Recent Posts
Food Forest Expansion – Fruit Tree and Grape Additions
More than 40 years ago I lived on land out …Read More »Planning The 2026 Garden
Some things that have made gardening easier this year. They …Read More »Wall Repair
It all started with a tiny kitten, meet Scrubbrush. Aka …Read More »Reviving an Old Snow Blower
We found an old Gilson ST826 26 inch snow blower …Read More »Renter Friendly, Inexpensive, Easy Frame For Bathroom Mirror
We have lived here for around 18 or 19 years. …Read More »
Category Archives: Work Shop
Organizing Made Simple
I am a pro at putting things in safe places. So safe in fact that they will never be found again. I am also a pro at putting things that do not make sense being grouped together, together. I also … Continue reading
3D Printed Milwaukee M12 Charger Slatwall Mount + Free Plans
I have some slatwall in the garage and in my office for hanging tools and things. For a long time, we only had it in the garage, and only had straight hooks for hanging things. The specialty hooks for hanging … Continue reading
Posted in Plans, Shop Tips, Tools and Machinery, Work Shop
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Harbor Freight Circular Saw Blade Sharpener Mod
A while ago I purchased the Chicago Electric Power Tools Professional Series 9 Amp Circular Saw Blade Sharpener from Harbor Freight. I did not think that I would be able to get the professional results I got when I sent … Continue reading
Posted in Tools and Machinery, Woodworking, Work Shop
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I May Have a Problem
Am I a hoarder? How many pen blanks are too many?
Posted in Shop Tips, Wood Turning, Work Shop
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Repairing a Harbor Freight Ultrasonic Cleaner
A while ago, while repairing my old Jonsered 2050 Turbo chainsaw, I bought a Central Machinery Ultrasonic Cleaner from Harbor Freight. I heard they were really good for cleaning carburetors.
Posted in Shop Tips, Tools and Machinery, Work Shop
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HVLP Spraying
I’ve always been interested in spray finishing, whether it’s painting the castle fort, painting our house, or applying finish or paint to woodworking projects. Over the years I’ve tried various systems and solutions, from our first Wagner Power Painter, to a cheap LVLP siphon spray gun from Home Depot, to the Wagner Spraytech FLEXiO 5000 HVLP system. This last one we used to paint our house, and it did an excellent job.
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TCP Global G6600 with Spectrum System[/caption] Continue reading
Posted in Finishing, Shop Tips, Woodworking, Work Shop
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Size Matters
When we were first planning out the new shop a major consideration was size. The idea of a shop started in a rental townhouse which had a barely functional one car garage. It was big enough to hold the small pool table that I and my two brothers-in-law were rebuilding. That table was not salvageable but it built a relationship between us that has stood the test of time.
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Small Shop
So you’ve seen the big shop. After taking a job in Lansing, MI, I rented a townhouse. It didn’t have much room for a shop, so I made due.
The mechanical/laundry room in the basement is 21 feet by 8 1/2 feet. This room houses the furnace, water heater, washer and dryer, and a deep sink. The ceiling may be 8 feet, but the pipes and ducting hang down to 6 feet 10 inches. There won’t be any breaking down of any sheet goods in here. And my 52″ SawStop will NOT be going in here.
Posted in Shop Tips, Work Shop
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We’re Back
Rather than ignore the elephant in the room lets just clear the air, three years between posts is too long. I’ll briefly explain the why and then update you on what is going on in the now.
Posted in Shop Tips, Work Shop
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