I did a fair amount of research before settling on my preferred option for dust extraction (an Oneida Dust Deputy) and it seems that at some point a few years ago there was controversy around its use with Festool Vacuums.
I came across some reports from owners of the original model claiming it had caused...
I did a fair amount of research before settling on my preferred option for dust extraction (an Oneida Dust Deputy) and it seems that at...
workshop dust collection
I did quite a lot of research into dust collection cyclones that would fit in a small workshop. This research involved some discoveries about the wonders of static electricity – of which more later – but in the meantime, here is what I decided to get:
As you can see from the picture, it was designed to...
I did quite a lot of research into dust collection cyclones that would fit in a small workshop. This research involved some discoveries about the...
workshop dust collection
What does a dust cyclone do?
The cyclone attaches to your vacuum and separates a large proportion of the dust from the airstream , dropping it into a separate container.
As dust enters the cyclone, centrifugal force moves the heavy dust particles to the interior sidewall where airflow is slowed down by friction. As the debris...
What does a dust cyclone do?
The cyclone attaches to your vacuum and separates a large proportion of the dust from the airstream , dropping it...
workshop dust collection
One of the plants I had to hack down when building the shed was a nice Honeysuckle ‘Graham Thomas’ – it was about 3 meters high and had a glorious scent when it was in flower. I cut it back to the ground but did not expect it to recover, however, it has surprised me by...
One of the plants I had to hack down when building the shed was a nice Honeysuckle ‘Graham Thomas’ – it was about 3 meters high...
workshop fitting-out
Once you have your shed network established you can worry about the important business of watching youtube videos of cats on a big screen TV.
You can either:
* install an aerial
* pay your cable company to add another connection (and dig up your lawn)
* use t’internet
I have gone for the later, since all...
Once you have your shed network established you can worry about the important business of watching youtube videos of cats on a big screen TV....
workshop electrics
The wifi signal from the house does not quite reach the shed, a common problem for people with sheds/workshops/offices at the end of the garden.
The best solution is to run ethernet cable from the house but this can be a major hassle, particularly if, like me, your router is at the front...
The wifi signal from the house does not quite reach the shed, a common problem for people with sheds/workshops/offices at the end of...
workshop electrics
After plugging the countersunk screw holes with cedar plugs, I decided to finish the top of the workbench with this:
..followed by a coat of osmo poly hard wax oil clear, as per the instructions for the tinted polyx.
A couple of things I would have done differently:
1. I would not have left the...
After plugging the countersunk screw holes with cedar plugs, I decided to finish the top of the workbench with this:
..followed by a coat of...
plywood workbench
I’ve added a simple dust extraction solution by using a 63mm plastic blast gate inserted through the top of the desk.
In order to attach the vac to the underside of the blast gate I used some flexible hose and a plastic 90° connection (both from the same range of 63mm dust collection parts...
I’ve added a simple dust extraction solution by using a 63mm plastic blast gate inserted through the top of the desk.
In order to...
workshop dust collection
I mentioned that the vice I installed came with screws that use Robertson heads (see the picture below).I had not come across these before and while looking into them I came across an excellent article describing the baffling array of screw types available, including a potted history and a summary of the pros/cons...
I mentioned that the vice I installed came with screws that use Robertson heads (see the picture below).I had not come across these before...
fixings
Test fit of vice.
I ordered a Veritas face vice, but did not have any suitable timber to make the jaws (I was recommended maple – no doubt any hardwood would do). Partly out of impatience, and partly because I thought a trial run would be useful, I decided to temporarily fit it using some of...
Test fit of vice.
I ordered a Veritas face vice, but did not have any suitable timber to make the jaws (I was recommended maple...
vices
I have been researching how to connect various dust extractions components to my vac. After a fair amount of investigation I had’t found much useful information, other than it seems to be a well kept secret that the defacto standard diameter for the hose inlet for vacs is 57mm (2 1/4 inches).
Confusingly,...
I have been researching how to connect various dust extractions components to my vac. After a fair amount of investigation I had’t found much...
workshop dust collection
The bench is almost finished – I just need to secure the top (which I have not done just yet while I figure out what to do with the hoover) and do the finishing touches.
In the end I did the leg like this:
it is strong and the bench is very solid, I left a...
The bench is almost finished – I just need to secure the top (which I have not done just yet while I figure out what to...
plywood workbench
I have completed most of the base now. I’m most pleased with the pocket hole jig- it even comes with a vacuum attachment, which is very useful when you are doing a lot of them.
the kit includes a corner clamp with a plastic dowel that inserts into one of the pocket holes to...
I have completed most of the base now. I’m most pleased with the pocket hole jig- it even comes with a vacuum attachment, which...
plywood workbench
A letter has flooded in from a Mrs Trellis1 of North Wales.
“Dear Mr Miliband, ” (she writes) “Your blog was quite amusing at the start, but now it is boring.
Regards
Mrs Trellis”
Well, fair point Mrs Trellis. Here is an off colour cartoon to liven things up.
1) name changed to avoid embarrassment. Yes,...
A letter has flooded in from a Mrs Trellis1 of North Wales.
“Dear Mr Miliband, ” (she writes) “Your blog was quite amusing at the start,...
workshop fitting-out
My plywood order arrived earlier in the week and I hope to get a few hours this weekend to start on the bench. In the meantime I have been trying to educate myself on some of the basic techniques, for example, how to cut things square.
To show the level of my naivety, it had...
My plywood order arrived earlier in the week and I hope to get a few hours this weekend to start on the bench. In the...
marking & measuring
This is how I plan to accommodate the mitre saw. I currently have an el-cheapo sliding compound mitre saw (an evolution rage 3, which I got for the bargain price of £35 (!) from screwfix a couple of years ago when it was on sale) . This will fit but not be level with the surrounding bench....
This is how I plan to accommodate the mitre saw. I currently have an el-cheapo sliding compound mitre saw (an evolution rage 3, which I...
plywood workbench
