Hi everyone! I'm a 19-year-old guy, and I'm planning to propose to my girlfriend soon. I've decided to create a wooden cross that will be a part of our engagement, wedding, and something we can cherish in our future together. The catch is, I've never done any woodworking before and I'm not really sure where to get started. I'm aiming for the cross to be about 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and I'd like to use a sturdy post for it. I also want to make sure it has a stable base so it can stand firmly. I'm looking for any good YouTube videos or step-by-step guides that can help me with this. I don't have any tools yet, but I'm ready to buy whatever I need to complete this project. Thanks a lot for the help!
3 Answers
Use a cross lap joint for the main body of the cross, and then just screw it to a solid base. Cross laps are pretty easy to craft with a skillsaw, a square, and a chisel. You'll get a clean finish, which is important for something like this!
To make your wooden cross, I'd recommend using a half-lap joint to connect the pieces. For the base, ensure it's wide and heavy enough to keep it stable, especially since it'll be big!
Will do! Thanks!
Since you're starting from scratch, grab a Ryobi 18v cordless circular saw from Home Depot. They have different sizes, so don't stress too much over the specifics. Also, pick up a speed square; it's a simple yet essential tool. Watch plenty of YouTube videos about building wooden crosses — even some smaller ones can give you good ideas! Look up how to do a half-lap joint; it's manageable with practice, especially on a 4x4 post. You got this!
Awesome! I’ll do exactly that! Thank you!
Thanks for the tools! I’ve got no idea what to buy, so that was helpful!