Category Archives: Shop Tips

HVLP Spraying

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Bill

I’ve always been interested in spray finishing, whether it’s painting the castle fort, painting our house, or applying finish or paint to woodworking projects.  Over the years I’ve tried various systems and solutions, from our first Wagner Power Painter, to a cheap LVLP siphon spray gun from Home Depot, to the Wagner Spraytech FLEXiO 5000 HVLP system.  This last one we used to paint our house, and it did an excellent job.

[caption id="attachment_1541" align="alignnone" width="338"]TCP Global G6600 with Spectrum System TCP Global G6600 with Spectrum System[/caption] Continue reading →

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Odoo Inventory – Product Entry screen shot

Posted on February 21, 2023 by Marisa

Here are the things that I really like about the Odoo software: I can put a picture on the record.  If you are just scanning through what we have in stock it’s helpful to actually be able to see what … Continue reading →

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Tape!

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Bill

We’ve all heard that using painter’s tape to mask off parts for gluing can save a lot of time later on when we are unclamping and cleaning up the squeeze-out.  But how many of us actually take the time to … Continue reading →

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Blue Tape

Posted on February 13, 2023 by Marisa

Blue tape is a shop hero. Heck it’s a life hero.  About the only complaint I have is that it can be difficult when you only have one hand free.   If I know I’m going to be needing multiple pieces … Continue reading →

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Organization

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Marisa

Yea, that’s right I said it.  We have tried so many different “ideas” to get the shop organized.  Keeping it that way is another story.  One of the biggest issues has been not knowing where things are when we need … Continue reading →

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Small Shop

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Bill

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.

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We’re Back

Posted on July 31, 2018 by Bill

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.

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Cleaning Cast Iron Surfaces

Posted on March 14, 2015 by Bill

Finishing Disc WD-40 Penetrant and Random Orbit SanderIt 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.

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WD-40 is Amazing Stuff

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Bill

WD-40 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!

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