-
Recent Posts
Into Each Life a Little Rain Must Fall
When it’s too little you have to step up your …Read More »
Happy Mother’s Day
Happy Mother’s Day. At our house we say that with …Read More »
3D Printed M12 Drill Slatwall Holder
Continuing on the SlatWall custom tool holders, I have designed …Read More »
3D Printed Milwaukee M12 Charger Slatwall Mount + Free Plans
I have some slatwall in the garage and in my …Read More »
Changing Motor Brushes on Milwaukee 12 Inch Miter Saw
The motor brake on Marisa’s miter saw stopped working, so …Read More »
Author Archives: Bill
Spheres
One thing I’ve wanted to try turning for a long time is a sphere. I love the simple elegance of them. It seems to me that if you are turning things round on a lathe, the ultimate round is a sphere. Sounded like a good project to try in the Small Shop.
My first sphere is the cherry sphere above. I did not photograph the creation of this one, as it was a learning experience. But all in all, it was very successful. I learned a lot and was very pleased with the results.
Posted in Wood Turning, Woodworking
Leave a comment
Cherry Rolling Pin
I like turning rolling pins. Maybe it’s because of the unique challenges they present, like making a perfectly uniform cylinder. Maybe it’s because Marisa makes many fabulous baked creations with them, like pizzas, pies, and potica.
I made this one because we didn’t have one in Michigan. This became the first project I made in the Small Shop.
Posted in Wood Turning, Woodworking
Leave a comment
Small Shop
So you’ve seen the big shop. After taking a job in Lansing, MI, I rented a townhouse. It didn’t have much room for a shop, so I made due.
The mechanical/laundry room in the basement is 21 feet by 8 1/2 feet. This room houses the furnace, water heater, washer and dryer, and a deep sink. The ceiling may be 8 feet, but the pipes and ducting hang down to 6 feet 10 inches. There won’t be any breaking down of any sheet goods in here. And my 52″ SawStop will NOT be going in here.
Posted in Shop Tips, Work Shop
Leave a comment
We’re Back
Rather than ignore the elephant in the room lets just clear the air, three years between posts is too long. I’ll briefly explain the why and then update you on what is going on in the now.
Posted in Shop Tips, Work Shop
Leave a comment
Finishing the Bowl
Part one of this series showed me cutting some large oak crotches to eventually be used for bowl blanks.
Part two showed the roughing out of the first bowl from these flitches.
In this part, I finally finish the bowl.
Posted in Wood Turning
Leave a comment
Roughing a Bowl
In part one of this series, I used the Wood-Mizer to cut an oak crotch log down to two flitches measuring 3 1/2″ and 4 1/2″ thick. Now it was time to start turning.
I took the 3 1/2″ flitch and laid out a 12 inch circle. The main trunk had split down about 6 inches, so I had to move the layout circle down that far. The crotch section has some very beautiful grain swirls; when I cut the other piece, I am going to be sure to get as much of the grain as possible. I will have to make a smaller bowl, but it will be worth it, I am sure.
Posted in Wood Turning
Leave a comment
Cleaning Cast Iron Surfaces
It seems like in the winter, no matter how often I clean and lubricate my cast iron tables on the various tools, I still manage to get some rust spots. Maybe it’s condensation. Maybe I left a piece of damp wood on it. Who knows? I do know that those spots can be hard to get rid of.
Posted in Shop Tips
Leave a comment
WD-40 is Amazing Stuff
WD-40We’ve all used WD-40 for various things. Hinges, bicycle chains, squeaky wheels, stuck bolts, you know the uses.
Well, Marisa picked up a can of Spot Shot to try clean some spots in the carpet. This stuff is amazing! Spray it on, let it sit for 5 minutes, and blot it out. The spots disappeared before our eyes!
Posted in Shop Tips
Leave a comment
14 Inch Cherry Pepper Mill
I’ve wanted to turn a pepper mill for some time. I also wanted to make a large one, like the kind you see in fancy restaurants where the waiter comes to your table and grinds the pepper on your plate for you.
With our middle son in college, we are trying hard to not spend a lot of money. Marisa’s birthday was approaching, so I decided I’d turn her a pepper mill.
Posted in Wood Turning
Leave a comment