Are you looking for a fun and creative way to spend your free time?

Making a shield is a great project that requires only basic woodworking skills. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of creating a sturdy and decorative shield.

Materials Needed:

* 1×6 cedar board (8ft)
* 2″ x 2″ x 1/4″ poplar dowel
* 3/8″ x 3/8″ dowel rod
* Sandpaper (220 and 120 grit)
*

Mineral oil

• Clear coat
• Paint or stain
• Paint roller or brush

• Clamps

• Tape measure
• Circular saw
• Jigsaw or miter saw

• Drill

• Hanger

Steps to Follow:

1. Cut the Cedar Board: Using a circular saw, cut the 1×6 cedar board into four pieces, each measuring 24 inches long.
2. Sand the Surface: Use 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots on the surface of the cedar board.
3. Mark and Cut the Dowel Rods: Measure and mark where you want the dowel rods to be placed on the cedar board. Then, using a jigsaw or miter saw, cut the dowel rods into two pieces each, so they are 12 inches long.

4. Drill

   Holes for Dowel Rods: Using a drill, make holes in the center of each of the four cedar board pieces where you want to place the dowel rods.

5. Assemble the Shield: Apply glue to the ends of the dowel rods and insert them into the holes you made in step 4. Clamp the shield together and let it dry for at least 24 hours.
6. Sand and Finish: Once the glue has dried, remove the clamps and sand the surface of the shield with 120 grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots. Then, apply mineral oil and a clear coat to protect the wood from moisture. Finally, paint or stain the shield to your desired color.
7. Mount the Shield: Install a hanger on the back of the shield and hang it on the wall for display.

FAQs:

1. What kind of wood should I use to make a shield? Cedar is a good choice because it’s durable and easy to work with. Other options include oak, maple, or pine.
2. How thick should the dowel rods be? The thickness of the dowel rods will depend on the size of your shield. Use a 3/8" dowel rod for a small shield and a 2" dowel rod for a larger one.
3. Can I use a different type of wood for the dowel rods? Yes, you can use a different type of wood for the dowel rods than the cedar board. Just make sure it matches the color and texture of the rest of the shield.
4. Do I need to paint or stain the shield? It’s up to you whether or not you want to paint or stain the shield. If you do decide to paint or stain it, choose a color that complements the wood.
5. How long will it take to make a shield? The time it takes to make a shield will depend on your woodworking skills and the complexity of the design. It could take anywhere from a few hours to several days.

By following these simple steps, you’ll have a sturdy and decorative shield that you can be proud of.