more clear how I deal with that little gap on the final assembly next week. Exterior plywood can be quite rough. I use regular grade with one face finished or sanded. By the time the primer and the paint are applied, the plywood is protected from he elements as much as it's going to be. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@slowburnwoodworks7626]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos! Great build👌 I was wondering, does cutting the 6 degree on the cap mean that the taper is at 6 degrees 🤔 I'm new to woodworking and the math involved, so this may be an obvious answer, but I've got to ask anyway. Lol Thanks again for the awesome content!

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

The 6 degrees is the angle that is formed when the side pieces are cut and clamped together. It is not necessarily equal to the taper of those side panels. In this case, when measured, the angle equalled 6 degrees. (I'm not one for the math and prefer actual measurements instead of calculations). I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@slowburnwoodworks7626]

@@acutabove_woodworkings gotcha👍Thank you!

[@kari53]

I know this video is a year old but where did you get that square mate?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

That is a drywall square and I got that one at a local big box store. Check you local renovation stores for a drywall square and hopefully they will have one that you like. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in.

[@kari53]

@@acutabove_woodworkings Thank you kindly. Love your channel. ❤️

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

@@kari53 You're very welcome. Glad to hear that you enjoy the channel. I appreciate the kind words.

[@rickknapp8319]

You need to build an outfeed table for that sawstop

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I couldn't agree with you more Rick. I have been planning one for a while and you will most likely see the build on the show. The problem is space restrictions of a small shop so I am looking to build something that will fold away when not in use, preferable while still being mounted to the table saw. It will most likely be a welded frame according to my design but we will have to see how that goes. Regardless of the design, you are 100% correct and the out-feed table is WAY overdue for me and my shop. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for taking the time leave your comment. It's very much appreciated.

[@arleneeldridge-hy8bu]

What is the height of your lighthouse

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

It is approximately 5' tall Arlene. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@unjje]

I like it did you make the circle cutting jig or buy it?

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Thanks for the kinds words on the cutting jig. I made this one a while back on the show. You can find it here. Part 1. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYmmoamke9eWmdk Part 2. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXebYp-laMejjbM I hope you enjoy the tutorial. Thanks for tuning in to the show.

[@chefboyardee40]

why is my garden lighthouse uneven when I try to assemble it? all the pieces are just like you cut them and all the same size.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Without a visual Rick, it's hard for me to gauge what the problem might be. How is it uneven?

[@chefboyardee40]

@@acutabove_woodworkings So I connect 3 of the pieces and then I add the 4th piece and it starts to slope up and then when I add the 5th and 6th piece they are uneven, almost like the pieces are too long. I will try to send a picture tomorrow. the front pieces dont fit together evenly.

[@jameshubbard4563]

1:32

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Not 100% sure what you are asking or saying here James but I hope you enjoyed the show. Thanks for tuning in.

[@javierperez-wb4tr]

Con ese taller construyo yo aviones

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I'm not sure if this is good or bad Javier but thank you for tuning in to the show.

[@521farmer]

Howie just wondering if and when you would sell this how much we talking cause are time we don't get enough for so just asking going to build one hopefully sells make some cash thks for sharing your project with us oya Your name is on all my projects from you stating your the designer of the project with out you l wood be lost this is cool stuff l,m mecnec by trade never thought wood be able to do this stuff its fun what your hands can do and the brain l,m 65 years old and learning lots from you from Canada 🇨🇦 SK Dalmeny on a farm thks again for your help and it's not true ya can teach old guys a thing or two keep them coming oya it's 35 below with us and this old guy like your channel got my vote ther been said in Winter time brrr later my heat is wood and oil furnace my shop is half mechanical and rest is becoming very popular wood shop from trucks to wood ornaments to kids toys when it's warmer out the size is 140 by 50 wide 12ft ceiling lean-to on the side for some wood and projects keep up great work ya Awesome Teacher for sharing your projects

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

Glad to hear that you enjoy the show. It's hard to say what I would sell one of these for. You have to consider materials, (plywood is very expensive these days) including paint, glue, nails, the light etc. You would also have to include a markup on these material because you had to go and pick them up and fuel is expensive as well. The other thing you'd want to consider is your time. What is your time worth? I personally, wouldn't sell one of these for less than $250 and even then, I would be working for a low wage per hour. I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show and for taking the time to leave your comments. Stay warm in your shop.

[@chriswest1996]

1:23 Man, it ALWAYS bugs me when woodworkers use a pen on wood. ALWAYS. I was taught pens always risk soaking ink into the wood and ruining the product. Pencils work, people.

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

I couldn't agree with your more Chris. That's why I never use pens when marking wood. The device you see at the time signature that you stated, is a 0.7mm mechanical pencil. Thanks for tuning in..

[@chriswest1996]

@@acutabove_woodworkings Ah-ha! Good to know!!

[@PolishX]

No taper jig for me , so in reality this whole video is a waste for me. Nice

[@acutabove_woodworkings]

On the show prior to starting this build, I demonstrate how to make the tapering jig that I used to make this lighthouse. You can find the show here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bouueo2krs-gpas I hope this helps. Thanks for tuning in to the show.