Showing posts with label power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label power. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Power Tools Need a Bench Too
I love benches. I’ve ranted here before about how much I like them, I’ve written essays about my bench design ethic and I’ve been very excited that this winter’s Guild Build is a bench.
Though my favored designs usually lean towards the Rouboesque and I’m a big believer in Chris Schwarz’s “the legs should be flush with the front edge” rule, I’ll freely admit that there is no right bench for everyone.
Lately, I’ve been reading and re-reading John White’s article on his Wired Workbench from Fine Woodworking. It’s not what I would typically think of when a Workbench is mentioned, but the more I look at this bench for power tools, the more I like it.
It incorporates very efficient (and cost effective) clamping, integrated dust control and holds the cords and hoses out of the way (similar to my boom arm). I think it makes for a very functional power tool bench. I’m very temped to build one myself once I’m done with the Clockwork Workbench, but alas I have no room. Luckily my Dad’s shop is roughly the size of my house, so maybe he’ll make one.
Though my favored designs usually lean towards the Rouboesque and I’m a big believer in Chris Schwarz’s “the legs should be flush with the front edge” rule, I’ll freely admit that there is no right bench for everyone.
Lately, I’ve been reading and re-reading John White’s article on his Wired Workbench from Fine Woodworking. It’s not what I would typically think of when a Workbench is mentioned, but the more I look at this bench for power tools, the more I like it.
It incorporates very efficient (and cost effective) clamping, integrated dust control and holds the cords and hoses out of the way (similar to my boom arm). I think it makes for a very functional power tool bench. I’m very temped to build one myself once I’m done with the Clockwork Workbench, but alas I have no room. Luckily my Dad’s shop is roughly the size of my house, so maybe he’ll make one.
I was hoping to embed the video here, but all Ive been able to do is link to it. Check it out on the Fine Woodworking site. So that Im not without image, heres a photo:
If that bench has wet your appetite, here are a few more recent blog posts about workbenches.
Chris’s bench design essay I & II.
Kari has a recent post about the benches of WIA11.
Marc is building a split top Roubo with the Wood Whisperer Guild.
Vic is posting all the time about his Split Top Guild Bench build.
Shannon’s now classic Roubo build.
Schwarz’s Petite Roubo Talk.
My Petite Workbenches.
Marc’s build or buy post
Kari’s joinery bench
Shannon’s joinery bench
Morton’s Sourcing the Lumber
My bench build posts
I’m sure I’ve missed many a good post, so if you have a post about a work bench, or know of one, please share it in the comments.
Chris’s bench design essay I & II.
Kari has a recent post about the benches of WIA11.
Marc is building a split top Roubo with the Wood Whisperer Guild.
Vic is posting all the time about his Split Top Guild Bench build.
Shannon’s now classic Roubo build.
Schwarz’s Petite Roubo Talk.
My Petite Workbenches.
Marc’s build or buy post
Kari’s joinery bench
Shannon’s joinery bench
Morton’s Sourcing the Lumber
My bench build posts
I’m sure I’ve missed many a good post, so if you have a post about a work bench, or know of one, please share it in the comments.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
My DIY Must Haves Power Tools
Last week one of my readers asked for a list of my must have tools for DIY projects. Since we move every few years (and pay to move most of it) we dont want to have a lot of extra stuff, so we try to keep our DIY supplies to a minimum (which can be hard!)
Today, I thought I would start with power tools, because 1. they are the key to building most things 2. they typically make projects easier and faster!
So here we go!
1. Cordless Drill/Drill Bit Set - We use this for pretty much every project ... for the most part it floats around our home! Cordless is a lot better than corded because it has better mobility. Our drill is a Craftsman from Sears and is still working great after several years ... there are a lot of great drills on the market (I think I would prefer something a little smaller, because it can be a little awkward, but David is fine with the size ...)
2. Jigsaw with wide straight cut blade (on ground in photo) - This is a great compact, versatile saw. Yes, typically used for cutting curves, but with the straight cut blade it can make fairly accurate cuts (not perfect)
Another tip for getting straight cuts is screwing a 1x3 or similar board to the what you are cutting and run the jigsaw along for a guide line, when done remove the screws and admire your cut! (make sure to screw into the part that wont be used)
The jigsaw may not be the correct saw for everything, but can get the job done (for most DIY projects) if you dont have a chop saw or table saw.
3. Dremel tool - has lots of great attachments to cut a variety of things, we mostly use ours to cut small amounts of metal, like the brass tube for the pendant light in the bedroom
4. Chop Saw - You can get by without (depending on the project), but if you are making a lot of straight cuts, this will save a lot of time increase precision! Ours is a Dewalt 12" Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw. Since it slides, we can cut up to a 14" board ... we used this to build the sofa table and the tv stand - these projects would of been basically impossible (or taken too much time/not accurate) without it. It is also crucial for cutting 45 angles like the frames for our floating gallery wall (This can be done with a hand saw and miter box, but if doing a large amount, the chop saw will save a lot of time and blisters)
An electric sander is definitely on the list, but I will talk about that with sanding/painting!
And last but definitely not least, below is the safety equipment that we use on a regular basis with these tools
A respirator (dont want to be breathing wood particles in!), Ear muffs to protect hearing while cutting or using the electric sander , and goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris! Thick gloves are also good when handling wood to prevent splinters
In the future? a table saw would be perfect for long cuts and a finish nailer/compressor would be great for upholstering! (I think my hands are going to be tired after finishing the cane chair!)
Ill be back soon to talk about the rest of my DIY list must haves!
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I primed the cane chair yesterday ... painting up next!
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