Putting Together a Plan
I’ve finally gotten around to building a Produce Stand. I’ve been putting it off, hoping the Market would consume all of my garden goodies. It has not. So, work begins on the backup plan: A stand to be operated by Nate.
I began as most farmers do: figuring out what I can reuse. Above is the rack for drying onions, and four landscape timbers. The timbers will form the legs of the stand, and the rack will hold the produce. I’m hoping this stand will last for many years, so I’m using great care in it’s construction. I didn’t want to drag out the extension cords, and power tools, so I started out with the hand saw. I made two cuts with the saw, and quickly realized why I have electricity….. Power tools it is.
Notching the Timbers
I decided the stand would be strongest if the shelf holding the produce rested on the timbers, and rather then cut the timber in half, I decided to notch it out. The timbers are 3 inches wide, and the shelf will rest in a 1 1/2 ” notch. I’ve also decided that the shelf should lean towards the customer, so they can see more of the produce at once, and it will make there selections easier. It will also allow motorists ( and buggies ) to see what’s available from a distance.
Cleaning Out The Notches
After making cuts every half inch or so between the top and bottom of the notch, cleaning it out was quite easy. Most of the wood will fall out with a diagonal strike from a hammer. The rest can be chiseled away with a hammer and screw-driver. The hammer above is one I fixed years ago. I found the metal portion while helping clean the barn, and decided I would attach a handle. After testing it out, I carved my initials in it, more as a symbol of creation then ownership. I also carved “USA” in the handle, to counter the labels of so many things in the country which read “Made in China”.
Stand Frame Finished
After about an hour and a half, I had the frame of the stand completed. I plan to add some 2 X 4 supports to the sides, and a cover for a roof. I also plan to add a more fitting cover for the shelf, as the wire will damage produce like Zucchini. Now comes the hard part: Do I paint the stand or leave it natural ?
