Customer Reviews

Black & Decker 24 Weekend Projects for Pets: Dog Houses, Cat Trees, Rabbit Hutches & More

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

If I'd had this book when I built my first 2 cat trees they would've been MUCH improved!! For me, the beauty of this book isn't so much the projects themselves but the techniques, such as cutting a block to fit inside a length of PVC pipe so that legs can be securely mounted to the base, or building a miter box to cut said pipes squarely. I have to say, though, I can't wait to try the window sill cat bed!!

If you have elderly or disabled critters you should note that one of the projects is a carpeted vehicle ramp, and instructions allow you to customize it to the height of your vehicle.

This is the most poorly written project book I have ever seen. We had to make repeated trips to the hardware store for more parts because of the poor instructions and missing information. There is no accurate shopping list. Other building instructions and photos are unclear. We would have done better looking at a finshed photo and guessing on how to build the project. Pass this book by.

This book is great! My husband and I have no experience in the home improvement or construction areas. This book was amazing. It lists the tools you will need for the projects in the beginning. Then for each project it lists the materials required. Each project is written step by step in an easy to follow format. It is easy to alter the directions to fit your space requirements in your home. There is even conversion charts in the back. Compared to chemistry lab, these projects were easy. I suggest them to any pet owner wanting to save a few bucks and have the pride to say "I built that". I wish there was a sequel.

So I spent this weekend making the aquarium stand from this book. The directions were severely lacking and flat out incorrect in some cases.

The directions give the following information:

1) Tools List

2) Supplies List

3) Diagram

4) Cut List

5) Step by Step instructions with photos

The problems with each section

1) The Tools List doesn't mention a table saw, but it could have been useful for cutting the sheet goods. A circular saw with a guide works though. It could have also been useful for cutting the 1x6, since my miter saw doesn't accommodate a 6" board.

2) Supplies list:

* Doesn't separate what you need for the cabinet vs the valance.

* Missing "outside corner moulding"

3) The diagram is incorrect and does not match the cut list and step-by-step. Also missing the corner moulding.

4) I can't comment on the cut list, since I was customizing the size and made my own

5) Step-by-Step: The text doesn't go into enough detail on the "tricky" aspects of the project. The pictures don't show enough of the project to fill in the gaps left by the text. For example, the supplies list specifies 8 metal connector plates, but the directions only tell you how to utilize 4 of them. If you follow the directions, the reveals around the door don't work out like the picture. Doesn't explain how to mount the door or hinges at all.

Pros of the project:

* It looks simple, but nice.

* Very sturdy

* You *can* build this in one weekend, especially if you plan ahead.

Cons:

* Conflicting information makes the project confusing, and even when you figure out the directions, they might not end up like the picture.

* Doesn't give any information on finishing the inside of the cabinet. If you just follow the directions, the inside will have 2x4's, screws, and connector plates exposed with no bottom or shelf.

* Took about 3 hours to interpret the meager information provided and come up with my own plans.

Got this for my husband from the CATS for his birthday. He's a handy guy and loves our cats. We went through the book and he actually enhanced a project (A Cattery) with one of the books designs.

Good projects listed but thought it needed more detailed instructions and pictures of each step-by-step. Left some information up to your imagination for the beginning woodworker.

I like the book, but I am not sure if all the projects could be completed in a weekend if you do not have a lot of power tool knowledge. Still a good book though.

This book is idiot proof.

Nothing in here that really helped me think outside of the box......pardon the pun!.