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How to make DIY plantholder

Showcase your favourite potted plant with a handcrafted stand.
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This one is 400mm high and 235mm wide, designed for a 190mm-wide pot

pot

What you need:

TIMBER

 MATERIALS

 TOOLS

 THE POT

HOW-TO STEPS:

  1. From the Tasmanian oak, cut four legs to 400mm long and two rails to 195mm, which is just little wider than the base of our pot. TIP Adjust the length of the rails to suit your pot.
  2. On one rail, mark halfway along, on the other rail, mark halfway across. Put them together to transfer the width of the cross-halving joint, which is the recess to be chiseled.
  3. Use a combination square to mark the width across both rails and down the sides, then mark halfway up the side of the rails to indicate the depth of the joint.
  4. Use two clamps to secure the rail on a solid surface.
  5. Use a sharp chisel with a hammer to tap along the lines of the joint. TIP Keep the flat side of the chisel facing outwards.
  6. Chisel out the joint, working from one side, flipping the rail to work from the other and repeating as necessary. Repeat with the other rail. TIP Keep the bevelled side of the chisel facing down to use the angle to cut along the timber.
  7. Check the pieces fit snugly and are flat on both sides when joined.
  8. Use a mitre box and saw to trim the top of the legs to 45 degrees, checking they’re all the same length.
  9. Position the legs together, measure 210mm from the base, then use a combination square to mark across all four legs.
  10. Use a #8 countersinking bit with a drill to make holes on the marks, at the centre of the legs.
  11. Use a 4mm drill bit to make a hole into the centre of the ends of the rails.
  12. Use 40mm screws to attach the rails to the legs, ensuring that the joint on one rail is facing up and the other is facing down.
  13. Apply glue to the joints, position the rails together, clamp and leave to dry.
  14. Use 180-grit abrasive paper to sand all over, rounding the edges and corners slightly for a professional finish.
  15. Tap timber caps into the countersunk screws.
  16. Spray all over with the furniture oil and wipe away excess with a clean cloth.
  17. Add the potted plant!

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