Remaking one of MY First Projects – Simple DIY Woodworking

Download the Plans

In this video, I’m remaking one of my very first woodworking projects from way back in 1988. I made the original wooden goose for my mom using Northeast Sugar Pine and that piece is still in use as both a decoration and for storage on the table. I figured I’d make another goose for my wife at our house and I decided to go with Poplar wood and used the Bernzomatic TS8000 Torch to create the patina wood finish. Here’s the how-to video along with the step-by-step how-to instructions:

• Download and print the templates below to make your parts list for the goose
•  Trace and cut the pieces of of Poplar on the miter saw at the proper angles.  I cut the two side (body) pieces at 53 degrees and the base at 17 degrees.
• Attach the sides to the base using wood glue and finishing nails.  Be sure to pre-drill your nail holes to prevent splintering.
• Make a template for the goose head on using thin plywood and use the bandsaw to cut out the template.  Trace the cut-out template on 1/2″ Poplar plywood and cut out on the bandsaw.
• Use hand plane and nail punch to shape the goose and to add a distressed finish
• Attach the head of the goose to the body using wood glue and a screw with a pre-drilled hole. I used a chisel to hollow out the attachment point and filled the chisel hole with a wooden dowel.

• Once assembled and lightly sanded, use the Bernzomatic TS8000 Torch to create the patina wood finish.
• Torch the head, sides and interior of the goose to give it a nice, dark, and rich finish.
• Finally, after darkening the wood with the torch, apply a thin coat of orange shellac followed by a hand rubbed finish with Briwax and then Wool Lube paste.