Utilizing Dead Space

[Gunny]

December is the month I reserve for projects I want to do in the shop. Jigs, extra storage, reorganization, CLEANING, etc etc. This year I saw that the space behind my sander was nothing more than a repository for abandoned jigs, projects and other assorted stuff. I started out with a grinder plate that extends out on slides when needed, then the 12 inch sander with dust collection. Those led me into getting a run of DC to them. And then finally to this blank space that begs me to make better use of it. Two boxes, the front one houses my rarely used tile saw as well as provides extra space for my sander plate. When I went to build this box I had to account for the slope of the sander. So the top is angles side to side and front to back to match that. The box behind that with the white top I stayed flat. Once I had built the front box I quickly discovered things roll right off the thing. So matching those angles on the back box was not going to work for me.

 

Naturally the space I had left behind the front box did not allow me to make a full top, so I had to split that by 4 inches. Still worked and will always be better than nothing.  Gives me space to put small projects to dry.  With the Formica clean up is simple, besides someone gave me 2/3 sheet recently.  Free being the best price!

 

As always these boxes are color coded to aid in memory of what I put inside them. Also helpful if you send someone to get something you can cite color, size and location.

 

Not a lot of time on project but took several days to get finish work done and final assembly. In all a great addition to my shop. One that utilizes some dead space. Because like everyone else here space in the shop is limited. Funds to build that 10,000 sq foot shop are also limited, as in I have yet to win the lottery or have a wealthy relative leave me a mint.

 

LOL

 

Enjoy and be inspired.

[lew]

Any time you can make use of dead space it is a good thing.

[HandyDan]

Good thinking.  Never have enough space, you're doing a good job of using what is available.  I usually do that same thing but wait until after Christmas.  I think I am out of dead space other than the part that is left between my ears.

[Grandpadave52]

Alright, this getting completely organized and even color coded where you can find stuff (shucks, where I can find stuff in your shop before I can find it in mine) is giving me a complex.

Gotta' admit though, you maximize every square foot to the fullest. Some cool ideas...Thanks for sharing.

BTW, some nice looking, upper end Snap-on storage too.

[hawkeye10]

I am always making things for Christmas in December and don't have time to clean up and organize. You are doing a great job of getting your shop organized tho. When you get through please come to my shop and help me get some things done. "Please"  

[Gunny]

Last years shop organization project, only one I did.  

 

Enjoy cry, laugh, whatever, be inspired!

 

Twin Tablesaws, one for regular cuts the other for dados.  One fence, both saws squared to that fence.  You DON'T want to know how long it took to make.

 

 

[Gerald]

That is just super fantastic. Where I'd you get all that nice materiel?

[Gunny]

Horse traded for just about everything.

[Artie]

I am a greenhorn to woodworking, just started build a shop in my (very small) basement a couple of years ago. One of the things I learned is that building the shop can be as much fun as making something. Your shop looks awesome.

[Gunny]

14 hours ago, Artie said:

One of the things I learned is that building the shop can be as much fun as making something. Your shop looks awesome.

I agree, get as much enjoyment out of making things for the shop as I do stuff I need in the house or yard.

 

Thanks!!!

[Grandpadave52]

On 12/11/2018 at 9:52 PM, Woodbutcherbynight said:

Twin Tablesaws, one for regular cuts the other for dados.  One fence, both saws squared to that fence.  You DON'T want to know how long it took to make.

That is one fantastic, well done super-saw. Wish you had been here then to take us along that journey. Certainly would have been an interesting thread.

[Gunny]

16 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

That is one fantastic, well done super-saw. Wish you had been here then to take us along that journey. Certainly would have been an interesting thread.

I have pictures from start to finish.  Turned out to be a real masterpiece, for me anyway.  Enjoy using it a lot!!

[Grandpadave52]

Really like your handles...well done...what's your out feed extension material composition? Great detail touch adding the "dovetail" slot to match the saw table.

I've seen a couple similar on You-tube and "locally" on CL, but yours is far and away superior. Sweet piece of equipment.

[Gunny]

16 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

what's your out feed extension material composition?

3/4 ish MDF, laminate on top  Braced the underside with 1/2 u-channel for added strength.  Both halves are removable.  Have to be, contractors saw when cutting angles above say 30 degrees allow the motor to swing up.  The top is in the way for this.  Rather than have one long and heavy piece I made two.

 

16 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

I've seen a couple similar on You-tube and "locally" on CL, but yours is far and away superior. Sweet piece of equipment.

 THANKS, means a lot.

[Pat Meeuwissen]

Really nice build, how much room did you leave around it to stand and work? Are the center part of your handles metal and epoxied to the stand offs? And lastly do you have a separate router fence, shop made? could you show it please.

[Gunny]

3 hours ago, Pat Meeuwissen said:

how much room did you leave around it to stand and work?

Thanks for the compliment!!!  

 

About 36 inches or 92 cm.  It is not really in exact center of shop.  The saw is lined up so if I need to make a long cut I can open the double doors and run it through to outside.

 

3 hours ago, Pat Meeuwissen said:

Are the center part of your handles metal and epoxied to the stand offs?

No, I milled holes in all the flat metal then made a jig to drill through the wooden risers and into the drawer fronts all at once.  Used #10 2 1/2 inch screws(6cm)

3 hours ago, Pat Meeuwissen said:

And lastly do you have a separate router fence, shop made?

Have not got to that as of yet.  The summer / fall was spent working on a concrete block retaining wall project for a friend.  Since you have mentioned it perhaps I need to get started?   

[Pat Meeuwissen]

Thanks this picture of the handle is MUCH better. I like the jig idea to make all the handles the same height. 

 

And now its time to get busy on the router fence. 

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

[Gunny]

 

6 minutes ago, Pat Meeuwissen said:

I like the jig idea to make all the handles the same height. 

Makes life a lot easier!

 

6 minutes ago, Pat Meeuwissen said:

And now its time to get busy on the router fence.

Just got done with a Grinder project.  Have to go to the drawing board and get started.

 

7 minutes ago, Pat Meeuwissen said:

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Anytime, hope it has been useful.  A lot of talent far beyond my meager abilities available here.