Tooling (Re)Organization

[BoilermakerFan]

Haven’t made progress on it since the last update. I’ve been stuck (haven’t found them yet) at needing to get two 80/20 90* internal connectors to set the motor mount rack (the right way)

Send me a DM with the part number. I can cross it to TSLOTS and we can sell it to you via a CC and drop ship it to you.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

Haven’t made progress on it since the last update. I’ve been stuck (haven’t found them yet) at needing to get two 80/20 90* internal connectors to set the motor mount rack (the right way)

Send me a DM with the part number... I can help you out.

 

[sakurama]

Cool stuff as usual but damn, 2% - you really live on the edge man. If my phone gets below 20% it makes me nervous and I'm looking for the charger. But you, no, you're making screen shots to populate this thread. Dedication.

Gregor

 

[Firebrick43]

It came. What's comes in the box.
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Dust port. Sort of disappointed here. It's so low that with a hose attached the hose hangs below the sole and then longer/bigger boards are not possible with the hose hooked up.

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Clamps and even a rubber pad included to mount to a bench.

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Two knobs and this plastic fence make a jointing attachment?

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This is where I will be installing mine. It will be attached to an aluminum or plywood plate and mount in the router table that I need to finish. The incra plate for my router came in the other day and is shown for size comparison

Thanks lilscorpion for leading me down the rabbit hole.

 

[niget2002]

Get that 3d printer working and print you a new dust outlet

 

[WhoWhatNow]

It came. What's comes in the box.

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Dust port. Sort of disappointed here. It's so low that with a hose attached the hose hangs below the sole and then longer/bigger boards are not possible with the hose hooked up.





Clamps and even a rubber pad included to mount to a bench.





Two knobs and this plastic fence make a jointing attachment?






This is where I will be installing mine. It will be attached to an aluminum or plywood plate and mount in the router table that I need to finish. The incra plate for my router came in the other day and is shown for size comparison



Thanks lilscorpion for leading me down the rabbit hole.

How well does it work? Does it feel reasonably well made? Would you recommend buying one for hobbiest use or do you think a used PC would be a better bet?

 

[locul]

Heat it, bend it! Or thats to caveman?

 

[lilscorpion]

It came.

Thanks lilscorpion for leading me down the rabbit hole.

Welcome, it’s nice down here ain’t it? [emoji4] I got too busy and you beat me to it. Great summary, was thinkin alike.

How well does it work? Does it feel reasonably well made? Would you recommend buying one for hobbiest use or do you think a used PC would be a better bet?

Dust collector. Works ok but agree kinda janky. The hose adapter size is smallish-weird. I was able to cram the small DC Festool hose in it and it stayed on during the test on the bench. Not sure if the adapter will stay connected during hand use.



Did a little test sanding



Total oscillation travel is 1/4-inch which is about 1/3rd of the travel of the Porter Cable unit I have. This will distribute the wear a little less on the paper cylinder than the PC unit so paper won’t last as long on repetitive ops. The power seems good enough on highest setting but easily bogs down on lowest setting.

Other notable difference - I e gotten fairly good at rounding off corners using my PC unit. Given the same level of effort, the results aren’t as smooth. I suspect the spindle has less support than the PC unit so the spindle may not run as true. Not sure if I could test it will a dial indicator or not or if it really matters.



A little more effort and the finish is good.



What needs improvement - the screws that hold on the friction plate are course thread screws sunk into plastic bosses. (I’ll add a pic when I get home). The two holes shown below have threads into the steel plate which make them suitable for mounting to a router table. The other 6 are not. I think a Mod will be necessary to create additional metal bosses before it would be mounted in a table.



Show and tell only - how it fits in the Systainer.



Edit: missed my summary.

Summary: @ $79 shipped, I’d say the value is proportional to the cost. My Porter Cable unit is about 3x in cost and I’d venture to say its about 3x the machine (oscillation of the spindle, tightness of the motor, power, weight, size/format, housing quality, attachment points, etc). The most appropriate analogy is likely Harbor Freight VS Dewalt/Milwaukee (you pick the tool).

 

[lilscorpion]

This is where I will be installing mine. It will be attached to an aluminum or plywood plate and mount in the router table that I need to finish. The incra plate for my router came in the other day and is shown for size comparison

Can you share some details about your table build? Curious, what will this slot be used for?

 

[lilscorpion]

More thoughts: used it again last night not attached to the bench and freehand. I like it’s smaller size and lighter weight for hand held operations. The bigger PC was a beast and difficult to maneuver. This unit is more nimble which is nice. The switch and speed control isn’t exactly easy to get to. The plastic friction plate (that rides on the surface you’re sanding) doesn’t seem all that durable. It’s cheap plastic. Guess it doesn’t matter as long as it doesn’t damage the work piece.

 

[Strouty]

Just checking in, thanks to your post on that oscillating sander on eBay, I am out $250. Hope you are happy. LOL

We need our fix of awesome upgrades!

 

[lilscorpion]

Just checking in, thanks to your post on that oscillating sander on eBay, I am out $250. Hope you are happy. LOL

We need our fix of awesome upgrades!

It’s a good one, you’ll love it.

Been doin some other stuff for the past 3 weeks. e.g. - Son turned 15 and got his learners permit. Colorado requires he gets 50 hours in before he’s 16 and we’ve done about 25 in the last three driving all over. Today we logged a bunch more but, a first for him, off-road.



Took him a little while to get the touch right on the go pedal but he caught on quickly. Just yesterday it seems like we were watching peewee football.



I do plan on some shop time tomorrow and a post shortly after.

 

[Cruzan80]

Hopefully teaching him stick? Lost art nowadays...

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[lilscorpion]

Hopefully teaching him stick? Lost art nowadays...

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using The Garage Journal mobile app

No, haven’t yet taught him to drive a stick but it’s in the plan after he gets the hang of the rest of it.

 

[Nuts]

I really like your systainer work station.

Not got into Festool as of yet, budget constraints have a way of doing that.
Looking at your systainer cabinets, I think I would prefer all of them to be on slides,
letting you access the systainer without removing it from the base. Also would want to be
able to leave the latch in the open position with the systainer slid all the way in.

This guy, along with being a fine woodworker has had some brilliant ideas in configuring
the Festool systainer system.

https://www.youtube.com/user/ruskijager/videos

In particular this box would make a great setup for the smaller oscillating sanders
you guys are buying.

 

[dthor68]

Lilscorpion, I am guessing that you buy your drawer slides in bulk? I am in need of 12 pairs of 16" slides and would like to know what brand you are using and recommend? I have been looking at these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078N1TC8H/?tag=atomicindus08-20. The price is low and ratings are great, just a bit worried they may not last. Never heard of the brand?

 

[dthor68]

Lilscorpion, I am guessing that you buy your drawer slides in bulk? I am in need of 12 pairs of 16" slides and would like to know what brand you are using and recommend? I have been looking at these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078N1TC8H/?tag=atomicindus08-20. The price is low and ratings are great, just a bit worried they may not last. Never heard of the brand?

 

[86turbodsl]

Pretty much all the woodworking guys buy slides from ahturf. Hard to beat them.

Sent from my LG-TP450 using Tapatalk

 

[lilscorpion]

Lilscorpion, I am guessing that you buy your drawer slides in bulk? I am in need of 12 pairs of 16" slides and would like to know what brand you are using and recommend? I have been looking at these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078N1TC8H/?tag=atomicindus08-20. The price is low and ratings are great, just a bit worried they may not last. Never heard of the brand?

I’ve always regretted buying off-brand slides. Unfortunately the $$ I’ve saved have resulted in me compromising quality and every time I open the drawer I’m reminded of my sacrifice. If I need to save a buck or two, I’ll figure out another way. I buy Accuride slides for side mount and Blum for bottom mount.

I don’t buy them in bulk buy I found a place that offers such competitive pricing on the name brand good stuff that you’d think you’re buying in bulk. Check out http://www.ahturf.com. The search and filtering functions leave something to be desired but the prices are the best I’ve found by quite a bit. If you’re looking for side mount slides, here’s the link to the 100lb Accuride 3832 full extension slides in 16” lengths - https://ahturf.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=306_320_371_517&product_id=113205

 

[lilscorpion]

Pretty much all the woodworking guys buy slides from ahturf. Hard to beat them.

Sent from my LG-TP450 using Tapatalk

86Turbodsl beat me to it so, what he said. [emoji6]

 

[dthor68]

Thanks for the info guys! They do have great prices on Accurides!

 

[slodat]

Made these tonight. Inspired my your creations.

Smaller rack for my woodshop:


Larger rack for the rest:

 

[1Garageman]

^^ Nice job! That is exactly what I need for my shop.

 

[slodat]

Loaded up.

 

[jeff g]

Hi
I thought i was bad with 11 drills & impacts LOL
jeff

 

[lilscorpion]

Made these tonight. Inspired my your creations.

Smaller rack for my woodshop:


Larger rack for the rest:

Those look fantastic!! Those parts look perfect. Did you cut them on a CNC?

Hi
I thought i was bad with 11 drills & impacts LOL
jeff

No kidding, I thought I had a lot but apparently I need to try a little harder. [emoji6]

 

[86turbodsl]

I can't imagine why you would need so many of the same thing. Hoarder?

Sent from my LG-TP450 using Tapatalk

 

[slodat]

I can't imagine why you would need so many of the same thing. Hoarder?

Sent from my LG-TP450 using Tapatalk

I own a business. I use drills for dedicated tasks when I’m making different items so I don’t have to change bits in the process, etc. As an example, one of the smaller drills is dedicated to raising/lowering my router lifts.. and so on.

Parts where cut on the CNC router.

 

[86turbodsl]

That a actually makes sense. Carry on.

Sent from my LG-TP450 using Tapatalk

 

[Strouty]

Been a month since any updates, I am getting a little scared.

 

[zanyad]

Paging lilscorpion! Any updates???

 

[lilscorpion]

Paging lilscorpion! Any updates???

Coming back soon! I managed to get myself into some trouble with the Mrs...remember the deadline to make space for her new car? Yeah well I took so long that I ate into a fair chunk out of fair weather so I had to scramble and get a mess of projects done which require finishing (paint, stain, etc). Built, finished, and installed all of the cabinet doors in the office.



Used a lazy Susan spinner gizmo to make a painting turntable. Worked slick.



Glass panels are on order.



Had to remake all of the drawers for the base cabinet on this wall so we could use under mounted drawer slides. I’ll have to wait until spring to make the fronts. Too cold now to spray.



Built and finished the face frames for the guest bedroom built in.





We put in a fire pit on the new patio. S’mores and homework by firelight!



Turns out the dogs like the fire too so we have to set up chairs for them as well.



I ran into a spot of luck though. The car my wife wanted hasn’t been released yet...so I bought another project (oops) to build with my son in the meantime.



And I had to get rid of our other two rides because we just don’t have enough spots. Selling private party is a pain but, since I’m good at detailing, they sold fairly quickly. Had to focus..





And my son helped me make significant progress organizing things and optimizing space...for the moment we only have Jeeps!!



And I’ve continued to peck away at garage Organization and coming up with some drawer Organization ideas. I’ve started to play with Kaizen foam, a post coming on that. I rebuilt/expanded my R8 Tooling station, most coming on that. I added some shelving to my overhead storage...will post soon on that one as well.

 

[lilscorpion]

As some of my energy returns. I will be starting a shop projects thread for all of the unrelated stuff I’m doing.

 

[Strouty]

Looking forward to it all, just glad you were busy and not gone.

 

[zanyad]

Hooray!

 

[zmotorsports]

Cool LJ project. Looking forward to seeing what you and your son are going to do to it. I still can't believe my son sold his LJ to buy this WJ but I have to keep my mouth shut about it because I was informed it bothers him by questioning his decision.

I'm at least glad to see his WJ project is not going to be a run of the mill WJ with a lift kit though.

I really like the LJ's and will be tuned in for this project. Do you have any plans for it yet or are you just going to "wing it"?

 

[lilscorpion]

Cool LJ project. Looking forward to seeing what you and your son are going to do to it. I still can't believe my son sold his LJ to buy this WJ but I have to keep my mouth shut about it because I was informed it bothers him by questioning his decision.

I'm at least glad to see his WJ project is not going to be a run of the mill WJ with a lift kit though.

I really like the LJ's and will be tuned in for this project. Do you have any plans for it yet or are you just going to "wing it"?

I don’t blame your son for his choice. My XJ was likely the best wheeling and most rational 4x4 I’ve ever had. WJ is essentially a more modern XJ. Your son’s got it right if he can accept what it’s good at and what it’s not. What you’ve done this far he’ll certainly appreciate one he gets to drive if and that’s worth the effort x100.

We do have some plans for the LJ. Trying to finalize the details. It has to be stretched 4-7” to get its wheelbase into the sweet spot. After looking around a little, we like the setup Poison Spyder used on their Daddy Long Legs build.



It’s been copy catted more than a few times since Poison Spyder productionized the parts but it has the look we like and will suit us just fine on the trail. An added benefit is that we have a good relationship with 4WheelParts who’s parent company now also owns Poison Spyder Customs.



Some of the stuff new, some off the shelf from past projects - OME TJ springs, Dynatrac 60’s. 40’s, auto meter dash, dual batteries, and a Premier power welder setup. Just enough to go play and have fun.

 

[zmotorsports]

Sounds like an awesome plan.

My son's 2004 LJ was long armed 4" lift with 33" tires, 4.88:1 gears with TrueTrac's front and rear, Banks exhaust and was a great daily driver and weekend wheeler. It was tight as hell with no squeaks or rattles and rode/drove amazingly well for a lifted Jeep. The guy that bought it did pretty much exactly what you mentioned. A bit more lift, flat fenders, 60's riding on 40" tires and stretched a few inches. It turned out great but is essentially a trail rig, although does ride fair on the pavement.

When my son said he was selling it, and after I picked up my jaw from the ground, he told me that once he got married and started having kids the WJ just made more sense from a practical standpoint and then I started seeing his vision for it. That being said, he isn't a real fan of the rocks so for his style of wheeling it will be absolutely perfect. As a matter of fact, the older I get the more mild I like to wheel as well. I'm not about going out and flogging on my Jeep off-road. I like the technical stuff but usually stick to the 3-3.5 rated trails with an occasional 4 but that's about it. I know my Jeep will easily handle a 4+ trail but I pride myself on driving to the trail, wheeling, airing back up and then driving it back to camp without issue or especially damage. I'm into my current Jeep for the long haul and don't want to jeopardize the integrity of it. I want it to look just as clean and nice in 15 years as it does now.

I'm debating on stepping up to 37" tires in the near future and my wife asked if I was going to run tougher trails. I told her not necessarily, it will just do the trails we already run a bit easier with less or maybe even no dragging the control arms or skids. It will just ease over the obstacles with a bit less bumping and scraping but not looking to do higher rated trails. I also want to keep it 100% streetable as drivability is paramount.

Again, looking very forward to seeing the work on your LJ.

 

[CharlestonJoe]

The awesomeness continues!

 

[lilscorpion]

Having taking so much time away from the thread I actually had to go back through my pictures and figure out where I left off. I had just laminated the counter top for my tooling bench.

Originally I had planned on using the same material as before (red 1/2-inch HDPE from Woodcraft) however, a week ago I found that the local store was “temporarily out of stock”. Supposedly the inventory they had was defective? Never seen defective HDPE. Bummed I had to drive there to find out, guess it didn’t matter...they have none so I needed another option. After looking around I found some 1-inch black from amazon which ended up cheaper anyway which arrived prime in 2 days.

I programmed the two different hole arrays and got to making chips. With he first piece cut to size, I used two of the tools to keep the piece in place (like thumb tacks).



I added a 1-inch overhang to account for the eventual drawer faces.

I know it’s been awhile - earlier this year I added a flip up top to give me additional work surface between the machines. Here’s the perfect example why.

Cycle start, cut, finish, set in place, and repeat.

With all of the front pieces made, I now need to make he back row. This is where I’ll keep the larger and heavier tools.

Shop vac attachments keeps the chips from going everywhere.

Test fit.

Mocking the two pieces together

The angle needs to equal 30*. I set the table to 15* and both sides are trimmed.

With all of the machines setup now, I just flow through the remaining pieces.

Fab first for me - what if I use the domino and machine the HDPE pieces so I can perfectly align them using wood tenons? I was hesitant at first worrying that the chips wouldn’t evacuate as well which could cause heat buildup and then break the cutter. Worked just fine tho.

Fit together with the tenons.

Hot damn that turned out sweet. The seam isn’t noticeable even when you’re up close. It actually looks like one piece.

Takes 4 of these assemblies to make the complete top.



Countersunk some screws to retain them to the cabinet.

Before the reveal - heres the old tooling rack for comparison. Previous setup has the upper shelf supports which weren’t really needed even though I thought they were. What they did do well is interfere with accessing the tools in the back and it made tooling station feel a little closed in.

And the new rack loaded.

Though it does look like I have room for expansion, I actually have about 10 ER Collet Chucks that I still need to setup and eventually add to the rack. Excited to have a bigger and better space to work in.