Here’s the continuation of the little project. The newspaper sticking on the wood is really a pain in the arse. What an unnecessary mistake I’ve done. Now I know….waste of time and energy.

Luckily, Dad came back with me but unluckily for him to be part of the labour. Cause’ he had to do this

Dad and I painstakingly scraped off the newspaper. Rubbing off with thinner doesn’t seemed to work. Water does make the removal easier though. After that, we applied two layers of wood protection just like previously. When it’s dry, assembly is commenced!

We used two types of ‘L’ Bracket – plastic and steel. We wanted to use all steel but out of stock so we bought plastic ones and they are cheaper anyway. We used plastic ones for the simple tables.

Applied carpentry glue between two pieces so that they hold more strongly..

After many many screwing (no pun intended), we’re done! 2 simple tables, 1 weirder looking table and 1 shelf.

and

Piles of newspapers to throw and clean up.

The total cost of the project is RM 156.50, and approximately 65 man-hours. Worth it? Yea to some extend it was satisfying but the process wasn’t exactly that enjoyable. We had bruised palm and backache due to much bending. urgh! But it was certainly a rich learning experience. Below are some of the things I would improve on / reduce the next time around (if any):

  • Reduce wood protection coating. Perhaps only use them for the sides. That would dive the cost down by 40%, using only one tin and lower the man-hours by 50%. Using less chemical is also more environmental friendly.
  • Would love to try paint instead. Black or white would be my top choice.
  • Install then only paint the side to avoid newspaper sticking on the wood. This would reduce the man-hours by another 20%.
  • An electric driller would certainly speed up things and reduce physical pain.
  • Minimize throwing of newspaper and recycle them instead. Almost all are torn while separating them from wood.

Without a good assistant like Dad, this project will not be completed so wonderfully. Thanks!