MachinistBlog.com » Workshops

Heart Valves, Digital Levels and Happy Holidays.

Rob — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:49:18 +0000

My new workbench uses shelving units and laminated countertops. I used deckboards to help support the countertops and some boards between them and the basement walls. The boards create some more overhang at the front (toe kick) and bridge a gap I had to leave in the back because of a perimeter drainage channel.

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Shop Light Upgrade & T12 Phase Out

Rob — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:00:05 +0000

I have about a dozen 4-foot fluorescent shop lights in my basement and garage. They’re all hanging from chains and plugged into ceiling-mounted electrical outlets that are controlled by wall-mounted switches. They frequently have to be replaced because the cheap magnetic T12 ballasts in them go bad. On my last trip to

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A “fortuitous” keyboard and mouse podium for my CNC mill

Rob — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 19:40:39 +0000

This is the “fortuitous” keyboard and mouse podium I made for my CNC mini-mill. The previous owner kept the keyboard and monitor on top of the cabinet and used a “thumb” mouse that dangled down on a cord. They obviously weren’t easy to use and I wanted some kind of table or stand to put

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Making Particle Board Workbench Tops

Rob — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 18:16:35 +0000

This article describes how I make workbench tops using particle board. I’ve been using this method for about 20 years with good results. Although the next time I build a similar bench I may use a laminate counter top for two reasons, which I’ll explain later.

I don’t like benches that move, shake or vibrate.

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Wire Rack Attack!

Rob — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:55:59 +0000

This short video shows a simple low-cost method for organizing small reels of wire. I found it on Makezine.com’s blog, which recently featured a couple of our articles. One was Mikey’s contest winning essay and the other was Nate’s short article about some free plans for a Watt-style steam governor.

I’ve

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I’m thinking about moving south, to the basement

Rob — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:31:17 +0000

My workshop is in the back of small, detached and mostly uninsulated garage. I have an assortment of kerosene, propane and electric heaters that can make it pretty comfortable to work in it during most of the winter. But this year it has been so consistently cold here in upstate New York

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