Workshop Happenings in a Novice World

Well done. It can be fun bringing back discarded tools to life and making good use of the.
And with David dropping by you have access to the woodworkers encyclopedia.

-- Roger, Rep. of Texas

nice to have a fellow LJer around

-- There is no such thing as a mistake. Its called a design modification Rick Kruse, Grand Rapids, MI

Looks like you’re well on your way.

-- Bruce from Central New York

Great start! Enjoy this part of the process. It only gets better.

And … yeah … David seems like one of the really, really good ones!

-- -- Neil

Not boring in the slightest. All good stuff!

Not sure how prone your hose / cable stowage hook thingamabob is to catching on a person, but you might want to take that Ridgid Orbital sander and relieve the corners a hair. I found that out the hard way with some of my shop projects…

I should mention, I have seen that model jointer, or similar Craftsman 4” jointers on Craigslist here lately. You paid about the going rate for them. Yours looks a LOT nicer than the others I have seen lately though…

The safety paranoid in me is thinking that heater calls for a CO2 alarm… Did you double check w/ soapy water to verify no leaks? And are you supplying sufficient combustion air for it? I bet it makes the shop nice and toasty though. 18K BTU is a LOT of heat in a 12×14l shop…

-- Trying to follow the example of the master.

Congrats on the new tools Doug. I am also concerned about the propane heater. Is it appropriate for a wood shop? I’m not a safety nut, but a live flame heater just doesn’t sound right to me for a woodworker.

-- Mike, American in Norway

Stefang,

I believe that is a catalytic type heater like my Portable Buddy, no real open flame to contend with. For what it’s worth, my concern would be the CO2, and not any possible dust fires. There are some open flame type heaters out there though that I wouldn’t have in any type of workshop.

-- Trying to follow the example of the master.

db – I worked as an lp gas service person for 13 yrs and now am a gas inspector for the State. I refurbed the unit, installed piping to code and checked and rechecked with gas sniffer and leak detector fluid. Combustion air is ok….....there are vents at floor level, ceiling vent, window above the unit and a 4 foot door. Window and door are always cracked open while using. Actually building is 12×16 (minor slip of finger) and small for size of heater…..but it can be regulated down.

stefang….flame heaters are not uncommon in shop environments. However, use of this heater is for taking the chill off, any major cutting, routing, etc are done with heater flames extinguished. As will be the case when applying finishes. Sanding area is across room and dust is collected, so not much of a hazard there unless I started creating dust storms like Larry!!

Thanks for your concerns.

-- Doug, New Mexico.......the only stupid question is one that is never asked!........don't fix it, if it ain't broke!

Doug,

Great, You have it more than covered…

If you get tired of that shop building, you can always move it over to my yard…

-- Trying to follow the example of the master.

hey doug ,
good post ,
and good info on the heater ,
something we all can learn ,
as you are the LP guy .

and thanks for the plug ,
it’s nice to be needed .

-- david ,new mexico ,allheart

Heat helps a ton every shop upgrade makes it a little easier

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Gee Doug, my advice was kind of like trying to teach DaVinci how to Paint or David how to do woodworking. I am glad to hear that all is under control though. And thank you for the reply. Also thanks to DBhost.

-- Mike, American in Norway

Good Blog, Doug! Heat’s up and running, TS and J/P tuned and ready to roll, cords and hoses nice and neat… looks like your ready to make some sawdust! You have my curiosity piqued over this “First Real Project” you mentioned…??? :)

-- Mike in Manchester, NH---Unpleasant tasks are simply worthy challenges to improve skills.

Mike…..I had an old vanity/dresser bench (at least 60 yrs old or better)....carried it around for years. 27 years in NM and the lack of humidity finally caused its demise. Construction was mostly doweled…....only screws were on the top. It dried out/shrunk etc, had been reglued and rescrewed numerous times. Between the 2 females in house, it finally gave out with no chance of resurrection. I have measured the pieces….....made a few modifications….. already cut them out and have done some sanding. Now its a matter of conjuring up enough cojones to do the special cuts. Then assembling, gluing, more sanding and finishing.

The old pieces….actual 3/4 ply has been used in practicing dadoes with router, table saw and by hand. I now have a scrap bin full of dadoes….need some? It’s not a rocket science project…but I would like it to be presentable first piece.

-- Doug, New Mexico.......the only stupid question is one that is never asked!........don't fix it, if it ain't broke!

Well dive on in! Or wade in if you prefer, the Water’s fine!!
I thought you might be making a locking box, to stash your Twinkies in… :)

-- Mike in Manchester, NH---Unpleasant tasks are simply worthy challenges to improve skills.

isn’t it wonderful to hear everyone concerned with safety. What a great bunch of people!
I enjoyed your blog!

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Nice shop update. When I looked at the craftsman table top planer a couple of years ago, it weighed in at 105 pounds. Maybe your planer is a little heavier than you think.

-- Bob Kenosha Wi.