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!
Workshop & Safety
Tips for Creating the Ultimate Indoor Workshop
Workshop & SafetyCommentIt's the Little Things
CNC, Workshop & SafetyCommentA 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.
Use (or Avoid) the Force!
Workshop & Safety1 CommentThis guide helps make sure you keep your fingers (and yourself) safe when working with large power tools, via tips & guidelines that encourage you to think about the force the tool is applying to the workpiece in relation to your hands and your body, not via a listicle of obvious-and-generic pointers.
Tools Tools Tools
Workshop & Safety4 CommentsThe 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 & SafetyCommentIn 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.