DIY Plans to Build a Vegetable Gathering Basket

Power Tool Challenge – Summer Edition

Once again, it is time for the Power Tool Challenge… This month’s theme is Summer! Since summer generally involves picking lots of fresh fruits and veggies from the garden, I created DIY plans to build a Vegetable Gathering Basket. This easy to build basket features a wood frame with a mesh bottom and a curved handle, and can be completed in a few hours! I’ve also included templates for the curved handle.

Note that the veggies pictured are not mine (they are courtesy of the local grocery store and my weekly budget!)… We’ve had a lot of rain and my garden has yet to produce any – ahem – “produce”. Hopefully soon!

Materials:

• 2″ brad nails
• 1-1/2″ screws (<– affiliate link!)
• 1/2″ staples
• 1/4″ hardware cloth
• Wood glue
• Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grits)
• Finishing supplies (primer & paint, or stain, sealer)

Tools needed:

• Miter saw or circular saw
• Drill
• 1″ Paddle (or Spade) bit, or 1″ hole saw
• Jigsaw
• Router with small roundover bit
• Pneumatic brad nailer with compressor
• Metal snips
• Heavy Duty stapler
• Sander

Lumber:

• 1 – 1×3 at 6′
• Scrap of 1×6 at 16″

Cut List:

• 2 – 1×3 at 10-1/2″ – Frame
• 2 – 1×3 at 16″ – Frame
• 1 – 1×6 at 16″ – Handle

Notes about the project:

Print the templates (Template 1 and Template 2), and tape them together at the registration marks. Cut out the template with scissors.

Step One

Cut the 1×6 piece for the handle to length. Trace the the handle template on the board. Cut out the handle using a jigsaw or a bandsaw.

Mark the center of the holes for the handle and drill the holes with the 1″ paddle bit or hole saw. I usually start drilling on one side, then flip the piece over and continue drilling from the other side. This creates a much cleaner hole with less tear-out.

Draw lines connecting the top and bottom of the holes and cut along the lines with a jigsaw.

Step Two

Use the router with the roundover bit to round the top of the handle (both sides of the board) as well as the inside of the handle (both sides, also).

Step Three

Drill a pilot hole in the top edge of the ends of the handle to attach the handle to the frame. Set the handle aside.

Step Four

Cut the pieces for the frame. Assemble the frame using glue and 2″ brad nails.

Step Five

Cut the hardware cloth 2″ larger on all sides than the bottom of the frame opening. Cut a 2″ x 2″ notch in each corner (approx. 8 squares), and fold 1″ over on each side of the mesh. Fold the mesh at 1″ again (even with the notches) to make a sort of basket. Set the basket aside.

Step Six

Finish the handle and frame as desired. I painted the handle and frame (except for the inside) in the example using white paint and added a wood applique to each side of the handle.

Position the basket inside the frame and secure in place using 1/2″ staples. Position the handle on the frame in the center of the sides securing in place with a 1-1/2″ screw in each of the pre-drilled holes.

Like this project? Check out the project from my partners on the Power Tool Challenge team:

Frozen Treat Stand by My Love To Create

Red White And Blue Cornhole Game by Create And Babble

Drying Rack From Old Crib rail by The Kim Six Fix

Chair Spindle Wooden Garden Caddy by Interior Frugalista

Star Clothes Drying Rack by A Piece Of Rainbow

Farmhouse Bench Building Plans by Refresh Restyle

DIY Standing Towel Rack Tutorial by H2OBungalow

Reclaimed Wood Bookcase by Confessions of A Serial DIY’er

DIY Footstool by Virginia Sweet Pea

DIY Hose Hanger by My Repurposed Life

Have any questions about the DIY plans to build a Vegetable Gathering Basket? Leave a comment below!

Originally posted 2016-06-16 07:00:02.