For several years loose dowels have collected on the window sill in my shop. Initially it wasn't a big deal and I could still open the window to let in fresh air and/or let out smelly chemical air. As often happens, a short term stop gap measure becomes standard operating procedure, but eventually the system breaks down. Not only that, it looked like crap.
After a bit of planning, measuring, and drawing a plan I gathered together various bits of wood. This project was not made from the scrap cut off bin, but very nearly.
I decided to make a three section storage bin from skid wood and some plywood. The bin is 24 inches, 12 inches, 6 inches tall, 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep. I made the bin so that it would still sit on the window sill.
I find that every time I buy dowel I have a bit left over, that I can't bear to throw away. The plastic bin on the left contains bits of copper pipe, brass, and other none wood items. Now this is a useful and organized space, the window can be opened with ease and while I was at it I even washed the glass.
You can see on the right one of four bins containing pieces of wood too large to throw out, but too small to be useful. I am working on over coming my 'wood' addiction, but it is tough. I never look at a little piece of wood that I don't think it could one day use it for something. Ultimately the wood will end up in a fire pit, I just need to accept that reality and get rid of the bits, I might discover that my shop is really quite large and comfortable. That will be embarrassing....
cheers, ianw
