Evolution of a Shop

lilredweldingrod · Sep 13, 2011

Cory said:
Clamp cart update

I really didn't need any new clamps (yeah right) but a guy was liquidating his cabinet shop and posted a Craig's List ad. He had a bunch of the older style Bessey clamps and some F-style clamps. I offered $100 for everything and he took it. I came home with about 20 new clamps. I had to move around some of the clamps on my rolling clamp cart and make some new holders. Only took about a half hour and now my clamps are resting peacefully in their new home.

Here are the parallel clamps I already had (24" Jorgy's)

I was laminating some pieces together last night and I needed just about everyone of them, too. Glad I bought them!

That acquisition brings my parallel clamp collection up to a respectable number. I really prefer them to f-style and pipe clamps. I'm not Wood Whisperer deep in clamps, yet, but I'm getting there!

Thanks for looking.

Cory

You suck!!!

Cory · Sep 13, 2011

Cory said:
Clamp cart update

I really didn't need any new clamps (yeah right) but a guy was liquidating his cabinet shop and posted a Craig's List ad. He had a bunch of the older style Bessey clamps and some F-style clamps. I offered $100 for everything and he took it. I came home with about 20 new clamps. I had to move around some of the clamps on my rolling clamp cart and make some new holders. Only took about a half hour and now my clamps are resting peacefully in their new home.

Here are the parallel clamps I already had (24" Jorgy's)

I was laminating some pieces together last night and I needed just about everyone of them, too. Glad I bought them!

That acquisition brings my parallel clamp collection up to a respectable number. I really prefer them to f-style and pipe clamps. I'm not Wood Whisperer deep in clamps, yet, but I'm getting there!

Thanks for looking.

Cory

Thanks, Rick. I've always wanted to be a part of something!

lilredweldingrod: That's music to my ears!

Rick Dennington · Sep 13, 2011

Cory said:
Clamp cart update

I really didn't need any new clamps (yeah right) but a guy was liquidating his cabinet shop and posted a Craig's List ad. He had a bunch of the older style Bessey clamps and some F-style clamps. I offered $100 for everything and he took it. I came home with about 20 new clamps. I had to move around some of the clamps on my rolling clamp cart and make some new holders. Only took about a half hour and now my clamps are resting peacefully in their new home.

Here are the parallel clamps I already had (24" Jorgy's)

I was laminating some pieces together last night and I needed just about everyone of them, too. Glad I bought them!

That acquisition brings my parallel clamp collection up to a respectable number. I really prefer them to f-style and pipe clamps. I'm not Wood Whisperer deep in clamps, yet, but I'm getting there!

Thanks for looking.

Cory

Cory, that's too funny…...

). Me too, but noone would ever let me play…...

nobuckle · Sep 13, 2011

Cory said:
Clamp cart update

I really didn't need any new clamps (yeah right) but a guy was liquidating his cabinet shop and posted a Craig's List ad. He had a bunch of the older style Bessey clamps and some F-style clamps. I offered $100 for everything and he took it. I came home with about 20 new clamps. I had to move around some of the clamps on my rolling clamp cart and make some new holders. Only took about a half hour and now my clamps are resting peacefully in their new home.

Here are the parallel clamps I already had (24" Jorgy's)

I was laminating some pieces together last night and I needed just about everyone of them, too. Glad I bought them!

That acquisition brings my parallel clamp collection up to a respectable number. I really prefer them to f-style and pipe clamps. I'm not Wood Whisperer deep in clamps, yet, but I'm getting there!

Thanks for looking.

Cory

What a deal! Maybe someday my ship (probably more like a life-boat) will come in and I'll find a deal like that. As far as the Wood Whisperer is concerned, that guy must be independantly wealthy. At least Norm Abrams shop contains tools the common man can afford - for the most part.

Cory · Sep 13, 2011

A couple of shop helpers

I thought I'd post these two little shop helpers I recently made up. The first is something most have seen, but maybe a newbie can get some use out of it: A sandpaper cutter. I'm lazy, so I find myself using sandpaper longer than I should because cutting it to fit my sanding blocks is a bit of a pain. I got fed up with my own laziness and made this super simple sandpaper cutting jig:

It's simply a piece of plywood with a hacksaw blade. The blade is raised up off of the plywood by some washers so that the sandpaper will fit under it easily. I drew a line on the plywood for the two types of sanding blocks that I've got. Now I just slide the sandpaper under the blade and rip it off. No more measuring or cutting with a box cutter or scissors. I can't believe how much easier this is and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner.

The other little shop helper is a modification of a Black and Decker Workmate. In my little garage shop, space is at a premium and everything needs to be on wheels. So I set out to put a mobile base on my workmate and still make it collapsible. The base is a simple plywood platform with locking casters. I wrapped the base with a couple of 2×4s for rigidity and some 1/4" plywood for looks. I also added a larger 3/4" MDF top to the workmate. The top is attached with dowels that are glued to the MDF and sized for the holes in the workmate top.

I wheel this little thing all over the shop to hold pieces I'm milling, to help with glue ups, and to provide a small light duty assembly bench.

Hope it helps someone out. Thanks for looking.

Cory

Rick Dennington · Sep 13, 2011

Cory said:
A couple of shop helpers

I thought I'd post these two little shop helpers I recently made up. The first is something most have seen, but maybe a newbie can get some use out of it: A sandpaper cutter. I'm lazy, so I find myself using sandpaper longer than I should because cutting it to fit my sanding blocks is a bit of a pain. I got fed up with my own laziness and made this super simple sandpaper cutting jig:

It's simply a piece of plywood with a hacksaw blade. The blade is raised up off of the plywood by some washers so that the sandpaper will fit under it easily. I drew a line on the plywood for the two types of sanding blocks that I've got. Now I just slide the sandpaper under the blade and rip it off. No more measuring or cutting with a box cutter or scissors. I can't believe how much easier this is and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner.

The other little shop helper is a modification of a Black and Decker Workmate. In my little garage shop, space is at a premium and everything needs to be on wheels. So I set out to put a mobile base on my workmate and still make it collapsible. The base is a simple plywood platform with locking casters. I wrapped the base with a couple of 2×4s for rigidity and some 1/4" plywood for looks. I also added a larger 3/4" MDF top to the workmate. The top is attached with dowels that are glued to the MDF and sized for the holes in the workmate top.

I wheel this little thing all over the shop to hold pieces I'm milling, to help with glue ups, and to provide a small light duty assembly bench.

Hope it helps someone out. Thanks for looking.

Cory

AAHH….shop projects…...nothing like them…..we all need them, just a question of what we need as to what we build… I made a sandpaper cutter like yours about 4 years ago (just a tad different), and never looked back…. These things are as handy as a pocket on a shirt. I like the cart for the W.M, also. I have one, but hardly ever use it. In the beginning, I added a wide top on mine too, and I had my planer bolted to it. But it was too low, and killed my back, so I put it aside. But it's there if I ever need it…...

flippedcracker · Sep 13, 2011

Cory said:
A couple of shop helpers

I thought I'd post these two little shop helpers I recently made up. The first is something most have seen, but maybe a newbie can get some use out of it: A sandpaper cutter. I'm lazy, so I find myself using sandpaper longer than I should because cutting it to fit my sanding blocks is a bit of a pain. I got fed up with my own laziness and made this super simple sandpaper cutting jig:

It's simply a piece of plywood with a hacksaw blade. The blade is raised up off of the plywood by some washers so that the sandpaper will fit under it easily. I drew a line on the plywood for the two types of sanding blocks that I've got. Now I just slide the sandpaper under the blade and rip it off. No more measuring or cutting with a box cutter or scissors. I can't believe how much easier this is and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner.

The other little shop helper is a modification of a Black and Decker Workmate. In my little garage shop, space is at a premium and everything needs to be on wheels. So I set out to put a mobile base on my workmate and still make it collapsible. The base is a simple plywood platform with locking casters. I wrapped the base with a couple of 2×4s for rigidity and some 1/4" plywood for looks. I also added a larger 3/4" MDF top to the workmate. The top is attached with dowels that are glued to the MDF and sized for the holes in the workmate top.

I wheel this little thing all over the shop to hold pieces I'm milling, to help with glue ups, and to provide a small light duty assembly bench.

Hope it helps someone out. Thanks for looking.

Cory

I just went through all your posts. They've really inspired me to organize my garageshop better. i love all the carts. Thanks for sharing everything.

Cory · Sep 13, 2011

Cory said:
A couple of shop helpers

I thought I'd post these two little shop helpers I recently made up. The first is something most have seen, but maybe a newbie can get some use out of it: A sandpaper cutter. I'm lazy, so I find myself using sandpaper longer than I should because cutting it to fit my sanding blocks is a bit of a pain. I got fed up with my own laziness and made this super simple sandpaper cutting jig:

It's simply a piece of plywood with a hacksaw blade. The blade is raised up off of the plywood by some washers so that the sandpaper will fit under it easily. I drew a line on the plywood for the two types of sanding blocks that I've got. Now I just slide the sandpaper under the blade and rip it off. No more measuring or cutting with a box cutter or scissors. I can't believe how much easier this is and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner.

The other little shop helper is a modification of a Black and Decker Workmate. In my little garage shop, space is at a premium and everything needs to be on wheels. So I set out to put a mobile base on my workmate and still make it collapsible. The base is a simple plywood platform with locking casters. I wrapped the base with a couple of 2×4s for rigidity and some 1/4" plywood for looks. I also added a larger 3/4" MDF top to the workmate. The top is attached with dowels that are glued to the MDF and sized for the holes in the workmate top.

I wheel this little thing all over the shop to hold pieces I'm milling, to help with glue ups, and to provide a small light duty assembly bench.

Hope it helps someone out. Thanks for looking.

Cory

Thanks, Rick and flippedcracker. I appreciate the comments.

AJswoodshop · Sep 13, 2011

Cory said:
A couple of shop helpers

I thought I'd post these two little shop helpers I recently made up. The first is something most have seen, but maybe a newbie can get some use out of it: A sandpaper cutter. I'm lazy, so I find myself using sandpaper longer than I should because cutting it to fit my sanding blocks is a bit of a pain. I got fed up with my own laziness and made this super simple sandpaper cutting jig:

It's simply a piece of plywood with a hacksaw blade. The blade is raised up off of the plywood by some washers so that the sandpaper will fit under it easily. I drew a line on the plywood for the two types of sanding blocks that I've got. Now I just slide the sandpaper under the blade and rip it off. No more measuring or cutting with a box cutter or scissors. I can't believe how much easier this is and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner.

The other little shop helper is a modification of a Black and Decker Workmate. In my little garage shop, space is at a premium and everything needs to be on wheels. So I set out to put a mobile base on my workmate and still make it collapsible. The base is a simple plywood platform with locking casters. I wrapped the base with a couple of 2×4s for rigidity and some 1/4" plywood for looks. I also added a larger 3/4" MDF top to the workmate. The top is attached with dowels that are glued to the MDF and sized for the holes in the workmate top.

I wheel this little thing all over the shop to hold pieces I'm milling, to help with glue ups, and to provide a small light duty assembly bench.

Hope it helps someone out. Thanks for looking.

Cory

Nice! Always handy to have a extra table.

AJ

jott_1 · Sep 13, 2011

Cory said:
A couple of shop helpers

I thought I'd post these two little shop helpers I recently made up. The first is something most have seen, but maybe a newbie can get some use out of it: A sandpaper cutter. I'm lazy, so I find myself using sandpaper longer than I should because cutting it to fit my sanding blocks is a bit of a pain. I got fed up with my own laziness and made this super simple sandpaper cutting jig:

It's simply a piece of plywood with a hacksaw blade. The blade is raised up off of the plywood by some washers so that the sandpaper will fit under it easily. I drew a line on the plywood for the two types of sanding blocks that I've got. Now I just slide the sandpaper under the blade and rip it off. No more measuring or cutting with a box cutter or scissors. I can't believe how much easier this is and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner.

The other little shop helper is a modification of a Black and Decker Workmate. In my little garage shop, space is at a premium and everything needs to be on wheels. So I set out to put a mobile base on my workmate and still make it collapsible. The base is a simple plywood platform with locking casters. I wrapped the base with a couple of 2×4s for rigidity and some 1/4" plywood for looks. I also added a larger 3/4" MDF top to the workmate. The top is attached with dowels that are glued to the MDF and sized for the holes in the workmate top.

I wheel this little thing all over the shop to hold pieces I'm milling, to help with glue ups, and to provide a small light duty assembly bench.

Hope it helps someone out. Thanks for looking.

Cory

I like this one from Rockler. It's a little more work but it has guides to keep things square. I also saw JustLikeJames added a 1/2×3/4 stock on the blade with double sided tape. That lets you pick up the blade to slide the sandpaper under. It also lets you press down as you rip it off.

https://www.rockler.com/making-simple-sandpaper-measuring-cutting-jig-sanding-blocks

Did you laminate the top?
What are the top dimensions?
Do you wish it was bigger?

John

Cory · Sep 29, 2011

Tool cabinet update

I recently built a small tool cabinet for my shop. You can see more pics of it here:

When Lee Valley had their free shipping offer last week, I decided to add a few toys: A new dovetail saw, a 38* blade for my low angle jack plane, a flush cut saw, and some skew chisels. Those additions required a few more holders for the tool cabinet. Here are some updated shots:

Overall pic:

Simple holder for additional plane blade:

New dovetail and flush cut saws (very sophisticated holder for flush cut saw: finish nail)

Skew chisels (and a mortise chisel I already had)

Misc Stuff

Thanks for looking.

Cory

PSA: One day I'll use my DSLR camera for decent pics, until then you're going to have to live with crappy cell phone shots. Sorry!

PurpLev · Sep 29, 2011

Cory said:
Tool cabinet update

I recently built a small tool cabinet for my shop. You can see more pics of it here:

When Lee Valley had their free shipping offer last week, I decided to add a few toys: A new dovetail saw, a 38* blade for my low angle jack plane, a flush cut saw, and some skew chisels. Those additions required a few more holders for the tool cabinet. Here are some updated shots:

Overall pic:

Simple holder for additional plane blade:

New dovetail and flush cut saws (very sophisticated holder for flush cut saw: finish nail)

Skew chisels (and a mortise chisel I already had)

Misc Stuff

Thanks for looking.

Cory

PSA: One day I'll use my DSLR camera for decent pics, until then you're going to have to live with crappy cell phone shots. Sorry!

heh, I think phone pictures are good enough unless you are trying to show off some gallery quality projects (such as in the projects section) I do the same thing.

always fun to customize the tool cabinet and getting things from leevalley. Curious about the saw holders - I see the rotating clip, but I don't see anything on the opposing side to keep them from falling off the the left - what's holding them there?

Cory · Sep 29, 2011

Cory said:
Tool cabinet update

I recently built a small tool cabinet for my shop. You can see more pics of it here:

When Lee Valley had their free shipping offer last week, I decided to add a few toys: A new dovetail saw, a 38* blade for my low angle jack plane, a flush cut saw, and some skew chisels. Those additions required a few more holders for the tool cabinet. Here are some updated shots:

Overall pic:

Simple holder for additional plane blade:

New dovetail and flush cut saws (very sophisticated holder for flush cut saw: finish nail)

Skew chisels (and a mortise chisel I already had)

Misc Stuff

Thanks for looking.

Cory

PSA: One day I'll use my DSLR camera for decent pics, until then you're going to have to live with crappy cell phone shots. Sorry!

I'm just trying to keep the economy moving forward…..Damn you Lee Valley and your free shipping!

Sharon: The saw holders have a little lip on the right side. The small hook on the handle sits down in that groove and prevents them from tipping to the left.

PurpLev · Sep 29, 2011

Cory said:
Tool cabinet update

I recently built a small tool cabinet for my shop. You can see more pics of it here:

When Lee Valley had their free shipping offer last week, I decided to add a few toys: A new dovetail saw, a 38* blade for my low angle jack plane, a flush cut saw, and some skew chisels. Those additions required a few more holders for the tool cabinet. Here are some updated shots:

Overall pic:

Simple holder for additional plane blade:

New dovetail and flush cut saws (very sophisticated holder for flush cut saw: finish nail)

Skew chisels (and a mortise chisel I already had)

Misc Stuff

Thanks for looking.

Cory

PSA: One day I'll use my DSLR camera for decent pics, until then you're going to have to live with crappy cell phone shots. Sorry!

I see what you mean. thanks!

Rick Dennington · Sep 29, 2011

Cory said:
Tool cabinet update

I recently built a small tool cabinet for my shop. You can see more pics of it here:

When Lee Valley had their free shipping offer last week, I decided to add a few toys: A new dovetail saw, a 38* blade for my low angle jack plane, a flush cut saw, and some skew chisels. Those additions required a few more holders for the tool cabinet. Here are some updated shots:

Overall pic:

Simple holder for additional plane blade:

New dovetail and flush cut saws (very sophisticated holder for flush cut saw: finish nail)

Skew chisels (and a mortise chisel I already had)

Misc Stuff

Thanks for looking.

Cory

PSA: One day I'll use my DSLR camera for decent pics, until then you're going to have to live with crappy cell phone shots. Sorry!

Hiya Cory,

As usual, a stellar job on the tool cabinet…a place for everything, and everything in its place, as my old high school shop teacher used to say….at least you'll know where they are…lol. AAHH….shop furniture..my favorite….can never have enough storage to suit me….good score on the tools. Can never have enough of them, either….Keep 'em coming, pal….... I like it…!!!

Cory · Nov 8, 2011

My finest work ever. Period.

I've been busy in the shop lately. I've built several tables and some other misc things for the house:

floating top table from oak and walnut

tea light holder from spalted maple

But, none of that even compares to one of the best afternoons I've ever had in my shop. This project was handcrafted with the finest of care by me and my shop helper. It took hours to complete and is, in my humble opinion, my finest work ever:

Jackson and I played with all of my cut-offs for the entire afternoon building castles and forts. The dinosaurs, star wars guys, and army men won a hard fought battle against the lego guys, knights, and pirates. After a long drawn out war, we rewarded ourselves with cookies and milk.

Best. Day. Ever.

Thanks for looking.

Cory

McLeanVA · Nov 8, 2011

Cory said:
My finest work ever. Period.

I've been busy in the shop lately. I've built several tables and some other misc things for the house:

floating top table from oak and walnut

tea light holder from spalted maple

But, none of that even compares to one of the best afternoons I've ever had in my shop. This project was handcrafted with the finest of care by me and my shop helper. It took hours to complete and is, in my humble opinion, my finest work ever:

Jackson and I played with all of my cut-offs for the entire afternoon building castles and forts. The dinosaurs, star wars guys, and army men won a hard fought battle against the lego guys, knights, and pirates. After a long drawn out war, we rewarded ourselves with cookies and milk.

Best. Day. Ever.

Thanks for looking.

Cory

Absolutely awesome Cory. My kids love cut offs more than any finished project I ever make. They build cityscapes and draw windows on all the buildings. Great times in the shop for sure. Thanks for posting.

Rick Dennington · Nov 8, 2011

Cory said:
My finest work ever. Period.

I've been busy in the shop lately. I've built several tables and some other misc things for the house:

floating top table from oak and walnut

tea light holder from spalted maple

But, none of that even compares to one of the best afternoons I've ever had in my shop. This project was handcrafted with the finest of care by me and my shop helper. It took hours to complete and is, in my humble opinion, my finest work ever:

Jackson and I played with all of my cut-offs for the entire afternoon building castles and forts. The dinosaurs, star wars guys, and army men won a hard fought battle against the lego guys, knights, and pirates. After a long drawn out war, we rewarded ourselves with cookies and milk.

Best. Day. Ever.

Thanks for looking.

Cory

Cory,

Stellar job, as usual, bud, on the build of the table and candle thingy… I like the contrast of woods on the table….goes nicely together, and the tapered legs makes it look elegent….I'm trying to figure out if the candles are recessed in the maple (?). Beautiful work on both…..

The time spent with your son will be remembered by him for many years….When my son was young like that (he's now 42), he use to come out to my shop and hammer and nail and glue up scraps, too. Over the years he has yearned to have a wood shop, and he finally got a house where he might actually get to have one. But being around the wood will get into your blood…...young or old…..Keep up the good work, bud…..

BrentPAC · Nov 8, 2011

Cory said:
My finest work ever. Period.

I've been busy in the shop lately. I've built several tables and some other misc things for the house:

floating top table from oak and walnut

tea light holder from spalted maple

But, none of that even compares to one of the best afternoons I've ever had in my shop. This project was handcrafted with the finest of care by me and my shop helper. It took hours to complete and is, in my humble opinion, my finest work ever:

Jackson and I played with all of my cut-offs for the entire afternoon building castles and forts. The dinosaurs, star wars guys, and army men won a hard fought battle against the lego guys, knights, and pirates. After a long drawn out war, we rewarded ourselves with cookies and milk.

Best. Day. Ever.

Thanks for looking.

Cory

Awesome work. Your son has to be the happiest kid on the block!

Cory · Jan 30, 2012

New drum sander

I've wanted a drum sander forever, but I just couldn't justify a grand on a tool I wouldn't use constantly. A few weeks before Christmas a buddy of mine said he had a 16-32 drum sander that he didn't use and would cut me a good deal on it ($200). I pounced.

After using it on quite a few different projects I can tell you it's become a go-to tool in my shop. It would have been worth the $1,000. This drum sander is the older Performax model (before they changed to Jet). It's got the 1hp motor and the 2 1/2" dust port. The newer sanders have a larger motor and larger dust port, but this one works great none the less. It didn't come with casters or a lower shelf, so I made my own mobile base and storage. I'll finish up the drawer fronts (plywood with cherry edge banding) when I get time.

Thanks for looking.

Cory

Evolution of a Shop

lilredweldingrod

Cory

Rick Dennington

nobuckle

Cory

Rick Dennington

flippedcracker

Cory

AJswoodshop

jott_1

Cory

PurpLev

Cory

PurpLev

Rick Dennington

Cory

McLeanVA

Rick Dennington

BrentPAC

Cory

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