Workshop Renovation Part VIII-Special Purpose Tool Storage Cabinets

The next phase of workshop renovation project was the building of cabinets to hold my Shopsmith Special Purpose Tools (SPTs), accessories, jigs and long items. The carcass and base of these cabinets are exactly the same as the miter bench cabinets, with the exception of the dimensions. Basically just a big box. However, inside I made fixtures to support pullout tool trays and store long saw guides.-Read More

Workshop Renovation Part VII-Shop Compressed Air

Any well outfitted shop has an air compressor for running pneumatic tools, nail guns, cleaning off saw dust, etc. How that system is arranged can be important to work flow and decide if you will be constantly tripping over hoses. Many shops have large compressors that are not easily moved, so they run air to several work stations via a manifold system using galvanized pipe. This works well, but can get expensive with the cost of pipe and mounts. It also limits changes and is usually permanent. Another way to accomplish this task in a cheaper and less permanent manner is to use regular pneumatic air hose. To illustrate one such method I'll explain my own shop setup.-Read More

Tool Review-Wixey Digital Planer Gauge

If you have ever tried precision planing you know how difficult it is. This is especially true if you have to later go back and mill more stock after you have moved the planer's height setting. The Wixey Digital Planer Gauge has made precision planing possible at an economical cost. This simple digital gauge is designed for use on moving table height planers and is flexible enough to adapt to various models-Read More