The Shop is Coming Together...

Hello All
It’s been a while since I have updated you on my dream shop. I am working most days trying to install the insulation and wallboard. Finally the cyclone is installed and operational although tomorrow will be the day I first actually hook it up to a tool. I opened all the ports, somewhere around 8, and turned the cyclone on with the remote control. Surprisingly, I got a pretty good flow thru all 8 ports. The ports are each 6 inches so the CFM’s are better than expected. I mounted it between the rafters as you can see in the picture. I am very pleased with how it came out. I still have to build the trap door to the attic beside the cyclone for access to the motor and electrical hook-up. Eventually I intend to enclose the cyclone and the compressor for noise control.

The compressor piping is in and one wall outlet is complete. There will be another wall outlet on the opposing wall and one that drops down from the ceiling over the workbench. Also, eventually I will hook the system up to the pipe that goes into the garage so that I can air my tires, etc.

I am about 3/4ths complete on the wall insulation and have done a small amount of the ceiling insulation going around those areas where I need access for attic work which is still incomplete. I want to get the walkway in on both sides of the centerline in the attic, and also the support for the storage which will run on both sides of the walkway. Originally I had the builders install the attic ladder, but realized that it was in the way of my Unisaw side table, so I had to move it. Boy, was that a job! That ladder must weigh 70 pounds! I moved it without help except for several ropes and some pulleys. But it is now where I need for it to be, and there is space next to the ladder for a dumbwaiter thingy to help hoist the heavy storage bins up and down from the attic.

I have completed 4 of the six skylights. I used hardboard, which I painted and then insulated. I found that it is easier to put the insulation up first and then nail in the hardboard tunnel.

Tomorrow I plan to move the Unisaw to it’s proper place and then hook it up to the dust collector. I am going to hook up the 4” port and leave the 2” topside port for later. Also, after that, I can move the sawhorses out of the way and get the wall insulation and wallboard up so that I can start building the storage “box” for the 4×8 sheet goods. I’m thinking of building a panel saw contraption on the face of the storage “box”, but will probably do that work later.

It’s a major problem having to move everything around to be able to get to the walls, etc. but it can’t be helped, so I deal with it. The long temporary bench which I build for the SCMS can then be disassembled and the final SCMS bench can be built on the other wall where it will live permanently. The permanent bench will be 15 feet long and will also house the mortiser and a downdraft sanding table.

I figure that in about 6 months I will actually be able to build my first furniture project because I have to build all the shop furniture as I go. But don’t think that I am complaining…......it is fun every day working away in my beautiful shop, music playing and surrounded by peace and serenity.

-- Forget the health food, I need all the preservatives I can get !