~ the love of wood ~

Shop Layout

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 08:36:00 +0000

Keeping my tools (new and old) safe during transport resulted in a lot of packaging. With things unloaded the shop floor was littered with cardboard, metal straps, plastic straps, hard foam, plastic wrap, and bubble wrap. With that cleared out and the majority of machines reassembled I can start to think about layout.

The shop space is 5.4x4.8. Major items include the workbench, table saw (50' rails still to arrive) with included router table, jointer / planer combo, 14" bandsaw, dust extractor, drill press, and wood scrap bin. I plan to keep the metal shelving on the left. The bench on the far wall. The tablesaw in the middle. But then the tetris game gets messy.

Slinging the Wingings and Mounting the Routings

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 02:45:00 +0000

Excuse the tragic title to this post but I want to share about the table-saw wings. The wings are cast iron and attach to main body via three bolts. It's precision work and they are heavy. Moreso I've elected to upgrade the right hand wing with the Laguna Router table. The router table upgrade weighs about 40kg. Good thing I have a crane handy which made the task easy. (Aligning the top will be a task for another day.) I'm still deciding what to do with the secondary MDF extension table and the spare iron wing.

Platinum Series Table-saw Router Table Specs

Table size: 19-3/4 in (502mm) x 26-7/8 in (683mm)
T slots: 3/4 in x 4 each (2 in each direction)
Dust port: 2-1/4 in (57mm)
Fence length: 23-1/2 in (597mm)
Router rings: 2 each 1 1/8 in (28.6mm) dia. & 2-3/8 in (60mm)
Fixing holes: 3 side one, 4 other side
Jointer spacers: 0.06 in (1.5mm) thick & 0.03 in (0.75mm) thick
Table pins: 2 locations 0.371 in (9.43mm) dia x 1.5 in (38mm) long
Universal router mounting clamps: 4 each fitting into t slots
Guard: Yes
Weight: 84 lb Shipping weight: 93 lb

Unboxing Platinum

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:38:00 +0000

Thanks to everyone who gave input on my table-saw search. Although many machines would have been adequate I decided the best value for money option available in the Australia the Laguna - Platinum Series Tablesaw w/ Dovetail Mech Left-tilt. (Official Website.)

Our Platinum Series Tablesaw features a precision ground table top made of premium grade cast iron, heat treated and ground to mirror-like flat surface. It has a 20" x 27" main table with 2 T-slots, fitted with two 10" x 27" cast iron ground wings. Massive widely spaced cabinet mounted trunnions: perfectly machined to high accuracy to support the heavy-duty saw carriage. Minimizes vibration and ensures proper blade alignment. It comes with a robust spindle supported by two precision ball bearings. Triple belt drive system mounted between the two spindle bearings. This tablesaw comes with a powerful oversized 4HP TEFC motor with a standard magnetic safety switch. EZ-Glide T-Square system for accuracy, repeatability, and easy operation. Standard precisely machined miter gauge with adjustable miter bar. It also comes with a 4" dust port with a sloped dust chute inside cabinet for better dust collection. Standard regular insert and dado insert. CSA, UL, CE certified. What sets this machine apart is the saw carriage traveling via dovetail ways. This provides smoother control when raising and lowering the blade as well as minimal vibration and blade deflection.

Planer Maintenance

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 02:36:00 +0000

As part of the move I had to remove the iron from the planer/ jointer. On the underside I realised there was a little rust and obvious chips in the paint. A simple clean and repaint with some black enamel anti-rust paint had this look 100% again. I treated the top machined surface with a thin layer of wax.

Slinging the Pallets

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 02:27:00 +0000

Unloading the pallets was a simple matter using a portable engine crane. The technique was little crude but it worked. We were very careful not to have any person or body part under the pallet while lifted, and other than for photos someone had their hand on it to steady the load. Safety first.

If I was doing it again I would look for a lifting beam or cross beam. This would allow a safer and more controlled method to center the slings and distribute weight.

How do you lift 270kg?

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 02:15:00 +0000

With an engine crane, of course. Today I took delivery of my new tools from Gregory Machinery. They arrived as two pallets and one parcel. At the depot the company used a fork lift to load the items onto a trailer, and at my shop I used a portable engine crane I picked up at Gasweld.

More to come.

Pallets on a Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 02:08:00 +0000

With the pallets loaded on a domestic trailer it was a quick trip from the depot to the workshop. It was then a matter of some careful but not too difficult driving to reverse the trailer ready to unload.

Closer...

Stop!

Potter's Pal

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 06:42:00 +0000

I'm usually strict advocate against gimmicks, but just occasionally I find one I like. This is a Potter's Pal I acquired from a company called Heaven in Earth. It would make a great project for a beginner woodturner as it is relatively simple, uses little wood, is functional but yet requires a number of techniques.

Simple to use. Fold / divide a piece of newspaper. Roll it using the column. Fold the base in and the mould it with the base piece. Once the seeds have sprouted into little seedlings transplant to the garden and allow the newspaper to finish breaking down in situ. I'm sure there'll be a little experimenting on durability and paper thickness.

But you don't need a gimmick to make paper pots check out this clip from Gardening Australia to see how.

GregMach Order

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 22:35:00 +0000

I received a quick email from Alan Gregory of Gregory Machinery stating my order has been processed and shipped. There were a few delays awaiting parts to arrive to them and for me to finalise what I wanted. The order should arrive in town on 2-3 pallets on Monday. The next challenge will be transporting the good via trailer to the shed and then off loading them via engine crane. Good times.

Washing the Walls

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 05:05:00 +0000

After making significant headway in the garden, it's back to the shed. A few weeks ago I ripped out all the old and odd cupboards and make shift shelving that lined the walls. After three trips to the local 'waste management facility' it was time to clean the walls.

First all the tools that couldn't be easily moved out were shuffled into one corner and covered them with a tarp. I then systemically worked from apex to floor giving everything two good hose downs. Years of dust and spiderwebs cleared out and brushed out the door.

My Makita HW112 High Pressure Washer was out of action for a few weeks with a crack in the handle. Replaced under warranty and back to work.

The next step will be clearing out the second section and repeating the process. Then I can work out the layout and start installing machines and shelving in more permeant locations. Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll get the lighting and electricals planned out and receive my new tools from Gregory Machinery.

Busy in the Garden.

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 09:53:00 +0000

Sorry for the go slow on the blog post. I've been a little busy in the garden.

Stay tuned for a Hansa C4 Mulcher Review.

Behind the Shop: The Vegie Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:12:00 +0000

Behind the shop is a funny little piece of land; a historical anomaly. A little strip behind the otherwise rectangular block, making in the words of a friend 'like a battle axe'. Although it looks small and useless when you measure it it's actually substantial - 17.3m x 1.85m.

The strip has had no specific purpose and has thus defaulted to an area of misc. plants and storage of timber and metal left overs.

However, my plans are grand, for a lovely vegetable garden. I plan to enclose the entire area as a raised garden bed. With the bed 1.2m wide it makes for 20 m ^2 of useable vegie space with no loss of backyard.

The Shop in Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 03:15:00 +0000

I found this old photo of the shop in spring.
(I've removed the Oleander over safety concerns and I would prefer an edible vine such as passionfruit there.)

Tablesaw Transport Woes

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 06:35:00 +0000

I finally decided on a list of tools to purchase from Gregory Machinery... but there's a problem...

I'm 577km away from GregMach and they can't find anyone to freight it...

'We have contacted three different transport companies including one that has there head office in [your town] and none of them have “tail lift deliveries” in your town.
There is no problem to get the goods there and one company suggested that you collect the goods from their warehouse with either a utility or trailer and then unload at your leisure. Do you know of anybody in [your town] that has a tail lift that we can consign the goods to and they do the delivery? Please advise'

Unloading a 220kg saw from a trailer on a palate without wheels... I mean I'm up for a challenge but seriously.... Will keep thinking.

The New Shop: Cleaning Up Part 1.

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 08:39:00 +0000

With the walls a little clearer more of the structure is revealed. Unfortunately it appears that the slab was poured after construction. The corrugated iron is thus below the slab line and in connection with the ground.

Not surprisingly this has led to rust and in parts disintegration to point there are visible holes. I haven't yet dug down deep enough to know the thickness of the slab or what foundation the wooden frame is in. (Hopefully it's not just hardwood sitting in dirt.)

I suspect that I will have to trim at least 300mm of iron off the bottom and replace it. Along with this I will plan to extend the slab around the edges as a path with drainage. Unfortunately this all costs time and money. (Should be a bit of fun though).

As part of the clean up I've ripped out most of the shelves the previous owner had used. There was certainly a variety of materials (hardwood, softwood, honeycomb core, MDF, and far too much chip board) and fixtures (random screws, rivets and lots of nails.) He was certainly fond of nails.

The New Shop: Arriving

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 08:29:00 +0000

Here's some photos of the new shop. I'm in the process of clearing out the previous owners mix-match shelving he'd salvaged and put to use. Striping it back to just the timber frame and iron skin. The next step will be clearing out the resident spiders and cobwebs. Then I'll take the pressure cleaner to the walls to de-dust and clean things out. (Unfortunately I did't have time to do this before moving in. So all my gear is piled in the middle and will have to be shuffled as I clean.)

The removalists were great and totally professional. They held a 'can-do' attitude despite a continued low level apprehension about the workbench. But there were no dramas. We had six blokes on scene but it only took three to safely move the bench and thicknesser.

The New Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 08:40:00 +0000

Today we moved into our new residence and as importantly moved into the new workshop. This will be the fourth incarnation of my workspace and the first dedicated external building.

It's quite a big space. 7.6 x 5.4m or ~40m^2. Concrete slab. Hardwood and corrugated iron construction Divided into two sections. The larger will be the woodshop and the smaller for garden equipment and wood storage. There are two large wooden bifold doors on each section and three windows. There is also a car port off to one side. (Currently the building has no electricity.)

All tools & timber came off the truck without damage. (Two wheels on the workbench failed but with one end on a trolley it was moved safely without drama.) I haven't even begun to unpack or plan the set up.

I think this one deserves a name...

Sturt School - Tools & Techniques Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 07:54:00 +0000

The most relaxed and enjoyable woodshow I have ever been to is the Sturt School for Wood's annual Tools & Techniques weekend. This year it's on the 16-17th February (4 weeks from now.) It's you're a hand tool enthusiast or new to it all this will be a wonderful weekend.

View Larger Map

Roubo Ready to Roll

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:00:00 +0000

I haven't said much about it so far but I'm packing up shop and moving on... The biggest single item to pack up was the Roubo. Here you can see the sliding leg vises are removed. The wooden handles have been unscrewed and the chrome covered in foam secured by quick ties. The external glide wheels are removed and stored away. But for ease I chose to leave the sliding vice on the bench. The top sits on vertical tenons so I added a strap in case anyone tries to lift the top (which weights 150-200kg). You'll also note the temporary wheel mounts.

I've had the bench in operation for nearly 2 years now. (Although I never finished all the details.) Over that time it has been a star performer living up to expectations.

It is starting to show some wear and tear. You can see the impressed marks of the pin mechanisms.

Hmmm... occasionally I use my circular saw on my hand-tool bench... not smart.... I think this section might be cleaned up to hold some vice leather...

The existing leather is looking well loved. I might free it from its hide glue and trim it a little neater.

The move will be a good opportunity to service the bench. It will need re-surfacing and oiling, a middle row of dog holes, a tidy up on the wagon vice block, and general de-dusting / de-rusting.

Despite the Roubo's popularity nowadays... I believe this style of sliding leg vice is still unique.

My Most Ambitious Project Yet

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 09:50:00 +0000

just a hint of what 's to come in 2013...

Router Table Search

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Woodman MS 1 & MS R2 - ?$
Gregory Machinery sell two versions of the Woodman router-table. One all cast iron with a mitre t-slot the other with an aluminium sliding table. They have split aluminium fences. Axillary switches. 2.5 or 4' dust extraction. Bout 56kg.

Carbatec Cast Iron - $329

My original preference - largely as it was cast iron and was cheap. Some reviews said the fence was out of alignment and needed work. Ticks most of the boxes and appears to share components with the woodman.

Carbatec with Sliding Table - $495

Similar to the MSR.

Carbatec with Tenoning Attachment - $849

Well reviewed other than the lack of an external axillary switch (which seems important to me.) The engineer in me likes the ideas of the dial in fence movements but I likely wouldn't use them to tenon as intended.

Kreg Precision - $599

I'm sure the Kreg is a well built and precise tool. But for some reason I feel the urge for cast iron rather than MDF.

The Table Saw Search: The Short List

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 11:37:00 +0000

In my search for the ultimate value for money quality table saw I've realised it's all about compromise. Weight vs. portability. Table saw vs loss of shop space. Quality vs. Affordability. Safety features: splitters vs. riving knives, and sawstop wizardry. Left vs. right tilt. Dado / no Dado. Mitre fences. Rip fences. So many options. So many decisions.

The other thing you suddenly realise is that Australia gets the world's left overs. Brands and models are limited. For example powermatic and delta currently have no Aust. distributor. Models here are often more expensive (which you can't blame the dollar or transport as they are mostly made in Asia). They are also often several years behind US/Euro models.

So I got thinking what do I really need or want? As I do mainly medium to large furniture projects my requirements start with reliably and accurately cutting 3/4" timber but can cut 2" hardwood without strain. Dado ability is handy. A riving knife I would consider standard safety equipement but I don't see SawStop as necessity. Left tilt is my preference. Good dust handling is important. I want it to last twenty years. The original budget $1.5-2.5K.

So lets look at the line up...

Laguna 10" Platinum - $1995

Available at Gregory Machinery the Laguna is my current preference. It's a 3hp left tilting cabinet saw. It has removable riving knife and saw cover. The plastic faced steel T-style rip fence appears well built. Standard 16mm or 5/8" arbour for a 10" blade blade for a 20mm wide 8" Dado. 220kg. Ticks quite a few boxes and is within budget.

Jet Proshop - $1499

The Jet Proshop is available through Carbatec. It's open base design is closer to a contractor saw than a cabinet saw. However, unlike a standard contractor saw its motor is contained within rather then at the behind. It is a left tilting 10" saw. It's lighter at 113kg and takes up less shop space. It's 1.75hp would be more than enough for cutting 3/4" furniture timber but I fear would struggle with thicker wood or while using dado blades. Dust handling appears average relying on a sloped internal case. None-the-less appears good value.

Jet Xacta Deluxe - $2799

A 3hp 10" Jet work horse. This saw shows promise but it's over budget and not available until March. The non-deluxe model currently available at Carbatec doesn't have a riving knife but would be more than adequate.

Sawstop Contractors Saw - $3115
The Sawstop Saws are now available at Gabbett. They have a great reputation of being well built quaity saws. The are unique in their SawStop safety features (though I'm sure other companies will catch up.) Similar in to Jet Proshop it is a 10" 1.75hp saw. The engine is behind but in the Australian version within a case. It has easy to use riving knife and good dust handling. But its over $3K and 1.75hp.

The Others

Carbatec had no stand-out models although the TSC-10HB looked interesting. It's a shame they stopped making the TS10L. The Felder/Hammer saws look great but start at $4.5K similar to the Saw Stop 3-5hp Cabinet Saw and over budget. Machinery House's offering looked like good value but nothing stood out.

I aim to order one early next week...

Table Saw Search: Laguna

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 03:54:00 +0000

Gregory Machinery (previous major distributor for Jet Tools) now is the first Australian distributor of Laguna products. They stock a small 'Fusion' Saw and a larger Platinum Model (Laguna Website). 3hp. Left tilt. T glide fence. Riving knife. Cost $1995. Online reviews are limited but largely positive. Most commenting on lack of service issues.

Laguna also sell a smaller 1.75Hp.. the Fusion

Table Saw Search: Machinery House

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 03:41:00 +0000

ST-12D

$2700 for a 12" machine with bells and whistles...

W453

$1115 for a 10" no trills but functional saw.

Children's Woodblocks

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 09:45:00 +0000

Imagination, planning and tactile experience are key to a child's play and development. My wife converted this otherwise scrap piece of jacaranda into irregular building blocks for the little ones. Hand sawn. Sanded. Finished with foodsafe oil.