SeaWolf's Home Workshop

Woodcraft Holiday Specials

2011-11-23T07:13:00.000-08:00

Woodcraft Brings Back Its Mortiser-AND ON SALE NOW!

2010-12-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

Woodcraft has brought back its Steel City Mortiser as the Wood River brand. On sale for Christmas. - Read More

Tool Review-Woodpecker Router Lift

2010-10-07T05:29:00.000-07:00

The Woodpecker's Quick Lift 420 is a great solid removable router plate insert. The lift allows for easy change out of your router motor for other use or storage. These lift plate allows for the installation of various diameter center opening twist lock plate inserts to accommodate various bit sizes. The lift allows for easy bit changes by removing the twist lock plate insert and then using the silver "L" handle to raise up the router allowing easy access to the chuck. Once set up the venier handle makes for quick and precise setting of the router bit height. -Read More

Workshop Renovation Part XIV-Work Bench and Tool Cabinets

2010-08-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

HTML clipboardThe last major part of my workshop renovation project was to build an new general purpose work bench. This project possessed many of the same goals modular construction, secure storage and dust free storage and portability. Additionally I was trying to replicate the quick access to hand tools of my old peg board wall mount. Construction of the cabinet carcasses was virtually the same as all the cabinets of the miter bench, with the exception of a heavy duty front cross piece.-Read More

Tool Review-DeWalt 18 Volt NiCad Fluorescent Area Light

2010-07-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

Dewalt has a series of light sources that utilize the same batteries that power their various cordless tools. Since I had decided to use their 18volt systems years ago, I have a good supply of these batteries for use with extra tools and lights. Although I have a Dewalt flashlight and "snake light", I often find their illumination too narrow in larger spaces. Dewalt has solved that with their new DC527 18 Volt NiCad Fluorescent Area Light. -Read More

Cool Your Electronic Componets Easily

2010-07-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

Today's DVRs, DVD players, stereo equipment, etc. generate a lot of heat when running or in standby. Put these in a enclosed cabinet and the problem becomes worse and can lead to premature component failure. Venting the cabinet is not always a possibility, but there are other ways to increase the air flow and dissipate the heat.-Read More

Home Repair-Dual Flush Toilet Conversions

2010-05-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

One of the great ways to save money and "GO GREEN" is to convert an older toilet into a dual flush model that reduces water usage. There are numerous methods of doing this and the various conversion kits on the market range from $20 to $100. Further the complexity of making these conversions can range from a quick installation to nearly replacing to the toilet.

After some research I have found a reasonably priced and easily installed dual flush conversion kit that will pay for itself as soon as it is installed.-Read More

Tool Review-Steel City Model 25200 Mortiser

2010-05-02T06:23:00.000-07:00

If you do a lot of joinery a mortiser is a must and ease of operation will improve your accuracy and project satisfaction. I purchased the Steel City Mortiser through Woodcraft after much comparison of the different models and features. Based on the features and price Steel City was the way to go and did not disappoint.-Read More

Shop Tips-Cordless Tool Battery Rebuilds

2010-04-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

HTML clipboard One of the downsides of cordless tools is the expense of replacing worn out batteries. I have often found it cheaper to buy another drill on sale, that comes with batteries, than it is to buy a replacement battery. After dealing with this for years, I finally decided to see if I could have my battery packs rebuilt. The answer was yes and for about half of a new battery.-Read More

Tool Review-Bessey Tools XV5-100 Vario Clippix Spring Clamp

2010-03-01T05:26:00.000-08:00

HTML clipboard If you have ever tried to use a spring clamp on a large piece of material, you are aware of the problems that can occur. Restricted bite capacity, high squeeze pressure and the possibility the off square pressure may move pieces out of alignment. Bessey has solved these problems with their variable capacity spring clamp. -Read More

Enlarging a DVR Hard Drive-Part II

2010-02-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

The DVR is a great invention, but like many other electronic devices, we soon exceed its capacity and must upgrade. The hard drive of a DVR seems to always fill up fast with your favorite programs. HDTV recordings are even worse, "hogging" four times as much file space as regular programming. Unless you want to become "enslaved" by your DVR trying to free space on its hard drive or developing a case of "Tivo Disease" (wasting all your free time trying to watch the multitude of programs you have recorded) a bigger hard drive is a must.

Increasing the size of your hard drive can be done easily.-Read More

Tool Review-Milwaukee Cordless Hackzall

2010-01-20T11:10:00.000-08:00

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"Cool Tools" did it to me again on this one with their Christmas show. Actually I have a pneumatic saw that is similar and I have found very useful in tight places, HTML clipboardbut it does require a compressor. Due to it's small size and portability, I immediately knew the Hackzall would be a handy addition to my tool box. The saw is easy to control in all cutting situations and blade change is a breeze, requiring no tools.-Read More

Tool Review-Tool Band-it Magnetic Tool Holder

2009-11-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

HTML clipboardOne of the problems of working up on a ladder, is you have no place to set the small tools and fasteners were you can retrieve them. The Tool Band-It is a handy solution to this problem. Just velcro it on your arm and the those small tools and fasteners go where ever you do.-Read More

Workshop Renovation Part XIII-Hardware Supply Cabinet

2009-10-13T13:16:00.000-07:00

Part of the work shop renovation project required the removal of my fastener bins from the garage wall. Now that they were removed, I had to come up with a solution for long term storage. My neighbor is also a woodworker and had built a "rolling wall" of open parts bins he had acquired. It was a lot larger than I needed, but the concept had possibilities. Taking this idea, I modified it to my own needs and designed a rolling parts cabinet that fit into my modular workshop program.-Read More

V-Clamp Support Jig

2009-09-17T05:57:00.000-07:00

HTML clipboardThe V-Clamp Vacuum Clamp is basically designed to hold objects for routing, etc. However, it can also be used as a "third hand" for supporting projects while you work on them. I used three of the mountable V-Clamps to create a multi-position jig. -Read More

Shop Tip-Don't Throw Away that Old Compressor

2009-08-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

XXXXxxxYour old "little compressor" has finally pumped its last PSI and you have to go out and buy another BIGGER one with MORE capacity. Naturally you'd like one of those huge commercial versions, that are as big a door, but cost and sheer size make you settle for a smaller more portable version. Once you get your new "Toy" back home, you look at your trusty old compressor and try to decide if you want to scavenge any parts off it, or just dump at the curb and salute it as the garbage truck rolls off into the sunset. Don't Throw Away that Old Compressor!, the extra tank volume of your old compressor can augment the capacity of your new portable compressor and give you an increased air storage volume nearly as large as the commercial version "you really wanted". -Read More

Tool Review-V Clamp Vacuum Clamps

2009-08-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

V-Clamps are a handy way to hold parts from the bottom side so you can rout, sand, saw, carve or assemble with no obstructions on the face of your work piece . These little industrial-strength workhorses use a tiny amount of compressed air to generate a huge amount of clamping force, up to 330 pounds. The two different models allow for use in a variety of applications, both vertically or horizontally.-Read More

Workshop Renovation Part XII-Shop Compressed Air Extensions

2009-06-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

We've already discussed equipping your shop with a central compressed air line. This technique made it inexpensive to not only plumb air connections, as required, but add connections easily. HTML clipboardWhen I finished my work bench I added a cross garage extension of my shop air line. I did this by a "T" off a convenient connection on the main line. -Read More

Shop Tip- Splicing Plywood Sheets

2009-05-26T06:13:00.000-07:00

XXXNothing is more aggravating than running out of plywood late on a Sunday afternoon, with your project nearing completion. Short of waiting to the next day to buy an entire sheet of plywood, what can you do? Naturally "Necessity is the Mother of Invention", so when faced with this problem I decided to splice some plywood sheeting.-Read More

Workshop Renovation Part XII-Wall Cabinets

2009-05-01T06:06:00.000-07:00

As the garage renovation continued I found the loss of shelving space was not entirely replaced with my modular cabinet system. I still had wall space so the obvious answer was to build some wall mounted cabinets similar to the above built ins. -Read More

Tool Review-Bosch PS50-2B Multi-X Carpenter Kit

2009-04-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Bosch Multi-X Carpenter Kit, is a cordless version of the Fein Multi-Master. It too is a "Must Have" for every Do-it-Yourselfer and tradesman. The capability to get in an trim materials easily in tight spaces is unmatched by any other tool I have ever used. Not only does it make precise cuts, but the danger of a spinning blade causing personal or material damage is minimized. The advantage of a cordless version, makes it handy for many home repairs-Read More

Workshop Renovation Part XI-Tilting Assembly Table

2009-03-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

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One of the things I have always needed in my shop, was a table large enough to assemble large projects, such as cabinets, etc. The only problem was a lack of floor space for a fixed or even moveable table. It dawned on me that a table that could tilt vertically or fold up like a card table would be the way to go. The table had to be even with the bench top and could not interfere with opening the cabinet drawers.-Read More

Workshop Renovation Part X-Central Dust Collection System

2009-03-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

Years ago when I set up my garage shop, I spent hours removing the accumulated dust and grime. Unfortunately that pristine condition only lasted until my first sanding job. Clearly a more organized set up was required to handle machine and hand sanding jobs, while eliminating the numerous hoses on the shop floor, one can trip on.

My plan was developed to utilize all the vacuums and hoses I had, but to integrate them into a system that could work with any of may dust producing hand or bench power tools. A easily disassembled central system was necessary to couple with the modular bench cabinets I had already built.

The first step was to calculate the capacity of the system I would need. -Read More

Workshop Renovation Part IX-Media Cabinets

2009-02-28T08:51:00.000-08:00

HTML clipboard No self respecting "man cave" is complete without a media center. There's nothing like a TV or radio in the shop during football season and a cabinet keeps the saw dust out when not in use. -Read More

Tool Review-Bosch PS40-2A Impact Driver

2009-02-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

HTML clipboardThe PS-40 Pocket Impact-Driver is a small and lighter version of a cordless drill that is designed with a hammering function that spins fast, to produce about three times the torque of a drill. This means an impact driver will put in screws, bolts, and other fasteners much faster than a drill would. HTML clipboardIt can drill holes, up to 1/2 inch and so handle just about any job a homeowner or contractor would do around the house.HTML clipboard If you are looking for that all around tool for your tool shop, this is it.-Read More

BLUETOOTH YOUR HEARING PROTECTORS

2009-02-02T10:46:00.000-08:00

Hearing protection is always a must when operating power tools, but makes listening to a radio or iPod difficult. Peltor solved part of this problem by offering a hearing protector with an AM/FM radio. Naturally, soon after I bought one of these headsets, they came out with a version that included an iPod hookup integral to the sound protection. This was a huge improvement to my "listening pleasure", but it soon became obvious that the iPod chord was going to be problematic, constantly getting caught on things around the shop. The final straw was when I snagged the chord so hard, I broke one of the internal wires. There had to be a better way.

Bluetooth headsets are rapidly coming on the market (I even have one built into my ski helmet), but no one has taken the "hint" on sound protection headphones. However, the solution was as simple by adding a Bluetooth receiver to the hearing protectors. -Read More

Weatherproofing the Rolling Wood Rack

2009-01-19T09:17:00.000-08:00

The rolling wood rack I built must sit in my driveway to allow me to work in the garage, so eventually it was going to get rained on. At first I just threw a tarp over it which worked fine for several months, but this wasn't a perfect solution as had to be fastened all the time making access difficult. The rack sat outside for several months, while I was renovating the garage, and eventually the plastic tarp started to deteriorate from the sun and get pin holes from the wind abrading it on the corners of the wood. Naturally the day before I was going to do this project, a storm went through ripped holes in the tarp's weak areas and some of the wood got wet, leaving food for the fireplace.

I got a new tarp and decided to build and upper frame to secure the tarp in place and keep it away from the sharp wood corners. -Read More

Securing Lumber Loads

2009-01-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

HTML clipboard Carting all that lumber home can sometimes be a challenge, if not secured properly. Nothing ruins a day, like leaving your expensive lumber all over the highway and calling your auto insurance company. A few commercially available tools have come on the market that are designed to keep your load from sliding out the back of your pickup truck bed. They take advantage of the gap between the bed and tailgate. Even though these are made just down the road from me, I could not find a retailer that carried them. The other problem I noticed was that the "Load Latch" bowed the plywood sheets and could damage pre-finished plywood. Not to be deterred I came up with my own version, that was a lot cheaper too. -Read More

Workshop Renovation Part VIII-Special Purpose Tool Storage Cabinets

2008-12-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

The next phase of workshop renovation project was the building of cabinets to hold my Shopsmith Special Purpose Tools (SPTs), accessories, jigs and long items. The carcass and base of these cabinets are exactly the same as the miter bench cabinets, with the exception of the dimensions. Basically just a big box. However, inside I made fixtures to support pullout tool trays and store long saw guides.-Read More

Workshop Renovation Part VII-Shop Compressed Air

2008-12-17T07:48:00.000-08:00

HTML clipboard Any well outfitted shop has an air compressor for running pneumatic tools, nail guns, cleaning off saw dust, etc. How that system is arranged can be important to work flow and decide if you will be constantly tripping over hoses. Many shops have large compressors that are not easily moved, so they run air to several work stations via a manifold system using galvanized pipe. This works well, but can get expensive with the cost of pipe and mounts. It also limits changes and is usually permanent. Another way to accomplish this task in a cheaper and less permanent manner is to use regular pneumatic air hose. To illustrate one such method I'll explain my own shop setup.-Read More

Tool Review-Wixey Digital Planer Gauge

2008-12-04T10:16:00.000-08:00

If you have ever tried precision planing you know how difficult it is. This is especially true if you have to later go back and mill more stock after you have moved the planer's height setting. The Wixey Digital Planer Gauge has made precision planing possible at an economical cost. This simple digital gauge is designed for use on moving table height planers and is flexible enough to adapt to various models-Read More

Tool Review-Eliminator Quick Change Router Chuck

2008-11-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows the frustration of trying to use multiple wrenches to loosen a router chuck for bit changes. Finally a solution has arrived, the Eliminator Quick Change Chuck. This is one little accessory you'll be glad you bought. -Read More

Workshop Renovation Part VI-The Miter/Storage Bench is Finally Complete

2008-11-06T07:11:00.000-08:00

After months of work I finally finished and installed my miter bench and storage system. The bench includes four cabinets that contain bench top tools (ie: drum sander, chop saw, belt sander and router table) a miter saw with feed ramps, sanding down draft table and central saw dust vacuum system. All bench modules mount tool lifts that raise a tool for usage, or store it and provide an open bench work area. Additionally there are numerous cabinets and drawers for tool storage. -Read More

Tool Review-Ryobi P521 Cordless Orbital Jig Saw

2008-10-15T07:34:00.001-07:00

"Murphy's Law" was a live and well when my old Craftsman jig saw died right in the middle of making a cut for my cabinet project. Covered with saw dust I ran down to the local home center to buy a replacement. Unfortunately the price of the saw I wanted was substantially more than could be found on the internet. I didn't want to buy a cheap saw I'd never use again, so I started to look for a cordless one that would compliment my tool arsenal. -Read More

Workshop Renovation Part V-Miter Bench Construction

2008-09-20T17:19:00.001-07:00

I have now reached the point in the garage renovation project, where I have moved from prototype to production. Although the volume of work required to make six more cabinet modules is daunting, good planning helped speed the process. Setting the tools carefully and using templates, made the many repetitive cuts go quickly. The real problem was finding places to stage the cabinet modules and parts during construction. I sometimes felt like I was "moving deck chairs around on the Titanic", as I moved tools and materials around the garage to make room. However, after all this work, I am finally freeing up floor space as my plan comes together.-Read More

Tool Review-GearWrench X Pliers

2008-09-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

Have you have ever been faced with the annoying task of trying to get into a confined place with pliers, only to find you couldn't open up the jaws wide enough? GearWrench has found the solution. Their new Double X Pliers are double jointed allowing full opening of the jaws, with only minimal opening of the handles.-Read More

Enlarging a DVR Hard Drive

2008-08-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

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Increasing the size of your hard drive can be done easily.-Read More

Tool Review-Starrett’s "OOPS" Arbor

2008-08-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

One of the most frustrating things is to drill a hole with a hole saw bit and then find out it's too small. Now the center section is gone, so trying to line up a bigger bit and drill a clean hole is nearly impossible. Fortunately Starrett has found the answer with their "OOPS" arbor. -Read more

Workshop Renovation Part IV-Dust Free Window Blinds

2008-07-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

My garage workshop has two large windows that are of no real use other than "curb appeal" from the street. These windows were covered with just roll up blinds in the past. The problem with this was that the old blinds quickly got dirty with saw dust, were a "Bug Collector" and future cleaning would be difficult. As part of the Workshop renovation project a better solution would be needed.-Read More

Tool Review-Jet Panel Joining Clamps

2008-07-10T14:34:00.001-07:00

*UPDATED*-Design Pr0blems If you have ever suffered the frustration of trying to align panels together for gluing and clamping, then you know that a third hand is a must. Jet has come up with that third hand with their new joining clamps.-Read More

Workshop Renovation Part III

2008-06-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

The third phase of the workshop renovation project was to design and build a modular set of work benches that contained tool lifts and formed a long miter bench. The specifications that these benches required was quite involved, After much designing and modifying, I finally came up with a usable design and built a prototype. -Read More

Repairing Pocket Hole Pull-Throughs

2008-06-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

When using pocket screws on soft woods, sometimes the screws will crush the bottom of the pocket hole and allow the screw tip to come through the other side of your piece.

This leaves you with three options:

1. Cut the end of the screw off, but be sure not to over tighten.
2. Plug the pocket hole, move the jig further back and re-drill the hole. This may not make as strong a joint if the screw breaks into the old screw shaft hole.
3. Use a piece of wood dowel to make a washer to fit under the pocket screw head and restore the bottom of the pocket. -Read More

Tool Review-Porter-Cable 371K Compact Belt Sander

2008-05-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

The Porter-Cable compact belt sander is optimized with an arched back and a rubber grip for one-handed operation. The sander is light weight and balanced, for more comfortable, precise control. -Read More

Tool Review-The Glu-Bot Glue Bottle

2008-05-21T14:38:00.000-07:00

The Glu-Bot is the only glue bottle that will not drip or spill, while still putting the glue where you want it. I really like this glue applicator as it eliminates the mess while always maintaining the glue supply when upright.-Read More

Tool Review-EZ Smart Saw/Router Guide & Table System

2008-04-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

The Eurekazone EZ Guide System is the best saw guide I have ever used. The guide's main advantage is that it prevents the wood shattering that often occurs on both sides of a sheet of plywood when cut. The basic setup will easily cut up a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood. The addition of the cross cut handle make quick, accurate 90 degree cuts across a sheet from the factory edge. The guide quickly lines up directly on your "cut" lines, avoiding the offsets of other saw guides, and the easy to use clamps hold it securely. -Read More

SST-116 - Epoxy Removal

2008-04-09T09:01:00.001-07:00

Here's a great tip for getting epoxy glue off project surfaces and your fingers.

Replacing an iPod Hard Drive

2008-03-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

During my hours in the shop it's nice to listen to music and pod casts. WorkTunes hearing protectors make that possible, even while the machines are running. (I wish they had a Bluetooth version to get rid of the chord). Eventually my iPod began to lock up and I finally got the "unhappy face" icon. After checking out the Apple website, I determined a call to Tech Support, would be necessary to see what a repair would cost on my older model iPod. Apple turned out to be incredibly unhelpful and told me I had to take it to an Apple Service Center. -Read More

Workshop Renovation Part II

2008-03-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

Utilizing scraps from other projects is made much easier if you can find them. My old scrap bin was not only a mess and unworkable, but it was also taking up a lot of "real estate" in my cramped garage shop. I found an interesting solution in a book Workshop Projects (available Rockler Hardware) that showed a mobile wood rack. Making a few modifications to meet my own needs, I decided to build one.-Read More

Tool Review-Gunook Tool Hooks

2008-02-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

I saw these tool holders on the "Cool Tools" DIY show and thought they might make good Christmas presents. They turned out better than I thought. The Skyhook is great for hanging my battery powered drills from my belt. The fact that it folds back out of the way, when not needed keeps you from getting caught on stuff around the shop.

The Super Hook turned out to be the perfect way to hang a nail gun "somewhere" while moving stock, etc. It is big enough to hang over a ladder rung, or your tool belt. One problem I had was once attached, I could no longer store my nail gun in it's case. Not to mention it would be expensive to add one of these to each of my pneumatic tools. Here's my solution to both problems:-Read more

Shop Tip- Making Jigs & Shop Helpers

2008-02-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

Most commercial jigs and shop helpers are made of MDF or particle board, faced with a thin laminate surface. While this is adequate for most applications, it does have some drawbacks. It's heavy, doesn't take abuse well and is susceptible high humidity and moisture.
Looking for a better idea, I decided to try using some left over laminate flooring to make some jigs. -Read More

The Workshop Renovation Project Has Begun

2008-01-25T08:47:00.001-08:00

A couple of years ago, I cleared out the garage to set up "cleaner and more organized" workshop. Unfortunately the adding of more floor tools and "turf battles" between my shop and Mrs. SeaWolf's storage, have resulted in and over crowded situation. Additionally, the lack of effective saw dust control, has coated everything in saw dust.

The shortage of floor space required that most of my work be done on the driveway, which is less than ideal due to weather conditions. After watching a couple of episodes of "The New Yankee Workshop" on building new work benches, I decided it was time to act. The first phase of this project was to replace the old cabinets and shelving with new custom built in storage.....Read More-

Building a Central Saw Dust Collection System Lesson

2007-12-14T11:39:00.000-08:00

Today I came across a great video lesson on setting up a central dust collection system, in the Shopsmith Academy Archives.

The links can be found in the Saw Dust Control section of my Blog.

-SeaWolf

Welcome to SeaWolf's Home Workshop

2007-12-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

Today I uploaded my blog web site dedicated to the Do-It-Yourselfer. I hope you enjoy the tips I've gained through my own experience and that to you contribute a few ideas of your own.

I'm used to editing web sites, but it may take a little time to figure how to format in blogspot.com, so bear with me.

My latest project is to revamp the entire garage SO THAT I CAN MOVE IN IT again. I think my envy of Norm Abram's "New Yankee Workshop" has spurred me to action. I'll keep you posted as we progress.

-SeaWolf