Extendable Grinder

[Gunny]

A project earlier in the year foreclosed on the real estate it once lived on.  While not a woodworking tool it is a must for many other aspects used in woodworking.  It is not unusual for me to have projects that require metal working and woodworking, ceramics etc. etc.  You want it solid so it doesn't move, but also not in the middle of the way of other equipment when using them.  Like most my shop space is limited so you have to be creative.  It started with a box that had to be mounted firmly to the back of the bench as well as in the front.  Used 1/4 xn 20 bolts to do this in the back, drilled through the bench and did the same in the front.  It does not move.  Then came the drawer portion I had a piece of 1 1/2 countertop scrap so cut it down and drilled holes for grinder.  Mounted with 5/16 grade 8 bolts then used 300lb drawer slides.  That got me able to pull it out of the way of the 12 inch sander and have some room to maneuver corners and such.  Works great but hey it is a drawer slide, moves back quite easily.  I needed a lock, something simple but strong.  Used a brake shoe retaining spring to push the 1/4 metal plate down.  Threaded the plate with a 1/4 x 20 bolt and added a knob at the top.  Put it together and we have a mechanical lock that springs out when the drawer is full extended.  Pushes back against the front of the cabinet, stays put.  To release pull up on the knob and push back.  Slides back and out of the way.  

 

To test this I mounted it all up and had my mountain man hulk looking neighbor slam it back into place trying to get the lock to fail, or any other part for that matter.  Nope, all worked and no damage.  Then fired it up and tested out the vibration.  About normal for a grinder.  Side to side slop is nominal, I called it a day and took all back apart to paint yellow.  Didn't try to match, the paint serves two purposes, one is memory the second is if I send someone to get something I can say, the yellow grinder and know this stands out.  Unless they are color blind they will find it.

 

One of several projects I have planned.  December is my month for shop work.  Everybody else can wait till next year.  

 

Enjoy and be inspired!

[lew]

That's  a great idea!

[Gene Howe]

@Woodbutcherbynight, I moved your post to the tools etc. forum. Hope that's ok.

[Gunny]

47 minutes ago, Gene Howe said:

I moved your post to the tools etc. forum. Hope that's ok.

  I should have thought about it was a tool

[Cliff]

what does the spring bring to the party?

 

[Gunny]

Just now, Cliff said:

what does the spring bring to the party?

It is on the underside of the back side of the drawer.  Pushing down all the time against the lock, in this case a piece of 1/4 plate steel.  When you full extend the drawer the lock drops into place via spring pressure.  Until you pull up the knob to retract the lock it stays put.  It probably would stay without the spring.  This just makes sure if gravity one day fails it doesn't come get me.  

[Grandpadave52]

You come up with some really great ideas for your shop and methods to maximize your space. Really appreciate you sharing all aspects of what, why & how you accomplish your solutions.

I really enjoy reading this "idea" posts. Thanks!

4 hours ago, Woodbutcherbynight said:

Used a brake shoe retaining spring to push the 1/4 metal plate down. 

Good to have someone else here admit they hoard 'er scavenge & re-purpose every imaginable item possible...now where did put all of those old brake springs, adjusters and other parts I've saved?

[Larry Buskirk]

Very neat idea!

[HARO50]

16 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

now where did put all of those old brake springs, adjusters and other parts I've saved?

Mine are in a plastic coffee can up in the joists, right near the table saw. You'd be surprised at some of the things I hang on to.

John

[LarryS]

Great idea!!!

[Gunny]

22 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Good to have someone else here admit they hoard 'er scavenge & re-purpose every imaginable item possible...now where did put all of those old brake springs, adjusters and other parts I've saved?

in here: