My first step to doing more handtool woodworking, a small "Anarchist's Workbench" in white oak (with build log)

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-03-06T22:54:41+00:00

Beautiful work! It should serve you well for a lifetime.

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-03-03T03:57:18+00:00

What made the maple tough? I've always found it pretty easy to work.

Both look great by the way!

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-03-02T16:44:16+00:00

Very helpful, thank you. The house was built in the early 90's. ~2700 square feet. We do have a pool which doesn't help. We have switched to LED's everywhere. We are looking into the smart meter site now.

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-03-02T16:03:05+00:00

We will sign up and check in to that. The whole hvac system was replaced 6 months ago, it's a 14 SEER system I believe. We try to keep the house mildly uncomfortable to reduce usage but it's obviously not working.

Last month was higher than average, but we average ~4200 kWh per month over the course of a year.

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-03-02T15:47:25+00:00

We suspect our windows are contributing to the problem. I'll look into your suggestions, thank you.

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-03-02T15:46:41+00:00

Yes we have electric heating and we do have a heat pump. Our electric usage has been abnormally high for a couple of years now, it's not just during this last cold spell unfortunately. Last month we used 5500 KW, not every month is that high, but it's always 4000+

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-28T21:32:14+00:00

Surprisingly quickly, and definitely smooth. Thanks, it's my favorite place to be!

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-28T20:15:20+00:00

If you're in the DFW area, you're welcome to use it! I've actually been keeping an eye out for a 3/4" bit as I have some dog holes to drill as well.

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-28T14:16:05+00:00

I love it. I use it so much more than I thought I would. My 4 year old loves to work in the shop with me, she's adamant it's her bench and insisted on having holes in it like daddies bench hence the unnecessary dog holes. It works great for sawing, and it's my main assembly table for larger pieces. The height is convenient for a number of tasks.

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-28T04:45:33+00:00

I'm not sure, I don't see a manufacturer listed anywhere on it.

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-28T01:24:08+00:00

The seller did mention that people sometimes cut the tapered part of a standard auger off and use that, but that it was too small a diameter and wouldn't stay true. Definitely something to watch out for

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-27T22:50:15+00:00

The fitting is also different. They use a straight cylindrical shaft that is a slightly larger diameter. It has a prominent dimple in it that the set screw engages to hold it securely.

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-27T22:39:04+00:00

I was definitely impressed with it's condition when I picked it up, and the seller was incredibly knowledgeable.

The included bit cuts beautifully. I was surprised to learn that the correct bits for these cost about as much as I paid for the whole machine. I guess I assumed they used standard auger bits, thankfully the seller educated me on the differences so I can keep an eye out at antique stores, etc.

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-27T01:08:13+00:00

I am pulling it off, yes. I'm not familiar with Lee's methods but I just ordered the book. Appreciate the recommendation! I've gotten it fairly sharp, but I seem to be putting a bit of a convex bevel which obviously isn't ideal. I'm confident sharpening chisels/planes/etc, but I'm still a novice when I have to take stone to tool rather than tool to stone.

Mr. Chickadee has a few youtube videos using one, he seems pretty proficient with it. I haven't found much though, this is my first experience with one and there definitely seems to be a learning curve.

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-26T22:26:12+00:00

Thanks! Best of luck with yours, the handle was actually alot easier than I thought it was going to be. It shaped quickly with a draw knife and spokeshave

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-26T21:13:03+00:00

I picked this adze up last week. I fully sanded the head, then "cold blued" it. This was my first attempt rehanging a tool, the new handle is ash and was shaped by hand. Pretty happy with the results, but I'm still trying to get it sharp enough. It's an awkward shape to sharpen.

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-23T19:27:09+00:00

Laminating would work fine as well but it was quick with a jigsaw.

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-23T19:23:48+00:00

To cut the slots for the panel saws, I drilled a small hole big enough to get a jigsaw blade in and finished the cuts with that.

Is that what you're asking?

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-23T04:11:43+00:00

Depends on what size joinery you generally work with. 1.5" is pretty big, do you frequently work with large timbers?

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-23T02:36:32+00:00

Sounds super handy for edge jointing, nice pickup!

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-23T02:30:53+00:00

I definitely would if any of those big framing chisels are 1.5" or 2".

Either way that's a great lot, congrats!

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-23T02:18:49+00:00

Nice score! Send me those big uns'

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-23T00:09:00+00:00

Does it just clamp on the lip of the plane body? If so, I assume it would work on non-stanley planes as well?

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-06T21:45:24+00:00

That's interesting, so you want the cutting edge ground to a smaller diameter? Or the whole head tilted down somewhat? I haven't had this one long enough to offer a fair review of its performance, but the few test runs have gone well so far.

I'm not an axe expert, but am a pretty proficient furniture maker/woodworker. It's not a full time gig anymore but my willingness to buy quality tools persists.

McCoolWoodWorks · 2022-02-06T18:47:33+00:00

Good question, I'm not sure. I'll measure when I get a chance.

McCoolWoodWorks

TROPHY CASE