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84K views 183 replies 64 participants last post by  HokieKen 
#1 ·
Cabinet... Learning Experience

Well here they are, my first attempt at cabinets. I decided I needed additional storage and organization in my shop. So I started building these a few months ago, in between other goings ons. They are primarily built out of scrap and I used the Kreg Jig to join them. I based them loosely off of an article in "Shop Notes" and a cabinetry book I bought a while ago. I say loosely as due to using the scrap wood (and it being my first attempt :) ) I made some changes, some of which I now am wondering if it was a good idea… oh well.

When I went to put them up today I cleaned out the space in the corner of my shop where they were to go (not near my workbench) and then started pondering, so that is why they are not in the corner so now I plan to not only touch them up but paint all the areas that were going to be hidden originally. The paint was an "oops" can from HD, great place to look for project paint as a quart is only $1, Gallons are $5. I am olso planning to make some doors for the the two side cabinets and paint the shelves for that one cabinet.

Workshop Cabinet1
Workshop Cabinet2

Learned a lot and there are some obvious issues, but it was a good experience. I hope to do more of them for my shop and continue to improve as I go of course. Do think I need to look into a planer of some type though, but that is another story.

I am continuing to work on my shop and use the projects there to sharpen my skills.Have a few other non-shop based projects I am thinking of as well.

CtL
 
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#85 ·
A quick jig

Did not think this quickie really qualified as a project, but decided to at least do this blog about it.

I have been experimenting a lot lately with various toys and games. Just simple stuff got a number of older books with simple plans and ideas. Recently I made this truck..
IMG_0582

Still needs a little work around the edges, but I like the way it turned out in general. The hole saw concept of making the wheels however was not appealing to me (may just be my hole saw), So I was thinking about using dowel cut offs but needed a way to clamp them into the drill press and center them up. I came up with this idea based on the Colonial Jam Vise I use on my bench.
DrillPress JamVise

The cut off just gets jammed up and can be locked in place.
IMG_0566

To go along with this I found a tip in an issue of Shop Notes regarding making a center finder. So for about $2 I got some parts and now have 2 of these guys.
IMG_0598

Looking forward to putting these things to good use as the holidays draw closer. Got some ideas and hope to get some good projects knocked out for friends and family this year.

CtL
 
#91 ·
ShopQuest 2012

Ok So I know I have been referring to a ShopQuest for the past 2 years now. Well guess what I am finally doing it, with the time I spent in the shop this year thanks to my blog I decided I needed to move some things around. So most of the month of February is going to be dedicated to reorganizing and rearranging my shop. I even got an early start.

I like the workbench I have (it was left behind by the previous owner) but the way I had it situated took up to much space. As did my previously built wall cabinets.

Bef1

Also you will notice the so planned assembly table. It served to collect not only dust but everything else I did not care to find a place for over the past few years.

So over this past week I created a new work area for my daughter with the assembly table and the space that it was in. You can see that project here. Today I tackled the wall and workbench issue.

Here is the outcome.
Aft1

I am very happy with the amount of space that this change opens up.As well as the tool storage above my bench, its nice to get some of my handtools in easy reach. I do have plans to possibly attach some casters to the workbench so I can swing it out from the wall when I need to. I like the ones from Rockler which will raise to to move then drop it back down. I also am planning to build a few more custom wall racks for some of my tools and get the metal hooks off the wall as much as I can.

I am looking forward (with fear and joy) to the next phase which will see me moving my Lathe, Drying Rack and Lumber Rack (which is way more filled them pictured in this post) to other spots in the shop.

I am planning to blog on this as I do some of the work as I did find it kept me motivated to do things last year. So hope you all enjoy, any suggestions or questions you might have feel free to chime in.

Have a good week in and out of the shop.

CtL
 
#92 ·
ShopQuest 2012- Serious Progress Made

but still more to go. Over the past few evenings and having the day today I was able to put another serious dent in the reorg of my shop. I have officially gotten everything moved around to about where I want it. The major push (and I mean it physically) was to get my lumber cart moved over to the wall that is just bare concrete and therefore not good for hanging anything. So here is what the back of the shop looked like last week.

shpqust2a

With a bit of pushing and some help from those little plastic moving pads under my lathe. Here is what the back of the shop now looks like.

shpqust2b

I am loving the fact that I was able to get my microwave finally set up for drying some wood.

My lumber rack></a> is just over 3 years old now and has served me well but I stacked a bunch of stuff on it at the back and could never get to it. With it now residing against the opposite wall and the sheet goods against the wall I have a lot more accessibility to it. I did decided to make a bit of a modification by adding bins in one rack levels, these will serve to hold some of my smaller cut offs I want to keep.

shpqust2c

I really need to cut back on the amount of little stuff I keep. I am going to try very hard to be getting rid of more pieces. Fortunately it will not all go to complete waste, as my daughter's daycare loves getting boxes of scrap that the kids can build things with. I am however going to go through a large dumping area in my shop tomorrow and clean that out. I'll post more on that one later this weekend. Hoping to get a lot out to the curb before trash day on Monday. Once that is done my focus will be on building some new tool holders and storage items.

Thanks for looking.

CtL
 
#100 ·
ShopQuest 2012- Lost a week

Well due to the fact that I somehow managed to pull my back out at work last week I did not get a lot done in the shop. Could barely make it down the steps most of the week. It is feeling better now and I decided to use some spare time to finish the rearranging in the shop.

shpqust3

I managed to get some excess wood thrown out during the last two trash days and found a place for most of the rest of the wood that I had piled up in the alcove. Found my old scrap bin I had built a few years ago at the bottom of the pile. Guess it was too small to handle my scrap. I placed my current log rack in the alcove for now I have plans (you know how that goes) to build a different version that will also have some space for drying wood in the future. I still have about 3 or 4 projects I would like to get to in regards to further organization. However it seems the gift is almost out of the pens that I made so I may be taking some time to do some more over the next few weeks.

But keep an eye out those additional organization projects are coming soon. I promise.

Hope everyone has a good weekend in and out of the shop.

CtL
 
#103 ·
Making the wife happier

As most of you know it is usually a good thing to have a happy wife. Well I am just finishing up a few projects that are helping to make my wife a little happier. Some of you know I have a basement workshop, I keep some of my wood though upstairs in the garage (same place my wife parks everyday). Well the wood was getting a bit out of hand.

Building Gas Wood City Asphalt


Note my sheet goods on the far right side.

Wood Garden tool Gas Hardwood Flooring


One of my drying piles.

So a few weeks ago I tackled the sheet goods side. I got rid of a few things and then attached a 2Ă—4 to the floor with Tapcon screws.

Wood Floor Flooring Gas Hardwood


The strap just makes sure everything does not fall over. The system works quite well and we gained several inches on that side of the car, which is good because that is where my daughter is always getting in.

Today I tackled the other side of the garage. Moved a few shelves around for our back up pantry and then used a bunch of scrap that was piled under those logs to build a rack. Nothing fancy at all, but it seems to work fine.

Property Tire Wood Textile Interior design


With that pile tamed we gained alomost a foot on her side of the car. I have a pile of wood outside that I am going to tackle with my new chainsaw and cut to more manageable pieces. More then likely will move them downstairs and get them cut down into pen blanks mainly.

So there you have it an easy way to make the the wife happier :). Thanks all for looking.

CtL
 

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#104 ·
Making the wife happier

As most of you know it is usually a good thing to have a happy wife. Well I am just finishing up a few projects that are helping to make my wife a little happier. Some of you know I have a basement workshop, I keep some of my wood though upstairs in the garage (same place my wife parks everyday). Well the wood was getting a bit out of hand.

Building Gas Wood City Asphalt


Note my sheet goods on the far right side.

Wood Garden tool Gas Hardwood Flooring


One of my drying piles.

So a few weeks ago I tackled the sheet goods side. I got rid of a few things and then attached a 2Ă—4 to the floor with Tapcon screws.

Wood Floor Flooring Gas Hardwood


The strap just makes sure everything does not fall over. The system works quite well and we gained several inches on that side of the car, which is good because that is where my daughter is always getting in.

Today I tackled the other side of the garage. Moved a few shelves around for our back up pantry and then used a bunch of scrap that was piled under those logs to build a rack. Nothing fancy at all, but it seems to work fine.

Property Tire Wood Textile Interior design


With that pile tamed we gained alomost a foot on her side of the car. I have a pile of wood outside that I am going to tackle with my new chainsaw and cut to more manageable pieces. More then likely will move them downstairs and get them cut down into pen blanks mainly.

So there you have it an easy way to make the the wife happier :). Thanks all for looking.

CtL
Always good to keep the wife happy. On the other hand, with all of the extra space you could get more tools. :)
 

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#113 ·
Shopquest 2014- Big Changes Planned

Well it is that time of year again.. Time to make the best laid plans.

This is what the shop looked like this morning…
Table Wood Interior design Picture frame Retail


the good news is it looks different now…
Wood Shipping box Floor Hardwood Engineering


I know but a big change. I broke down my temporary table and cleaned off my table saw. Which mostly had the stuff I bought at yesterday's Woodworking Show, The great news there is not only did I put almost everything away that I bought but I also made a change to my table saw. I had been using a bag underneath for dust collection which generally worked well except when the bag got a little too full and then it would start pulling the dust out of it.
Wood Gas Machine Cooking Kitchen appliance


I bought a Big Gulp Dust Hood at the show yesterday and installed it so I can connect my DC. A big goal for me this year is to get better control of the dust.

Wood Machine tool Workbench Gas Engineering


I was also inspired by Steve Ramsey's latest video on organizing his shop. So I posted a few extra items that were literally collecting dust in my shop. As well as some of the extra tools that I received from my Grandfather.

I have a number of projects I want to work on over the next 2 months before I start back in on Craft Fair items. Portable Pastimes did well for us this year and we are looking forward to next year. But hoping to get things a little more organized int he shop and also the office. I will plan right now to enter a few blogs in order to keep myself moving forward.

Thanks all for looking and reading.

CtL
 

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#114 ·
Shopquest 2014- Big Changes Planned

Well it is that time of year again.. Time to make the best laid plans.

This is what the shop looked like this morning…
Table Wood Interior design Picture frame Retail


the good news is it looks different now…
Wood Shipping box Floor Hardwood Engineering


I know but a big change. I broke down my temporary table and cleaned off my table saw. Which mostly had the stuff I bought at yesterday's Woodworking Show, The great news there is not only did I put almost everything away that I bought but I also made a change to my table saw. I had been using a bag underneath for dust collection which generally worked well except when the bag got a little too full and then it would start pulling the dust out of it.
Wood Gas Machine Cooking Kitchen appliance


I bought a Big Gulp Dust Hood at the show yesterday and installed it so I can connect my DC. A big goal for me this year is to get better control of the dust.

Wood Machine tool Workbench Gas Engineering


I was also inspired by Steve Ramsey's latest video on organizing his shop. So I posted a few extra items that were literally collecting dust in my shop. As well as some of the extra tools that I received from my Grandfather.

I have a number of projects I want to work on over the next 2 months before I start back in on Craft Fair items. Portable Pastimes did well for us this year and we are looking forward to next year. But hoping to get things a little more organized int he shop and also the office. I will plan right now to enter a few blogs in order to keep myself moving forward.

Thanks all for looking and reading.

CtL
Shop cleaning and organizing is a good thing. Mine is still a work in progress.
 

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#118 ·
ShopQuest 2014- Wood Rack

So as I mentioned in my previous ShopQuest blog I have a number of changes I want to make to the shop and the office as well. I have 3 pieces of Dimensional Furniture left to build for the office. One way I am planning to deal with a shop issue and this at the same time is to use up as much wood as I can from my wood rack.

Wood Wood stain Flooring Floor Hardwood


Now I know a few of you have much larger wood racks then that but considering I am in a 1/4 of a basement, I have decided it is just too big. My plan is to go through it and use up as much as I can in the next month, dispose of that which I can not use and do not see myself using in the next year. The build an rack against the wall using 2Ă—4s and standards to hold the wood I need and that I pick up when needed for game making. By getting this beast and also my large lathe out of the shop.

Table Tool Workbench Cabinetry Wall


I should be able to free up a lot more room to move around some.( Don't worry though the lathe is being replaced by a small model. A Delta Midi, more on that in the future. As one of my projects will be a stand for it.) Also with those items out of the way I am going to be able to relocate my DC to a more centralized location and be able to hook up to more tools. This I am truly looking forward to as I would like to minimize the sawdust on the floor of my shop. ;)

Due to the weather I am getting some extra shop time this week so I am looking forward to putting it to good use. My plan is to be using my blog to keep me motivated and going, so hope you don't mind and maybe I will say something that is useful.

Thanks All.

CtL
 

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#119 ·
ShopQuest 2014- Wood Rack

So as I mentioned in my previous ShopQuest blog I have a number of changes I want to make to the shop and the office as well. I have 3 pieces of Dimensional Furniture left to build for the office. One way I am planning to deal with a shop issue and this at the same time is to use up as much wood as I can from my wood rack.

Wood Wood stain Flooring Floor Hardwood


Now I know a few of you have much larger wood racks then that but considering I am in a 1/4 of a basement, I have decided it is just too big. My plan is to go through it and use up as much as I can in the next month, dispose of that which I can not use and do not see myself using in the next year. The build an rack against the wall using 2Ă—4s and standards to hold the wood I need and that I pick up when needed for game making. By getting this beast and also my large lathe out of the shop.

Table Tool Workbench Cabinetry Wall


I should be able to free up a lot more room to move around some.( Don't worry though the lathe is being replaced by a small model. A Delta Midi, more on that in the future. As one of my projects will be a stand for it.) Also with those items out of the way I am going to be able to relocate my DC to a more centralized location and be able to hook up to more tools. This I am truly looking forward to as I would like to minimize the sawdust on the floor of my shop. ;)

Due to the weather I am getting some extra shop time this week so I am looking forward to putting it to good use. My plan is to be using my blog to keep me motivated and going, so hope you don't mind and maybe I will say something that is useful.

Thanks All.

CtL
I feel your concern to straighten up the shop. Little steps at a time give you more time to think about what needs to be done. I know what you are going thru and behind you all the way except for throwing away any lumber. Unless it's warped, cracked, twisted, whatever go ahead and build something out of it. Just a suggestion, I have a good amount of lumber stored between the joists in the ceiling.
 

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#124 ·
ShopQuest 2014 Making Progress!!

January 5th
Wood Wood stain Flooring Floor Hardwood


January 12th
Wood Floor Wood stain Hardwood Beam


So a portion of that wood went into 2 of the 3 office projects that I recently posted. another portion has been sorted out and put in hopefully better more organized spaces.

This pic shows wood that literally came with my house. Which means it has been in the rafter for a minimum of 10 years.

Wood Beam Ceiling Gas Electrical wiring


I pulled all the trim pieces down from around the vent and found 4 pieces of oak that will make a nice picture frame. The rest was pretty much trash. I then used that space to stow some of my really long dowels and some longer trim pieces that I had. The clamp you see in this pic was from my Grandfather still works fine but a bit old and I did not want to chance is staining anything. I used it up there to secure some longer pieces of trim.

Wood Composite material Tints and shades Beam Ceiling


My shorter dowels and some of my other short boards all got a new home as well.

Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Gas


I built this box years ago as a scrap box and boy was it filled with scraps. overflowing out of the top. So I decided to make it a bit more useful again. Now the only reason it is a scrap box is because that's what it is made out of.

I still have my large lathe up for sale but decided to get it out of the shop. Those little plastic moving pads work great. Just got them underneath and pushed it right out. I forgot how much space was in that corner.

Wood Workbench Toolroom Engineering Machine


At the moment it is filled with some of my other tools as I continue to work on my lumber rack. I am hopeful I will get some time this week to pull the cart out and continue to empty it. One project that will help is the bench for my new smaller lathe.

Well I suppose that is enough rambling for now. So happy to have that much done. Thanks all for looking and reading.

CtL
 

Attachments

#125 ·
ShopQuest 2014 Making Progress!!

January 5th
Wood Wood stain Flooring Floor Hardwood


January 12th
Wood Floor Wood stain Hardwood Beam


So a portion of that wood went into 2 of the 3 office projects that I recently posted. another portion has been sorted out and put in hopefully better more organized spaces.

This pic shows wood that literally came with my house. Which means it has been in the rafter for a minimum of 10 years.

Wood Beam Ceiling Gas Electrical wiring


I pulled all the trim pieces down from around the vent and found 4 pieces of oak that will make a nice picture frame. The rest was pretty much trash. I then used that space to stow some of my really long dowels and some longer trim pieces that I had. The clamp you see in this pic was from my Grandfather still works fine but a bit old and I did not want to chance is staining anything. I used it up there to secure some longer pieces of trim.

Wood Composite material Tints and shades Beam Ceiling


My shorter dowels and some of my other short boards all got a new home as well.

Wood Floor Flooring Hardwood Gas


I built this box years ago as a scrap box and boy was it filled with scraps. overflowing out of the top. So I decided to make it a bit more useful again. Now the only reason it is a scrap box is because that's what it is made out of.

I still have my large lathe up for sale but decided to get it out of the shop. Those little plastic moving pads work great. Just got them underneath and pushed it right out. I forgot how much space was in that corner.

Wood Workbench Toolroom Engineering Machine


At the moment it is filled with some of my other tools as I continue to work on my lumber rack. I am hopeful I will get some time this week to pull the cart out and continue to empty it. One project that will help is the bench for my new smaller lathe.

Well I suppose that is enough rambling for now. So happy to have that much done. Thanks all for looking and reading.

CtL
Nice
 

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#126 ·
ShopQuest 2014- Lathe Set UP!!

Hey all,
I am happy to report that a big part of ShopQuest 2014 has been completed. My new lathe is on a stand and all set up to try out.

Table Wood Desk Eyewear Drill


It was built using left over 2Ă—4s and a new 2Ă—12 board. Seems pretty sturdy so far and considering I am not planning on throwing a massive chunk of anything on it I think it will work well. I am planning to hopefully turn something this evening. Have to take a look to see what I have that is prepped to go. Otherwise it will be a few days. The set up will take little getting use to but I think it will work fine, otherwise I will just move it back under the shelves, but I am hoping to have freed up some space for some other tools now and get them out of the middle of my floor.

So what's left? I now need a stand for my sharpening wheel and also one of my belt sander. Contemplating a flip top style to accommodate by belt sander and scroll saw since I don't use it often but would like to have it a little more easily accessible. We'll see. Also thinking hard about my workbench, it more than often just collects junk and I am not sure when the last time I used it for a project. I tend to set up a temporary space on saw horses when I need the open space. Just did it about 5 different times in the past 2 weeks. Does anyone use that approach instead of having a dedicated bench?

I have decided to keep my wood rack for this year at least but will be making a few edits to it and getting rid of a few more pieces of wood that have been there for a bit too long. But he good news is that this is what the shop looks like now that I got rid of some excess piles.

Wood Shelf Machine Engineering Toolroom


So much happier though I still do have to figure out a bit of space for a few other things, including a scrap wood box for my daughter. More to come.

Thanks for reading.

CtL
 

Attachments

#127 ·
ShopQuest 2014- Lathe Set UP!!

Hey all,
I am happy to report that a big part of ShopQuest 2014 has been completed. My new lathe is on a stand and all set up to try out.

Table Wood Desk Eyewear Drill


It was built using left over 2Ă—4s and a new 2Ă—12 board. Seems pretty sturdy so far and considering I am not planning on throwing a massive chunk of anything on it I think it will work well. I am planning to hopefully turn something this evening. Have to take a look to see what I have that is prepped to go. Otherwise it will be a few days. The set up will take little getting use to but I think it will work fine, otherwise I will just move it back under the shelves, but I am hoping to have freed up some space for some other tools now and get them out of the middle of my floor.

So what's left? I now need a stand for my sharpening wheel and also one of my belt sander. Contemplating a flip top style to accommodate by belt sander and scroll saw since I don't use it often but would like to have it a little more easily accessible. We'll see. Also thinking hard about my workbench, it more than often just collects junk and I am not sure when the last time I used it for a project. I tend to set up a temporary space on saw horses when I need the open space. Just did it about 5 different times in the past 2 weeks. Does anyone use that approach instead of having a dedicated bench?

I have decided to keep my wood rack for this year at least but will be making a few edits to it and getting rid of a few more pieces of wood that have been there for a bit too long. But he good news is that this is what the shop looks like now that I got rid of some excess piles.

Wood Shelf Machine Engineering Toolroom


So much happier though I still do have to figure out a bit of space for a few other things, including a scrap wood box for my daughter. More to come.

Thanks for reading.

CtL
Looking good, your shop is about the same size as mine….but much more organized.
 

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#133 ·
ShopQuest 2014- Sharpening

Since I got the new lathe set up my sharpening system that resided at the end of my old lathe needed a new home.

Wood Interior design Flooring Floor Home appliance


The current stand being table top was a bit too short to use properly.

I decided the best bet was a quick and simple stand. Built out of some left over 2Ă—4s.

Wood Gas Hardwood Art Flooring


So a few hours later and we are good to go.

Table Wood Interior design Desk Flooring


I have some new tools coming in and I am looking forward to getting use out of them. I do plan to doa little more with my sharpening jig this year and get a cut on my tools.

Happy to say I got a good amount of time in the shop and this was the first project, most of the rest was prepping but I did manage to clean up and out some small scrap wood. I am also happy to say that I did not just toss it, I called my daughter's old daycare and the were happy to receive 2 boxes full of wood for the kids to play with and make projects out of.

Until later…

CtL
 

Attachments

#134 ·
ShopQuest 2014- Sharpening

Since I got the new lathe set up my sharpening system that resided at the end of my old lathe needed a new home.

Wood Interior design Flooring Floor Home appliance


The current stand being table top was a bit too short to use properly.

I decided the best bet was a quick and simple stand. Built out of some left over 2Ă—4s.

Wood Gas Hardwood Art Flooring


So a few hours later and we are good to go.

Table Wood Interior design Desk Flooring


I have some new tools coming in and I am looking forward to getting use out of them. I do plan to doa little more with my sharpening jig this year and get a cut on my tools.

Happy to say I got a good amount of time in the shop and this was the first project, most of the rest was prepping but I did manage to clean up and out some small scrap wood. I am also happy to say that I did not just toss it, I called my daughter's old daycare and the were happy to receive 2 boxes full of wood for the kids to play with and make projects out of.

Until later…

CtL
Always interesting to see how others set up their shop. Always need ideas.
 

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#139 ·
ShopQuest 2014- Wood Rack Revisited

So as I mentioned in my earlier blogs for this year's ShopQuest I wanted to get rid of my wood rack. I decided that was going to take a major effort and instead to do a little better allocation of space on it and see how it works this year. I spent a weekend cleaning it up and finding space for some of the wood and getting rid of some of it as well. I am not a fan of throwing out wood but some of it just was not going to be useful at all. I narrowed it down a little further and used pieces I had to build in compartmental shelves.

Shelf Wood Shelving Hardwood Wood stain


This now allows me to organize all of my smaller stuff such as pen blanks, game blanks, and wine tilt blanks. As well as other stuff such as colored wood and exotic small pieces.

Wood Shelf Shelving Shipping box Cabinetry


The plastic boxes I picked up at the big orange for just 99 cents each. I must have bought a dozen or more and they have been put to use in numerous places around the house. The ones here are used to separate pen blanks. I am sure I am going to be adjusting this for the next few weeks but so far I like the idea and hope it will work. May just decide next year to build a new rack on a bit smaller scale with plenty of smaller shelves. We'll see…

Thanks for looking.

CtL
 

Attachments

#140 ·
ShopQuest 2014- Wood Rack Revisited

So as I mentioned in my earlier blogs for this year's ShopQuest I wanted to get rid of my wood rack. I decided that was going to take a major effort and instead to do a little better allocation of space on it and see how it works this year. I spent a weekend cleaning it up and finding space for some of the wood and getting rid of some of it as well. I am not a fan of throwing out wood but some of it just was not going to be useful at all. I narrowed it down a little further and used pieces I had to build in compartmental shelves.

Shelf Wood Shelving Hardwood Wood stain


This now allows me to organize all of my smaller stuff such as pen blanks, game blanks, and wine tilt blanks. As well as other stuff such as colored wood and exotic small pieces.

Wood Shelf Shelving Shipping box Cabinetry


The plastic boxes I picked up at the big orange for just 99 cents each. I must have bought a dozen or more and they have been put to use in numerous places around the house. The ones here are used to separate pen blanks. I am sure I am going to be adjusting this for the next few weeks but so far I like the idea and hope it will work. May just decide next year to build a new rack on a bit smaller scale with plenty of smaller shelves. We'll see…

Thanks for looking.

CtL
Chris, wow what a great system!

How do you like the small Jet planer, been thinking about that now that I have all the rough wood blanks…..

chers, johnl
 

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#145 ·
ShopQuest 2014- I found my Workbench!

Here you can see my workbench on the right side, this is what it looked like after I got the Lathe off and on its stand. Some items were shuffled but it generally was full of lots of stuff.

Wood Shelf Machine Engineering Toolroom


I took some time yesterday and this morning to do some cleaning and organizing.

Bottle Cabinetry Table Wood Desk


Much better :)

I also worked a bit on my Lathe area as I need to get that straightened out with the new lathe there. Cleared off all of the shelves and actually figured out what all was on them.

Wood Electrical wiring Desk Table Engineering


They look much better now….

Wood Engineering Gas Tool Machine


Now time to jump in the shop and get some work accomplished.

CtL
 

Attachments

#146 ·
ShopQuest 2014- I found my Workbench!

Here you can see my workbench on the right side, this is what it looked like after I got the Lathe off and on its stand. Some items were shuffled but it generally was full of lots of stuff.

Wood Shelf Machine Engineering Toolroom


I took some time yesterday and this morning to do some cleaning and organizing.

Bottle Cabinetry Table Wood Desk


Much better :)

I also worked a bit on my Lathe area as I need to get that straightened out with the new lathe there. Cleared off all of the shelves and actually figured out what all was on them.

Wood Electrical wiring Desk Table Engineering


They look much better now….

Wood Engineering Gas Tool Machine


Now time to jump in the shop and get some work accomplished.

CtL
HEY I SEE THE MICROWAVE!

Is the pie warmed up; and where is the coffee pot? Or did I miss it?
 

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#151 ·
ShopQuest 2014- got around to it.

For quite awhile now this is how my pliers have been stored above my workbench…

Pliers Snips Tool Diagonal pliers Pruning shears


Since I was puttering around the shop today with yet another snow day. I finally took a few minutes to make a rack. I used some games that did not turn out for one reason or another as sides and a piece of scrap 2Ă—4 that was once a shelf in my shop.

Hand tool Wood Snips Tool Gas


Nothing very exciting I know… however as I continue to think about it I think this space is going to become a bigger area for a future ShopQuest. I am pushing around a multilayer tool cabinet in order to better organize the tools.

Product Hand tool Tool Metalworking hand tool Snips


I have a number of ideas floating around from fellow LJ's and just around the web in general. For now though this should be a lot easier to deal with than those little hooks. Thanks for looking.

CtL
 

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#152 ·
ShopQuest 2014- got around to it.

For quite awhile now this is how my pliers have been stored above my workbench…

Pliers Snips Tool Diagonal pliers Pruning shears


Since I was puttering around the shop today with yet another snow day. I finally took a few minutes to make a rack. I used some games that did not turn out for one reason or another as sides and a piece of scrap 2Ă—4 that was once a shelf in my shop.

Hand tool Wood Snips Tool Gas


Nothing very exciting I know… however as I continue to think about it I think this space is going to become a bigger area for a future ShopQuest. I am pushing around a multilayer tool cabinet in order to better organize the tools.

Product Hand tool Tool Metalworking hand tool Snips


I have a number of ideas floating around from fellow LJ's and just around the web in general. For now though this should be a lot easier to deal with than those little hooks. Thanks for looking.

CtL
Great organization. I am always looking for ideas.
 

Attachments

#157 ·
Table Saw Saw Mill

Well as my journey of processing wood for use in turning continues. I have been looking for a way to cut my own stuff using the bandsaw I have. it mostly works well enough but is not great at resawing. I came across Izzy Swan great channel on YouTube. I really liked the idea of using my table saw to mill logs, so I decided to tackle the project. The video for this can be found here.

Wood Table Workbench Tool Engineering


After completing the build. I grabbed a piece of holly I have had around for a bit.

Wood Floor Flooring Gas Hardwood


Cut it to length. I only made by jig 18" as I wanted to easily handle it on my small saw. Besides I am primarily looking at making pen blanks and turning stock.

Wood Table Bumper Hardwood Gas


Ran it through the saw only to find out I should have measured my maximum blade height first.. DOH!! The blade on my little saw does not come all the way up to cut completely through the log. It leaves a very thin strip, which I am able to break away with a chisel and running through my jointer. I am good with this fact right now and am still looking towards a newer saw in the not too distant future. So I will be using as is.

I was able to cut a 1" piece for some pens and a 1 1/2" piece for at least 2 bottle openers from my first log.

Wood Shipping box Hardwood Gas Engineering


I am looking forward to putting this to further use and will also plan to build a new one in the future.

CtL
 

Attachments

#158 ·
Table Saw Saw Mill

Well as my journey of processing wood for use in turning continues. I have been looking for a way to cut my own stuff using the bandsaw I have. it mostly works well enough but is not great at resawing. I came across Izzy Swan great channel on YouTube. I really liked the idea of using my table saw to mill logs, so I decided to tackle the project. The video for this can be found here.

Wood Table Workbench Tool Engineering


After completing the build. I grabbed a piece of holly I have had around for a bit.

Wood Floor Flooring Gas Hardwood


Cut it to length. I only made by jig 18" as I wanted to easily handle it on my small saw. Besides I am primarily looking at making pen blanks and turning stock.

Wood Table Bumper Hardwood Gas


Ran it through the saw only to find out I should have measured my maximum blade height first.. DOH!! The blade on my little saw does not come all the way up to cut completely through the log. It leaves a very thin strip, which I am able to break away with a chisel and running through my jointer. I am good with this fact right now and am still looking towards a newer saw in the not too distant future. So I will be using as is.

I was able to cut a 1" piece for some pens and a 1 1/2" piece for at least 2 bottle openers from my first log.

Wood Shipping box Hardwood Gas Engineering


I am looking forward to putting this to further use and will also plan to build a new one in the future.

CtL
Wow, welcome aboard the "small bandsaw resaw" club Chris! I'll check out that YT channel.
 

Attachments

#163 ·
Finishing Rack

Been working on a number of bottle openers and decided to try a lacquer finish on them as it should hold up a bit better. Problem was how to apply the finish on a round thing. Here is the simple solution I came up with.

Wood Table Rectangle Flooring Hardwood


Wood Flooring Gas Art Hardwood


Basic piece of scrap wood (actually game that did not work out) 3/8" bolts and nuts. It worked worked well. I have 5 new bottle openers already dried with lacquer and the epoxy is now curing on them.

Tool Gas Wood Machine Kitchen utensil


Looking forward to delivering these to the gift shop this coming week along with an order of Bloomin' Pens.

Office supplies Writing implement Font Pen Recreation


Maybe with these pens Bloomin' it will encourage some other things in the garden to bloom.

Have a good day all and hope you get some shop time.

CtL
 

Attachments

#164 ·
Finishing Rack

Been working on a number of bottle openers and decided to try a lacquer finish on them as it should hold up a bit better. Problem was how to apply the finish on a round thing. Here is the simple solution I came up with.





Basic piece of scrap wood (actually game that did not work out) 3/8" bolts and nuts. It worked worked well. I have 5 new bottle openers already dried with lacquer and the epoxy is now curing on them.



Looking forward to delivering these to the gift shop this coming week along with an order of Bloomin' Pens.



Maybe with these pens Bloomin' it will encourage some other things in the garden to bloom.

Have a good day all and hope you get some shop time.

CtL
Clever trick Chris :) Nice pens too!
 

Attachments

#167 ·
New Bandsaw Stand

I bought my old Craftsman bandsaw off of Craigslist a sometime ago and it came with a metal stand with some nice retractable wheels. You see it here in an old shop picture.
Audio equipment Gas Musical instrument accessory Wood Machine


It has done a great job but I was constantly tightening the screws holding it on the stand and when I moved it into place next to my new lathe I soon was tripping over the splayed legs or killing my ankle on the wheel locks. So I finally took some time to get a new stand built for it.

Table Wood Gas Electronic device Machine


Wood Machine tool Gas Hardwood Machine


the best part is that I bought no wood to build this stand, just used 2x material I had hanging around the shop. I am determined to use all of the wood I have up one of these days :) I bought two casters for this and like most of my tool stands it uses those along with some wood blocks to level and move on just the two wheels. It is way easier to move now.

While I was crawling around under it, I decided to also reset the belt in order to hopefully get a better cut with it. I will know if that worked later as I still have to put my larger blade back into it.

Not much of a project but I have not gotten into the shop much recently so I was quite happy with it. Hope the idea may be of use to a few others.

CtL
 

Attachments

#168 ·
New Bandsaw Stand

I bought my old Craftsman bandsaw off of Craigslist a sometime ago and it came with a metal stand with some nice retractable wheels. You see it here in an old shop picture.
Audio equipment Gas Musical instrument accessory Wood Machine


It has done a great job but I was constantly tightening the screws holding it on the stand and when I moved it into place next to my new lathe I soon was tripping over the splayed legs or killing my ankle on the wheel locks. So I finally took some time to get a new stand built for it.

Table Wood Gas Electronic device Machine


Wood Machine tool Gas Hardwood Machine


the best part is that I bought no wood to build this stand, just used 2x material I had hanging around the shop. I am determined to use all of the wood I have up one of these days :) I bought two casters for this and like most of my tool stands it uses those along with some wood blocks to level and move on just the two wheels. It is way easier to move now.

While I was crawling around under it, I decided to also reset the belt in order to hopefully get a better cut with it. I will know if that worked later as I still have to put my larger blade back into it.

Not much of a project but I have not gotten into the shop much recently so I was quite happy with it. Hope the idea may be of use to a few others.

CtL
Looks sturdy. I clip my ankles on the wheel locks on my mobile base more often than I would care to mention. Nice improvement to the old saw.

Tom
 

Attachments

#170 ·
Shopquest 2017!

A new year has once again dawned on us. So once again it is time to venture into the shop and do a little winter cleaning and prepare for yet another year of projects and experiments. Portable Pastimes (my home based craft business) continues to grow and I look forward to the possible introduction of new products over the course of the year.

However before that can happen I have to make room in the shop for my newest addition..

Automotive design Shipping box Electronic device Carton Machine


I have upgraded my bandsaw frm the old Craigslist 12" Craftsman to this Brand New 14" Laguna. Need to make the space and then work on getting the beast into my basement. The Craftsman has served me quite well the past years and is still in great working order but really looking forward to putting this new tool to use, especially considering it's resaw capacity.

The good news is I did start a little early on this year's Shopquest by doing some cleaning up after Christmas projects were done.

Property Wood Table Hardwood Machine


Table Wood Cabinetry Interior design Workbench


Some of this space is now occupied by the finishing of the latest tool swap, but going to work on that as I am cleaning.

Besides getting the new saw to fit. I am really interested in getting rid of my large multitool table…

Wood Tool Workbench Gas Toolroom


The idea works great but it just takes up so much room for the size of my shop. I've been looking at ideas and going to attempt separate tool stands for both of the tools. Besides the space configuration this should also help with some additional sawdust control which I am in dire need of.

I have a number of projects planned for this year around the house and for the business. Going to try my best to stay a little more active here on the forum. But, in the meantime..
May 2017 bring us new journeys and discoveries and allow old wounds to heal.
May our troubles be fewer and our health be greater.

Wishing you all a good year!

CtL
 

Attachments

#171 ·
Shopquest 2017!

A new year has once again dawned on us. So once again it is time to venture into the shop and do a little winter cleaning and prepare for yet another year of projects and experiments. Portable Pastimes (my home based craft business) continues to grow and I look forward to the possible introduction of new products over the course of the year.

However before that can happen I have to make room in the shop for my newest addition..

Automotive design Shipping box Electronic device Carton Machine


I have upgraded my bandsaw frm the old Craigslist 12" Craftsman to this Brand New 14" Laguna. Need to make the space and then work on getting the beast into my basement. The Craftsman has served me quite well the past years and is still in great working order but really looking forward to putting this new tool to use, especially considering it's resaw capacity.

The good news is I did start a little early on this year's Shopquest by doing some cleaning up after Christmas projects were done.

Property Wood Table Hardwood Machine


Table Wood Cabinetry Interior design Workbench


Some of this space is now occupied by the finishing of the latest tool swap, but going to work on that as I am cleaning.

Besides getting the new saw to fit. I am really interested in getting rid of my large multitool table…

Wood Tool Workbench Gas Toolroom


The idea works great but it just takes up so much room for the size of my shop. I've been looking at ideas and going to attempt separate tool stands for both of the tools. Besides the space configuration this should also help with some additional sawdust control which I am in dire need of.

I have a number of projects planned for this year around the house and for the business. Going to try my best to stay a little more active here on the forum. But, in the meantime..
May 2017 bring us new journeys and discoveries and allow old wounds to heal.
May our troubles be fewer and our health be greater.

Wishing you all a good year!

CtL
Great new Tool(TOY)!

Ah yes, among my goals for the first week of January is too clean, sort of-ORGANIZE my shp too!

Good Luck,
 

Attachments

#173 ·
Shopquest 2017! Part 2

So just a few days into the year and happy that I got a whole morning to work on cleaning up the shop.

Wood Building Floor Flooring Workbench


I got up a huge amount of the floor dust and was able to clean off all of the tools and reset them. Got three boxes full of scrap wood that I will be packing up to take to work for burning. I once again talked myself out of dismantling my large multi-tool table. I did though make a few quick modifications to it and my shop vac so the vac now rests on the bottom of the table.

Wood Hardwood Flooring Machine Engineering


It is going to take me a few more days or maybe weekends until I have a chance to get the new saw set up. But looking forward to when I do.

CtL
 

Attachments

#174 ·
Shopquest 2017! New Saw Up!

Ok, So it has taken me a few weeks to get the saw from my garage to the shop. But I with help from the wife got it into the basement yesterday and I completed assembly and set up this morning.

Wood Gas Machine Engineering Hardwood


Set up was generally easy, even had some help from my daughter. Had to run out to get a blade this morning as I had not gotten one yet, and again this afternoon as my dust connector I had did not fit the duct port on the saw. Why is it that 4" is different on every tool? Quick fix though and it does generate a lot less dust with the collector running. Need to just remember to turn it on.

After a few test cuts I decided to run some scrap logs through it. I am going to like this saw….

Food Kitchen appliance Ingredient Wood Staple food


Wood Rectangle Floor Wood stain Hardwood


Now if I can get my stabilization setup put together I think I will be good with most turning wood for a while.

CtL
 

Attachments

#175 ·
Shopquest 2017! New Saw Up!

Ok, So it has taken me a few weeks to get the saw from my garage to the shop. But I with help from the wife got it into the basement yesterday and I completed assembly and set up this morning.

Wood Gas Machine Engineering Hardwood


Set up was generally easy, even had some help from my daughter. Had to run out to get a blade this morning as I had not gotten one yet, and again this afternoon as my dust connector I had did not fit the duct port on the saw. Why is it that 4" is different on every tool? Quick fix though and it does generate a lot less dust with the collector running. Need to just remember to turn it on.

After a few test cuts I decided to run some scrap logs through it. I am going to like this saw….

Food Kitchen appliance Ingredient Wood Staple food


Wood Rectangle Floor Wood stain Hardwood


Now if I can get my stabilization setup put together I think I will be good with most turning wood for a while.

CtL
Nice rig, you will find lots of use for it. Am using the 3/4 in reasaw king, cuts like butter.
 

Attachments

#177 ·
6 Years in the making

Well I finally did it! I took apart my huge lumber rack, I said I would do it 6 years ago in this blog. I tried to adapt it but it just stil took up too much floor space for what i needed to really keep in the shop.

Wood Shelving Hardwood Gas Tool


The good news is like most things in my shop it was primarily assembled with 2Ă—4s and pocket screws. So I was able to totally dismantle the entire thing in about an hour and now have a wood that will be recylcled into a few other shop projects.

Wood Shelf Shelving Table Hardwood


The best part is that I gained a huge amount of space in the shop.

Building Wood Flooring Floor Hardwood


I have some plans for this space already of course as well as another plan to possibly add another few feet back to the shop. first though I'm going to pick up another of these shelves from the big orange place and put some of the wood I am keeping on it.

Table Interior design Shelving Shelf Retail

This one was bought a few weeks ago and currently looks nothing like this picture as I just started piling wood from the rack around it.

Glad to have it out of the way and now to March onward.

CtL
 

Attachments

#178 ·
6 Years in the making

Well I finally did it! I took apart my huge lumber rack, I said I would do it 6 years ago in this blog. I tried to adapt it but it just stil took up too much floor space for what i needed to really keep in the shop.

Wood Shelving Hardwood Gas Tool


The good news is like most things in my shop it was primarily assembled with 2Ă—4s and pocket screws. So I was able to totally dismantle the entire thing in about an hour and now have a wood that will be recylcled into a few other shop projects.

Wood Shelf Shelving Table Hardwood


The best part is that I gained a huge amount of space in the shop.

Building Wood Flooring Floor Hardwood


I have some plans for this space already of course as well as another plan to possibly add another few feet back to the shop. first though I'm going to pick up another of these shelves from the big orange place and put some of the wood I am keeping on it.

Table Interior design Shelving Shelf Retail

This one was bought a few weeks ago and currently looks nothing like this picture as I just started piling wood from the rack around it.

Glad to have it out of the way and now to March onward.

CtL
Congrats on you step forward! Shop reorg is a pain. Question - you have a sign on your bandsaw?
 

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