Readneck (or cheapskate) shop tips.

[greatdane2]

On a different web site a guy was saying he could not have big tools because he had to share the garage with a car. My shop is 26 x 32 so I do not have that broblem but I still need to clear floor space at times. I used 3" angle steel to weld up a couple of 6"x3' frame with good 4" swivel casters. On this i bolted a floor on to it. On one I have an 18" band saw and a homemade Cyclone dust system. Between the machines I have an air compessor. On the other frame is a plywood rack and a clamp rack. On a 4' square of 3/4" plywood with casters I mounted a 14" bandsaw, a drill press and my router table that sits over a 2 drawer lateral file cabinet. By placing the machines at the right hight they do not interfeer with each other. So with my table saw on its own wheels all my big machines can be pushed around to make room when I need it.

[Mike Crosa]

Great ingenuity in using and adapting items for the different uses. I like it.

[greatdane2]

THE LAST ONE!!!! I mentioned using the metal drawers that come with a desk. I use one to store my planer out of the way.
I allways seem to have a tape measure etc on my table saw. I used the base from a dust collector that I changed to a bigger cyclone system. By installing it upside down between the arms of the saw I have a place to put push sticks etc and the fence will pass over it.
Being a real clutz I added 2 of the bigger paddle stile switches on my 18" band saw. One is where the original switch was, the other one is on a 8' extension cord. I fastened 2 good magnets to the back of the switch so I can mount it beside me when I am resawing long logs etc. It is a bit of a pane as both switches have to be on for the saw to work. But this saw will cut a 36" wide and 13" thick log. So fingers or arms would be fair game if I goof.
And that is all.
I hope this helps someone, If it does the cost is giving a few bucks to a childrens chairity.
Alan and Chance.

[greatdane2]

Most governments have auctions. Just google your state or province. In BC the goverment has an online auction but they also just sell stuff. There are several locations in BC. Things like lateral file cabinets and desks they just sell out the door. For me it has been time well spent.
Alan.

[Pajaro]

Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! is about the only word I can come up with. Looks like you are giving John B a run for the money with your innovative ideas. That's why I love this form, I learn something new every time I look at it.

[ajay]

Nicely done, Alan. I don't have the creative vision to come up with ideas like that on my own, but I'm good at copying what others have done. I will incorporate some of your ideas in my workshop. Great photo's, thanks.

[Wood Dog]

Thanks for posting those pictures Alan (greatdane2)........does your mind ever rest?
Lots of neat ideas you have there. I'll just have to snag a few. Thanks

[greatdane2]

Thanks guys its nice to hear a compliment once in a while.
Alan.

[Chase]

I've found another hero on this site. Alan, you are a guy after my own heart. I'm accused of being cheap. I prefer thrifty or frugal. You're the man. Great stuff, really great.

Here is another source. When you find someone remodeling a kitchen; kitchen cabinets. Great base for the workbench and great overhead storage.

Thanks for more ideas.

Chase

[Ben]

Originally Posted by greatdane2

I have allways had a problem with my lamp/magnifying glass that I use on my scrollsaw. Each time I change the blade I would have to move it out of the way and then play with it to get it just right again.I am not sure if the pics will show this, if you go too " BusyBee tools" they have what I am talking about. It is an arm system to hold a funnell for a 4" vacum hose. I fastened it by the base at the back of the scrollsaw cabinet in line with the saw. I took the arm assembly that came with the lamp and fastened it to the vertical arm assembly. By cutting the arm to the right hight. This allows me to swing the lamp/magnifying glass to the side when I do a blade change and then swing it back to where it was. It was around $45. and for me it was money well spent.

How do you like scrolling on an angle? I never thought about it but it makes sense. Adjustable table too right? Any vibrations more than normal?

Ben