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What's on your shop "To-Do" list?

9K views 45 replies 40 participants last post by  559dustdesigns 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
It seems like every project I realize that I need to make a new jig or that my workshop could use some other sort of improvement to improve efficiency/safety/increase storage space etc. I've had a bunch of stuff to build for my new house, so the shop projects have been sorely neglected. Recently I made a list, of which I hope to tackle at least one shop project between each house project.
What shop projects are on your list?
Here's mine:
-cross cut sled for TS
-improve overhead DC for TS
-base for drill press with storage for drill bits/accessories
-new mobile base for planer
-hand tool cabinet
 
#27 ·
I need to make-
a miter spline joint jig for the TS
a zero cleance insert with a micro jig splitter for the TS
a jig to plane twisted boards (maple)
a jig to plane a champhor/ raised panel ( frames,etc. )
That's just this week, next week the list could be twice as long
 
#28 · (Edited by Moderator)
Get rid of the surface rust on the table saw.
Keep working on making better crafted keepsake boxes (It's coming along!).
Finish the router insert for the table saw side extension.
Build a nice router fence.
Build a crosscut sled.
Do something about dust collection for the RAS (phone booth/Big Glup, ShopVac)
Get the popup camper out of the garage workshop!
Make progress on restoring the antique lawyer's bookcase.

There, I've said it in public.

That should keep me out of trouble for a while.
 
#29 · (Edited by Moderator)
Mosquito,
I know how you feel. Hang in there, your day WILL come!

I have waited over 20 years to have a shop! It was difficult to work out of an apartment & a "Cute Ute"!!! As frustrating it is to set up my shop, it pales in comparison to not having one!

Additions to my previous list:
Install HF mobile base for jointer (arrived today!).
Build mobile bases for 3,4,5? other machines.
Build table & fence for my mortise machine.
Tune, adjust & TLC for ALL my machines and tools.
Restore my vintage DeWalt RAS.
Install "Dri-Core" floor, over the extremely uneven concrete.
Install additional ambient & task lighting.
Install compressor & air lines.
Rehab 2 vintage hand planes.
Design & build a DIY CNC router…...............................................
 
#30 ·
I have so many things to do in the shop that if I list them, I might start doing them….....and I would do nothing else till I am 6 feet under…........(-:

Finish my cutoffs cart and my table saw dust collection.

At that point I should buy a large bandsaw, and then have a moratorium on shop projects for 10 years, which will fall apart as soon as I encounter a situation that could use a jig…........

So for me, this is a bad topic….......(-:

Have a good one, 19 deg and snowing in balmy Anchorage…........
 
#31 ·
++ Rotate carbide cutters on my jointer
++ Flip over knives on my lunchbox planer
++ Build Maple Jelly Cupboard
++ Build small Mission Style blanket chest
++ Build grandfather clock

I really wanted to get on with my next project but both jointer and planer show signs of getting dull.
 
#33 ·
It's amazing any of us get actual woodworking done with all the shop projects on the go

Jim: if you could stick to such a moratorium you're a stronger man than most!

Randy: I'd happily take the beer off your hands but Vermont is a bit of a drive from where I live. Move up to Michigan and I'll give you a hand with your shop!
 
#35 · (Edited by Moderator)
Where do I begin?

I basically inherited my shop from the house's PO. While I've made the most of it, it needs a full overhaul. So, the plan is to take everything back to the studs; remove the oddly-spaced shelving, the cobbled-together pegboard, the "workbench" which is really just a flimsy box of drawers topped with hardboard; and then repaint, add a light fixture or two, build a proper workbench, add more useful storage, build a lumber rack in the other end of the basement… Yeah, I'm not anticipating that this will be done anytime soon.

And that's not even counting the jigs/fixtures on my list: crosscut sled, spline jig, router fence, planer sled…
 
#36 · (Edited by Moderator)
I've been working on my shop for at least 6 weeks and I'm really getting tired of it. I want to get back to real woodworking. But the main things that I want to do are:

1. Add on 12 feet towards the street (198 more sq ft)

2. Build a 12 ft x 12ft storage shed for storing, lumber and plywood, hardware, and jigs and fixtures.

3. Add, spindle sander, belt/disc sander, edge sander, shaper, mortising machine, and a larger lathe.

4. Build a cart with storage to mount my scroll saw and it's accessories, etc on.

5. Build a cart for my air compressor to hold the compressor, air guns, and staples

6. Build a cart with drawers for the small used mini milling machine I just bought

If I can do these things I would be close to having what I would call a complete shop.

There are also 4 jigs that I need to make.

helluvawreck aka Charles
http://woodworkingexpo.wordpress.com/
 
#37 ·
- Complete workshop overhaul, reorganise & junk purge
- Build storage cabinets for loose tools/powertools
- Build heated cabinet for storage of glues/paints/stains etc
- Build new proper woodworking workbench
- Build more effective lumber/scrap storage
- Build hand-tool cabinet for above the workbench
OR
Buy bigger house with bigger garage to have a bigger workshop. Most of above still applies..
 
#38 ·
I thought it would be a good idea to incorporate a well in my workbench. However, it has turned into the 'well from Hell', full of all kinds of crud, and the next shop improvement will be pencil boxes that fill the well.
Replace nicked power leads with Festool Plug-It conversion kit.
Make firewood from bending forms that will never get used again.
 
#39 · (Edited by Moderator)
Well here it goes, I know I'm leaving stuff out, this is what I can remember:
  • finish building Cyclone dust collector
  • Remove items takin up space, like, (1)drag the 23 bags of 80 lb cement to my brother in laws house, (2) finish wall oven cabinet and install in kitchen, (3) put, roto tiller in shed
  • make new Zero clearance inserts for table saw, 2- one, for standard blade, one for dado blade
  • organize wood rack against wall
  • organize wood rack on ceiling
  • replace jointer knives
  • finish patching holes in walls/ceilings for new electrical I ran
  • clean and paint 1 garage door & entry door, Did one already then it got too cold
  • insulate garage door once painted
  • install light above workbench
  • put casters on router station
  • sharpen chisels
  • build new TS sled, (on it's last legs, well it is 23 years old)
    I am sure I have forgotten about a dozen more things and I won't get into what needs to be done in the house, that list will give me carpel tunnel system just typing it.;-)
 
#40 ·
My first priority is to redo my shop, clean it up so I can get more power tools. Which means updating the electrical.
Long term plan, to build a 16'x32' shed for my work shop.

@DIYAholic, I'm not too far from you, I'll bring the straws.
 
#41 ·
to do list… I add more stuff to it than I scratch off!!

finish my current project which is a desk for my wife
shaker table
mobile base for the table saw
make a mobile stand for the router table top to serve as an outfeed table for the TS
tool cabinet
better workbench with lots of storage
more storage space
more lights!
straght jig
taper jig
get a drill press
install a floor on the attic
redo the thein dust separator

I think thats it for now…
 
#42 ·
Finish rebuilding my '50s-'60s Craftsman Cabinet saw.
Sell Ryobi BT3000 table saw
Sell Craftsman 6" benchtop jointer
Rebuild Powermatic 6" jointer (older green paint)
Build cross cut sled for Crfatsman table saw
make numerous inserts for Craftsman table saw
repair delta contractor saw and return to guy I got it from
get new fence for Craftsman saw(Delta t-2 or Vega possibly)
 
#43 ·
"LISTS"
Sounds like someone sending me uptown grocery shopping.
REAL men don't use lists ! LOL
I do forget a lot of things …...............
1. CLEANUp is first thing to do.
2. Organize my tiny space all winter long been piling things up higher
3. Grandkids getting older, need to make shop VERY SAFE area ! (Perhaps more locks, less piles, saftey features)
I am open to input on that one…they are not alowed in shop unless I am there…....kids are kids…..the one day I am not round, they find the key…...........don't even want to think about it.
 
#45 · (Edited by Moderator)
Rob:

Being "retard" I don't have a list, and never had one….I have all the time I need to do projects, if I don't croak first….:). Besides…I've already did all the things in my shop you guys are naming. This is fishing season, so I'll back off the shop work and get ready to do some bass fishing…I also fish competive bass tournaments, so that'll be my projects….If I find the time, and want to, I'll make a little something in the shop just to fill the gap…...
Wayne: Glad to hear you're gonna get that rod rack made….all fisherman need a good rod holder…...
 
#46 · (Edited by Moderator)
-Get a counter project finished and delivered.
-Clean up the shop really good.
-Finish the cabinets for my mothers stamp collection.
-Work on my old truck so I can get it out of my shop (its been there for 3.5 years).
-Build my table saw work station, with out feed support and cabinets around it.
-Run dust collecton pipe from my cyclone to my table saw station.
-Work on my jointer planer restoration with new paint, switch, feedrollers, fastenal hardware, and new base.
-Build a miter saw station a log one wall, with wood storage, slide out feature, and dust collection.
-Build a workbench from the 200 year old wood I've got hoarded away.
-I want a large section of french cleat wall for storage of jigs and tools.
-Build a cabinet for the stereo (I still need to buy) and satilite radio tuner, over my tool box and hook it to the inwall speakers I installed 2 years ago.
-Fix the leaks in the roof, replace the small roof over the door that fell off and paint the whole building.
-Install the swamp cooler I bought 2 years ago over the miter saw station in the wall.
At the speed I'm going I'll be receiving social security before I get to the bottom of the list.
 
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