Branching Out Wood

Modern Functional Home Decor by David Wertheimer

Workshop & Safety

Dust Collection Upgrade

Workshop & SafetyDavid Wertheimer1 Comment

A decision to upgrade my planer has forced me to also upgrade my dust collection system. Read more to learn about the custom two-stage dust collection system I built that is cleaner and more efficient, but yet fits in a more compact space, than my original off-the-shelf system … and all the challenges integrating PVC and ductwork!

It's the Little Things

CNC, Workshop & SafetyDavid WertheimerComment

A pandemic-related slowdown in work and far-more-limited social and summer travel plans does not mean wasted time. New shelves in tight spaces; a repaired and improved dust collection system; more convenient electrical switches; and more. I share a few simple workshop improvements I’ve been able to make, that may inspire you to also do some cleanup.

Tools Tools Tools

Workshop & SafetyDavid Wertheimer4 Comments

The fifth in my series of tool posts, a full shop can still benefit from some small additions and upgrades - this post outlines a number of tools that don’t necessarily allow me to do anything new, but rather, allow me to do things I could already do either more quickly or with greater quality: a track saw, a large angle grinder, a domino cutter, right angle drill, a helical cutter head on my planer.

Keep It Simple Stupid!

CNC, Workshop & SafetyDavid WertheimerComment

In installing a ceiling lift for my CNC, I attempted to build an auto-leveler to automatically move the gantry to keep the table balanced. What should have been an interesting but straightforward closed loop feedback system quickly got out of hand, making me one more victim who has learned the KISS principle the hard way.