132 – Advent Calendar (2 of 3)

Video - November 15, 2010

In the second part of this three-part series, I continue with the construction of the main grid-work. I show you a cool trick for cutting small dowel pieces and then the assembly begins. For small parts like this, I actually have a cool method glue-up that involves the use of two different glues. I then cut the triangle shape using a circular saw and a guide, which works surprisingly well. Finally, I add the mitered trim pieces and our Advent Calendar proper is fully constructed!

Want to build along with me? Download the plans and start making some sawdust:
Advent Calendar SketchUp Plan
Advent Calendar PDF Plan

Associated Shop Journal Posts:
Jig For the Advent Calendar
Tiny Door Hinges
More Tiny Door Hinges
Distressed Painted Finish

Other parts in this series:
Advent Calendar Part 1
Advent Calendar Part 3

Products Used

Blind Nailer & Nails by Fastcap

Resources

Discussion

Justin November 15, 2010 10:22 am

It is looking great! Can’t wait to see the finishing video. That little project sure is alot of work!!

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Gary November 15, 2010 12:31 pm

Nice video. It is coming along nicely Marc.

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Paul nunya November 15, 2010 1:41 pm

Pretty neat I might have to try one myself but then again I dont have to much patience lol nice job!

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Jason November 15, 2010 2:58 pm

We need more original music in the videos.

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- thewoodwhisperer November 15, 2010 3:01 pm
  
  haha! I bet there are many who will disagree with you on that, lol.
  
  Reply
Mike M November 15, 2010 4:53 pm

Looks like it is coming along well!

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TreefrogFurniture November 15, 2010 5:26 pm

The new Harry Potter Movie comes out on the 19th, I was going to go, but I don’t think I can miss the premier of Part 3 of this project, the suspense!
this has got to be the most complex, “simple project” that i’ve ever seen, wow.

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Joe Corda November 15, 2010 5:46 pm

Marc..
Looking good! Cant wait till part 3

BTW I recall you mentioning in the last few videos that you need to build a few jigs. Well I and was wondering if you are planning to do a video (or 2) on a making a few helpful jigs.

If so, here are a few jigs I would be interested in seeing you make. For the table saw, a panel cutting jig and maybe a sacrificial fence. For the band-saw maybe a simple re-saw fence

Those are just a few ideas of jigs I would like to see your version of.

Thanks again !
Joe

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Steve Ramsey November 15, 2010 7:56 pm

Yay! Wood filler! I knew you had some.

Seriously cool project. Looks seriously tedious too. One of those projects you would be insane to make twice! I guess that makes it an heirloom.

Great tip about using CA glue and wood glue. I would have never thought of that. Also liked the dowel cutting jig. What an elegant solution.

I would have been nervous as hell making those angle cuts with the circular saw. One chance only! That’s a true bravery test after all the work that led up to it.

Can’t wait for the distressed finish!

Steve

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BedrockBob November 16, 2010 6:29 am

Another Great video!

Brad nailer, wood filler, and paint; you would make Norm proud.

I also liked the tip about using CA glue and wood glue together.

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woodywoodwrecker November 16, 2010 9:25 am

Since this is a Christmas project and there is a lot of space at the very top, I think it would be a nice feature to put an arch in the top and install a bell. Just my 2 cents.

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JW November 16, 2010 9:36 am

I got a real Norm vibe from that brad nailer, as well as using your top-o-the-line track saw to make quick and easy work of a task that would surely turn my project into an abortion of woodworking.

As always, a great video, Marc. I don’t know how you figure out half the little tricks you use like the multi-glue setup; I’m just glad I don’t have to come up with them! Keep up the awesome work.

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robert lee November 16, 2010 11:27 am

Can’t wait till episode 3

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TonyV November 16, 2010 2:31 pm

Very nice! How much time do you have into it now? I realize that your taping slows you down, but how long do you think someone working without a camera would take to make this?

I also like the bell idea the other commenter had. I’m sure there are other ideas people could come up with to add to it, like a chimney & Santa & who knows what else.

Hey, I just remembered something. In Part 1, you talk about putting together a dado stack that’s less than 1/4″ wide because you’re using 1/4″ baltic birch ply. Well, I have the Freud SD508 dado set & it has 2 outer blades that together make a 1/4″ dado. I thought all dado stacks were the same way. What gives?

Tony

Tony

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Tom Collins November 16, 2010 10:48 pm

Hi Marc,
When I first saw this project I was a little disappointed thinking it was too simple and boring. After seeing the first two videos it is growing on me and I want to make one. I am very curious to see how you paint all those little doors and cubbies without causing any problems with your hinge pivots or your sanity. I also want to see what happens with the edges of the plywood. Thanks for another great project!

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bob Pawloski November 17, 2010 8:28 am

looking pretty sweet. I am amazed that you can make this calender with all of these little parts and have it not turn into an episode of Hell’s Kitchen. I am sure that is what would happen if I were to try and build this.

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Bryan Huot November 18, 2010 2:23 pm

still amazed at the amount of work that goes into ‘The Ultimate Christmas Chocolate Countdown’ all wrapped up in one nice little wrapper of wood, paint, and sweat. nice work on this so far…can’t wait for the next episode.

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noumenon January 29, 2011 1:06 pm

I definitely think I would have had to make a jig for the drill press before I had to drill all those holes for the double sided nails. I also think I would have tackled a lot of the painting before putting together, the thought of painting all those tiny parts gives me a headache :)

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132 – Advent Calendar (2 of 3)

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