I’m listing the tools I use. I may not show them all, but I hope to highlight some of the tools that I use often.
- Tablesaw
- Bandsaw
- Planer
- Handheld Router
- Drill Press
- Jointer
- Welders and Plasma
- Porta-band turned vertical.
- Bora WTX guide. 100" is enough.
- More pockets than stuff I need to carry. #shopapron
- Tablesaw
It’s the best table saw I have ever owned, but it isn’t great. Folley Belsaw Table saw.
- Bandsaw
- Planer
- Handheld Router
- Drill Press
- Jointer
- Welders and Plasma
Since the woodworking part of the desk project is complete, it’s time to move on to the legs. Metal was chosen as the material. This means welding. I have not had much time to spend with a welder since moving into this house. I haven’t TIG welded since June 2017. The welding cart was pulled out and argon was hocked back up to the AHP Alpha TIG 200. Soapy water was applied to all the fittings. Bubbles were made and a wrench was used to eliminate the bubbles. The bubbles were little leaks which showed the fittings needed to be tightened a little bit more. Everything is dusty and needs cleaned. Soon there will be welding.
- Porta-band turned vertical.
Having a porta-band has made life a bunch easier. As you notice in the picture below, it is not an expensive brand tool. This is as cheap as they come. This porta-band is a Harbor Freight buy that has been priceless for me. Being able to cut metal with no sparks and somewhat an increase in accuracy, makes the fit-up better. I have only been clamping the material to a bench and holding the saw in my hands, until now. Recently, there have been a few posts on Instagram of people’s shops, and I noticed the saw hanging on the wall. Genius. With the hooks already hanging around the shop (heh) holes were drilled in a post and the hung the saw. At first I thought is was rather loose, but when using it, the saw is secure and *should* not fall. This setup will help with the desk project and other projects in the future.
- Bora WTX guide. 100" is enough.
Breaking down plywood or other sheet goods has been a chore for me. So much so that I try hard to avoid using them. The Bora WTX Guide and saw plate has made cutting easier. Using it on a table with foam sacrificial foam underneath means the task is to put the guide where the cut should happen. The largest chore with this tool is calculating the offset. This is not a guide to be set directly on the cut line. Depending how the saw is set, or mounted in the optional plate, there is a little planning needed. I set my saw blade to be 1.5” to the center of the kerf. That means I need to think about the piece I am keeping and plan accordingly. Overall, for the price, it is a decent tool. I have never used a track saw, so I cannot compare. After some practice, I am happy with the Bora.
- More pockets than stuff I need to carry. #shopapron
I never thought I would wear an apron. Vanity is decreasing, and functionality is more important. Tool belts were a thing for me. They tend to tug on my hips. So, I’m trying an apron. Having the weight rest on my shoulders is more comfortable than feeling like my pants are falling off. Another advantage to an apron is the amount of storage. Tape measures, pencils, ear plugs, and RZmasks. The obvious bonus is protection from wood chips and dust.
