Category Archives: Work Shop

3D Printed Milwaukee M12 Charger Slatwall Mount + Free Plans

I have some slatwall in the garage and in my office for hanging tools and things.  For a long time, we only had it in the garage, and only had straight hooks for hanging things. The specialty hooks for hanging … Continue reading

Posted in Plans, Shop Tips, Tools and Machinery, Work Shop | Leave a comment

Harbor Freight Circular Saw Blade Sharpener Mod

A while ago I purchased the Chicago Electric Power Tools Professional Series 9 Amp Circular Saw Blade Sharpener from Harbor Freight.  I did not think that I would be able to get the professional results I got when I sent … Continue reading

Posted in Tools and Machinery, Woodworking, Work Shop | Leave a comment

I May Have a Problem

Am I a hoarder?  How many pen blanks are too many?

Posted in Shop Tips, Wood Turning, Work Shop | Leave a comment

Repairing a Harbor Freight Ultrasonic Cleaner

A while ago, while repairing my old Jonsered 2050 Turbo chainsaw, I bought a Central Machinery Ultrasonic Cleaner from Harbor Freight. I heard they were really good for cleaning carburetors.

Posted in Shop Tips, Tools and Machinery, Work Shop | Leave a comment

HVLP Spraying

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

Posted in Finishing, Shop Tips, Woodworking, Work Shop | Leave a comment

Size Matters

When we were first planning out the new shop a major consideration was size. The idea of a shop started in a rental townhouse which had a barely functional one car garage. It was big enough to hold the small pool table that I and my two brothers-in-law were rebuilding. That table was not salvageable but it built a relationship between us that has stood the test of time.

  Continue reading

Posted in Work Shop | 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.

  Continue reading

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.

  Continue reading

Posted in Shop Tips, Work Shop | Leave a comment

Santa’s Workshop

Santa's Workshop

  Continue reading

Posted in Work Shop | Leave a comment

The Shop Construction Picture Gallery

Picture gallery of the shop construction.

  Continue reading

Posted in Work Shop | 1 Comment