The first step in constructing the planter was to rip the boards to the proper width on a table saw. Working from rough sketches created earlier, the 1-by-12-inch boards were trimmed down to a width of 10-1/2-inches.
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The rough stock for the decorative end pieces are cut to length with a compound miter saw. The plans called for an overall height of 16-inches.
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To create the planter's decorative feet, Ryley created a series of intersecting circles using a simple compass. The front-facing legs display a simple S-shaped curve; the end caps use a more intricate pattern.
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The decorative patterns for the planter's feet are cut with a saber saw. Before cutting, the pattern is first scored with a utility knife. The scored line prevents the saber saw blade from tearing the wood along the pattern.
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Once cut, the feet's rough edges are smoothed using a drum sanding attachment on a drill press. Sanding removes the saw's blade marks, and can be used to correct any small deviations from the intended pattern.
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Ryley uses a biscuit cutter, a specialized tool that routes an oval-shaped notch in the board's edge, to create a recess for a wooden fastener called a biscuit. A corresponding notch is routed in the adjoining board, and the two pieces are glued and butted together.
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The decorative end pieces are fastened with nails. Once the outer frame is assembled, a flat board supported by cleats is dropped into the assembly to form the bottom.
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The finished planter is placed under a large picture window. Additional braces have been added to create extra strength where boards are butted together.
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