My Grandfather built me a sand box but it sure was not this elaborate!

Compact and complete, this back-yard summer resort for small children includes a wading pool, sand-box, and shelves on which to put away boats, pails, and beach balls. Removable awnings protect against sunburn and on cloudy days are stored beside the tiny “cottage”.

General dimensions are given, but the size may be increased, if desired. Skids 9 ft. 6 in. long permit moving the “beach” from one spot to another.

The sand-box floor is tongue-and-groove material. For the tank, use 3/4 by 10-in. boards with squared edges. Candle wicking is laid in marine glue along each edge before the next board is drawn up tight, and it is also used at the sides and comers, where triangular cleats are nailed or screwed down over the calking. Bear in mind that marine glue is not casein glue; each has its purpose and each is excellent for that purpose. A sketch shows how the candle wicking is laid.

The central “cottage” is constructed as indicated in the cutaway perspective. The partition is important as it prevents water from being splashed over into the sand and sand being tracked into the pool. Also, toys can be kept in order on the shelves.

All sharp corners and edges should be rounded. The hardware should be galvanized. or very thoroughly painted.  Brass screws are best for the water tank. An effective paint combination would be a dark green exterior for the sand-box and pool; a lighter green for the cottage, with a red  roof; and bright yellow for the inside.

Original Source: Popular Science, April 1939 (click here to get your copy).

This trim bicycle trailer combines lightness with strength, and a large number of packages may be carried within it. The body is constructed mainly of plywood, assembled with three-cornered cleats, screws, and glue. (Cleats of this type also make it easy to clean accumulated litter out of the corners.) Axle supports are braced with a cross member, and standard balloon wheels are used on the original model. The rubber collar inserted in the hitch makes for quiet running. Waterproof plywood is the best to use, but in any case give the wood two or three coats of shellac or paint it as desired.

Plywood is used for the body, axle supports, and cross member. The wheels are of a commercial balloon type.

A rubber collar between the tongue of the trailer and the bicycle bracket, as shown below, makes a silent hitch.

Make this modern wedge table from the 1940's!  Plans to build a nifty Wedge-Shaped In-Between Table perfect for creating a conversation area in your living room. Easy to make with plywood and veneer on the edges.

Free download!

You can download the plan and directions for this Wedge-Shaped In-Between Table by Clicking HERE.

Cranberry Scoop Magazine Rack

Since time immemorial the cranberry pickers  have raked the berries from the vines in the cranberry bogs with wooden scoops. These same scoops are still being used for their original purpose today. On top of this, we have found a new use for them-to hold magazines and bring a breath of salt spray and authentic early American atmosphere into our living rooms.

Pine is really the only wood that should be considered for this
piece. All of the original scoops were made of pine. No other
wood will do as well for our purpose. If there are some
sound knots in it, so much the better. The back, sides, front and
bottom are all 1/2" thick; the handle is 3/4". The back member
will probably have to be glued up from two pieces. Make sure
the grain runs vertically to be parallel to the teeth of the rake.

As shown on the drawing, the back member, will have to be
laid out and cut to produce 18 tines. It should be noted on the
drawing that the Click HERE for More Info!

As a result of drying, hammer heads often become loose in the wooden handle of the hammer. One method that has proven successful in tightening the head on a handle is to soak the hammer head and handle in a container of linseed oil.

The container may be a Click HERE for More Info!