What did you do "IN" your garage today?

[Thisistimm]

Assembled and Tested my new WEN 12" Variable Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press with Laser, Work Light and 5/8" Chuck Capacity.

At 85 lbs this is no light weight drill press. Best assembled on a bench or cart you intend to place it on. I started assembling the base on a small metal stool then finished it on the shop office floor. I don't have a dedicated bench in the shop/garage yet. That's one of the projects for 2026. Funny how 85 lbs seems a lot heavier at 70 then it was at 60. I'll need an extra hand when it comes time to lift it up..."Honey, can you come here a minute"...Ha, Ha.

The 5/8" chuck is pretty nice and went on no problem. I like the verticle ribs which makes it easy to grip when installing drill bits before final tightening with the key and vice-versa. There's a key holder on the side of the head too when not in use.

The laser appears to be accurate out of the box. I installed a drill bit and used a piece of white paper to test. The laser is adjustable, so once I get the press up on a bench I'll make any fine adjustments if needed. The built in light is also nice and bright. Old eyes need lots of lighting. The auto speed change lever is a little tight when moving thru its arc. Might loosen up a wee bit after some useage. Otherwise it works fine and holds the belt/pully speed setting. The speed readouts are bright and go from 580 rpm to 3200 rpm. I think I got down to 520 and bit over 3200. The manual states there are 50 Speeds available. The table can tilt 45 degrees and rotates. Moves up and down easily by turning the handle on the right side. It has a built in 7" extension with a roller on the end for oversize boards.

I posted a pic of the pulleys so you can see how it works. The large pulley moves up and the small one moves down and vice-versa when moving the speed lever on the side of the head. You have to have the press running when moving the lever between speeds. Its very cool.

Overall I think it’s a decent drill press for the money, $218.00 with Free Delivery, 90 Day Return from HD and comes with a 2 year warranty from WEN. There's plenty of videos out there showing how to assemble it so I won't bother going thru the steps. Instead I'll just post a few pics. I’ve had my WEN drill press - not sure what size, probably the biggest bench top offering?- for probably a decade and I’ve had litterally zero problems with it. I put a cheap drill press vice on the table and use it for dang near everything. Very happy with it. Noticed just the other day that it had a depth stop on the feed handle. I generally just wrap some tape around the bit to show when I’m deep enough but having a measured stop is even better! Looking forward to putting that to use

 

[410John]

Cleaned/reorganized! I had to dig out a commercial refrigerator. It allowed me to reorganize and gain space. I have too much stuff!

 

[56vette461]

Cleaned up and made some repairs to wind damaged decorations that happened during recent storms. Goal is to have all the Christmas decorations put away before New Years Eve.

 

[rharman]

Today, I cleaned up a J.W. Speaker inner tube vulcanizing patch clamp. I was happy that some red paint survived. This has been on our farm for probably 100 years. My father said Grandpa patched inner tubes for his Model T using this. The patches came on a tin diamond shape lid about 2.5 inches in length and 1.5 inch across. On one side of the tin lid was the patch with some adhesive. On the other side, there was some type of material that would burn when lit and the patch would release, vulcanizing to the tube. The idea was to spread the tube out on the table of the clamp and center the diamond shaped patch on the hole. Using one of the clamping anvils, the screw was tightened securely to hold the patch flat in place. The material was lit and the patch vulcanized to the tube. The flat was fixed and the Model T was back on the road. Daddy and I used this to patch so many bicycle and mini bike tubes over the years. I haven't been able to find replacement patches for this in years. It's a nice garage, wall mount keepsake.

When I was a kid, we used hot patches like that on our bicycles. The kit came with a lightweight stamped steel clamp.

Ahhh... the good old days.

 

[rharman]

< snip >

I posted a pic of the pulleys so you can see how it works. The large pulley moves up and the small one moves down and vice-versa when moving the speed lever on the side of the head. You have to have the press running when moving the lever between speeds. Its very cool.

Overall I think its a decent drill press for the money, $218.00 with Free Delivery, 90 Day Return from HD and comes with a 2 year warranty from WEN. There's plenty of videos out there showing how to assemble it so I won't bother going thru the steps. Instead I'll just post a few pics. < /snip >

Nice Reeves drive system. Haven't seen them used on a newer machine for a while.

That variable speed set up is cool, never seen it before. Looks just like something you’d see on a snowmobile.

That's the drive system used in the ShopSmith. All that stuff got tossed from my ShopSmith when I upgraded to the digital motor. Pretty cool though.

 

[kaymccampbell]

That's the drive system used in the ShopSmith. All that stuff got tossed from my ShopSmith when I upgraded to the digital motor. Pretty cool though.

I've still got all the original 1955 drivetrain in my Shopsmith. Except for a few parts that I reproduced.

 

[Beerhippie]

I've still got all the original 1955 drivetrain in my Shopsmith. Except for a few parts that I reproduced.

I had no idea that Shopsmith went back that far!

 

[rharman]

I've still got all the original 1955 drivetrain in my Shopsmith. Except for a few parts that I reproduced.

I've had mine since 1985. I was fascinated by one a neighbor had when I was a kid.

It's been a good machine. If I were to do it all over again, I'd likely go a different route but it sure is a space saver.
I love the digital motor. No more bogging down.

I sure do miss my RAS though...

 

[rharman]

I had no idea that Shopsmith went back that far!

The originals were introduced in the late 1940's.

 

[micromind]

Cleaned up and made some repairs to wind damaged decorations that happened during recent storms. Goal is to have all the Christmas decorations put away before New Years Eve.

Lotsa luck!!

 

[MVWSR]

Came home to my wife telling me the stick vacuum wasn't charging. I tested the PS and it seemed to have an open, so I took it out to the shop, cut the wire, and used the shop PS to feed the voltage the vacuum needed to charge. Plugged the vacuum in and the charge light came on for a split second, then turned off and the current on the PS dropped down to virtually 0.

Ok... battery shot on the vacuum. We've had this a long time and this is only the second time I've replaced it. It's a 'v6' on the Dyson version scheme and they're up to a 'v10' if that helps tell you the age.

Anywho... that made me wonder about the little PS and why it showed open. I plugged it back in and shoved the meter probes on it and it shows the correct voltage now. Maybe an internal resettable fuse popped when the battery died? Don't know.

Tonight I'll hook the wires from the PS back to the plug on the charge cable and install the new battery that I've already ordered. The last battery replacement wasn't a Dyson branded part, so I'm assuming the generics probably don't last as long. Amazon's purchase history didn't even show the last battery I bought.

I converted my v7 to dewalt with an adapter from amazon

 

[Hooked]

Today, I cleaned up a J.W. Speaker inner tube vulcanizing patch clamp. I was happy that some red paint survived. This has been on our farm for probably 100 years. My father said Grandpa patched inner tubes for his Model T using this. The patches came on a tin diamond shape lid about 2.5 inches in length and 1.5 inch across. On one side of the tin lid was the patch with some adhesive. On the other side, there was some type of material that would burn when lit and the patch would release, vulcanizing to the tube. The idea was to spread the tube out on the table of the clamp and center the diamond shaped patch on the hole. Using one of the clamping anvils, the screw was tightened securely to hold the patch flat in place. The material was lit and the patch vulcanized to the tube. The flat was fixed and the Model T was back on the road. Daddy and I used this to patch so many bicycle and mini bike tubes over the years. I haven't been able to find replacement patches for this in years. It's a nice garage, wall mount keepsake.

I still have a 'portable' model in one of my tools boxes which I used for many years. Very lightweight material but got the job done.

 

[mikegt4]

I saved a few bucks on my new house by having them hang sheetrock, but not do any finish work. Well now I get to pay for it.

I spent the last two days taping the walls of my 1250sqft garage, and just got started on the ceiling today. I have a long way to go.







Disregard the giant pile of ****.

Interesting, I applaud your efforts (BTDT) but how did it pass final inspection without being taped? It would be a "fail" here unless it was an unattached building more than 30' from the house, I am assuming that this is an attached garage. Maybe it was one of those "drive by" inspections that I wish I could get.

 

[Old Man Roger]

Holiday down time means lots of progress in the building restoration. Built mounts, hung lights and ran all new electrical
in my attic to great success. Now on to the big ugly yellow walls!!! Will move that lift into the front to start work on the third and last section January 1st.

RKTINC.

Man it’s all starting to come together.

 

[Beerhippie]

Boss asked me to take some pictures of our "back forty" which we want to offer for RV use. No facilities, but a nice place to park and close to the pub and town.

Best light was fairly early this morning, so I was out there at 15F freezing my appendages off, but got the pic I was looking for:



Trees on the south and west sides mean good early light and shade for the rest of the day.

I drove the Toy over there--all of a hundred yards--just so I didn't have to carry all my gear. The spacing on those kegs just happens to be perfect for a slalom course! Not that I was screwing off on company time, but someone had to check that for safety.

Then a check-up on the new thermostat install for the prep table:



The Fischer Scientific thermometer is made for commercial kitchen refrigerator/freezer use. The temp probe is inside a sealed bottle of glycol solution to add hysteresis to the readings--especially for something like a prep table, the average temperature is more important than the temp swings as the doors are opened and closed frequently. It's now holding temp just fine, but we'll have to see how it does in actual use.

Here's the set-up as it currently sits:



I may move the Johnson thermostat to the front where it's more visible. If we decide to keep this set-up, I'll drill a hole through the side of the 'fridge and use a grommet for a cleaner install of the probe. The probe I'm using is also encased in a tube full of glycol solution for the same reason as above--'though I can set the hysteresis on the thermostat, too.

 

[M.Brane]

Boss asked me to take some pictures of our "back forty" which we want to offer for RV use. No facilities, but a nice place to park and close to the pub.

Best light was fairly early this morning, so I was out there at 15F freezing my appendages off, but got the pic I was looking for:



Trees on the south and west sides mean good early light and shade for the rest of the day.

If you want RVs you really need hookups. Especially if you want RVs with money to spend. Otherwise it's just oversized parking. That with small pads on the curb side with picnic benches, and fire pits would be the minimum. Then you can offer firewood for sale to get rid of those pesky downed trees.

We went to Baker City a few years ago to do some riding in your neck of the woods. Ended up trapped in the RV because of the weather. Would have been nice to have something like that close by, but after a couple days we just bailed.

 

[Beerhippie]

If you want RVs you really need hookups. Especially if you want RVs with money to spend. Otherwise it's just oversized parking. That with small pads on the curb side with picnic benches, and fire pits would be the minimum. Then you can offer firewood for sale to get rid of those pesky downed trees.

We went to Baker City a few years ago to do some riding in your neck of the woods. Ended up trapped in the RV because of the weather. Would have been nice to have something like that close by, but after a couple days we just bailed.

Full hook-ups and bathrooms were the original game plan.

Finances have temporarily changed those plans. Now we just want to offer it as a low-cost (not sure if we're even charging for it) alternative for those who want the convenience of being a short walk from the pub and right on the outskirts of town. Camping/RV sites are scarce down this part of the valley.

 

[Nofries]

Full hook-ups and bathrooms were the original game plan.

Finances have temporarily changed those plans. Now we just want to offer it as a low-cost (not sure if we're even charging for it) alternative for those who want the convenience of being a short walk from the pub and right on the outskirts of town. Camping/RV sites are scarce down this part of the valley.

If you want RVs you really need hookups. Especially if you want RVs with money to spend. Otherwise it's just oversized parking. That with small pads on the curb side with picnic benches, and fire pits would be the minimum. Then you can offer firewood for sale to get rid of those pesky downed trees.

We went to Baker City a few years ago to do some riding in your neck of the woods. Ended up trapped in the RV because of the weather. Would have been nice to have something like that close by, but after a couple days we just bailed.

I'd think it would be like a Harvest host type thing. Where they stay a night or two, not a week. Harvest Host has "free" sites that you can camp in for a night or two as you travel to another destination, They have farms, Breweries, Golf Courses, all kinds of "attractions" that they hope you will spend money at while there. It is actually suggested that you actually do spend money there for the grace of parking there overnight. Electricity and or water would be a great plus, but Full hook up is rare. Guess it really is up to the owner what type of income is expected. I would think Full hook up would be a very low ROI.

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[CoogarXR]

The wind died down today, so I decided to swap the new amp into the van. Everything went according to plan, it sounds pretty good now.

Had a scare at lunch time though. We took the explorer out, and we were about 20 miles from home when smoke started pouring out of the dash. Not just a wisp, like furiously billowing! I whipped into an empty parking lot assuming I'm going to watch this thing burn to the ground. I shut it off, and we bailed out. The smoke stopped. A quick diagnosis showed that the origin was the duct work, and my blower only works on high now.

Turns out it's a common problem on the early explorers; leaves get up against the red-hot blower resistor and burn. glad it put itself out!

So that's the next project. Replace my melted resistor and clean the leaves out of the blower box.

 

[niget2002]

Son and I started in on some of the plastic models we got for Christmas.

 

[Beerhippie]

Next project: The boss wants some shelves in the beer cooler, nothing fancy:



which is just what he's getting. That's the first of two.

 

[Beerhippie]

Next project: The boss wants some shelves in the beer cooler, nothing fancy:



which is just what he's getting. That's the first of two.

I did very carefully build both of them backwards. The angled end of the shelf top should be at the other end.

Don't tell anyone.

In my defense, I was working backwards with the face board clamped to the edge of my workbench.

 

[Poe34]

Moved some of my hoard from one side of the garage to the other while questioning myself on why I have so much stuff. I always said that as long as I can easily locate what I am looking for, then I'm okay with all my junk, not sure when that changed but it's time to purge.

 

[Motorman55]

Assembled my new WEN 2.8 Amp 9" Bench Top Bandsaw, the last of the WEN woodworking tools for 2025 that I ordered from HD that came in today.

With the exception of a few plastic knobs, the power switch and belts, the whole machine is built from metal. The main frame and the body panels are all steel and the pulleys and table top are aluminum.

Assembly just required the installation of the aluminum table top. Once that was on I checked it for level and set the little red arrow tilt indicator to the angle support/gear. The table is now set square to the blade itself both side to side and front to back. (See Pics)

After a quick check to make sure none of the saw blade guide bearing were touching the blade, I turned it on then made a slight adjustment to center the blade on the pulleys thru the small clear plexi widow. (See Pic)

The fence is dead straight in-line and 90 degrees to the table after clamping it. The little plastic miter gauges' scale label and pointer aligns correctly and sits at 90 degrees to the blade when in the table track. I did a few free hand test cuts on some 1x5 and as you can see from the pics it was a nice 90 degree all the way across the cuts. The 1/4" blade that comes with it cuts ok. I think there's two or three other sizes available and I'll pick them up too.

One thing I do not like is the guide cover. It can be a real pain in the fingers to get it to open. That little 'push' label is deceiving. Doesn't release the guide from its locked position. Instead you have to squeeze it, jiggle it, lift it, cuss at it and hope it pops open before you break it. Once open, just lift the cover and it comes right off. I'll have to work on that part. Also, I think I'll modify the cover itself by cutting off the tab just below the 'push' decal and replace it with a piece of clear plexi. (See the pic) As it is now, the tab blocks the view of any pencil outline your trying to cut along like very thin ply, plexi etc when looking down on it.

Other modifications/improvements I'll make: 1. Mount the saw to a wider 3/4" plywood platform. Its a little tipsy as it stands now due to its narrow base. 2. Add a flexible working light. 3. Vac shut off gate and vac hose adapter for use when its tied into a multi tool vac line. 4. A dedicated bench on wheels with a drawer to hold its accessories and extra band saw blades. 5. Sand the table top to create a smoother surface then apply a past wax.

Finally, I paid $149.00 from HD with 90 Day Return, Free Delivery with my HD CC 18 Mo No Interest Coupon same as the other WEN tools I bought together.) Also has the WEN 2 Year Warranty.

I think its probably safe to say its on par & cost with other brands in its size. Is it perfect? No, but its good enough for government work and what I need it for. Now if it'll just last to the end of my 2026 wood projects. Here's a few pics.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Burned and assembled some decorations. Glittered one. Had my voice therapy session. Attended an NWA board meeting.

I was channeling those Tinkertoy and Playmobil people when I made this.

 

[Outlawmws]

Just got caught up from last Friday: - we need a "fell off the wagon" emoji...

What ***** is my ladder is about a foot short of being tall enough for me to be comfortable swapping lights with it. I put it on a 6" tall solid stand I use with the motorcycle lift, but I still had to stand one rung higher than I'd prefer. I got it done, but I wasn't happy.

Get the right ladder for he work you are doing at out age it not worth the risk of a fall

For example I have always used a 6 ft ladder for the Xmas decorations above the washer dryer (high wall and we stack to the rafters..) - two years back I started bringing the 8 ft from the shed where it lives full time for this task, Not standing on the top step anymore...

I did very carefully build both of them backwards. The angled end of the shelf top should be at the other end.

Angle both ends and call it a day, If anyone asks its for the next re-purpose of those shelves... 'Cause you know it will happen.

 

[rharman]

I did very carefully build both of them backwards. The angled end of the shelf top should be at the other end.

Don't tell anyone.

In my defense, I was working backwards with the face board clamped to the edge of my workbench.

< snip >

Angel both ends and call it a day, If anyone asks its for the next re-purpose of those shelves... 'Cause you know it will happen.

< /snip >

I like that idea.
I'm a big fan of symmetry...

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Went out to the garage to do some lathe work.
Found the right chunk of wood and cut to spec.
Daughter came over and went in to have lunch.
Went back out set up dust collection, bench and tools.
Other Daughter and Grandson came into town for appointments and went in for a quick visit, as they had to head back home.
Went out to the garage set up the wood blank into lathe.
Neighbour stopped in for his Xmas beer, then my other neighbour stopped in when he finished work.
After a refreshment neighbours headed home. A old buddy phoned that I hadn’t talked to in years as he was in for the holidays.
Turned off lights and went to take the dog for a walk before supper.
I’ll try to turn up the lathe again tomorrow.

 

[SMOKEYBEAR]

Drug tools from the garage to the house to swap out a failed dish washer. I've been limping it along with some "reset" procedures I found online, it finally gave up with my patience.

 

[FLHCHAZ]

Sealed the paint on my Silverado with Cerakote Platinum Ceramic Spray. I must say that I am impressed. This truck is 12 years old and original paint (minus the rocker panels and cab corners), has a bout 105k miles, and was used as my daily driver for 7 years - and for lots of truck stuff- hauling, camping, trail driving...etc. I have always kept it cleaned and maintained, but wow the shine/slickness is incredible. Can't go wrong for $20.00

 

[niget2002]

Get the right ladder for he work you are doing at out age it not worth the risk of a fall

I was telling a friend the ladder story. While telling it to him, it dawned on me, I have a 4'x8' rolling very sturdy table in the middle of the shop. I should have put the ladder on top of it. It'd be no different than when I put the ladder in the bed of my truck to get to something under the carport.

 

[DGersic]

Saved this MagLite from battery corrosion.



From Dad’s garage, an AT&T 4ESS commemorative flashlight, can’t easily replace that one. Fortunately, the leak only affected the tail cap. I’m going to LED swap it and put it back in to service.

The pull string on the bathroom window shade broke. We’re about to gut and remodel the bathroom, so I didn’t want to spend a lot of time on something that’s about to go in the dumpster. I was able to cut down and re-use the string. It’s short now, but it works.

 

[Outlawmws]

Sealed the paint on my Silverado with Cerakote Platinum Ceramic Spray.

Do you have a before pic?

 

[Outlawmws]

The pull string on the bathroom window shade broke. We’re about to gut and remodel the bathroom, so I didn’t want to spend a lot of time on something that’s about to go in the dumpster. I was able to cut down and re-use the string. It’s short now, but it works.

Mini Blind? you can get new string for these (has to be the right size) and use a lighter/match to fuse the new to the old, and pull it through and restring. Make sure the fused part is not a lump.

 

[Outlawmws]

Saved this MagLite from battery corrosion.

I’m going to LED swap it and put it back in to service.

Use EverReady Lithium batteries and you can eliminate corrosion worries 99.999%

 

[Motorman55]

Did get an upgrade to the lighting in garage 1st shows to lights without the new HF linkable LED ones. The other two show the rapture lights.

Looks like you have your work cut out for the winter. Nice Camaro, now get those baskets off the trunk please.

 

[FLHCHAZ]

Do you have a before pic?

Not one that will show much of a difference in a picture, but in person the difference is impressive.

 

[rd65]

Assembled my new WEN 2.8 Amp 9" Bench Top Bandsaw, the last of the WEN woodworking tools for 2025 that I ordered from HD that came in today.

With the exception of a few plastic knobs, the power switch and belts, the whole machine is built from metal. The main frame and the body panels are all steel and the pulleys and table top are aluminum.

Assembly just required the installation of the aluminum table top. Once that was on I checked it for level and set the little red arrow tilt indicator to the angle support/gear. The table is now set square to the blade itself both side to side and front to back. (See Pics)

After a quick check to make sure none of the saw blade guide bearing were touching the blade, I turned it on then made a slight adjustment to center the blade on the pulleys thru the small clear plexi widow. (See Pic)

The fence is dead straight in-line and 90 degrees to the table after clamping it. The little plastic miter gauges' scale label and pointer aligns correctly and sits at 90 degrees to the blade when in the table track. I did a few free hand test cuts on some 1x5 and as you can see from the pics it was a nice 90 degree all the way across the cuts. The 1/4" blade that comes with it cuts ok. I think there's two or three other sizes available and I'll pick them up too.

One thing I do not like is the guide cover. It can be a real pain in the fingers to get it to open. That little 'push' label is deceiving. Doesn't release the guide from its locked position. Instead you have to squeeze it, jiggle it, lift it, cuss at it and hope it pops open before you break it. Once open, just lift the cover and it comes right off. I'll have to work on that part. Also, I think I'll modify the cover itself by cutting off the tab just below the 'push' decal and replace it with a piece of clear plexi. (See the pic) As it is now, the tab blocks the view of any pencil outline your trying to cut along like very thin ply, plexi etc when looking down on it.

Other modifications/improvements I'll make: 1. Mount the saw to a wider 3/4" plywood platform. Its a little tipsy as it stands now due to its narrow base. 2. Add a flexible working light. 3. Vac shut off gate and vac hose adapter for use when its tied into a multi tool vac line. 4. A dedicated bench on wheels with a drawer to hold its accessories and extra band saw blades. 5. Sand the table top to create a smoother surface then apply a past wax.

Finally, I paid $149.00 from HD with 90 Day Return, Free Delivery with my HD CC 18 Mo No Interest Coupon same as the other WEN tools I bought together.) Also has the WEN 2 Year Warranty.

I think its probably safe to say its on par & cost with other brands in its size. Is it perfect? No, but its good enough for government work and what I need it for. Now if it'll just last to the end of my 2026 wood projects. Here's a few pics.

Nice information. Good to know that WEN stuff isn't total **** these days. I've read decent reviews on their track saw. My only WEN tool, hand me down from step dad.

 

[Beerhippie]

Boss asked me to take some pictures of our "back forty" which we want to offer for RV use. No facilities, but a nice place to park and close to the pub and town.

Best light was fairly early this morning, so I was out there at 15F freezing my appendages off, but got the pic I was looking for:



Trees on the south and west sides mean good early light and shade for the rest of the day.

Update on this: It is, indeed, posted on Harvest Host. Price is free--but we sure would appreciate if you have a couple of beers and a meal with us!

PS: We'll get rid of the snow for you sometime in April.

 

[Beerhippie]

Waiting for paint to dry... on a cold winter day.

As per suggestions above, I lopped the opposite corner off of each shelf so it looks like I knew what I was doing. My original plan was to paint the shelves gloss white and the brackets flat black. It ended up being the opposite, as that's what we had on hand. I first squared the brackets up, then etched the galvanizing with phos acid so the paint will stick. Once they dry a bit more, I'll give 'em an hour in the curing oven at 250F. The shelving is outside latex house paint so will just dry for a couple of days in the not-quite 60 degree shop.