How to Build a Boy Scout Project

One of our Q&A's in the last issue came from a Boy Scout asking for advice on his Eagle Scout project, an outdoor bulletin board and message center. He wondered if eZine readers had some advice. You did. - Editor

"I am a Scout Leader and I would like to add some advice to yours for Scout Ben Cournoyer in his quest for making the outdoor bulletin board. Ben, My son's Eagle project was almost the same thing for our Chartered Organization, his former grade school. A basic design for the bulletin board could be constructed from two 4x4 pressure treated legs, two pieces of 4x4 for spreaders, a sheet of plywood for the back cut to size, and a framed window for the front or a plexiglass sliding window with a lock for either one. Cork tiles can be added to the inside so posting bulletins would be easier to mount. This should be topped off with a design that could look like an awning or a one-side roof for some protection from the elements. This basic design could also be used with modifications to fit your requirements. Both of these can be embellished a little or a lot depending on the requirements from who the bulletin board and the menu enclosure are for. I hope these general suggestions help this Scout in his quest for completing his Eagle project." - Jim Sholtis

"As soon as you described your overall idea for your Eagle project in the Q&A, I formed two immediate images. Maybe I can help with some direction. For the horizontal information center, I suggest you look at the roadside displays used by the U.S. Parks Service, but with a hinged top to allow you to change the contents. The previous advice about materials is excellent. Design the top like a picture frame, capturing some clear plastic or thin plexiglass and sealing the plexi to the wood with clear silicone. Make the top a little larger than the base to keep the rain out and slightly angle it to allow the rain to drain off. Use brass or nickel-plated hardware, as they won't corrode. For the menu board, take the overall design from a birdhouse with a slanted roof. It doesn't have to be deep, just enough to sandwich the menu between a 1/4- and 1/2-inch backboard and a thin clear plastic face. Leave the plastic loose and hinge the roof for easy changes. For woodworking and design help, check your local woodworking stores for contacts within woodworking clubs. Every one I've known has someone with the tools, expertise and desire to help." - Chuck Kubin, assistant Scoutmaster

Along with all the recommendations above, I wanted to wish you the best of luck in this process.  - Matt Becker, Woodworker's Journal Internet Production Coordinator and Eagle Scout. 

Wood Availability

Also in reaction to the question on the Boy Scout outdoor project, we received this question wondering about the true availability of the redwood recommended by WJ experts. - Editor

"In the last newsletter for the plans for the Boy Scout it was mentioned that redwood would be one of the choices. Just what is availability of redwood across the country? In the Pacific Northwest, we haven't been able to buy redwood for over 10 years." - Chuck Ballinger

Chuck, Woodworker's Journal has been able to buy redwood in recent years as reclaimed lumber. You can check out the availability of wood species in your area by doing a search on Woodfinder.com. - Editor