tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19551123014624615382024-02-14T05:13:37.075-05:00Dinsmore's WorkshopDinsmore's Workshop is about woodworking, projects and design ideas . I sell some of my my work on Etsy. My work has been featured in many places, including CNN, Gizmodo, Apartment Therapy, Washington Post, Mighty Goods and many others.Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-27949580392283444442023-11-04T08:00:00.000-04:002023-11-05T08:34:51.261-05:00Buying a used table sawA staple in any woodworker or carpenter's shop is the table saw. It's typically one of the top five recommended tools one should have in their workshop. It's easy to see why -- they are versatile tools and can rip or cut boards of any length and dimension. Some tools, like a compound miter saw excel at what they do, but are limited in the scope of what they can accomplish. The table saw is capable of cutting a sheet of plywood as readily as making dados, tenons or box joints.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/67/164923663_29be96ec9d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/67/164923663_29be96ec9d.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cgc/">Chris Campbell</a></span></div><br />
Before buying a table saw you need to decide what type you need. Table saws are generally classified into three types: benchtop; portable (or contractor); and stationary. The benchtop saw is aptly named because its a small saw that can sit on your workbench and have a ten inch blade. They are okay for small projects but are limited in what they can accomplish because of their smaller tabletop, lack of horsepower for cutting larger pieces of wood, and less accurate fences. The portable or contractor table saw is mid sized and a compromise between the larger stationary saws and the benchtop ones. The portable saw category is currently the most popular segment and manufacturers have targeted this space with many different products. These saws will have the horsepower to cut thicker hardwoods and have improved fences and slightly larger tabletops. To make them portable, they often make parts out of plastic or other lightweight material. The improved quality and features from the benchtop models, without sacrificing the necessary space of a stationary saw, are a prime examples why portable saws are so popular. The stationary saw is understandably the largest of the saws and is the Cadillac of table saws. They have the power, tabletop size and accuracy that can't be beat. Their larger size and weight helps produce less vibration making cuts more accurate as well. All this comes at a price though. For a stationary saw you typically will need to have plenty of room, the structural support in the floor (they can run 500lbs or more), and electrical capacity (often have 220V, single phase requirements). You'll also need to make sure you can get the saw in through any doors! These requirements often rule out the stationary, or cabinet saws, for many even when that's what they'd really like. If you don't have a dedicated workshop or are squeezing your shop in your garage where you need to move your tools around then I'd recommend a portable or contractor table saw. These saws offer enough features and provide enough accuracy that you won't be cursing the tool or constantly longing for a larger saw.<br />
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By now you've hopefully figured out what type of saw you want. So where should you get one? Many people opt to buy new table saws, but if you are willing to make an effort, one can find a great deal buying a used table saw. There's just a few things you need to do to make sure you get a decent one. Why buy a used table saw? You can get a saw at a fraction of the retail price of a new one and take advantage of another woodworker's upgrade to a new saw, an estate sale or whatever reason they're parting with it. Unless someone is really hard on their tools, it's generally tough to ruin a table saw so that it's no longer usable. There are a few parts you can replace to make the saw run as smoothly as a new one. Think of the benefit of rescuing the saw from the landfill too!<br />
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First, you can replace the blade with a new narrow kerf blade (like the Forrest Woodworker II) or perhaps it just needs a cleaning (try laundry detergent or oven cleaner). I wouldn't recommend sharpening the blade unless you know what you are doing. They last thing you want is the teeth to be flying out when you're running the saw because of improperly filed teeth! If the fences are beat up, you can find many after-market fences and miter fences available. Incra and Biesemeyer fences are among the most popular and can, in many cases, provide a more accurate fence than the one that originally came with the saw. Lastly, although a little more complicated, is replacing the belt that drives the blade from the motor. Slight surface rust can be removed with some rust removal and elbow grease. If you clean of rust from the tabletop, make sure you wipe it down with some paste wax to prevent it from rusting again and provide a slick surface for the wood to move over.<br />
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When buying a used table saw, never purchase it without testing it out or getting a guarantee that it can be returned if it doesn't operate properly. You'll want to bring eye protection, ear protection, a flashlight, square, protractor and a scrap piece of hardwood, preferably at least a full inch thick -- thicker would be better. It wouldn't hurt to bring a brand new saw blade with you too. These things will make sure the saw is accurate and powerful enough to be useful.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/3067677780_e9a9ef8ef0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/3067677780_e9a9ef8ef0.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonholmberg/">Flickered!</a></span> </div><br />
We'll first check to see if the blade tracks evenly using a square. The square you'll want is also known as an engineer square, precision square or double square. I recommend a high quality one, like a Starrett 13A Double Square, so that you can rely on it giving you accurate information. Cheaper ones aren't machined with enough accuracy to provide measurements you can trust. On the table saw, adjust the blade up to the maximum height and at zero degrees. Next, place the base of the square on the table top and push it up against the saw blade. Take your flashlight and put it behind the square an see if you can see any light shining through along the height of the square. If you do, try adjusting the angle and try again. Once you have success with this, take a marker or crayon and draw on the top tooth of the blade. Without moving the square, start to slowly rotate the blade around, keeping an eye one the square to see if any light shines through. Keep on rotating the blade until you see your mark on the top tooth -- then you'll know you've rotate through the entire blade. If it moves the square or you see light shining through don't get the saw. It's an indicator that the arbor isn't accurate -- it could have been like that from the start or impacted and bent. To be fair, you should replace the blade with the brand new one you brought so you can be sure it's not a bent or damaged blade. You'll also confirm that the arbor nut can be easily removed and provide inspection of the threads on the arbor bolt. Repeat this process, but use the fence as a guide and make sure that the distance doesn't change over the full rotation. Do this from the front and the rear of the saw blade.<br />
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Next, rotate the blade to various angles and validate the reading of the angle from the table saw to the protractor that you have measuring the real angle from the blade to the saw's table top. Take at least 5 readings and see how accurate they are throughout the test. If they are accurate throughout, then great. Otherwise, you'll want to check to see if you can easily remap what the saw reads and what it actually is. Remember, you'll probably be cutting things at angles often so you'll want to be able to trust what the saw's reading says. If it's not completely accurate, then your level of acceptance or ability to remap them properly will have to weigh into buying the saw or negotiating a lower price.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3289925200_0605871124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3289925200_0605871124.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/milletre/">milletre</a> </span></div><br />
Finally, you need to take the saw for a spin. Make sure all the safety mechanisms and guards are in place, the blades properly tightened (this is a good time to put on your new blade). Read about <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Table-Saw-Safely">table saw safety</a> and how to use a table before operating it since <b>you're responsible for your own safety</b>. You'll need to be comfortable running the saw or don't attempt to do so! Set up the miter, raise the blade to slightly above the height of the wood and cut off a piece. The saw should be able to run through it smoothly without bogging down or burning the wood (maple can burn easily so a few marks would be okay). Sometimes a motor could have a burned out windings or some other problem causing slowdown and lack of horsepower. If it experiences trouble cutting the wood, skip the saw -- it's easier to find a trouble-free one than fixing one. <br />
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After all those checks you're ready to plop down the cash! You know you're getting a decent saw and the only thing left to do is to practice your negotiating skills. That's half of the fun of buying stuff used, isn't it?Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-22520681922564395602021-02-07T21:33:00.001-05:002021-03-11T21:38:36.904-05:00Jewelry BoxSimple oak jewlery box highlighting some different hardwood species to help keep things organized. Features a removable box that reveals a hiddden chamber for additonal jewelry!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMykX-6Tn2k/YErTe5KYXMI/AAAAAAAA8FU/icwcTYtoCCw-ZaaMHppNfSwDcYoOrEnxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9989.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMykX-6Tn2k/YErTe5KYXMI/AAAAAAAA8FU/icwcTYtoCCw-ZaaMHppNfSwDcYoOrEnxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9989.JPG"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCcKr8FGASY/YErTe3cyohI/AAAAAAAA8FY/4qrcLRYb2jwMOdakBZLfvbUF9hnMnobhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9991.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCcKr8FGASY/YErTe3cyohI/AAAAAAAA8FY/4qrcLRYb2jwMOdakBZLfvbUF9hnMnobhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9991.JPG"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8EYylkVLvs/YErTeyuG79I/AAAAAAAA8FQ/MRjqkI_YqTIsCEJ0M9AKtyBu7YmFBguiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9993.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8EYylkVLvs/YErTeyuG79I/AAAAAAAA8FQ/MRjqkI_YqTIsCEJ0M9AKtyBu7YmFBguiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9993.JPG"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2By2028kmI/YErTfYCQbZI/AAAAAAAA8Fc/BOZccWEROXshnrcgIW7168KIUncs59C3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9995.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2By2028kmI/YErTfYCQbZI/AAAAAAAA8Fc/BOZccWEROXshnrcgIW7168KIUncs59C3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9995.JPG"/></a></div>Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-44511867194146744312021-01-23T21:44:00.001-05:002021-03-11T21:54:16.002-05:00Built a Basic Mobile Workspace (BMW)I wanted something that could easily move around the shop with me, and keep all the various sandpaper, nails, screws, and other odds and ends organized. I wasn't sure what to do until I saw some Ikea metal shelves sitting in my basement, unused, and waiting to be repurposed. Here's the link to the shelves -- https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/helmer-drawer-unit-on-casters-black-20341970/ -- and I happened to have them in red. This was nice, as it matched some existing Craftsman metal toolchests I had! I bought some new 3" castors (see link/image for the specif ones) and used them to replace the mini wheels that came with the drawers.
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I used some leftover plywood to make a base and a top, and screwed everything together and it was done in no time. I simple coat of danish oil to help protect the top was the last step!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dj5u64V9kc/YErXkiq3lAI/AAAAAAAA8GM/zsuh3N1j0CsGFTNkD1Ncg_EJOo0qd6LAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9815.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1615" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dj5u64V9kc/YErXkiq3lAI/AAAAAAAA8GM/zsuh3N1j0CsGFTNkD1Ncg_EJOo0qd6LAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_9815.JPG"/></a></div>Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-7192972872368219862021-01-17T21:40:00.001-05:002023-11-05T08:33:25.568-05:00Monitor StandI needed a monitor stand to keep some papers and pencils organized on my desk while raising the monitor to a more comfortable level. I descide to do a simple inlay to mimic some of the genetic information I'm dealing with on a daily basis with the design of the stand.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGdATfnemcs/YErVDQ86XEI/AAAAAAAA8Fo/ib9K-u-wibE_NNwh2hbU0a3v1TjEDQePgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9820.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGdATfnemcs/YErVDQ86XEI/AAAAAAAA8Fo/ib9K-u-wibE_NNwh2hbU0a3v1TjEDQePgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9820.JPG"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1ovEVhFVr4/YErVDTchlVI/AAAAAAAA8Fs/UszYZJ1Wk-M8dPhWSSK8vmhZY_aA5tBCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9821.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1ovEVhFVr4/YErVDTchlVI/AAAAAAAA8Fs/UszYZJ1Wk-M8dPhWSSK8vmhZY_aA5tBCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9821.JPG"/></a></div>Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-79001513420716455462020-10-07T21:26:00.000-04:002021-03-11T21:39:01.154-05:00Matching cheery shaker tableI decied to make a matching shaker table. These are great dimensions for a bedside table. The simple design, slim legs but strong construction with mortised sides and dovetailed drawer makes for some furniture that will last lifetimes. It looks great with a simple oil finish and no stain with the hundreds of years old salvaged cherry wood from a 1700's barn.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nf4lU7qCHEw/YErRNytePNI/AAAAAAAA8Eo/AVKyFtBtjMAeU0zHVukPiJTTRnyAltclQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0381.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nf4lU7qCHEw/YErRNytePNI/AAAAAAAA8Eo/AVKyFtBtjMAeU0zHVukPiJTTRnyAltclQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0381.JPG"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn-Alg1KyzU/YErRN72C6MI/AAAAAAAA8Ek/2kKjeMIe0A4lAExL3tkpD_SJGK9P8X5NwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1465/IMG_4991.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1465" data-original-width="1125" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn-Alg1KyzU/YErRN72C6MI/AAAAAAAA8Ek/2kKjeMIe0A4lAExL3tkpD_SJGK9P8X5NwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4991.jpg"/></a></div>Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-63396823292766881422020-08-16T21:29:00.001-04:002021-03-11T21:39:26.076-05:00COVID-19 DeskWith the COVID-19 pandemic still in full swing, I needed to make another desk for all this "working from home" routine that's very common for a lot of people -- most notably the students who would be otherwise returning to school! The simple design allowed me to turn this desk out in a weekend.
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbktW_AoDVw/YErRrn8q6DI/AAAAAAAA8E0/6OJRdGfqgzI1-VIvRNnnYSWBjodvpHxJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_0413.JPG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbktW_AoDVw/YErRrn8q6DI/AAAAAAAA8E0/6OJRdGfqgzI1-VIvRNnnYSWBjodvpHxJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0413.JPG"/></a></div>Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-2864794733456242532019-03-25T22:57:00.000-04:002019-03-25T22:59:49.097-04:00New ChessboardI made myself a chessboard back in 2012 (see <a href="https://www.dinsmoreworkshop.com/2012/02/making-chessboard.html">Making a chessboard</a>). It was okay, but it wasn't anything too special. In fact, I made the squares slightly too small. I also didn't like the dark border. So I made a new one. I like this one much better. In addition to the folding design which makes it more portable, I use rare earth magnets to keep it closed.<br />
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</div>Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-79932714371711343922018-09-15T10:25:00.000-04:002018-10-12T10:27:38.627-04:00LayoutI'm not sure why, but I love doing the layout of the wood for a project. You need to look at the grain, the color, the knots, the twists... There's a lot of things going on that you really need to pay attention to, but when you do, the results speak for themselves. <br />
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I enjoy the variability in the wood that makes it more complicated than just randomly selecting some boards and just cutting them up and putting them together. Looking with the eye and being creative on how things will look when complete is inspiring.<br />
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<br />Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-44649342035317638402018-08-11T10:10:00.000-04:002018-10-12T10:11:08.430-04:00Simple storageIt's good to be handy! I had the need for a simple storage solution for ski books and/or ice skates in a mudroom. I had a very particular size that this needed to fit, so it made for a good excuse to do a project. <br />
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The finished product will be stained to match the other wood in the mudroom. The top of the piece has cork on it, as skis will be resting atop of it, and the waterproof cork will be a great way to ensure the melting snow from the downhill skis don't ruin it after a couple of years.<br />
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<br />Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-43795886800191248742018-07-28T10:00:00.000-04:002018-10-12T10:22:10.657-04:00Victorian bracketBeing a woodworker typically also means you get to work on your house as well. Owning an old Victorian house gives me plenty of opportunities to do just that! (Probably more than I'd like!)<br />
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In this example, I had a rotting bracket that attaches under the roof line to a dormer. This decorative piece is not something I can buy in a store and I certainly didn't want to just remove it, and the matching one on the other side. So, I built it using some scrap wood I had laying around in the shop.<br />
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After building it, I gave it two coats of primer all around before hanging it up. Then I painted it in place. It came out beautifully, and you can't notice it's a replacement -- other than it looks a lot sharper than the old used to look!<br />
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<br />Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-5864321833078665702018-06-16T14:00:00.000-04:002018-10-12T09:10:15.995-04:00ChessboardAfter my second chessboard, I realized I wanted to make something a little more ornate. So I decided to make another one (this one would be a gift for my sister), with a more decorative banding around the edge. I think it came out pretty well!<br />
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I also made another box for the chess pieces too. I used some old, salvaged wide pine floorboards from 1860 that I cleaned up to use. <br />
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<br />Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-19876302561222616122018-06-09T18:00:00.000-04:002018-10-12T10:00:04.176-04:00Simple TableI had the need for a simple table that would be used as a desk. I had a bunch of old, wide pine floorboards I salvaged from an old house I had restored. The boards are from 1860 and show the patina of their age. I thought they would look great all dressed up with some hairpin legs. In order to get the thickness I wanted, I cut the board and flipped it upon itself to double the thickness, but keep a consistent grain pattern and color. It mostly blends itself in so you don't notice.<br />
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What do you think? Let me know by adding a comment to this post!<br />
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<br />Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-23051731712896672472018-04-14T16:30:00.000-04:002018-10-12T09:53:24.247-04:00Cherry Table IIIWrapping up this project! Finished dry fitting the pieces together and putting together the drawer and fitting it. I'm hand cutting half blind dovetails for the front, and doing a simple half-lap for the back of the drawer. The bottom is a single piece of old pine that I planed down the edges to thickness. Fitting a drawer is something you don't want to rush, especially when you're near the ed of the project. I plan on making a simple pull from a piece of the cherry and turning it to get a simple, classical Shaker pull shape.<br />
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<br />Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-5742201894042785922018-03-17T13:30:00.000-04:002018-10-12T09:47:43.375-04:00Cherry Table IIMore progress on the cherry table. It's coming along quickly now that I have the wood prepped, although I still like taking my time to ensure I don't make any mistakes. The wood is precious enough that I cannot just go out to the store and buy some more! IT's more like measure four times, cut once!<br />
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Working with the wood is sublime. As I'm planing it and revealing the grain under all the dirt, it's a wonder to behold. This will definitely only need a light coat of oil to protect the wood to ensure the beautiful dark reds shine through.<br />
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<br />Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-32866035012035844122018-03-03T09:40:00.000-05:002018-10-12T09:41:41.664-04:00Cherry Table II'm making a simple Shaker side table using some cherry boards I got from the rafters of a barn that was built in the 1720s. I'm not sure of the exact age of the boards, but considering the amount of mouse poop on the top, they were there for at least 100+ years. Looking at the grain and other things, I put them close too 200 or more years old. <br />
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The plans for the table are fairly simple. The legs are tapered on the inside two edges to give them some lightness, and they're cut to expose a quartersawn grain. The table was built using hand tools except for the initial jointer and planer to get the boards down to a consistent thickness and square. All the boards still had the bark on the edges so they needed a lot of prep work!<br />
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<br />Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-22302464060323548732018-02-03T09:00:00.000-05:002018-10-12T09:10:34.780-04:00Making another ChessboardAs an avid chessplayer, I'm always happy to turn my enjoyment of a game to an opportunity to build something for it. Making chessboards is a great way to find creative ways to spruce up 64 dark and light squares! I wanted to make a chessboard to use while on vacation, so I made this simple one that was slightly more decorative than the first one I built.<br />
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It didn't take long to get the basics of it laid out and glued together. Making sure I leave it clamped overnight while putting it all together is a good practice -- it's easier to be patient now than going back and gluing it again if it fails later.<br />
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I think the finished product came out great! I made a simple box to go with it to hold all the chess pieces. I'm sure this board will get many years of use and enjoyment.Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-37400797396168606852017-12-02T11:00:00.000-05:002018-10-12T09:27:26.593-04:00Making ornamentsWhen it gets close to Christmas, there's never a hard excuse to go into the workshop to do something. Even if it's just throwing together some simple ornaments! It's fun to cut them out and then you can either finish them in natural wood, or paint them. Anything goes for the design -- whether it's holiday themed or something that has some meaning to you. Either works beautifully and adds some homeliness to the Christmas tree.<br />
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<br />Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-27282064032860603612017-11-12T08:56:00.001-05:002018-10-12T10:00:37.376-04:00Roubo Workbench UpdateI've been using my workbench for a while now and it's been working great! I've successfully finished a few projects and it's been a joy to use. I wish I had made it earlier!<br />
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One thing I didn't add when I first built it was a tail vice. I was definitely missing that, so I decided to make one. It was simple enough to make. I just bought a screw from Lee Valley Tools and used that along with handmade parts for the rest. I should do a post on it with more detail.<br />
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I just recently flattened it. This takes about an thirty minutes to an hour with my handplane. It's fairly easy to do and the time goes by quickly!<br />
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<br />Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-23981674137827940542016-12-11T16:00:00.000-05:002018-10-12T10:01:45.753-04:00Pencil boxPeople always used to have pencil boxes many years ago. That tradition has faded, but it's still handy to have one! I threw together a quick design and then put it together to make a great place to store all my art pencils.<br />
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<br />Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-69479403831767613352016-03-07T09:09:00.000-05:002018-10-12T10:02:12.814-04:00Compost binSpring will be here before you know it. Or, depending or where you live, it might already be here! In New England, we still have snow on the ground. I'm already thinking about the spring cleanup and getting the garden beds ready for another growing season though. One of the best things for gardens is nice, fresh compost. I wish I had a bunch available, but I don't. However, there's something I can do about it - I can make my own!<br />
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The first thing I needed to do was build a compost bin. When I was younger and lived in Vermont, I had plenty of space to just have compost piles (a few in different stages of decay). Now where I live in Massachusetts, space is at a premium and I don't have the luxury to have the same setup. A compost bin is a great way to have one in a smaller space.<br />
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For the design, I went with a simple tall box with a screened lid to help keep out any pests. I used 2"x4" studs as the stock for the sides to be attached securely to. I use ring-shanked nails to keep things together when it's full and left one side open. On the open side, I made a simple sliding wall so that I could pull it up and dig from the bottom to get the older compost out. I used a simple rail to keep the sliding wall in it's track. The photo shows a detail of this.<br />
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<br />Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-48930587888756438242013-06-19T22:10:00.000-04:002013-08-18T22:23:00.194-04:00Roubo Workbench Part III<iframe src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=michashomepage&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=tf_til&asins=1558708405" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0" align="right"></iframe><br />
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I finally got the better part of the Andre Roubo workbench done. I should add, I have the whole thing assembled and the front vice on, but I've yet to design and add my tail vice. <br />
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I'm waiting until I have my tail vice designed and built before I drill the holes in the top my workbench so that I can be sure they line up properly with whatever I come up with. I'd have to have things all askew! I already have a <a href="http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=41664&cat=1,41659,41661,41664">tail vice screw</a> that I'll use so it's simply reviewing different tail vice designs and using or adapting one for my own.<br />
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Somewhere in the process I managed to lose my <a href="http://amzn.to/13xvT7X">workbench book</a> written by Chris Schwartz. What a pain! I had sketched out all my pieces on paper to refer to so it wasn't a complete catastrophe though.<br />
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If you have any particular tail vice design that you really like then please send me an email or leave a comment below! I'd really appreciate hearing what works or doesn't from someone who has already been through this process.<br />
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I also have a <a href="http://dinsmoreworkshop.blogspot.com/2009/10/roubo-workbench-part-i.html">Part I</a> and a <a href="http://dinsmoreworkshop.blogspot.com/2009/11/roubo-workbench-part-ii.html">Part II</a> for you to read!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6BBcM-Y7to/UK_jgJRXaHI/AAAAAAAAIK8/_He2SuQ0p7M/s1600/DSC_5923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D6BBcM-Y7to/UK_jgJRXaHI/AAAAAAAAIK8/_He2SuQ0p7M/s640/DSC_5923.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWgfcLQmVDg/UK_jkxehvVI/AAAAAAAAILE/c1wZI5lAhNE/s1600/DSC_5929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWgfcLQmVDg/UK_jkxehvVI/AAAAAAAAILE/c1wZI5lAhNE/s640/DSC_5929.JPG" /></a></div>Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-76687280993249762102013-02-03T21:58:00.000-05:002013-08-18T22:02:48.799-04:00Hand carved signI had never tried hand carving signs before, but I figured there's no time like the present to learn. I volunteered (again!) for the local community garden to make a sign for the trail going into the garden area.<br />
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I had never done hand carved lettering before but I figured it couldn't be too bad. After starting the project, I soon wished the sign was shorter than "Hamilton Wenham Community Garden". That's a lot of letters to hand carve with just a chisel!<br />
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I think it cam out okay for a first attempt. I learned a few tricks that I'll use on my next sign -- like making sure I cut deeply and cleanly when making cuts with the grain so it won't accidentally remove more wood than I was planning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOEFNy1VIPw/UIQnKOqxU0I/AAAAAAAAICk/N0fYDTbi8aU/w530-h520-no/IMG_20121021_124057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HOEFNy1VIPw/UIQnKOqxU0I/AAAAAAAAICk/N0fYDTbi8aU/w530-h520-no/IMG_20121021_124057.jpg" /></a></div>Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0Pingree Park, Essex, MA 01929, USA42.6398179 -70.74661300000002542.452934899999995 -71.06933650000002 42.8267009 -70.42388950000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-34541178511970205842012-12-12T18:00:00.000-05:002013-08-18T21:52:57.251-04:00Goodbye tree!It's hard to decide to cut down a tree. Especially when it's perfectly healthy. In this case, the blue spruce was just too big and too close to the house. It was even too big to be a Christmas tree! It had to go. Goodbye tree!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjRd0Cq5wZU/ULukFrzrGLI/AAAAAAAAIR8/dZISoMaqXrM/s1600/DSC_6669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JjRd0Cq5wZU/ULukFrzrGLI/AAAAAAAAIR8/dZISoMaqXrM/s320/DSC_6669.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CIoYgfQa80o/UMTXudcU4zI/AAAAAAAAIVA/IoWuZpv23-4/s1600/house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CIoYgfQa80o/UMTXudcU4zI/AAAAAAAAIVA/IoWuZpv23-4/s320/house.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1ThuhG0O5I/UMTXxC2f_bI/AAAAAAAAIVI/hDRG-6BSVag/s1600/stump.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1ThuhG0O5I/UMTXxC2f_bI/AAAAAAAAIVI/hDRG-6BSVag/s400/stump.JPG" /></a></div>Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1955112301462461538.post-91531493784527037192012-05-16T21:00:00.000-04:002013-08-18T21:48:16.841-04:00Cedar picnic tableOur town is making a community garden and I volunteered to make a picnic table to donate for people to use and enjoy. I figured that a table would be a nice place to sit down and enjoy some really fresh vegetables -- for those who can't wait to get home and enjoy them! It also makes a great place for gardeners to get together and socialize and trade gardening tips.<br />
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I used some pretty standard 2"x6" lumber for the main tresses and supports with 1" dimensional lumber for the seats and tabletop. I used the quintessential and timeless picnic table plan for this project.<br />
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As you can see from the photos below, it wasn't a complicated project and the results were excellent! <i>(Note: I really hadn't finished connecting the pieces in the last shots -- I was just dry fitting them to make sure things were good. I wanted to really assemble it on the gardening site to make it easier to transport!)</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ur6_3HmUaU/T53tbv5Q3JI/AAAAAAAAHhc/Kuir-x4fEwk/s1600/DSC_4722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ur6_3HmUaU/T53tbv5Q3JI/AAAAAAAAHhc/Kuir-x4fEwk/s400/DSC_4722.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESA9350Z69k/T53tcKiyaCI/AAAAAAAAHhg/GCwMhmQTxMw/s1600/DSC_4724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESA9350Z69k/T53tcKiyaCI/AAAAAAAAHhg/GCwMhmQTxMw/s400/DSC_4724.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7t5PBKHXYA/T53tcr04hfI/AAAAAAAAHho/mhTCaGcs_VE/s1600/DSC_4726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7t5PBKHXYA/T53tcr04hfI/AAAAAAAAHho/mhTCaGcs_VE/s400/DSC_4726.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zVtBZhZRI8/T53tcyzjQFI/AAAAAAAAHh4/RNRxGLlNpao/s1600/DSC_4727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zVtBZhZRI8/T53tcyzjQFI/AAAAAAAAHh4/RNRxGLlNpao/s400/DSC_4727.JPG" /></a></div>Michael D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/10759972340001610177noreply@blogger.com0Hamilton, MA, USA42.636205200000013 -70.84310490000001442.542739700000013 -71.004466400000013 42.729670700000014 -70.681743400000016