Weekend
Project
Article

Hands On

SEPT/OCT 2002
Volume 45/Issue 5


IN THIS ISSUE
Project Articles
• The Toy Train
• The Cold Frame
• The Toy Puzzles & Kitchen Helpers

DEPARTMENTS
• Ask Smitty
• Owner’s Gallery
• Letters from Owners
 
Academy Notes
Using the Shopsmith Mortising Attachment to Drill Square Holes
 
Service Pointers
MARK V Wedge Locks & Way Tubes
 
Safety Tips
Using the Shopsmith Safety Kit

What's New
Incra Miter Gauge 2000

EDUCATION
• Find A Shopsmith Woodworking Academy Near You

• National Woodworking Academy in Dayton, OH

ONLINE CATALOGS
• Online Accessory Catalog
• Request Printed Accessory Catalog
• Online Replacement Parts Catalog

MARK V INFORMATION
• Find A Shopsmith
MARK V Demo Near You

• Request MARK V Information Package

LINKS
• Links Worth Visiting
• Free Woodworking Tips

FEEDBACK
Contacting Shopsmith

Copyright 2002.
Shopsmith, Inc.
All Rights Reserved

The Cold Frame

Start by cutting all of your pieces to size, as shown in the drawing. Cut the mitered 30-degree angles using your Table Saw & Miter Gauge. An angle setting gauge such as the MiterMatic Angle Setter can make quick work of achieving the exact 30-degree angle you need.

Use your Dado Set to create the rabbets for your glass or plastic panes, then drill all the necessary holes for the dowels that will help align and hold the frame together. Or, if you prefer, assemble your frame using biscuits.

Assemble your frame using a weather-resistant glue such as Titebond II® or a two-part epoxy such as Resorcinol. Once all of your components have set up properly, apply the stain or paint of your choice (or none, it's up to you).

Next, assemble the panes using glazing compound with glazing points or small brads as retainers. Attach the lift-up windows with hinges and add handles. NOTE: We recommend that you use brass hardware, since it won't rust.

A few words about using your Cold Frame:

  • Place the Frame in the warmest spot in your yard.
  • Sink the sides 2" to 4" into the ground and anchor the Frame into position with stakes at the inside corners.
  • Once the plants are in, keep an “eagle-eye” on heat and moisture. The most common mistake is to allow small seedlings (or even full-sized plants) to “cook” inside the frame - or to not allow moisture build-ups to escape (which lets mold and fungus grow). Both of these conditions are easily remedied by simply raising the top slightly...but DON'T FORGET to close the top at night.

View Plans &
Assembly Drawings

Lid Plans
Base Plans
List of Materials

Printer Friendly PDF copy of Instructions