1 pc. knot-free 1 x 4 x 8'
1 pc. pressure-treated 2 x 2 x 4'
4 machine bolts, 1/4" x 2-1/2", with washers and nuts
Adjustable wrench
15 galvanized box nails, 4d
Hammer
Table saw or radial arm saw
C-clamp
Power drill with 1/4" bit and 1/16" predrill bit
Cutting List:
5 pcs. 3/8" x 3/4" x 80" cut from a 1 x 4 x 8', for fan
1 pc. 3/8" x 3/4" x 49-7/8" cut from a 1 x 4 x 8', for top crosspiece
1 pc. 3/8" x 3/4" x 38" cut from a 1 x 4 x 8', for center crosspiece
1 pc. 3/8" x 3/4" x 24" cut from a 1 x 4 x 8', for lower crosspiece
1 pc. 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" x 3' cut from 2 x 2 x 4' , for stake
This trellis is sophisticated-looking, but amazingly easy to make. A stake cut from pressure-treated wood holds the bottom in place, but the trellis needs a building or fence to lean against for support (Fig. 1). The hardest part may be coming up with the wood pieces for the trellis--thin strips of clear redwood or cedar that are 3/4-inch wide by 3/8-inch thick. If your lumberyard can't produce them for you at a reasonable price, you can cut them on a table saw or radial arm saw.
1.
Cut the Pieces
Begin with a knot-free 1x4. Knots will cause the wood to break when you flex it to create the fan. On a table saw or radial arm saw, rip the 1x4 into seven pieces that are each 3/8-inch wide (Fig. 2). Cut the fan pieces and the top, center, and lower crosspieces from this stock to the dimensions given in the cutting list.
2.
Bolt the Fan Pieces Together
Clamp the five fan pieces together, and drill two 1/4-inch holes through them near the bottom. Fasten the pieces together using two 1/4- by 2-1/2-inch machine bolts with washers and nuts. (Fig. 3)
3.
Attach the Top Crosspiece
Mark the top crosspiece as shown in the lower right corner of Figure 4. Then attach the top piece to one of the outside fan pieces, drilling a small pilot hole for one 4d galvanized nail. Working from one side to the other, nail the top to the other fan pieces, spacing them as shown and drilling a small pilot hole for each nail.
4.
Attach Center and Lower Crosspieces and Stake
Measure 16 inches down from the top, and attach the center crosspiece. Measure down another 16 inches, and attach the lower crosspiece. Drive a 4d nail through each crosspiece into each fan piece, predrilling holes to avoid splitting the wood. Make a stake by cutting one end of a pressure-treated 2x2 to a point, and then cut the stake to length. Drive it into the spot where you want your trellis until only 8 inches are above the ground. Clamp the trellis to the stake; drill two 1/4-inch holes through both the trellis and the stake. Bolt them together using 2-1/2-inch bolts with washers and nuts. (Fig. 5)
