INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Use a piece of wood that's slightly larger than your ideal size. This will allow you to some room for error when you use a knife to shave away excess wood with a knife to shape your sword. To check your wood for rottenness, strike it against a hard surface. If it breaks or cracks, select another piece of wood. Use a pencil to draw the approximate shape of your sword on the 2x4. This shape can be curved, like a traditional katana or scimitar, or straight edged on both sides with an angled or triangular point. When drawing your outline, remember the cross guard of the sword. This is located at the base of the blade, between the blade and handle of the sword. The tip of swords are generally angled or pointed. Be sure to include this in your outline. A 45 angle from the tip to one side of the sword will provide a suitable angled point. Measure the ideal length of your sword on your wood and mark it with a pencil. Use a hand saw to cut free excess length from the wood. Remember to cut along the angle or point you've drawn on the wood for the point. A sharp woodworking knife will work best for this, but any sharp, sturdy knife can be used. Carve away wood to create the blade of your sword. For one-sided blades, the blade should narrow on its "sharp" side, creating a triangular shape. The wood should thicken toward the opposite, non-bladed side. For double sided swords, the shape of the blade will be roughly that of a diamond. The thickest part of this blade will be at the center of the blade, with both "edged" sides thin. A somewhat elliptical (oval) shape will work best for your handle, which should be thinner than the blade. The cross guard should also be thin and form the crossing part of a t-shape between the blade and handle. An oval shape will be more comfortable to hold onto when using your sword than a purely circular one. To make a distinct cross guard, a file will work best. Use your knife to form the general outline at this point. Later, you'll use sandpaper to smooth it, and a file to make it distinct. Hold your sword in your hand. If it feels heavy, continue using your knife to shave away wood from the thickness of the blade and handle. Some wood is heavier than others. Heavier woods may require very thin blades and handles for them to be of comfortable weight. Making the blade and handle of your sword too thin can compromise your sword's sturdiness.

SUMMARY: Choose wood slightly longer than your ideal length. Outline your sword shape on 2x4 planks. Cut the sword to your ideal length. Shave away excess wood to form the blade. Fashion the handle and cross guard. Adjust the weight of your sword as necessary.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Only an experienced operator should attempt to dig a trench with a machine. These machines are very physically demanding, and can be extremely dangerous for an unskilled user. All ordinary trench safety precautions apply as well. This includes calling 811 or another utility location service before you begin, and having plans to shore up the trench walls if necessary. Choosing a machine will depend on your budget and the size of the desired trench. Plotting the route of your trench with highly visible marking paint and thinking about the depth of your trench will help you determine the best trencher for your job. Most projects will only require a walk-behind trencher. Walk-behind trenchers can dig up to 3 feet deep and between 4-6 inches wide On average, a ride-on trencher can dig up to 7 feet deep and about 13 inches wide. Ride-on trenchers are the largest available commercially, but due to potential safety concerns, these are usually only rented to professionals. You can contract a landscape company that installs sprinklers or a utility installation company to use this tool on your behalf. Most hardware stores will allow you the option of renting a machine for a few hours, a day, or even a week. Unless you have considerable trenching to do, or unless you have future projects requiring a trencher, renting might be the best option for your project. Trenchers cost anywhere between $900 and $1 million to buy, and at least $70 to $200 to rent for a day or two, plus the cost of transport. You may also find a more affordable trencher through online services, like Craig's List or eBay. If you decide to operate a trencher, you might consider taking a free trench safety class. The main points you want to keep in mind are the stability of your trench, your footing, and the consistency of the soil, which will influence the effort you and your trenching machine will have to exert. Rocky soil or roots can cause stones or grit to become airborne, so it is recommended you wear safety glasses while operating your trencher. There is also considerable danger from the rotating digging chain, and from the risk of the heavy, powerful machine getting away from you. Each machine will be different, but most will have an ignition switch, a choke, and an engagement lever, which you will manipulate to control the trencher. Due to variations in make and model, it is safest to familiarize yourself with operation manuals before use. If you have rented your trencher, do not leave the rental yard without a demonstration of the machine's operation, including a check that all safety and shut off switches are working properly. You should also have access to a copy of the manual, although you may be able to find this online by searching for the make and model information. Be sure to keep all other people and pets far away while the machine is running. During operation, if you need to clear debris from a stuck chain or trench, or leave the machine for any reason, always shut off the machine completely. Never leave the machine running while you are not operating it. Even if the chain is disengaged, the machine can cause severe injury or death. You'll want to double check that your path is clear, but now that you're aware of the basic functions of your trencher, turn on the ignition, pull out the choke, and position the digging chain where you want your trench to begin. Pull the engagement lever/switch (depending on model) and walk slowly backward along the trench path you have plotted. As operating this machine requires you to walk backward, be careful not to trip and hurt yourself or do damage to your trenching machine. Large roots or stones might have to be cleared by hand. If your trencher stops for an unknown reason, turn the machine fully off, remove it from your trench, and explore with hand tools, clearing any obstructions with your shovels, Pulaski digging tool, or pruning shears.

SUMMARY:
Evaluate your abilities. Consider the machine you will need. Decide to buy or rent the machine. Take safety precautions. Learn to properly operate the machine. Do not run the machine with people nearby. Position and prime your machine. Engage your machine and trench.