Updates to Shop Activity

Hey Everyone, just a catch-up blog to let everyone know I’ve not abandoned my shop completely. There have been some developments both in projects and shop upgrades. First, I’ve posted a couple of projects, one was a music box for a friend who had surgery and the other was a bowl I turned at a Woodcraft class. Both are posted under my projects. Another I did was a picture frame and easel, this I haven’t posted yet as the one I did was a prototype and I plan to make three more for Christmas gifts. I’ll post those in projects later.

Now, in the shop. Finally found a decent source for hardwood here at the new location, that was a big relief. Then I decided to go some shop upgrades or improvements that have been bugging me. First, the upgrades.

I’ve been working with a PC 690 router, Wolfcraft router table and fence, and a collection of misc bits from Freud and Harbor Freight. The router is good, if a little underpowered for some work, the table is junk, really junk, and the fence a fitting fence for a junk table. Well, after a bonus from the day job I decided it was past time to fix this frustration. After searching and researching for a year of more Woodpecker won out and I invested. Here are some pictures of the new set up.

The top, pebble surface allows work to move nicely across, and metal slots should never wear out.

Lift , and my PC 7518 which wouldn’t fit in the old table is very happy in the new lift as well.

Fence, the super fence is very nice, good dust collection, easy smooth set up, very nice.

The overall set up, which I know looks odd, but I reused the stand, switch, and roller stand from the old unit. Modified to work with the new table, at least until I decide on how I want to design a new cabinet. Works well and moves around the shop easily which is one of my main requirements.

And, well, if you’re going to invest in this nice new table you should invest in a couple of new bits too, shouldn’t you? [GRIN]

This new set up works like a dream, one I’ve been dreaming of for a long time, especially when I was cursing the old junk set up.

Next, improvements to the shop itself. When I moved in last year I laid immediate claims on the basement space as mine, Mine, MINE, ALL MINE. Well, OK the washer and dryer could have a little space, “very little”. Anyway, the plan is to fix it up a little at a time as I decide what I want and how I want it. So, one corner at time and this particular corner was driving me crazy and I have boxes of stuff from the old house still in the back room I’m tired of tripping over. Fix the wall, paint, and new cabinet was the plan and finally done. Here are some pics.

Before, if you look in the back left corner, insulation, studs, and junk.

After, OSB, painted white, cabinet made in the same style as the torsion box bench to match, and a top made us two layers or 3/4in MDF, hardboard top and red oak edging. Houses my PC hotdog compressor (thus the cord up through the top) and lots of storage space. Uppers will come later as I have time.

Also, added a lathe given to me by my Dad. He bought it at an auction about five years ago and never used it. Gave it to me shortly after buying it, and I finally got the chance to bring it home. Just a China made model, but seems to work good, and after a good cleaning is good enough for a rookie like me.

So, yeah I’ve been in there off and on and now that winter is settling in I guess I’ll be spending more time in getting some projects turned out. Thanks for listening and look forward to seeing updates from you guys too.

-- Jim Hallada, Chesterfield, VA