My tools #1: Adding long legs to the Leigh FMT

From my blog:

Sometimes a project calls for drastic action. This is exactly what I had to do, to allow me to cut integral tenons on very long rails for a project for a client.

I normally work with the Leigh FMT on the workbench. But now I am using the workbench to make a stand that will allow me to set the FMT on this new stand on the bench: A kind of self-raising, tower crane. I start the process by milling stock for the legs, and all rails. After a couple of test cuts, I am ready to cut the mortises, and then the tenons:

Cutting the mortises:

And now, cutting the tenons:

I always dry fit, prior to glue-up. I do it in stages – I like to glue up the legs first:

Then I glue the rails onto the two sets of legs previously assembled, and check for square:

Some tweaking is required – and hand tools are sometimes the quickest way to get it done – thus, the integrated shop:

Now I can test the surface mount Leigh clamps on the new plywood top:

The self-raising, tower crane-like FMT on its new perch, with a mock-up of a long rail; I must use a cleat to make attachment to the bench a little cleaner:

This little stand will allow me to cut integral tenons on long pieces. But I still must figure out a way to better clamp all four corners – I think I will probably use cleats on either side of the stand.

Thanks for reading!

Al

-- Al Navas, St Joseph, MO, http://sandal-woodsblog.com