The last month has been interesting, enjoyable - no, a lot of fun - and marginally productive in my shop. Right now Im working on a standing writing desk for an attorney (pictures later) and scheduling projects for completion throughout 2015. I am very busy with a long waiting list. Tonight, however, I want to show you something neat in my shop. I am a typical man - I will never have enough tools or a large enough shop. Right now, the shop is 32 long and 20 wide and, to be honest, it is something that many woodworkers only dream of. Space, however, is at a premium, so the challenge is to use every square inch of floor space and every cubic inch of shop room at a very efficient level. That is not just for efficiency of work flow, but also because there simply isnt enough space to do otherwise. On the northwest wall, right beneath the window, is a lumber bin built specifically for short pieces of wood that will later be used in some project as yet unknown. Its about 64 wide and about 24 from low front to window-height back. The compartments range from about 12 deep along the front to something over 36 along the back. In the back compartment is a drafting tabletop/erasable board, about 50 x 32, I made by sandwiching a piece of 1 thick resin impregnated honeycomb between two pieces of 18 white melamine coated tempered hardboard, then vacuum pressing them together within an ash frame. The result is a surface that is storable and moveable, relatively light weight and perfect for drafting, drawing, computer use and paperwork. As you can see in the photos, a chain bridle is attached to the top/back edge of the surface, which is then connected to a simple block and tackle (pulley). When not in use, the tabletop is stored out of the way, but when it is needed, a simple brace (yellow upright and orange crossbeam in pictures) is easily screwed into place, the purple handle (2nd picture) is grasped and a long pull draws the top from storage. There are cleats which hook over the top edge of the lumber bin, keeping it in place. If I choose to have less slope to the table, as shown in the first picture, the two rust space can be dropped over the crossbeam. It only takes 2-3 minutes to get everything set up. Regardless of the slope, the table can be used standing (which I enjoy) or seated with the swivel stool be pulled into place. The lighting is good, though I do need to add another overhead. The view of the outdoors is nice, making for an even more pleasant thinking experience. Some projects might require a bare minimum of paper scratching or looking at references or notes, though most projects require at least some conceptual sketches to develop the idea and explore features and options. Still, some projects require rather extensive drawings to properly plan, trouble shoot design and joinery details, mentally build the piece and estimate cost to build. This is not fine furniture; instead, it is very utilitarian. Having done this one, Id do better next time, but that isnt going to happen! In the meantime, it serves me rather well.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 05:43:33 +0000
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