While I am considering the future of my wordpress site, I'll be putting some content here. While I can post content on the WP blog, doing pictures and otherwise is difficult. That, and I don't know when or if I will get access back. Doesn't make me feel real good about potentially going with Wordpress.org as a medium.
Check back for new content.
03 December 2013
29 April 2012
Right side cabinets
I have the cabinet drawers roughed out. The top and middle drawers are repurposed from the old drawers, with the middle one being the one that's too narrow. I had envisioned the top drawer being shallow for stuff like pencils and etc, but that hasn't worked out to this point. I may put a divider in the top drawer to accomplish that. You can see for yourself where I'm going with what will go where.
I was considering making a drawer to sit just above the sander that is shallow. The issue with adding another drawer there is the spindle. I could make a shallow one, but would mean removing the drawer any time I want to use the sander. Not a huge deal considering how often I would use it.
This was a lost weekend, unfortunately. I'm hoping I can go out in the next couple of days and start seeing about making the tool platforms. Right now the miter saw can't be used and that's an issue. Post on that process coming up.
28 April 2012
A look ahead
I was planning on doing some general cleanup this weekend, and possibly a few small projects. However, I've had something come up and I'm really not sure if I'll be able to get any shop time in at all.
So, with today's posts I'd like to do a general shop update about what's complete and what's still left to be done. The last few weeks has seen me get a good little jump on some overdue projects either due to time or finances. I was able to pretty much complete both sides of my cabinet wall project. I'm still deciding if, or how much closing in the backs or bracing I'm going to do. The large unsupported section that sits over the router table definitely needs something, as the right side of that is only attached with a couple of screws. I may secure it to the back wall, that would be an economical solution and still allow me to easily pull it out or make changes and still leave enough clearance for the router table. I need to shim up the entire surface and try and get both sides as level and equal as possible in preparation to put a T-track in for the miter saw. The most important part of this is making it level around the miter saw, but having the whole thing as close as possible will make it easier to work with long pieces.
Also involved in making it as level as possible is the idea that I could shift the miter saw over to in-between both cabinets, where the planer cart resides. Throughout almost this entire process has been the idea that I would have tool modules that could be exchanged as needed, with the planer cart and the miter saw being the primary tenants of their respective spaces. But with the planer cart mobile, and able to move into a couple of spots, it doesn't make any sense not to match that spot and the miter saw spot and have two areas where I can put these tools at. Being able to move the miter saw to the middle will greatly increase the capability of it in regards to 'middle' cuts. Won't need to employ the circular saw to cut a board in half.
In addition to making the miter saw a component of the modular system, I'm looking to also have a few other tools share this portability. I'd like to have a dovetail station, where I can mount my cheapo dovetail jig. If I make it raised I could combine this with the Kreg jig possibly. Would save space in the cabinet, obviously. With the jig being raised, boards would be able to clear the Kreg in back. The dovetail jig wouldn't interfere with the Kreg at all. I wouldn't mind having a platform for the biscuit joiner, and a corner clamp would be a good move too.
I've posted several times about non-structural upgrades that I need to do to the walls, doors and window, so I won't rehash those until they are in the near-term pipeline. For example, something might be in the works for the next few weeks on one of those fronts, but I'll give it it's own progress thread. The shingles on the roof have never leaked, so we're good there. I may recover the exterior walls, but that's quite a long-shot prospect. The ramp is fine for now, but eventually I'd like to put a deck on when the shop gets leveled out. I'd like to explore the possibility of raising the ceiling. Otherwise, it gets replaced the same as the walls.
I wrote this over the course of several days a bit at a time, so my apologies if it comes across disjointed. I wanted to share that officially the next shop project is the Holtzapffel bench, which I will share details on in a couple of weeks. I want to get the drawer fronts done, the cabinets level, and the modular tool holders started on first. There will be minor little projects interspersed as well.
So, with today's posts I'd like to do a general shop update about what's complete and what's still left to be done. The last few weeks has seen me get a good little jump on some overdue projects either due to time or finances. I was able to pretty much complete both sides of my cabinet wall project. I'm still deciding if, or how much closing in the backs or bracing I'm going to do. The large unsupported section that sits over the router table definitely needs something, as the right side of that is only attached with a couple of screws. I may secure it to the back wall, that would be an economical solution and still allow me to easily pull it out or make changes and still leave enough clearance for the router table. I need to shim up the entire surface and try and get both sides as level and equal as possible in preparation to put a T-track in for the miter saw. The most important part of this is making it level around the miter saw, but having the whole thing as close as possible will make it easier to work with long pieces.
Also involved in making it as level as possible is the idea that I could shift the miter saw over to in-between both cabinets, where the planer cart resides. Throughout almost this entire process has been the idea that I would have tool modules that could be exchanged as needed, with the planer cart and the miter saw being the primary tenants of their respective spaces. But with the planer cart mobile, and able to move into a couple of spots, it doesn't make any sense not to match that spot and the miter saw spot and have two areas where I can put these tools at. Being able to move the miter saw to the middle will greatly increase the capability of it in regards to 'middle' cuts. Won't need to employ the circular saw to cut a board in half.
In addition to making the miter saw a component of the modular system, I'm looking to also have a few other tools share this portability. I'd like to have a dovetail station, where I can mount my cheapo dovetail jig. If I make it raised I could combine this with the Kreg jig possibly. Would save space in the cabinet, obviously. With the jig being raised, boards would be able to clear the Kreg in back. The dovetail jig wouldn't interfere with the Kreg at all. I wouldn't mind having a platform for the biscuit joiner, and a corner clamp would be a good move too.
I've posted several times about non-structural upgrades that I need to do to the walls, doors and window, so I won't rehash those until they are in the near-term pipeline. For example, something might be in the works for the next few weeks on one of those fronts, but I'll give it it's own progress thread. The shingles on the roof have never leaked, so we're good there. I may recover the exterior walls, but that's quite a long-shot prospect. The ramp is fine for now, but eventually I'd like to put a deck on when the shop gets leveled out. I'd like to explore the possibility of raising the ceiling. Otherwise, it gets replaced the same as the walls.
I wrote this over the course of several days a bit at a time, so my apologies if it comes across disjointed. I wanted to share that officially the next shop project is the Holtzapffel bench, which I will share details on in a couple of weeks. I want to get the drawer fronts done, the cabinets level, and the modular tool holders started on first. There will be minor little projects interspersed as well.
23 April 2012
Weekend Wrap
After not spending any time in the shop for four days, I spent a little bit of time for three straight out there this weekend. It was a mixed bag, unfortunately. Along with getting the left side drawers pretty much completely done (need to adjust the depth to put the faces on), I tried to get the right side up to speed. The results turned out less than stellar.
The large drawer I did on the bottom, the bottom of the drawer is about 1/4" too narrow, and has fallen out of the groove. With holding a lot of heavy items, I'm resigned to the fact that this entire drawer will have to be redone. Also, I attempted to convert one of the older drawers to the new width by turning it sideways. It worked, except I shorted myself by about 1/2" and had to add 1/4" ply on both sides of the drawer to get the hardware to work correctly. And then I compounded the experience by installing it about 1/8" too low, and it catches on the 16ga nailer. Otherwise, there's not a thing wrong with it. Since I shorted the width, I'm going to redo this one as well. Oh well, missed it by that much. As you can see, it is mostly functional, as long as I don't need anything in the bottom drawer. It will hold my multifunction tool and Dremel, along with accessories for both.
Functional, yes. Staying that way? No. If this were the old temporary cabinet, I probably wouldn't bother. I'd drill out the mount for the nailer to let it sit lower and go about my business. But since this is going to be a long-term solution, I want to do it right. So I'll sacrifice an hour or so and probably the rest of the 1/2" ply and do it right. I should be able to do the conversion on the remaining drawer, provided I adjust my cuts accordingly. Not sure what will go in that drawer, or the other drawer above it (assuming I can only fit two more). Most likely small junky stuff.
Leaning toward a sheet of ply for the drawer fronts. I wouldn't mind doing a glued up panel for them, but I think the ply is going to be easier, cheaper and faster. I'll be sure to pick out a good specimen for them so it looks nice.
I created what I like to call a dado key, it's a short board with different dados that I've used and explains what blades and spacers were used to make them. Should make setup times a lot shorter as I get more examples onto it. This will be hung somewhere I think, big enough hole to go over a screw head.
May or may not get out to the shop today, it's rather windy and chilly. Not ideal conditions. Perhaps a few minutes in the afternoon to do some spot cleaning.
The large drawer I did on the bottom, the bottom of the drawer is about 1/4" too narrow, and has fallen out of the groove. With holding a lot of heavy items, I'm resigned to the fact that this entire drawer will have to be redone. Also, I attempted to convert one of the older drawers to the new width by turning it sideways. It worked, except I shorted myself by about 1/2" and had to add 1/4" ply on both sides of the drawer to get the hardware to work correctly. And then I compounded the experience by installing it about 1/8" too low, and it catches on the 16ga nailer. Otherwise, there's not a thing wrong with it. Since I shorted the width, I'm going to redo this one as well. Oh well, missed it by that much. As you can see, it is mostly functional, as long as I don't need anything in the bottom drawer. It will hold my multifunction tool and Dremel, along with accessories for both.
Functional, yes. Staying that way? No. If this were the old temporary cabinet, I probably wouldn't bother. I'd drill out the mount for the nailer to let it sit lower and go about my business. But since this is going to be a long-term solution, I want to do it right. So I'll sacrifice an hour or so and probably the rest of the 1/2" ply and do it right. I should be able to do the conversion on the remaining drawer, provided I adjust my cuts accordingly. Not sure what will go in that drawer, or the other drawer above it (assuming I can only fit two more). Most likely small junky stuff.
Leaning toward a sheet of ply for the drawer fronts. I wouldn't mind doing a glued up panel for them, but I think the ply is going to be easier, cheaper and faster. I'll be sure to pick out a good specimen for them so it looks nice.
I created what I like to call a dado key, it's a short board with different dados that I've used and explains what blades and spacers were used to make them. Should make setup times a lot shorter as I get more examples onto it. This will be hung somewhere I think, big enough hole to go over a screw head.
May or may not get out to the shop today, it's rather windy and chilly. Not ideal conditions. Perhaps a few minutes in the afternoon to do some spot cleaning.
21 April 2012
A well organized shop
I got a reminder of why I'm doing this today. This, as in why I spend so much time, energy and money fixing up this place and getting everything squared away where it needs to be. After I got my new drawer sorted out, I brought up a bike that had been giving us trouble with the chain. I set it down on the bench and checked the chain out before I decided that the axle just needed to be tightened up. A minute later and it was good as new. I also hooked the compressor up and aired up the tires in a couple of them. All with little effort. I also got the opportunity to chase down some air leaks in the system, so it was a complete win in that regard. I love being able to easily and quickly get what I need, and I'll love the day where I won't have to move anything out of the way to get started on a project.
Once the cabinets are done I'll be starting on my great endeavor - the Holtzapffel. Once my bench is done I can finally tackle some real woodworking projects with aplomb.
Once the cabinets are done I'll be starting on my great endeavor - the Holtzapffel. Once my bench is done I can finally tackle some real woodworking projects with aplomb.
Small steps with big gaps
It's been nearly a week since I last posted, and the activity in the workshop has been just as dull. I didn't set foot in there from Monday to Thursday at all. With other things going on, I either didn't have the time or the energy to really do anything.
I did find some time and motivation on Friday to get back out there and make further progress. I left Sunday having completed the major drawer on the right side cabinet. Friday I started on the middle drawer on the left side. I had previously cut the sides to height last week, so it was a matter of sizing the sides up and making a bottom. Since I had limited time, I decided to forgo power and try some hand tool work. I cut the sides to the proper length using the saw I picked up from Lowe's awhile ago for under $2. This thing cuts fantastic. I messed up the size of the bottom on the first drawer, but I thought it might work for this one. Owing to size of the messed up piece, I sized the drawer to be a 'fake full extension.' That means with my 3/4 extension, the sides are longer than the drawer proper.
With the sides cut, I used the same saw to size up the bottom. That went fairly well, although it was hard for me to follow the cut line. The table saw would have been a better choice. I then looked in horror at the cut, realizing that I would have to try to put a rabbet on it with hand tools. And no rabbet plane. I hacked it out using a combination of saws, a plane and a chisel. I won't be attempting that again without a rabbet plane.
Not being impressed with the fit and finish of the previous drawer construction (not a drawer lock as I stated previously), I went with simple butt construction and did the first side glue up yesterday. I came back today and finished it up. I installed two screws each on either side of the front of the drawer for strength. Otherwise, there are no mechanical fasteners. I installed the drawer late today and had to decide what to put in it, since I had to build the drawer to suit the space versus the storage. Since I had my counters pretty much clear by now, I looked in the upper cabinet for ideas. I decided my drill bit sets and my Kreg box would fit perfectly. Or rather, nothing much else would fit well. I thought about some sanding supplies, and that's a future consideration. But for now this frees up a good bit of room up top.
I ended today with an idea to save myself some time: reuse one or two of the remaining drawers. It's too thin to go straight back in, but if I trim about 5/8" off of the side, it can go in sideways. I started disassembling the drawer to cut to size before I called it a day. I may go out tomorrow if the mosquitos don't outnumber the air molecules. They were bad today, and I'm going to have to come up with a solution. I obviously can't go with a candle.
That's what I've got for today. I might have that additional drawer done tomorrow, or it may be a lawn maintenance day. We'll see.
I did find some time and motivation on Friday to get back out there and make further progress. I left Sunday having completed the major drawer on the right side cabinet. Friday I started on the middle drawer on the left side. I had previously cut the sides to height last week, so it was a matter of sizing the sides up and making a bottom. Since I had limited time, I decided to forgo power and try some hand tool work. I cut the sides to the proper length using the saw I picked up from Lowe's awhile ago for under $2. This thing cuts fantastic. I messed up the size of the bottom on the first drawer, but I thought it might work for this one. Owing to size of the messed up piece, I sized the drawer to be a 'fake full extension.' That means with my 3/4 extension, the sides are longer than the drawer proper.
With the sides cut, I used the same saw to size up the bottom. That went fairly well, although it was hard for me to follow the cut line. The table saw would have been a better choice. I then looked in horror at the cut, realizing that I would have to try to put a rabbet on it with hand tools. And no rabbet plane. I hacked it out using a combination of saws, a plane and a chisel. I won't be attempting that again without a rabbet plane.
Not being impressed with the fit and finish of the previous drawer construction (not a drawer lock as I stated previously), I went with simple butt construction and did the first side glue up yesterday. I came back today and finished it up. I installed two screws each on either side of the front of the drawer for strength. Otherwise, there are no mechanical fasteners. I installed the drawer late today and had to decide what to put in it, since I had to build the drawer to suit the space versus the storage. Since I had my counters pretty much clear by now, I looked in the upper cabinet for ideas. I decided my drill bit sets and my Kreg box would fit perfectly. Or rather, nothing much else would fit well. I thought about some sanding supplies, and that's a future consideration. But for now this frees up a good bit of room up top.
I ended today with an idea to save myself some time: reuse one or two of the remaining drawers. It's too thin to go straight back in, but if I trim about 5/8" off of the side, it can go in sideways. I started disassembling the drawer to cut to size before I called it a day. I may go out tomorrow if the mosquitos don't outnumber the air molecules. They were bad today, and I'm going to have to come up with a solution. I obviously can't go with a candle.
That's what I've got for today. I might have that additional drawer done tomorrow, or it may be a lawn maintenance day. We'll see.
15 April 2012
Sunday Funday
Today consisted of trying to put a drawer or two in my new cabinets. I hate making drawers.
I did a traditional drawer lock joint all the way around 1/2" ply on the sides and bottom. It went together fine, but it's sloppy. I much preferred using the pocket screws, and think I'll go back to that for the remainder. The extra effort really isn't worth it without some sort of jig to dial it in accurately. I was only able to get the one deep drawer done, but it does hold a lot.
Tomorrow I would like to get the left side drawer done so I can start thinking about fronts for that side. I have about a half sheet of 1/2" remaining, which would make several drawers if I used some 1/4" bottoms. I used the 1/2" on the deep drawer due to all the weight it's going to hold.
Shop is slightly less of a mess today. No pictures.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I did a traditional drawer lock joint all the way around 1/2" ply on the sides and bottom. It went together fine, but it's sloppy. I much preferred using the pocket screws, and think I'll go back to that for the remainder. The extra effort really isn't worth it without some sort of jig to dial it in accurately. I was only able to get the one deep drawer done, but it does hold a lot.
Tomorrow I would like to get the left side drawer done so I can start thinking about fronts for that side. I have about a half sheet of 1/2" remaining, which would make several drawers if I used some 1/4" bottoms. I used the 1/2" on the deep drawer due to all the weight it's going to hold.
Shop is slightly less of a mess today. No pictures.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
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