Category Archives: Woodworking

Hammerhead Balance Board

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I have been working here and there on my Hammerhead Balance Board for several months now. The goal is to use the balance board to teach my muscles on land, the skills needed to turn this board into a Hammerhead Fly Board on water, as described in my post Flying on a Hammerhead Shark.

The board was built from a recycled office desktop. I began by making a paper template based on images of hammerhead sharks that I found on the web.

Once the template was made. I traced it onto the board. I did have to make a few adjustments for length and width prior to cutting out the shark shape with a saber saw.

Once the board was cut out, I sanded off the dark stain and gave it a couple coats of clear Varathane.

The hangup in completing this project was obtaining the square tubing – the track for the roller. The roller is the fulcrum that the board sits on, as the user attempts to maintain balance while moving back and forth and a little side to side. The roller rides on the track. I bought the roller online from Vew-Do.

I was able to locate some PVC 3/4″ x 3/4″ square tubing from US Plastics Corporation. I had to purchase 10′ even though I only needed about 4′ for the track.

I secured the track to the underside of the board with capped screws, basically a screw with attached washer. I also used a large number of screws anticipating that there would be a significant amount of force against the tubing from the roller.

Here are a couple of ‘glamour’ shots of the top and bottom of the completed board.

Since I have not finished my Balance Paddle Balance Paddle – Part 1as yet (my trainer support so I will not break my hip), I will not show you the board in “real time” action. I have tried it several times while hanging on to the van parked in the garage. Not easy, but cool. It is a workout!

I am only two builds away (Balance Paddle and Hydrofoil Wing) from Flying On The Back of a Hammerhead Shark!

Floating Shelf

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The master bedroom in my house is really on the “small” side of rooms. My first thought was to get rid of the cabinet that the TV sat on. That would certainly make the room look bigger. I’d hang the TV on the wall and build a floating shelf for the DVD player and the controllers.

I built a simple rectangle out of veneer plywood, and edged the front with 3/8″ clear pine. I drilled two 1-1/4″ holes, one on top and one on the bottom for power and data cords. I primed and then painted the shelf a glossy dark gray.

To hang the shelf, I used strap-toggle hangers. I’d never used these before, but they worked great and can hold a lot of weight. The only part that you see is the screw and washer.

It turned out really nice, and looked so much better with the TV and shelf “floating” on the wall.

A basket was added to the shelf to hold the TV and DVD controllers and hide the power strip.

I bought a plug cover to dress up the top hole. It really makes the job look professional too.

It is amazing how getting furniture up and off the floor can make a room seem so much bigger.

A very simple and inexpensive project. Hmmm, where else can I install a floating shelf?