Every month, we feature a project created by a different Vancouver Tool Library member. This month, we’re talking to Pip about her summer projects. Read on:
We’ve been seeing a lot of Pip at The VTL recently. She’s been borrowing a wide variety of tools, and every time we ask her what she’s working on, she tells us something different. That’s because this summer, Pip took on three distinct projects to spruce up her 100-year-old home. She refinished her floors, created an inlaid floor in her kitchen, and embellished an opening between two rooms – an impressive undertaking! Moreover, while Pip has some experience working with wood, she did not have experience with any of these particular projects!
Motivated by curiosity about what lay beneath her 1970s laminate floor, Pip used a pry bar to lift the laminate, and then the 1950s checkered tiles that lay beneath that. Her hard work revealed a wide-planked firshiplap floor. Pip scraped the residual paper and glue from the wood and removed as many nails as she could (and there were A LOT). She used a nail punch to push the most stubborn nails below the surface. Next, she moved on to addressing the shiplap joints, which according to Pip, “…are cool, but the gaps just gather dirt!” Inspired by her memories of beautiful teak sailboat decks in Greece, she recreated their appearance using black caulk to fill the gaps between the planks. “It’s a slightly messy and very time consuming job,” Pip warns, but she maintains, “now it’s so easy to clean and mop.” Then Pip began the sanding – the seemingly endless sanding. Because the VTL doesn’t currently have a floor sander in our inventory, Pip rented one from Home Depot (approx.$60/day), and then used a palm sander for all the hard to reach places. Finally, she applied three coats (about 8L) of Minwax floor sealer. Her floor was complete!
Well…almost complete. You might think she’d have called it done after that. But no. Not Pip. Because if you’ve already learned how to refinish floors, why not just go ahead and learn how to create an inlaid floor as well? Pip used a mitre saw (her favorite tool) to cut walnut planks to her desired size. Then, she used areciprocating saw to cut out the floorboards, andblind nailed the new tongue and groove flooring in place to create an inlaid walnut floor in her kitchen. When we asked Pip how she learned the techniques she used for her flooring projects, she told us, “Internet how-tos, speaking with skilled people, the VTL for how to work the tools, books, Youtube – and a bit of trial and error.”
Pip’s final project was to embellish the opening between two rooms. She created the posts using spruce 2x4s to add bulk, and then covered them with 1X6 baseboard material. She used a miter saw to cut baseboard detailing for the bottom of the posts, and glued and nailed it in place. Next, Pip used a router to shape the top of the post, and attached routered moulding under the post top. She screwed 1×4 baseboard stock to the wall edges, and across the ceiling, leaving appropriate space to install the corner pieces she had salvaged. Lastly, Pip applied caulk to each joint, wiping away the excess to make the joints appear seamless. Her work transformed the boring opening into an elegant heritage centerpiece. “Every time I notice some nice design,” Pip tells us, “I take a picture or save the photo. I have a big library on my computer about all types of creative stuff. From crazy-cool colours to paint the exterior of a house, to how to build window seats, to other nice details like faux exposed rafters…one of my next projects.”
When we asked Pip about the decision to take on all of this seemingly intimidating work, she told us, “Some people have said to me, ‘I wouldn’t know where to start!’ But I just quote Alice in Wonderland: ‘Start at the beginning, and when you’re finished – stop.’ It’s all about starting with a need, or getting some inspiration, and just trying to do it. Why not?”
–VTL
Written by The Vancouver Tool Library, September 18th, 2013 | No Comments »
As you may have heard, the Vancouver Tool Library is taking do-it-yourself to a whole new level from July 11-14 with City Commons, an interactive event that will bring Vancouverites together to repair, transform, and make shared places.
By day, participants will collaborate on placemaking projects that will help foster neighbourly connections. In the evening, everyone is invited to gather for workshops, music, and outdoor activities that celebrate the importance of placemaking in creating dynamic communities. No registration for the events is necessary! Drop in to whichever project sounds most interesting and give as much time as you have.
In the days leading up to City Commons, we will feature the placemaking projects that participants can work on during the event.
Cascadia North Cooperative Cob Oven
Image from ilovecob.com
Location: Kamloops Nisga’a Nation Office at St. David’s Church, 2475 Franklin Street Description: Break bread with us! Cob building is a natural building technique which combines sand, clay, straw, and water. These materials bind and can last for an incredibly long time! This cob oven will be a great community food asset where fresh baked goods can be made and shared outside. Although there will be a fence around the site to contain the oven, anyone interested in using it is encouraged to do so. A garden will either be added before or during City Commons and that will also be open to anyone who wants to use it. When to drop in: from 10am-12pm and 1pm-4pm on Thursday July 11 – Sunday July 14. Every day will be a different part of the oven!
Mushboo UFARM Farm Raising
Location: 5670 Blenheim Street (at 41st Avenue) Description: Mushboo is a Vancouver company which combines the unique composting properties of mushrooms and the sustainability of bamboo to create a hybrid garden system. UFARM stands for Urban Farming Art Research and Mycorenewal Center and is being developed in partnership with local universities, businesses, and urban farmers. This particular site is a vacant lot that will be converted into community garden plots, urban farming research plots, bioremediation research and a seed/knowledge exchange hub! If you’re interested in learning more about urban farming, composting techniques, and seed saving, this is your place! When to drop in: Thursday July 11 from 9am-12pm, Friday July 12 from 9am-4pm, Saturday July 13 from 9am-12pm, and Sunday July 14 from 9am-4pm. Once again, each day will involve a different component of the farm.
Each month, the Vancouver Tool Library features a project by one of our members. Special thanks to Jenny and Mike for submitting their beautiful canoe pictures and the steps they took to complete the project!
We bought a cedar strip canoe and, on its maiden voyage, it sunk. Our choices were clear: we could either write off this lemon of a canoe (making for some expensive firewood!) or we could make lemonade. Undeterred, we decided to refinish it and this is how we did it.
1) Make forms to support canoe structure Tools used: jigsaw, circular saw, clamps, drills, planer, 4″ screws Normally to refinish a canoe I would not suggest taking all the fiberglass off of it at once, but instead do the outside then the inside. Because of our particular canoe, we had to remove all the fibreglass which meant making forms to support the structure.
2) Take off the gunnels, yoke and thwarts Tools used: clamps, Robertson #2 screw driver, vice grip, wrench, saw horses Our canoe’s gunnels (the bow-shaped frame of the boat) were made so that water could drain out of the boat if it flipped over. This meant two long solid strips and many individual 2” spacer blocks. We took off the yoke (the piece enforcing the gunnel) and thwarts with the screwdriver, then the seats with wrenches. We clamped the gunnels before we took out the brass screws with the Robertson screw driver so there would be no resistance with the gunnels coming off. When we felt that the screw would not strip, we used a drill on a low setting.
3) Strip the canoe of the old fiberglass Tools used: metal paint scraper, heat gun, respirator (with proper cartridge bought from fiberglass shop) We started on the inside. Because of the toxicity, a respirator is suggested. Here is a good YouTube video on removing fiberglass. After removing the fiberglass from the inside, we flipped the canoe onto the forms to make sure the canoe stayed in proper shape. Finally, we removed the exterior fiberglass.
4) Fill the holes in the hull, re-glue strips, sand, and stain Tools used: sand paper in varying grits, sanding blocks, planer, stapler, putty knife, glue, rags, paint brush, stain, respirator, wood paste
To fix the small holes on the side of the boat, we used a cherry-tinted wood paste fill the hole, letting it dry and sanding it between coats. As the coats dried we decided to fix the split strips. Here aretwo videos on it. We put the resin part of the glue on all the seams and stapled them together, then used the activator. For the fiberglass to adhere easily, we hand sanded the canoe smooth. We did not want to take a chance with a palm sander or circular sander given the thinness of the wood. Any ridges will make applying the fibreglass on the canoe extremely difficult. We then stained the outer hull with a cherry stain, which made the wood pop and hid blemishes.
5) Apply the fiberglass Tools and materials used: fiberglass, silver tip 2 part epoxy, popsicle sticks, (many, cheap) paint brushes, plastic epoxy scraper, box of gloves, drop sheets/tarps, respirator, mixing containers, rags First, we lay the fibreglass on the canoe. Do not fold fibreglass as it will never unfold again. We then brushed all the fibreglass so it sat smoothly on the canoe. Here is another good video, this time on applying fiberglass on a canoe. Prepare two 4″ strips long enough to cover the keel and stern ends of the canoe so that it will cover where you cut. The fibreglass experts we asked said it was best if the fibreglass is applied in one coat. So after you apply the fibreglass and trim off the excess you have to carefully apply the two 4” strips on both the keel and stern. We did three layers of epoxy. Repeat this step and the previous one on the inside of the canoe.
6) “Puddle” the keel and stern We then finished the tips (keel and stern) with puddles of epoxy. By tipping the canoe vertical, the epoxy pooled at the bottom and we let each side sit for a day. This gives the keel and stern a little extra oomph for those times that you have to walk off the front of the canoe.
7) Reattach the gunnels, yoke, and thwarts Tools and materials used: Palm sander, sand paper, stain/oil/varnish, screw gun, brass screws, LOTS of clamps, wood glue
We sanded down the gunnels, yoke, and thwarts. We applied varnish to the wood, but the epoxy itself would work just as well. Reattaching the gunnels is a two-person job. Clamp one side at a time, then screw in the gunnel from the centre of the canoe outward.
8 ) Replace the forward and back tip protectors
Some canoes have paddle-like pieces that slide in and cover the keel and stern ends of the canoe on the inside. We applied fiberglass to both sides of the paddles and cut off the excess. On the sides of the tips, we left a couple of inches of fiberglass all around to the backside and applied epoxy to the fiberglass that stuck out.
9) Reattach the seats
We found that it was nice to have the seats at a height at which our feet could go underneath them. Paddling on your knees instead of sitting in the seat will save your back some aggravation.
Great instructions, Jenny and Mike! The perfect project to complete before the summer is here.
Written by The Vancouver Tool Library, April 23rd, 2013 | No Comments »
The VTL actively supports and encourages the use of reclaimed and found materials for new projects. Why just share and reuse tools when you can do so with materials as well? When the team of CityStudio students behind The Stoop approached us with their project, we knew it’d be a perfect example to show our readers. Take it away, Charlotte, Otilia, and Romney!
Tell us about your project and the progress you’ve made so far, as well as what inspired you to work on it. We got together as a group because we all wanted to divert wood waste through sustainable design and peer-to-peer material engagement. We launched this project trying to tackle one of the city’s Greenest City 2020 Action Plan goals: the 2015 Wood Waste Ban. We wanted to use what we saw as an abundant and readily available material to create a design object which would change the way people perceive ‘waste’.
Reclaimed wood from Strathcona renovation
With the wood we got from a deconstruction site in Strathcona, we were able to design and build a six-foot long bench. We called it The Stoop. This bench travels around Vancouver and lives temporarily in coffee shops, restaurants and other social spaces where a dialogue about the issue of wood waste can begin. We saw an opportunity to reinvigorate the character and history of this wood through contemporary design. Along the way met an entire community of people dedicated to working with reclaimed wood material. We got in touch with people who were doing working on DIY personal home projects, as well as designers creating one-of-a-kind, high end furniture pieces. We were met with support from communities who were interested in the appeal of having such an piece and employees at City Hall who are also working on the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan, trying to implement an upcycling/sorting system for wood waste in Vancouver.
Finished product!
Where have you traveled to generate dialogue on wood waste and reclaiming materials? Which businesses will you be holding discussions at in the future? Anything you’d like to share from what’s happened so far? Initially we were interested in placing it outdoors and having it change locations every couple of months. However, due to City Hall regulations and financial issues we had to have it indoors. We got in touch with small businesses, in particular coffee shops. We hoped that, by placing The Stoop in high traffic, social spaces, it would become a point of interest and conversation. Eventually, the Gluten Free Epicurean was interested in hosting it at their store. During the design process, we were in constant contact with people from the sustainability group at City Hall, where we were working to come up with ways in which we can expand this project beyond The Stoop bench. We also looked into how other cities were addressing wood waste divergence. In New York there was a design competition,12×12 in which 12 contemporary furniture designers were asked to use reclaimed lumber from 12 demolished buildings in New York City. Also in New York a group of designers were taking discarded moving crates and making Adirondack chairs and ‘chair bombing’ the city. These projects were really appealing to us and we saw a perfect niche for them to be adapted to Vancouver. Since December when our CityStudio course concluded, we’ve been getting together to debrief and organize all of our ideas, as well we’ve been looking into potential grants in order to expand a move forward with ongoing creative wood waste projects.
How can Vancouver Tool Library members and supporters help you with your project? We are looking into the many avenues of possibility for the future of this project. We are extremely happy to speak with anyone who is passionate about wood waste diversion on how we can support each other through creative collaboration. We would also love to hear stories from VTL members who are already doing these types of projects and learn more about their challenges and outcomes. It would be great to maintain a dialogue with everyone at the VTL so that our project can be influenced and enriched by the creative minds of our community in order to make the value of this waste material visible. We can be contacted via e-mail: thestoopvan[at]gmail[dot]com.
In what sort of direction do you see this project and dialogue headed? In an ideal world we see reclaimed materials being used widely in Vancouver and seldom ending up in the landfill. We hope to see a wood waste hub being conceived in the coming years, where wood can be taken, processed, categorized and made available for re-use. This system would give a new value to the wood. It would make the process more efficient because the large scale processing and categorization would give way for many avenues of wood waste re-use, such as biofuel, framing for houses, and furniture. As for where we stand at the moment, our goal and vision is to develop an active and interdisciplinary community of people who can all work together to give form to their ideas of how wood waste can be best used in Vancouver.
Team Wood Waste hanging out on The Stoop
Written by The Vancouver Tool Library, March 21st, 2013 | No Comments »
Every month, we feature a project created by a different Vancouver Tool Library member. This month, we’re featuring a very Valentine’s Day-appropriate project. This one comes from our very own Director of Volunteers, Kathy Yan Li.
Tell us about the project you built and what inspired you to work on it.
I was involved in the Vancouver Canadian Asian Theatre‘s production of “The Theory of Everything”. Because it was a community theatre production, we had very limited resources. I was designing the lights, but because they couldn’t find a set designer in the end, I offered to build a fundamental set piece: a neon light sign that said ‘The Chapel of Love’ on a budget of $120. Things looked grim, so I called on my friend Paul Bucci, who came up with the design and concept. We decided against faking the look of neon light tubing, and went with cut outs in the sign, which turned out pretty well. We cut the entire sign out of one sheet of plywood.
Which tools did you use for this project?
We used a jig saw, saw horses, paint brushes, and a belt sander.
Did you face any challenges?
Our main challenge was finding a space to make the sign, so we ended up working the back alley of Paul’s dad’s place. His back yard was sloped downwards, so we worked half in and out of his house. Even after we had finished the cutting and painting, finding a place to store it before moving it into the theatre was another challenge.
How do you feel now that you’ve completed a project of this nature?
Pretty good. It turned out a lot better than what we had expected.
Next project plans?
Creating life-sized chocolate figures of ourselves.
I definitely want in on that next project. Thanks Kathy! Beautiful sign!
Written by The Vancouver Tool Library, February 13th, 2013 | No Comments »
floor, Pip used a pry bar to lift the laminate, and then the 1950s checkered tiles that lay beneath that. Her hard work revealed a wide-planked fir shiplap floor. Pip scraped the residual paper and glue from the wood and removed as many nails as she could (and there were A LOT). She used a nail punch to push the most stubborn nails below the surface. Next, she moved on to addressing the shiplap joints, which according to Pip, “…are cool, but the gaps just gather dirt!” Inspired by her memories of beautiful teak sailboat decks in 
Greece, she recreated their appearance using black caulk to fill the gaps between the planks. “It’s a slightly messy and very time consuming job,” Pip warns, but she maintains, “now it’s so easy to clean and mop.” Then Pip began the sanding – the seemingly endless sanding. Because the VTL doesn’t currently have a floor sander in our inventory, Pip rented one from Home Depot (approx.$60/day), and then used a palm sander for all the hard to reach places. Finally, she applied three coats (about 8L) of Minwax floor sealer. Her floor was complete!
Well…almost complete. You might think she’d have called it done after that. But no. Not Pip. Because if you’ve already learned how to refinish floors, why not just go ahead and learn how to create an inlaid floor as well? Pip used a mitre saw (her favorite tool) to cut walnut planks to her desired size. Then, she used a reciprocating saw to cut out the floorboards, and blind nailed the new tongue and groove flooring in place to create an inlaid walnut floor in her kitchen. When we asked Pip how she learned the techniques she used for her flooring projects, she told us, “Internet how-tos, speaking with skilled people, the VTL for how to work the tools, books, Youtube – and a bit of trial and error.”
She created the posts using spruce 2x4s to add bulk, and then covered them with 1X6 baseboard material. She used a miter saw to cut baseboard detailing for the bottom of the posts, and glued and nailed it in place. Next, Pip used a router to shape the top of the post, and attached routered moulding under the post top. She screwed 1×4 baseboard stock to the wall edges, and across the ceiling, leaving appropriate space to install the corner pieces she had salvaged. Lastly, Pip applied caulk to each joint, wiping away the excess to make the joints appear seamless. Her work transformed the boring opening into an elegant heritage centerpiece. “Every time I notice some nice design,” Pip tells us, “I take a picture or save the photo. I have a big library on my computer about all types of creative stuff. From crazy-cool colours to paint the exterior of a house, to how to build window seats, to other nice details like faux exposed rafters…one of my next projects.”
