Category Archives: Work Shop

Adding a Drop Down Shelf To The Greenhouse

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Marisa

Link to Bootstrap Farmer video.  Link to buy the kit from Bootstrap Farmer here. The kit sells for $156.99 USD and is currently sold out as of 3/25/2026.

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DeWalt DWHT83550 ToughSeries 8-3/4 Clamp Jack

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Marisa

Just one of the reasons Bill loves me is that often I send him a link to something telling him I want this.  Now you might be thinking why would he like that you want to spend money?  The answer … Continue reading →

Posted in Home Repair, Homestead, Reviews, Tools and Machinery, Work Shop | Leave a comment

Organizing Made Simple

Posted on June 26, 2025 by Marisa

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 →

Posted in Cosplay, Finishing, Gardening, Laser Engraving and Cutting, Plans, Printing, Props, Sewing Room, Shop Tips, Tools and Machinery, Wood Turning, Woodworking, Work Shop | Leave a comment

3D Printed Milwaukee M12 Charger Slatwall Mount + Free Plans

Posted on April 25, 2024 by Bill

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 →

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Harbor Freight Circular Saw Blade Sharpener Mod

Posted on March 19, 2024 by Bill

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 →

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I May Have a Problem

Posted on March 7, 2023 by Bill

Am I a hoarder?  How many pen blanks are too many?

Posted in Shop Tips, Wood Turning, Work Shop | Leave a comment

Repairing a Harbor Freight Ultrasonic Cleaner

Posted on February 24, 2023 by Bill

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.

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HVLP Spraying

Posted on February 22, 2023 by Bill

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.

[caption id="attachment_1541" align="alignnone" width="338"]TCP Global G6600 with Spectrum System TCP Global G6600 with Spectrum System[/caption] Continue reading →

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Size Matters

Posted on August 4, 2018 by Bill

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

Posted on August 1, 2018 by Bill

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.

  Continue reading →

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