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Hi All

I entered my second swap, the 2021 Shop tool swap. My recipient was Kevin, (Keebler 1), who also ran this swap. Thanks to Keebs for a good time, and except for me and my late delivery, the swap ran smoothly, which is a challenge butting up to the holidays as it is. Anyhow a deep thanks to Keebs, and all who joined us on our trip.

After joining, I couldn't figure out what I wanted to make? I'm in process of a 2 stage attack on my shop. Total reorganization, and doing everything in all scrap and leftover wood from past projects. So a mix of plywood from BB, to shop grade sheets, and even plain old CDX. Also a mix of hardwoods, but a LOT of Cherry, some Ash, and a few pieces of Purple Heart.

I am also in the process as they become needed to remake most of the helper aids, tools, jigs, that I make for use in the shop. So all of the work here was duplicated at least one time. Nothing here is what I'd term fine woodworking. I personally am not the guy who makes a perfect jig, unless the perfect, is it works perfectly. So lets go.

First is a Router rest. IIRC it was Wood, or Shop Notes where I first saw these some years ago. The thought is you spend some time getting a router bit set perfectly, once it's set you want to treat it nicely, so instead of laying it down, where the bit can get injured, you set it into a rest. Elevates the bit so it doesn't get pounded in, and from being hit sideways.



Here I am reminded I didn't take a finished pic, or mostly finished. I'll just look at the pics Keebs has already posted. It was then I saw in his pics that the USPS musta played kick the can with my box. It didn't look like this at my end.



Looking further I saw the router rest wasn't together still. Note the base in the pile of wooden pieces, and parts, and what it looked like in the top photo. I did forget to take pics after I had drilled out router bit shank holes, so you could also use the rest to store your router on, carry it on, and bring along some bits. Note that bottom with shank holes drilled, and dowels sticking up on the right, under a piece of Ash.



I think the rest got there unscathed. Might have to check my glue, looks like it failed to keep the rest attached to the base. I hope that was all the damage, that could probably glue back onto the dowels. I made 3 of the router rests. 2 for me, and this one for Keebs. Pics above show a trim router, Bosch Colt, and a large frame router with a big base sitting on the rest, neither caused it any problems.

Next was a glue station. This is new to me, but I almost always pour out too much glue, and then have to clean up. Hoping with this if it's the usual too much is just a spot, I'll just pitch the cup.



I also had a square board. It's BB Plywood, and a Purple Heart set of sides to make a 90 degree corner. It's dead on 90.



The last item is a mini miter block, for very small trim, and stock too small to use power tools on. The concept I am working on involves using a taller (in this case about 6/4 stock) and also making it much wider, (I believe it was 3". but maybe 4").

What I am trying to do is keep as much of the saw buried in the block, to maintain a straight clean cutline. I still owe Keebs one that is true. My concentration has been challenged lately, and cutting this thing out is a bear using a Japanese saw with no back. Such is life. Below is the block, and some cuts at 90, and 45, which individually show them to be, dead on 45's and 90. It was only with assembly the 45's don't quite match. That tells me I either had creep, or am off under 1 degree or something small.



The block has the top block described above, it's mounted on 1/2 BB plywood, and has an Oak keel large enough to not allow slipping off the bench/table you are using to work on.



Everything I made I copied, some 2 or 3 versions, different sizes, same different. Most of mine I didn't finish, just sacrificial pieces.





These are some of the cuts I made on the block. The miters fit tightly into my Starrett, but later will fail to lock a perfect square.





The 90 is much easier to cut, and these are cut both ends, and absolutely no light could be seen between wood, and square.



Thats about it, it was fun chatting with a great bunch during the journey, and I was working on the shop, and building some of the tools/accessories/jigs/whatnot I use every day I'm in the shop.

Wishing everyone a fine Thanksgiving, a very special Christmas, and a great 2022. Another swap is forming right now, if you feel a bowl in you, it's the Bowling tournament, give a swap a spin if you haven't, very rewarding.

Thanks for looking. I know, I know TLDR…..

Gallery

Comments

· Registered
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6,567 Posts
I was trying to figure a way to attach these, because I don't have a laser, or CNC. I messed up a few pieces trying to just "poly them on" So I figured I'd post em here.









Here's to Keebs for running a cool swap, I enjoyed it immensely.
 

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· Banned
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18,919 Posts
nice work my friend had to sit this one out too many projects were going on but it was fun tagging along with you guys.but ill see ya in the next one.
 

· Registered
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5,101 Posts
Great package there, nicely done and thought out. I am always laying my trim router on its side. And the glue up stand is a wonderful idea, better than laying the brush on a piece of plastic. And that miter box for small trim is a another great idea, I hate to watch those little pieces fly and hope I can keep my eye on them, even with slow cuts and hold the blade down until it stops spinning.

Hope your Thanksgiving Day was great.
 

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1,433 Posts
really cool ideas and fixtures
 

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These are some very common sense jigs, tools, or whatever you want to call them. I need to make a router stand since my router is currently laying on its side with a pricey upcut bit installed and an equally expensive circle jig screwed to the base plate. I think a safe place to sit it would be preferable to knocking it on the floor one of these times.

I also like the glue brush stand. I have numerous dry glue blobs on the floor and on the tablesaw top and legs where I hung the glue brush over the side of the work surface and it dripped.

I do have a little metal miter box for cutting small pieces so at least I'm not totally missing these ingenious helpers.
 

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1,434 Posts
A nice set of shop additions.
 

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Thanks to all for the positive comments. I know I like, and use all of these in my shop. But ya never know if they are something others would appreciate.
 

· Registered
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575 Posts
You really stepped up this swap. Much needed shop aids. Might steal some of your designs.

Hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving and happy holidays!

Best Regards,
 

· Registered
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6,567 Posts
Thanks James We did. I hope you the Family, and the cat did too. :)
 
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