Honeysuckle

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...

workshop fitting-out
Chromecast in your workshop

Chromecast in your workshop

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...

workshop electrics
Networking your shed with powerline adapters

Networking your shed with powerline adapters

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/...

workshop electrics
Plywood workbench - finishing touches

Plywood workbench - finishing touches

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:...

plywood workbench
Introduction to Workshop Dust Extraction

Introduction to Workshop Dust Extraction

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...

workshop dust collection
Robertson woodscrews

Robertson woodscrews

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...

fixings
Veritas face vice

Veritas face vice

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...

vices
Dust Extraction - Vacuum Connections

Dust Extraction - Vacuum Connections

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...

workshop dust collection
Workbench construction  - Part II

Workbench construction - Part II

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...

plywood workbench

Plywood workbench construction - Part I

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...

plywood workbench