I saw one of these commercial planters this winter and thought one or two would really be nice. With a price tag of well over $250 each, I decided I would try to build one out of scrap material.

April 23, 2015 - Thursday evening
31 degrees/clear/calm
Pentoga Road

Following three days of snow and rain, this early morning's walk was a pure pleasure. The temperatures were in the mid-twenties, the wind howling, but the sun was out and the road was dry.

I arrived home in good time and began sorting through scrap treated lumber in the shop, seeing if I could salvage enough to possibly build the planter. I decided if I got creative, I might be able to put something together.

Rather than use two-by's for the legs, I found three treated landscape timbers left over from last weekend's terrace project.



I experimented with various methods of cutting them and finally decided the miter saw would work just fine.

The next chore was to cut notches then use a hammer and chisel on each. 



I usually enjoy working with a hammer and chisel, but landscape timbers are notorious for being made from poor material, trees that wouldn't make the grade for sawed lumber. Consequently, I ran into all kinds of knots and irregular grains. I ended up using not only the chisel, but also the band saw to help even out some cuts. None are close to perfect.

I was visiting Yooper Brother Mark on Saturday and noticed this blue frame with castors was sitting in a neighbor's yard with a "FREE" sign attached. I brought it home and can now easily move the band saw out of my way when not in use.

Using the band saw to help even out the notches

Next came cutting and notching the cross pieces. This was where the rubber met the road. The cuts had to be fairly accurate. 

All three sets of legs were finally aligned and soon after, the bottom piece of the planter was attached to hold them together.

I set those two boards on top to see if my angles were correct. They were!

I hope to build the triangular box that sits atop the legs on Friday. Eventually, I'd like to put casters on the legs so the entire thing can be moved on a hard surface, even when it's full. Stay tuned.

Sargie had to work late today. When she arrives home late, she usually has a very light supper as it's close to bedtime.

I took advantage by fixing one of my favorite meals, that of fried chicken gizzards, mashed potatoes, and gravy. 

Sargie's not a picky eater, but no amount of coaxing will get that girl to eat chicken gizzards. Consequently, I occasionally fix them for myself when Sargie won't be home for supper. 

Sargie opens tomorrow. I'll do my morning walk then work on the raised planter. I'm hoping the trailer will be filled with wood and ready to come home in the afternoon. If so, I'll start working that up so I can use the trailer this next week. 

So things are a'happenin' on Pentoga Road.

Are we surprised? Heck no... a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

Mmm. Chicken gizzards and mashed potatoes. I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't like them.