PICS: Get into the DIY groove

Published May 16, 2017

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Marchelle Abrahams caught up with DIY hunk Dave van den Bergh at Decorex Cape Town.

The DIY trend seems to be catching on in South Africa. From upcycling to recycling, DIYing is no longer confined to bored housewives or frustrated men trying to save a buck or two. It’s going mainstream with entire TV channels dedicated to home and garden projects.

Durban-based photographer and graphic designer Dave van den Bergh has always had a keen interest in everything DIY. We caught up with him at Decorex Cape Town recently for a quick Q&A session on how to get started.

How did you make the jump from photography to DIY? The two professions seem worlds apart?

I’ve always been very into DIY. I grew up with my dad in the garage, always just working on things, fixing things. I’ve always been into doing stuff myself and just messing around.

When this opportunity came up for me through my ex-boss Tanya Visser (presenter of the Home Channel’s The Gardener), she said that Builder’s Warehouse was looking for someone, and I was really keen. Builder’s approached me and I just jumped at the opportunity.

For someone who knows nothing about DIYing, should I get in a professional or try it myself?

You should always try it yourself first. Go look up videos on YouTube or go to the hardware store and chat to the guys there, and they’ll give you pointers. Try to visit the workshops that we (Builder’s Warehouse) run; just ask questions. The best way to learn things is to ask lots of questions.

If you want to hang something on the wall, use scrap wood and practise a little before you actually try it yourself.

What are the essential tools every DIYer needs in their toolbox?

An electric drill driver so that you don’t need to worry about screwdrivers. Also, it has no cords so you can do it anywhere, any time.

A jigsaw is always a really handy tool – you can cut pretty much anything with it.

An electric sander, I really hate sanding because traditional sanding just takes forever. I always carry these three around with me wherever I go.

Make your own wine rack

Cutting list:

- For your timber requirements, you can use pellet wood or pine wood.

- 3 x 800mm x 100mm x 20mm

- 1 x 400mm x 100mm x 20mm

- 3 x 150mm x 100mm x 20mm

- 3 x 150mm x 20mm x 20mm

How to:

- Attach the three 800mm planks in a random fashion using the Kreg system.

- On the 400mm plank, draw a centre line down the length of the plank, starting 50mm from the end of the plank. Mark 4 points down the centre line 100mm between each point and drill a 30mm hole at each point.

- Mark the centre of each hole and then cut a slot 5mm each side of the centre line down one side of the plank.

- Next, attach the 150mm x 20mm x 20mm pieces centred to the edge of the 150mm planks to form a lip.

- Arrange the glass holder and bottle holders on a backing bored and attach them using the Kreg system.

- Paint with a wood sealer and mount on your wall.

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