Project suggestions for the summer holidays; lots of time, not a lot of money?

I have a reasonable variety of woodworking tools, metalworking tools including a lathe.

I'm 18 and consider myself pretty good at practical things, I'm looking for something labour-intensive that doesn't cost very much and I'd like to have something interesting at the end of it.

Any ideas are welcome :)

Comments

[Burf]

When I was about your age, I used to earn extra spending money by collecting old and/or broken wood furniture and either repairing, refinishing or re-purposing it. For example, converting an old dining room chair into a small lamp table, turning a wooden ammo box into a child's toy box, etc. Combine several broken pieces into an entirely new piece.
Gather the materials in the usual places, dumpsters, thrift stores, yard sales, friends, and so on.
Like you, I had access to a large variety of tools because my Dad was a master carpenter with a well equipped workshop.
With a little imagination and a lot of work, you can create some nice pieces, earn extra cash and learn a lot of tricks and techniques about woodworking.

[splazem]

That's a good idea.

[Kiteman]

Steam or stirling-cycle engines from scrap materials?

[Vyger]

With all the flooding going on you can try sandbaging. Costs you nothing and is pretty exhausting but also rewarding.

[rickharris]

I think the questioner comes from the UK - For once it's hot here (at least in parts)

[Jayefuu]

Marble machines are pretty interesting to watch. You could try your hand at that?

[rickharris]

http://www.desertdomes.com/dome3calc.html

Geodesic Dome building - I have done this several times, can be low cost great fun ends up with a BIG building you can use.

Make a Canoe these are super light and can be made using plywood strips rather than solid wood. Cheaper and easier to handle. Cover with house wrap (Tyvek) or Nylon. Dacron is/ can be costly.

Water Rockets Huge fun.

Electric flying round a pole is fun

Rubber band guns -

Ah, the world is your Oyster - Of course look through instructables.