My new crafts bench.

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Here are a few pics of a bench i started last spring. It's cooling off so hopefully it will get some use. Purpose is repair and building guitars, crafts and other smaller wood and leather projects.  Base is steel, salvaged for $15 sandblasted and painted Delta grey.  Top is a surplus solid core door. Oak veneer. i added 3/4" particle board around the edges with a 3/4" oak trim. Final thickness 2 1/2" and  rigid.  Finish is a hand applied oak ploy stain.  There is a 3' piece of T rail routed into the far side of the workarea top and with the vice pop up and some dogs and wood chips you can hold the workpiece easily.  Work area is 24" deep x 55" long. Magnifier lite and a clamp on moveable spot flood help me see. The vice is surplus  NOS from San Diego County at only $68 (1/2 what a new Chinese one costs).  I routed the bench to fit and installed it.   The other tools are mounted down, a scroll saw, and a small drill press that rotates for longer workpieces. The 1" sander is moveable on ruibber pads. The routing sled does fit on the work area but it has it's own table too. There will be an Oscillating sander in the left top corner bolted down as $ and time permit.My Grizzily saw dust sucker will get some use here but I'm not going to build an intricate thing like a wood working shop has... just a way to use it for routing etc.. where there is lots of saw dust. Attached ImagesLast edited by PapaLion; 09-24-2011 at 04:10 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Dang, you cleared out some stuff didn't you.My work area is filling up.  Nice bench though.I suppose I need to get started on the pulley & rod for your sander shouldn't I?MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:I got to looking at  Oscillating sanders... the simplicity of the thing and the PRICE.sheesh.  Each one has shortcomings, like one uses plastic worm gears, the next has a weak arm for the oscillator motor and too underpowered.  Prices form $300- twice that even for a mediocre one... from... U guessed it China.  Soooooo.  I figured to make one.   Step 1:  Cut a perfectly good 1/3 hp 1720 rpm drill press in two.  This one was made in Taiwan (FREE China and thorn in their side)  Still 2nd rate but I had it on the shelf.... price > free. Step 2: turn the drill press over pointing the  chuck up and figure some way to keep it that way???  Luckily I went by a local farm implement fabricator shop here.  They make all kinds of things mainly for the Ag/Produce companies here.   In their work apparently it is not uncommon to want  to run a drive motor away from the  source. They showed me a collar extention they make for just such an emergency.  I gave them my drill press shaft which was a "common"  O.D. diameter of 1 57/64 ths.   They made me a  5" long collar from heavy  pipe and reamed it out a bit to fit my O.D. (theirs was 1 7/8" I.D.) > enlarge 1/64".   I had supplied a scrap piece of 5/8" thick   flat steel for the extention. They cut a groove/keyway 5/8" wide  the length of the  5" collar.  I supplied two big allen head bolts. They had or made?  me about 3" of  inside threaded heavy pipe  to fit those bolts.  Cost $20... I owe them a pizza huh? Step 3: I returned to my shop, cut the 5" collar in 1/2 with the chop saw. I now had two collars 2 1/2" high. I cut the 3" threaded shaft in 1/2 also to ~1 1/4" each.   * I used my Lincoln MIG 215 loaded with .035 and gas.  I set it at "E' for heat and  175 wire speed.   Step 4: I welded the  1 1/4"" pieces of internally  threaded pipe  to the side of the collar and then cut the entire collar lengthwise with the chop saw right through those threaded pipes. This creates the relief slot.  I used a larger drill bit and removed the threads on one side of the internally threaded pipe.  That way the allen head goes in and tightens down the collar  on the drill press pipe.   They told me how to do  all that, I just followed instructions and they had one to look at.  They told me to add a dampner threaded piece at the stand end;  I did.  This will have a bolt through it to a stop to tension the drill press pipe. ... maybe? I'll need that, it doesn't vibrate now.  On big stuff that would be needed I suppose. Step 5:    I welded a collar to each end of the flat plate .  The keyway kept everything aligned so the collars   are dead on  parallel.  Neat trick, I woulda' never thought of that.  I clamped it lightly for the first tacks.  Lined up perfectly.  The collars fit tightly over the drill press pipe and require a little tapping assist/hammer to go on,  they tighten up well. I tried it, all works fine, The base assembly will need to be bolted down of course but it does sit running free standing.. The drill press part works fine, no vibration.  I'm trying various pulleys to see what speeds I like... probably around 1000 rpm will do fine. Next will be the work table and choosing/building mounting various diameter spindles. Finally the oscillating method will be made. I think? I will like a foot pedal and pulleys mounted to the handle shaft  to just raise and lower the sanding spindle at will.  But, the more normal way is to hook up a second small motor to do that job.  Mark has some good ideas there too. Attached ImagesLast edited by PapaLion; 09-28-2011 at 05:26 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:wow, thats a very interesting build, and deserves it's own thread. Can't wait to see the finished product.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:Thanks Thors, most guys are not too excited about hand fabricated woodworking tools. Forum is for STEEL, duh?   But I like to show what I'm working on good or bad.  It does have welding component at leastToday I assembled the basic unit  and gave it a  first try. works well. The next step will be to modify and set up a workbench/stand  for it.  I was going to try to put it on the new big bench but it is just too high to be useful.  Ok, I could??? put the guts under the workbench  table on the lower shelf with a custom built bracket support? then drill the bench top  for the chuck to poke up through etc... that would  have worked.  I had this smaller bench in the corner... and by the time I'm done it will end up the same height as the main bench which might come in handy sometime for a long workpiece.Mark please note the arm for up/down movement is pretty right and parallel to where we could mount a small motor on the drill press stand to drive oscillation  KISS  I R ready for your keen machining mind to finger that outI ordered the spindles and etc etc from Sears... Delta makes it.  Sears sells parts. The  cost was $175 for all of it.  Total end cost for the unit  looks like it will be inside of $300, less than a moderately priced new one barely and WAY better.  Jets are $1275 and IMHO mine will easily end up as good, maybe? better. Attached ImagesLast edited by PapaLion; 09-30-2011 at 05:46 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Hmmm, maybe take the quill out & see if it can be reversed.  Depending on how fast you want it to oscillate might dictate what kind of motor we use, or if it would be better under manual footpedal control.A 12 volt wiper motor would have enough power to turn the quill and compact enough to fit under (where the belts go) the headstock.  Would just need a power supply, which you have plenty of (computer power supplies).  A couple round blanks, a connecting rod, it would oscillate quite well.Manually with a foot pedal, think treadle sewing machine.  You would have to pump your foot, but would be doable.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Nice bench.Owner of Fast Leroy's Bar and GrillLiquor up Front, Poker in the Rear
Reply:New development on the Oscillating sander. When I turn the head of the drill press over it then spins the chuck COUNTER clockwise... tending to loosen the thing. so, I'm going to work on reversing the direction of the motor, so it turns clockwise.  The original one doesn't reverse, but I just happen to have a nearly new Dayton 1/3 hp/1725 reversible Made in USA on the shelf, so that will probably be pressed into service.Also, God Bless govsales.com  and our Fed Govt surplus sales... I picked up a pair of matching pallet mules yesterday,  Made in USA, both work well and are in good shape.  These will be a big asset for moving things around the shop including the new bench, bandsaw, shaper etc..... oh yea, Thrity Five bucks for the pair, 3 miles from the ranchita at the BLM warehouse,  why do U ask?  Attached ImagesLast edited by PapaLion; 10-07-2011 at 03:54 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:The support bench is much smaller now;  the router cabinet is cut down a bit and painted... pics later.  The new spndles arrived.   They look fine.The main spindle shaft will have to be cut off and  reduced a little to fit the chck well. Hmmm  wonder if i know anyone with a lathe who could do that??? The Dayton motor is mounted via a spacer adapter and works better and is reversed so the chuck spins clockwise now.  The original motor might just work for the oscillator drive.  Fits just right so we'lll see. Attached ImagesLincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:don't bring them over this weekend, I won't be home.  Next weekend (22-23) should be ok.  Just let me know, we can get this done.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Nice work papa.  But honestly I really want to see the guitars!  Do you have a website I could visit to see your work?
Reply:I used to, but retired so not any more.   If there was one to view I'd put up pics... ? is which one, ones.. pm me if you are looking for something for yourself.  Many will be sold this year, because ya' can't keep or play them all.  I'm figuring to go to the mid January 4 Amigos show in LA .     I had a nice yak with WW member Ron Padilla recently who lives in Lake Elsinore, Ya' never know what we'll dream up.  What ever our docs will let us do  ... and a bit more. I have a bunch of instruments , and I have a friend in Santee who has just as many. (we both used to have stores).. Between us we probably have 2-250 guitars and amps, mostly older US. We have a lot of fun when we get together. We drag a bunch out and play them, yak about 'em like two kids with a baseball card collection.The oscillating sander is coming along. Mark will be a key here because his machining skills are good, and he also has good ideas on the "how" of it.  (aok on timing Mark). Meanwhile,  I am trying to work in time to get ready for the spring guitar build contest like last year... this year I'm much more prepared   You don't know the theme of the contest till the rules come out... one year it was build it for $150 or less, last year was build it  so it looks like a Tele... who knows this year.Here's a real interesting guitar. It is a 1929 National Tricone.  These are made of nickel German silver, like an older band instrument,hand engraved.  The cones inside amplify the sound.  This one is a rose pattern.  The history of how these came to be is  fascinating. Without a hard headed fella in LA with fabricating skills they would have never seen light of day. Attached ImagesLast edited by PapaLion; 10-14-2011 at 11:22 AM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:? Any thoughts on what a good vertical oscillation speed/minute would be?  The motor operates at 1720rpm so do we want a 1:1 or much less?  2nd? How might I remove the chuck from the drill press head shaft?  I believe it is a press fit.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Link to JACOBS chuck removal page:http://www.jacobschuck.com/drill-chuck-install.aspHope this helpsRogerOld, Tired, and GRUMPYSalesman will call, Batteries not included, Assembly is required, and FREE ADVICE IS WORTH EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR IT!Dial Arc 250HFThunderbolt 225 AC/DCAssorted A/O torches
Reply:To get the chuck/shaft out, you need a drift.  Basically, you extend the spindle until you see the hole in the side of the spindle.  You then drive a tapered drift in, which forces the shaft out.  It's probably a Morse Taper #2 internal taper, so it should come out fairly easy.  Don't try to take it out with a regular punch, you will damage not only the shaft, but the spindle too.  If you need a drift, I have one here.To take the chuck off the shaft, it depends on the chuck.  Some have a hole in the base of it & you can insert a pin punch to knock the shaft loose.  Others have a tapered hole that has a phillips screw holding it in.  Yet others don't have a hole or screw, it takes a wedge to get it off the shaft.  Or just chuck up a 1" S&D bit, drive it through some hard metal.  It will spin right off.  LOLLast edited by MarkBall2; 10-16-2011 at 08:39 PM.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Got it off easily, i was lucky.  Things are getting interesting.   Either adapt the spindle and shaft to fit each other, or cut the spindle and reduce it's diameter to 1/2" and use the chuck.  Spindle shot is deceiving, the spndle ID is a bit smaller by 2-3/64ths and the drill press head shaft is tapered anyways... just looks like it fits.   The finish height is way too high also... I supose I could remake the router table and change the height,  sure... or cut the spindlle down to fit the chuck, which is my first inclination. The  oscillating shaft handle on the drill head   will need to rotate  270 degrees and repeat.  The existing 1/3 hp oscillating motor is 1720 rpm.  However the oscillating RPM needs to very slow, like less than 100 rpm... different motor, or reduction drive maybe or big big pulley? sheesh.  That needs some  kind of camming action I figure. My mind keeps thinking something that looks like a locomotive drive.  I'm gone till Thursday so there's time for it to simmer awhile. Nothing is bolted down and it's a lot of fun to reposition everything and take a look see for clearances etc. Attached ImagesLast edited by PapaLion; 10-17-2011 at 11:44 AM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:I did not want to Thread Jack BoostingJDM's thread too much with random vice pictures, but I wanted to get you pics as you requested of the tiny vice I found at teh bottom of my grand fathers homemeade wooden tool box.  I figured this thread is kind of random, has pics of the tiny anvil in it, and is yours, so would be a better place to follow up at.I have not cleaned it or anything, so the marking is hard to see on the side. Attached Imagesmiller syncrowave 250hobart handler 140home made 400 amp engine driven in progress...
Reply:I like it, and yes this is the thred for all my bench ideas and workings... I haven't ever seen one quite that small but I would guess if it were cleaned up, and good working order you'd use it some.  I'm trying to get time and energy to get the sander shaft over to MarkBall so we can cut it down some on the lathe and fit it to the oscillating sander I'm tinkering on... just have too much going on now and energy is a premium for me. have a great holiday and thanks for the pics. BretLincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Yeah, it seems to be in great working condition, it just has the same surface rust the other tools in that box have from 30 + years of basement and garage storage life. ( hand planers, hand twist drills and other random antique carpentry tools).I figured I would just brush it clean with a wire brush, put some lathe bed oil on the screw and call it done for my use!miller syncrowave 250hobart handler 140home made 400 amp engine driven in progress...
Reply:I have a nice comfy chair for you to sit in, cold water & cool temps right now.  I'll be home all weekend & off Monday.  Next Thurs-Sun I'm in Phoenix with family.You have my home number, so give me a shout if you want to play a bit.I think that 1750 rpm motor isn't going to slow down enough to use.  Too bad we couldn't find one with a gear drive & 50 rpm output shaft speed.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Hey Mark> Monday will work, I'll pm ya'... chair? am I an old helpless man??? sheesh! Don't answer that please.  See ya' then,  have a great holiday tomorrow.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Monday will work fine.  I'll pm my home number.The chair is for when you run outta steam.  It's not there to be just lollygaggin around in.  The water is when we get thirsty.  TV is there in case we decide we don't wanna work or yak anymore, but need some entertainment that won't offend the ladies.Bring Sally, she can keep Connie company.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Oh good, we won't miss Dr. Phil  seeya Monday pm, BretLincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:That idiot?  Sheesh, you & Connie can watch that crazy Texan.  You do realize he always has an agenda to push don't you?  And not all of his "treatments" are sanctioned by the APA.And to top it all off, he's Oprah's butt boy.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Well, he came over & after sitting here reviewing the design, I'm wondering if I shouldn't have just turned a MT2 taper on the shaft rather than must under a 1/2" to fit the chuck.Maybe I'll make a shaft out of some 3/4" O-1 with a MT2 taper on it to fit the quill direct & get rid of the chuck all together.I'll thunk on it a bit.  Bret did take a few pictures & a video or two.  Don't know when he will post it, just depends on when he gets around to it.  He went to California to the doc's today, might hear from him in a couple days or so.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate BuildNice work, Papalion.  You're operating in the spirit of "Take what you have and make what you need with it".Contrary to popular opinion, I do NOT have a pet turkey that craps molten steel.  It's a goose.
Reply:Thanks Granite,  It has been an on/off project but finally MarkBall2 and I had a few minutes Christmas Eve afternoon to cut down the shaft to fit the chuck. Using his saw he removed the end, then put the shaft in his 3 jawed chuck and reduced the diameter of the shaft to less than 1/2"  He added the live center tail stop to keep things round.  Next, using his ENCO mill,  Mark made some flats on the shaft to better engage the chuck.  It fits the inverted drill press head well, and the height seems aok. Works well, now we're working on how zactlee? to toggle the shaft up and down to add the oscillation. We think we have it worked out so please stay tuned Attached ImagesLincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Friday afternoon>  enjoy the real thing, when I say grinder...I mean> Last edited by PapaLion; 01-13-2012 at 06:23 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools