Thought I’d share a couple pics of some of my, umm… ‘creations’.
I’m sure everyone has fabricated a makeshift tool before, and shopmade jigs are commonplace. Here are a couple ‘tools’ that I put together because I didn’t have the actual tool. Both of them worked great for their intended purpose.
My Table Sander
I simply took a full sheet of sandpaper, folded the end over the edge of my work surface and clamped it down then stuck a piece of double-sided tape on the bottom of the far end. I used this to smooth out the top of a jewelry box I’m making and also to sand down between coats. This nice thing about my sander is that changing from 80 to 220 to 400 grit takes about 15 seconds!
My Bench Vise
What a great tool! I mangled some dovetails a couple days ago (see my previous blog entry) and wanted to try something a little easier – a simple box joint. I don’t have a vise yet so I ‘built’ this one. It’s easily adjustable and with a little tweaking it holds the stock pretty tight.
Thought a few others might get a chuckle out of these, feel free to share any of your own masterpieces of engineering.
-- Tim D. - Woodstock, GA
6 comments so far
Blake
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2016 posts in 360 days
posted 303 days ago
Hey, whatever works! No matter how many tools we have, the best tool is the ability to adapt to fill a need, no matter how unusual, obscure, or simple.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.theeasellife.com
Buckskin
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483 posts in 473 days
posted 303 days ago
Necessity is the mother of invention, some wise person said. If it works and it is safe go for it. I don’t have all the bells and whistles in my shop either and find my self contriving all sorts of guizmos to hold this or that.
Keep thinking!
Karson
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12910 posts in 886 days
posted 303 days ago
Way to think outside the box. Make do with what you have until your Lottery win comes in.
-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com
Thos. Angle
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3236 posts in 448 days
posted 302 days ago
Do what ever it takes to get what you want and settle for no less.
-- Thos. Angle, Owyhee Design, Oregon
cajunpen
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5348 posts in 551 days
posted 302 days ago
We have a McGeiver in the making here. What ever works is a good solution.
-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/
rikkor
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7678 posts in 360 days
posted 302 days ago
Creativity is one of the best tools you can have.
-- Maplewood, MN