Ok, so I decided to try my very first "real" woodworking project: A hutch for my computer desk. Nothing fancy, just a thing that will sit over my monitors and allow me to put some books up there or something.

I got some decent plywood from my local wood store, Windsor Plywood. The piece I selected was called "rolled maple" and it was very nice. Sturdy, and pretty much free of blemishes. Not quite as nice as Baltic Birch, but about half the price.

The plan was two long pieces about 5'' x 12" for the top and shelf, then two smaller side pieces about 3'' tall. (I don''t have the exact measurements right here at the moment.) I also added a small center brace with some scrap, which turned out to be a pretty good idea. Finally, a piece of hardboard will be added across the back to give it a backside and to provide additional structural strength.

Here''s the finished piece so far:

It turned out very nicely, from a purely wood perspective. I ended up cutting small 3/4" strips of pine from some pine boards to cover up the edges of the plywood. A decision which I think made a big difference in the final appearance. I glued them on and tacked with finishing nails. The nails were countersunk and then I used some wood putty to cover up the holes.

I did a lot of sanding with 100-grain sandpaper and a little Makita palm sander.

Ok, so here''s the part where I discovered my noobieness... Turns out that 100-grain sandpaper makes what feels like a very smooth surface, but when you apply stain you can see a lot of scrapes and things that weren''t visible to the naked eye! =(

I also found that I don''t know how to properly use wood glue. I used WAY too much, and then I treated it like caulk. Which is to say, I smooshed it in the corners with my fingers to smooth it out. Well, turns out that wood glue can get pushed right into the grain of the wood when you do that. Apparently I should have used less, then let any little balls of glue that squeezed out dry a little before removing them with a knife or chisel. Live and learn I guess. Here''s the hearbreaking result of trying to stain a place with glue on it...

As you can see, the big white area there is where the glue was. (The dark line in the front is actually a secion on the plywood that had been puttied at the factory. That''s why it''s on top, out of general view.)

So at this point I guess I have only one option, which is to paint the damned thing. Very disappointing, as I had envisioned a very nice wood piece that I could show off. Paint will cover all the wonderful wood character. :(

Live and learn I guess. I''ll do better on my next piece.