This project is by Craftswright. This DIY project is not only budget-friendly but also allows you to add a personal touch to your home decor.
In this guide, we will walk through the steps to create a modern coat rack that combines functionality and style, perfect for any entryway.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before diving into the woodworking, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials and tools. For this project, you will need:
- 1×6 boards (oak and poplar)
- Dowel rods
- Metal knobs (available in various finishes)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (various grits)
- Shellac and paste wax for finishing
- Tools: Table saw, miter saw, drill, auger bit, bandsaw, jigsaw, and clamps
Choosing the right wood is crucial. Oak offers a natural finish, while poplar is an economical choice that takes paint and stain well, making it ideal for DIY projects.
Step 2: Dimension the Wood
Start by ripping down and dimensioning your 1×6 boards to the desired size. For the natural finish coat rack, use oak, and for stained or painted versions, opt for poplar. This will ensure that your coat rack not only looks good but also meets your functional needs.
Remember to measure accurately to avoid any fitting issues later on. The precision in this step will save you time and effort during assembly.
Step 3: Mark the Corner Radii
Next, lay out the corner radii using a compass. This will help create smooth, rounded corners on your coat rack, giving it a modern and polished look. Once marked, proceed to cut the corners off using a bandsaw. If you don’t have a bandsaw, a jigsaw can also work effectively.
Cut slightly proud of the lines to allow for refining later with a belt sander. This will help achieve the desired finish without risking over-cutting.
Step 4: Drill Dowel Holes
After shaping the corners, the next step is to drill the dowel holes. An auger bit is recommended for this task, as it provides cleaner holes with minimal tear-out. If you don’t have a drill press, you can create a simple drilling jig using two triangles glued together at the correct angle.
Mark the location of the dowel holes accurately on your workpiece, ensuring they are evenly spaced for a professional appearance. A piece of painter’s tape on the back of the stock can help prevent tear-out during drilling.
Step 5: Create Your Dowels
For this project, you can make your own dowels from off-cuts of wood. This not only saves money but also allows you to customize the size and length to fit your specific design. Drill holes into the ends of the dowels to accept the metal knob screws.
A simple jig can assist in achieving precise holes for the screws, ensuring that everything fits snugly during assembly.
Step 6: Assemble the Coat Rack
Assemble the coat rack by inserting the dowels into the pre-drilled holes. Use minimal glue since the dowel joints will be snug. This ensures that the coat rack remains sturdy while also allowing for easy disassembly in the future if needed.
Ensure the dowels are hammered in until they are flush with the back face of the stock. This allows for uniformity in the protrusion of the coat hangers, which is essential for aesthetics.
Step 7: Sand and Finish
Once assembled, sand all surfaces to a smooth finish, starting with lower grit sandpaper and progressing to a finer grit. Pay special attention to the areas around the dowels to ensure a seamless look.
For the finish, you can choose a water-based leather dye that provides a rich color without the traditional hassle of wood stains. Remember to raise the grain with water before dyeing to achieve a smooth surface.
Step 8: Apply the Topcoat
After staining, apply a topcoat of shellac, using three coats with scuffing in between using 320 grit sandpaper. This will protect the wood and enhance its beauty. Be cautious when applying the first layer, as the alcohol in the shellac could pull up color if not done quickly.
Finish off with a layer of paste wax for added protection and sheen.
Step 9: Prepare the Metal Knobs
While the finish is drying, prepare the metal cap knobs. These knobs come with screws that can be secured with super glue. After securing, cut off the screw heads to fit them snugly onto the dowels.
Use thick CA glue to attach the metal caps to the dowels, and use painter’s tape to hold them in place while the glue cures.
Step 10: Install Keyhole Hangers
Finally, attach keyhole mounting brackets to the back of the coat rack. This will allow you to hang the coat rack securely on the wall. Consider finishing the sides and front before glue-up in future projects for easier access to all surfaces.
Now, step back and admire your work! You’ve created a modern coat rack that not only adds functionality to your space but also showcases your woodworking skills.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can create a stunning modern coat rack that enhances your home decor. Remember, woodworking is a journey of learning and creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different finishes and styles to truly make it your own.