How to Build a Simple Pulpit

If you enjoy building special projects and would like to try something that will be shown off in front of groups of people, how about building a custom-designed redwood pulpit? It can be used not only by ministers and pastors, but also by teachers or song leaders. Anyone who stands in front of an audience and needs a place to lay their notes and books will enjoy the convenience of having this simple pulpit to use.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 4-by-4-inch-by-4-foot redwood post Measuring tape Mitre saw 1-by-4-inch-by-8-foot redwood trim Saw 1-by-16-by-24-inch redwood panel 1/2-by-1/2-by-24-inch redwood trim 2-inch finish nails 3/4-inch finish nails 3 1/2-inch galvanized nails Hammer 1 can satin finish Paintbrush Clean, dry cloth Old newspaper

How to Build a Simple Wooden Pulpit

1. Place a 4-by-4-inch post on a flat surface, and measure from the top of the post down 1 inch. Mark with a pencil and draw a line across the edge of the post. Turn the post over on either side that is next to the side you just marked. Mark a line from the line you just drew to the opposite corner at the top of the post. This is going to be your cut line. Using a mitre saw, cut the post on the line you just drew to create a slant in the top of the post.

2. Cut the 1-by-4-inch redwood trim piece with a saw so that you have two pieces, each 30 inches long. Overlap the redwood trim pieces you just cut so they create an "X" at an exact right angle to each other. Nail the pieces together using 2-inch finish nails. With the remaining stock of 1-by-4-inch redwood trim, cut two pieces, each 6 inches long. Nail one of the 6-inch pieces to the bottom edge of one of the 30-inch redwood pieces you just nailed together. Nail it so that the 6-inch pieces start at the end and double the thickness of the 30-inch piece. Do the same thing with the remaining 6-inch redwood trim by nailing it to the opposite end of the same 30-inch redwood trim. This will create a base for your pulpit.

3. Turn the base over so that the 30-inch redwood trim piece without the trim blocks is nearest to you and the piece with the blocks is facing you. Nail the base to the bottom of the 4-by-4-inch post with 3 1/2-inch galvanized nails. Make sure you are nailing it to the flat end of the post, not the end you cut the slant in. Turn the base and post over so that it is standing on the base.

4. Place the 1-by-16-by-24-inch redwood panel in front of you and lay the 1/2-by-1/2-by-24-inch redwood trim along the bottom face of the panel. Nail the trim to the panel using 3/4-inch finish nails. This will create a lip for your pulpit top. Using a measuring tape, find the exact center of the redwood panel. Measure out 1 inch in each direction, and mark that spot. With a pencil, lightly draw a square box on the top of the panel by drawing straight lines to connect the intersections of the points you just measured. The corners of this box are going to be where you nail the panel to the redwood post. Go ahead and nail four 2-inch finish nails to the face of the panel on these points until the tip of the nails just break the surface of the back of the panel.

5. Find the exact center of the top of the 4-inch post and lay your panel on top of the post so that the nails that are sticking through are even on the top of the post. Secure the panel to the post by continuing to drive the finish nails into the panel. Stand the pulpit on some old newspaper, and apply a satin finish coat to the entire assembly. Allow it to dry.