Mailboxes R Us ...

The old metal mailbox was really beginning to show its age, a little weather beaten, signs of corrosion and generally looking very tired. So, with all those excuses and reasons, it was time for a new one …

The material ~

A few orange boxes which were collected over the winter, the light wood retrieved from them makes perfect siding. Then a couple of one-inch thick pine boards, roof shingles left over by the last owner, paint and stain.

The equipment ~

A Sears table saw on home-made bench and a Rigid compound mitre saw.

The plan ~

Sketch out on the table saw bench, doing this way has the advantage of it not blowing away in the wind like paper annoyingly does far too often.

First cuts and sub-assembly ~

The roof, sides, back wall, door and base all cut and clamped into position, the hinges in place to check the door swing.

Staining and Painting ~

I thought is would be a good idea before the roof shingles and siding goes on, to fully protect all the external surfaces. The roof was painted black with Tremclad, the external surface of the sides, back wall and door are stained in grey and all the inside surfaces including the roof are all painted white, the roof soffits are also painted white. The “you have mail flag” is sprayed orange, I had this strung up with fishing line between two posts in the garage and walked into it countless times …!!!

The siding ~

I was delighted that most of the siding had imperfections and little holes, which will add to the final rustic appearance. At the back of the mailbox you can see the ends of the side wall siding, but at the front I decided to hide these with more orange box pieces, see the last photo in this section where they are clamped into position.

Staining the siding and door knob ~

The supervision ~

Fortunately, I got some good insight and advice from one of the neighbours, who came over to steal some seed from the Billy the Budgie.

All done ~
The finished item which is now out-front waiting for mail. Unfortunately, it was not put to the test today, the mail-lady drove right passed ~ perhaps tomorrow … ?