Category Archives: Woodworking

Balance Paddle

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When I decided to build a balance board Hammerhead Balance Board, I also knew that I would need a safety net.

I was committed to strengthening my legs for hydrofoil surfing, but really did not like the idea of possibly falling and breaking a bone(s). So, instead of a net or pads, I thought I’d make a ‘Balance Paddle.’

The balance paddle, would act like a long cane, with a paddle at each end. The paddle would hopefully prevent me from tipping over.

I began the build with pallet wood and four old ceiling fan blades – Recycle and Reuse.

I glued and clamped the pallet wood to form the paddle shaft. I also glued and clamped up the fan blades, with each paddle end consisting of two fan blades glued together.

I left a slot at each end of the paddle shaft, so that the fan blades could be inserted.

Below, I have decided that I wanted the area where the blade attaches to the shaft, to resemble a hammerhead shark, emulating the balance board.

Here I have cut away the excess pallet wood.

Next, I began to shape the paddle shaft. I used a belt sander and coarse hand file.

In Part 2, I will finish shaping the shaft, and will cut it so that one paddle end can be removed, and a handle end added. This will enable me to use the paddle with the Hammerhead Board once the hydrofoil wing is added and I’m in the water, like the surfer below.

Am I crazy for doing this? I guess I’ll find out.

Magazine Cabinet Hack

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One nice thing about having a piece of inexpensive furniture, is that you don’t mind ‘hacking’ it for a secondary use.

As an example, I have a magazine side table next to my bed.

I needed to place my dreaming device The Dream Trainer directly next to the bed, for ease of use at night. However, I did not want it to be visible during the day.

I decided to see if I could cut an opening behind the top magazine rack and hinge it, so that it could be opened and closed.

First, I removed the top rack and cut the opening out.

I attached hinges to the rack, and a latch mechanism. You can see The Dream Trainer positioned inside.

I cut a hole in the side for power switch access and to route the power cord.

With the rack up, it still looks the same and can be used to hold magazines.

With the rack down, I have access to The Dream Trainer controls and attachments.

This hack is a ‘dream come true.’