Category Archives: Workshop

Tuning the Milling Machine

Posted on September 16, 2024 by RussD

I recently made a couple of parts on the milling machine. The first was for mounting a Quick Change Tool Post (QCTP) on the lathe. A QCTP makes it quick and easy to change cutting tools on a lathe and … Continue reading →

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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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