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4 tier shelving unit
I used pallet wood to build the tiers. First I cut it to the width. Then I set the blade to a 45º angle to cut everything to length. I used a stop block to make precision cuts. 25 and 30 cm pieces were cut, 8 of each length. Glued and clamped with my recently build corner clamps. It is perfectly square. I also tried different ways of using my clamps, even better results. Sanding, clamping and cutting a recess for an aluminium corner. Once the frames were done I prepared another batch of pallet wood. Planed down to the…
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Corner clamps
A chipboard scrap was used to build the project. Once I had an idea of how they would look, I moved to the next step – a table saw. Drilling holes with 12 mm bit. I countersank them – just for fun. Using a table saw – cutting from both sides. A quick sanding and rounding of the corners. 8 pieces make a set of 4 corner clamps, they can be used in different ways.
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Large bits router table top
I already have a router tabletop, but this one is slightly different. It can be used with large router bits – cutting head of 2 inches in diameter (50 mm). This big cutting head means a different router base. The trimmer base was too small for large bits, luckily the plunge base can handle bits of nearly 64 mm in diameter. Cutting the plywood was the first thing to do. Due to the size of the base I also had to trim the workbench. First with the jigsaw, then with the router. That was the first time I used a…
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Tapering and straight line jig
2 in 1 jig, cutting a straight line and making tapered cuts. It will allow me to get an angle from 0 to 7º. First I had to cut 2 pieces of plywood to the width. I kept its original length of 61 cm. Then I had to cut a bolt head groove. The router bit I was using was too small in diameter so I had to do 2 passes and some freehand routing. I switched for a smaller router bit and cut the grooves for bolt threads. Once the bottom part was cut I moved to the top…
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Simple router table-top
Its size was determined by 2 factors – storing and mounting place. I didn’t have much choice but to cut the plywood board to ~32 cm in width and keep its original length of 61 cm. It will be mounted on my workbench, and it will be stored on a rack while not in use. The rough shape was cut with a jigsaw and finished with a router. It’s just more perpendicular to the surface this way. That was the 1st “layer”. Quite tight looking from the bottom. The 2nd layer had to be cut for the collar. The 3rd…
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Summer tools, edition 2018
Makita TD0101F impact driver. Yes, it’s corded and very noisy! The sound pressure level is 90 dB. The Max fastening torque is 100 Nm. But, what’s most important – it’s ready to go right after unboxing. There is no need to charge it. I really like this feature, I don’t mind a few cables under my feet. What they are is constant, consistent and invincible power. This impact driver can be equipped with a hook, its bumper is fluorescent and it has a working light. It’s well built and it’s working well – Makita, the name speaks for itself. Now…
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Router flattening jig
It’s made of MDF (scrap) and 3/4″ plywood (purchased). This jig is going to replace my budget thickness sander. The main reason is the dust – I’m hoping to reduce the dust amount significantly. First I cut the MDF to length, then the plywood that I purchased. Dimensions of 1.2 x 0.6 m were a challenge for my table saw. I was going to use my jigsaw to cut the groove, but I realized that this is a tool for savages, so I swapped bases in my router and installed a parallel fence. Slightly more than halfway through it cut…
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Processing station
Sanding, grinding, cutting and sharpening – one station does it all. Same table different attachments. Graphite 59 G392, 800 Watt belt sander that uses 3″ x 18″ belts (75 x 457 mm) is a perfect choice when it comes to mounting it to a table, in both vertical and horizontal positions. The sander features a DSS system which means that the front flap can be lifted to expose the roller. That was the reason I bought this one. Sharpening knives: a simple tool rest using a vice and a metal bar. All it takes to get a perfect angle is to…
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Early spring tools, edition 2018
Metabo FSX 200 orbital sander, finally a proper sander in my workshop. It looks good and it’s decently built, it comes with a box. The hook-and-loop feature makes it simple to change the sandpaper. Sanding is fast and easy, the finished surface is ultra-smooth. It uses standard 125 mm discs, I bought a set of 4 grits – 40, 80, 120 and 240. The dust collection works enough for my needs. I’m very happy with this tool. Mac Allister mini hacksaw is a very helpful tool, it reaches hard-to-reach areas. The blades are not expensive, and neither is the saw.…
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Box joint jig
This box joint jig (also called a finger joint jig) is made from reclaimed wood and a strap hinge. This project involved making a carriage and cutting slots in the router table. To be honest I didn’t expect it to be that challenging. The first slot is slightly too wide (I’m working on the solution), but the second one is OK. A utility knife and sandpaper were more than helpful. The holes in the hinge were drilled and countersunk. Making the fence wasn’t complicated. Cutting the slot was the first thing to do. Next, I cut the peg and the…
