Category Archives: Workshop

New Toys. Errr… “Tools”

Posted on September 2, 2024 by RussD

So I was perusing CraigsList… That introductory line is right up there with “hold my beer” as an indicator that things are about to get interesting! I’ve been wanting a specific set of tools to expand my sheet metal fabrication … Continue reading →

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New Machine Tool

Posted on February 27, 2024 by RussD

I’ve just acquired a new machine tool for the workshop – a Juki LU 563 walking foot sewing machine. Now the Imperial interior gets real! Why do I call this a machine tool? It is a fabrication tool, just like … Continue reading →

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Power Tools!

Posted on March 18, 2023 by RussD

I want to expand the scope of what I can build in the workshop. Today I have the ability to work with sheet metal and tubing and to weld things together. You can do a lot with this, but I … Continue reading →

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AfterCoolin’

Posted on March 22, 2022 by RussD

After fighting rust in the previous article Door Three “Delights” I decided to finish off another workshop project to upgrade my air supply. One of the problems with air compressors is moisture. A basic physics fact is warm air can … Continue reading →

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Bandsaw Stand

Posted on January 22, 2022 by RussD

The horizontal bandsaw has been getting a real workout cutting up the steel tubing for various projects. While it does a good job cutting there are issues – mostly with the stand. The included stand is the most criticized part … Continue reading →

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Workbench

Posted on December 21, 2021 by RussD

Its not a workshop without a workbench! Currently the workbench is a plywood top laying on a couple of 44″ tool cabinets which has been waiting for the materials to build a proper workbench. With materials in hand, courtesy of … Continue reading →

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Welding Cart

Posted on December 6, 2021 by RussD

Larger fabrication projects, like the drill press stand chronicled in the previous article How Much Does A “Free” Drill Press Cost?, have been leaving me increasingly dissatisfied with my welding setup. The actual welder, a Lincoln HD140, is fine. The … Continue reading →

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How Much Does A “Free” Drill Press Cost?

Posted on November 27, 2021 by RussD

Searching Craigs List for a welding table a couple of years ago I stumbled across a triple drill press mounted on a heavy machine tool base. This machine tool base was 30″ x 60″, made of heavy steel (4″ thick … Continue reading →

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Steel This!

Posted on November 4, 2021 by RussD

Several workshop projects have been on hold due to the high price of steel. In late 2019 a 24′ piece of 1″ x 2″ 11 gauge steel tubing was $65. In early 2020 prices started climbing – today that same … Continue reading →

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Doing the (mini) Splits

Posted on July 30, 2021 by RussD

After much discussion the time came to properly heat and cool the workshop. I’ve spent the last couple of years researching the options and concluded that the best solution was a mini split heat pump. Mini splits are known for … Continue reading →

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