Podcast – Stu's Shed: Recent Episodes
Stuart Lees
Material: 3mm Acrylic Router Bit: Amana Tool 51441 – 1/16″ Spiral-o-Flute upcut from Toolstoday.com CNC Router: Torque CNC 9060 Spindle Speed: 12000RPM Horizontal Cutting Speed: 5mm/sec Vertical Cutting Speed: 10mm/sec with ramping Plans from MakeCNC.com
I made this video while I was creating a vertical garden for an article in The Shed magazine. Lost the files for a while (and forgot I had shot the video!!), but here it is at long last!
A quick video of the Lancaster Bomber being cut out. I don’t want to think how long it took this video to actually get done – so many delays, so few windows of opportunity to work on it! I decided to cut my losses and just put together what I had, rather than stress too […]
(A slight delay in the SundayCNC post!) The Australian Animal series, from MakeCNC.com (scroll down a bit to the Australian Animals) A really nice set of designs, with some real standout patterns. By far and away, the Sulphur Crested Cockatoo is the most impressive, at least in my opinion. However, it was the Echidna that […]
As mentioned recently, I had an opportunity to demonstrate the SawStop Industrial (5HP) to a group from the Instrumentation & Technology Development Facility (Monash Instrumentation Facility), and the Faculty of Science, both from Monash University. The following video was taken and edited by Steve Morton, from the Scientific Imaging Service within the Faculty of Science, […]
This episode uses one of the MLIS (Multiple Layer Inlay Stencils) from Tarter Woodworking. Good product, great results, and a very realistic price to boot. What’s not to love? The template used here is the Yin Yang. I did try the Clownfish, but have to come back to that for a second attempt (got my […]
We all know the idiom about book-smarts versus street-smarts, and it holds just as true (if not more-so) for woodworking as any other pursuit. You can read and read about a topic, watch all the videos, follow the forums and talk with experts, but I can still guarantee the first time you pick up a […]
Gave the I Wood Like website a run today, specifically around their new online shopping cart. Very seamless and easy way to purchase blades, brakes, inserts, even entire machines (both SawStop and MiniMax). The blade purchased will be the subject of an upcoming review. Details of delivery address and payment details have been removed from […]
First quick video of the printer working. Had a few teething problems, mainly around getting the print to adhere to the bed. Removed the aluminium bed and replaced with glass. A quick wipe of the surface with a glue stick, and we were away laughing! Print completed Ready for removal Skull box completed, ready for […]
Had a look at the blade(s) after the fact, and found out where the significant cascading sound comes from when the brake activates. 12 separate tungsten carbide teeth ripped loose of the blade. Most presumably are due to the spacer blades not being in direct contact with the aluminium brake, so were able to move […]
Using the Amana Tool bowl bits from Toolstoday.com, I create a freeform double (interlocking) bowl
Finally! A tour of the shed, warts and all. It is still a work in progress, but I guess, it will always be somewhat of a work in progress!
Featuring the smallest, and largest Amana Tool router bits from Toolstoday.com (at least those that fit a standard 1/4″ and 1/2″ router). Surfacing is done on a Torque Workcentre. Music by Lis Viggers
Most of the system is now in place and connected up, just need a few extra connectors to finish it off. Have shot this quick walking tour so you can see the setup that I have put in place. As mentioned, the system is sourced through Professional Woodworkers Supplies, and it makes it very easy […]
I have gone back to the individual files of the shed build, and bought them together to create this final version (the reason I labelled them 96A, B, C etc) So enjoy Episode 96 – 20000 photos taken over 5 days documenting the creation of Stu’s Shed V3.0
Episode 97 Upgrading the original SuperNova2 to be a SuperNova2 Infinity chuck, with quick-change jaws
It may not be woodworking, but we all enjoy a cold beverage of some description, and we have all been stuck on occasion wanting it cold a lot faster than conventional methods will allow. Here is a quick look at a way of using a power tool (drill) and a bucket of ice, along with […]
SSYTC063 The Shed Arrives All 1.6 tonnes of Australian Steel. There is a bit more to come – a roller door that will arrive later today, and the PA doors, the windows and insulation is currently at the yard waiting for the erectors. So now we wait again, hope for a long run of fine […]
Episode 95B The New Slab Part B – Finishing Slab Preparation Shot on a GoPro Hero3 Black, 720p on a 5 second time lapse
Episode 95A The New Slab Part A – Clearing the block Shot on a GoPro Hero3 Black, 720p on a 10 second time lapse 6 hours in 1.5 minutes!
Episode 94 Dr Kapex Testing the true depth of cut of the Festool Kapex. Also see (briefly) the Kapex stand in action, and the Promac generator.
Another tool I got to play with at the wood show was the C26 Genius, a MiniMax combo– again from Gabbett Machinery. Trying out the Amana Tool Profile Pro from Toolstoday.com, with a rebate cutter, then one of the profile cutters. Photos are in an earlier post, but you can’t really see just how smooth […]
At the wood show last weekend, I got to set off the SawStop mechanism, not once, but 3 times. Funnily enough, I was quite tentative about it the first time – we are talking about an extremely violent reaction at massive speed. However, in practice it was a lot quieter and more gentle than I […]
At the local school fete, and the local (Port Philip) historic machinery society come each year with their eclectic collection of vehicles and machines. A few looked like they would be ideal for powering a belt-driven machine, or a small workshop line shaft. One I particularly looked at was indeed a motor that originally drove […]
SSYTC053 Carving out a niche The CNC Shark Pro from Carbatec. Carving the ManSpace logo in a piece of walnut.
The first video is using the fly-jig, with an additional wire now (as pictured recently) for additional stability. The second wire will also allow panning effects, by offsetting the attachment points in relation to the main line. There is still some shake that I haven’t been able to solve – wind is the primary culprit, […]
There is something to be said for forced intermissions. Both longer term with the whole relocation, as well a current, temporary one, where I have needed some distractions to fill in some relatively immobile time. May not have been able get any real workshop time in, but that meant I did have time to keep […]
Many places lay claim to having such a feature of their climate, and Melbourne is certainly renowned for it. Today was a very unusual day – hottest July day on record (23.3C), and then the temperature plummeted as a cold front swept in, bringing strong winds and a downpour. At the time I happened to […]
Some can do more….. Where it comes to the reasons for drilling holes, the reasons can be many, and varied – I’m sure you can think of dozens of reasons without me making a list. One of those reasons is as a pilot hole for screws. This can be to prevent the timber splitting from […]
Ran a couple of tests with the new camera on its highest framerate setting. Interesting results. On the lathe, there wasn’t enough light, but I have some new ones worked out for when I am filming for real – the shed will look like it is residing in the near vicinity of the sun, and […]
Dropped round on Robbo recently, as he has been working gluing up a segmented block to turn into a table leg, and was about to turn it for the first time. An opportunity not to be missed! He didn’t do a great deal on the first day – too many competing priorities, but even so, […]
Episode 92A Enter the Dado A short (approx 5 min) version of the dado video, on the Amana Tool Dado from Toolstoday.com
Episode 92 Amana Tool Dado Blade Click here to see the blade at Toolstoday.com Don’t worry that the blade is not blue – the photo has not been updated yet to include their latest coating that is now standard on their blades.
Episode 91 Amana Tool Melamine Blade A blade designed to cut double sided melamine, by Amana Tool. Available from Toolstoday.com
Episode 89 Woodshow Preview A whimsical movie ‘preview’ of the wood show, Melbourne 2012
SSYTC044 The Stan Band Stan, Theo and others with an impromptu jam session at the wood show.
Episode 88 Pneumatics in the Workshop A brief discussion of compressed air in the workshop, and a look at a very flexible option!
Episode 87 DVR Remote Upgrading and using the Nova DVR XP with the Remote and Retro kits
Episode 86 Commencing a Project Slideshow created in Keynote on the iPad Music by Rogue Traders, used with permission.
Episode 83 Nova DVR XP This is NOT a video about good lathe technique! It is a bit of a look at how good the DVR XP is in the hands of an amateur.
This is the AGP 125, in the Protool range, as seen at the Festool Media event. Never really felt any real interest in working with concrete/tile etc, or owning a tool capable of doing so….until now that is. This tool has two setups – a shrouding for cutting, and a second for grinding/smoothing. Both lend […]
Jumping straight into the demos, the first item we looked at was the new Autoclean Cleantex. Looking very much like the CT36 with the extra dimension that it can put itself through a filter cleaning cycle. The cleaning cycle can be dialed in so it happens at a frequency that suits the job being done. […]
Short video of the SlabMaster in action (another brainchild of the inventor/engineer behind the Torque Workcentre and Router Master). In these shots it is running a specialised cutter (also manufactured by Yas Engineering (and in all fairness, these are engineers, not web authors – the machine is much more impressive than their website demonstrates!), but […]
Episode 56 Surfacing on the Torque Workcentre – overhead router One of the really impressive features of the TWC, and one of the easiest operations – surfacing. My TWC can handle a slab up to 2000 x 1300mm (78″ x 51″), and any size down to around 1″ x 1″ (or in other words, no […]
Bringing it all together – the Torque Workcentre, Triton Router, Whiteside Surfacing Bit, Vac Clamp
1 1/2 hours condensed into about 3 minutes (30x normal speed) giving an overview of the assembly of the Torque Workcentre. Note that this was done without any instructions at all (given courier issues). Blink, and you’ll miss it!
Episode 54 Dust Talking about protecting yourself from dust. The cloud gets generated by taking the Festool Termite to a piece of MDF. Sorry about the pelting rain in the background – for a country in a 10 year drought, it seems to rain at very inopportune times! This video features the Dust-Bee-Gone and Microclene […]
As initially discussed here, the Walko Workbench from Ideal Tools can be set up in a number of different orientations, depending on your requirements. In my case, and as seen here, it provides a narrow workbench that I can easily break down and remove to free up space, or repurpose easily to a different role […]
Episode 53 Contrast Timber Inlays using a router. As originally detailed here, this kit is available from Professional Woodworkers Supplies, and includes Woodpeckers templates and a Whiteside spiral solid carbide router bit. The bench used in the video (and as seen pictured here as well) is the WALKO Contractors Workbench, soon to be imported and […]
Now I’m sure that name makes little sense to anyone, so let’s clarify. I grabbed the little digi-camera and shot a quick look at the Rockler Bench Cookies in action. They can be seen securing a board while edge routing with a hand-held router, while sanding with a ROS (random orbital sander), and while using […]
Taking a slice of burl, and getting the surface flat has traditionally meant I have broken out the belt sander which (unless it is a particular shade of green) is NOT a precision machine. Some will use handtools – planes, scrapers etc to get the surface flat, but circumstances (and a complete lack of time) […]
Not that long ago, I posted Shed.TV episode 51 on the Tablesaw, and in it there was some discussion about Mitre Gauges (or Miter Gauges, which ever is your preferred spelling!) One of the site’s readers (I’ve been combing my emails to find out who!) pointed out that there was a better way for attaching […]
Terry Fogarty runs the Domino and Furniture courses for Ideal Tools, and having owned and used the Domino in a production setting since they first went on sale just over 3 years ago, he is particularly experienced in their use, and has developed a number of jigs to extend its capabilities. This is his latest […]
Ideal Tools – Festool Mecca in Williamstown, Melbourne A perfect synergy of sales, training, and getting real hands-on experience with the next potential addition to your workshop. I really enjoy this approach. There is no sales pitch here – the tools either sell themselves, or they don’t. You get to see the tools in a […]
An introduction to a bit of an experiment called “The Stu’s Shed YouTube Chronicles” Raw, unedited, short clips, the video equivalent to the micro-blogs of Twitter and how they are supplementing the main content of this website/blog. Like Twitter, this is an experiment to see if it is a worthy supplement to Stu’s Shed.
Episode 52 Frontline Interlocking Clamp Clamp Pricing: 900mm $363 inc GST, 1220mm $399 inc GST, both with free delivery in Oz. That is a lot cheaper than I realised!
Fire in the Galley. A short slideshow video of the result of a simple fire, and the resulting damage (in a very short space of time). I attended this fire after the actual incident (we were on the ship next door) to document the situation. Note the result from the heat that quickly resulted – […]
This is a short product video I produced for PWS to showcase their Drill Press Laser. The Drill Press Laser is available from Professional Woodworkers Supplies
This is a short product video I produced from PWS to showcase their Pro Drill Press Table. The Pro Table is available from Professional Woodworkers Supplies
Episode 50a Preparing and Turning a Wooden Pen. Part b will include finishing with a CA finish (Superglue), and assembly.
Episode 49 Kreg Pockethole DrillPress Table Upgrade. Kreg Jig from Carbatec, Pro Drill Press Table from Professional Woodworkers Supplies.
Episode 48 Rejuvenating Machine Tops. Using TopSaver and SilverGlide to remove rust, lubricate and protect the top of a major shop machine.
Episode 47 3D Drawing Board and the Smartpen A quick demonstration of two technologies – one useful for quick visualisations of ideas in 3D, the other with the ability to transfer handwriting and drawing into a realtime digital form. Contact page for drawing boards http://www.3dboards.com.au/ Contact page for SmartPen http://www.smartpen.com.au/ Original Stu’s Shed review article […]
Episode 46 MagSwitch MagSwitch technology is a revelation in my workshop – changing how I work, the jigs I make, even influencing the decisions on major item acquisition.
Episode 45 Zero Clearance Inserts for the Tablesaw Making Zero Clearance Inserts isn’t a particularly difficult task, but it is always good seeing someone else do it first! I have come up with a bit of a novel approach to how to safely do the cut. The traditional method is to use the fence to […]
Episode 43 Triton Steel Cutter – Making a Noticeboard Although not currently available in Oz, these are still (afaik) available in the US etc, and they are still out there if you come across a used model. In any respect, for the project I was working on (a noticeboard) this was the right tool for […]
Episode 42 Lidwig Clamps Australian designed clamps, with 100+kg pre-settable clamping pressure and one-handed operation. Made from either glass impregnated resin, or aluminium.
Episode 41 Wetstone Jigs and Stone Dressing The wetstone sharpeners are just one part of the system – the jigs that are available make it a very versatile machine. This video covers both some of the jigs that are available, as well as dressing the stone, so it is flat and parallel to the jig […]
Episode 40 SawStop Some very impressive technology for the woodworking workshop. As seen demonstrated at the Melbourne Timber and Working with Wood Show, October 08. The buggers also give me a bit of stick while filming 🙂 Thanks Brendan!
Episode 37 GMC 180mm Power Planer Keep an eye out for the magic couch, and the blooper track at the end…. I had an operator problem (forgot to turn on the vac), and had to reshoot some of the video. I don’t get paid enough to worry about perfect continuity…. Bloody good tool though! For […]
Tour of the Shed during the recent upgrades, so this is a look at Stu’s Shed 1.7 When we finally get to 2.0 (in another 5 years or so), I might do another one then! Also includes a look back at a very short video tour I did a few years ago, well before Stu’s […]
Noise in the Workshop. This is part of Safety Week 2008, and is a brief discussion about the noise produced by different machines in the workshop.
Introduction to Safety Week on the Wood Whisperer Network 2008 A quick introduction and discussion about personal safety equipment, not only using it, but ensuring that the solution actually works for you so that you actually use the equipment when needed, rather than leaving it sitting on the shelf as being too cumbersome or uncomfortable […]
This episode looks at watercooled grinding stones, such as the Triton, Scheppach and Tormek. In this instance, a $A199 Triton Wetstone Sharpener is used to produce an edge on a plane blade of HSS. It also happens to be the last video shot in the old shed, so a bit of nostalgia there!
Episode 24 Tool Maintenance Cast Iron and Sanders For anyone not living in absolute ideal conditions, cast iron is not only magnetic, but “magnetically” attracts rust to it, and so it is important to both protect against rust, and be able to remove any ‘infection’ as soon as it starts.
SSYTC002 Nostalgia Going though some old files, and came across this 7 second clip of a modification I made to the GMC thicknesser. Guess this actually qualifies as my first woodworking video (despite its short length).I’d forgotten the clip even existed! Not sure of its vintage – probably 2004 – 2005. Not that long ago, […]
Episode 23 Wixey Digital Planer Height Gauge. Turning the planer/thicknesser into a precision tool.Available from Professional Woodworker Supplies.More detail in this blog entry Wixey Digital Planer Height Gauge. Update: Since making this video, Wixey have updated their Height Guide, and it now presents the LCD panel at a better viewing angle.
Episode 22 Triton 15in Thicknesser – Moulding This is the third of three videos looking at the new Triton 15in Thicknesser. This installment shows in detail using the unit to make a moulding. A fourth video looking at fitting an aftermarket digital height gauge will be available in the near future.
Episode 21 Triton 15in Thicknesser – Fitting Moulding Blades This is the second of three videos looking at the new Triton 15in Thicknesser. This installment shows in detail the fitting of the moulding blades.
Triton 15in Planer Thicknesser Moulder. This is the first of three videos looking at the new Triton 15in Thicknesser. This installment gives an overview of the unit, and looks at its planing/thicknessing function.
Raised Panel Bit. To complement the rail and stile bit featured last month, the raised panel bit is used to produce the panel that fits into the frame created by the rail and stile. The result is a very traditionally styled raised panel, used for cupboard doors, drawer fronts, and even the sides of some […]
Thought I might scope out what other woodworking podcasters were out there as I haven’t looked for a little while. There are a few new ones on the scene, majority seem to be commercially centred, which can be a good thing too – companies using the newest tools available to them for getting the message […]
Stacked Rail and Stile Router Bit. As discussed very recently on Stu’s Shed, this is a very impressive router bit, and has sold me on the concept of stacked rail and stile bits, rather than having two separate matched bits to perform the same job.
Episode 17 Dressing Timber. In this episode, we are having a look at dressing timber so that it is flat/straight and square, ready for a project. In this case, we are using some reclaimed Jarrah from an old deck, but the principle is the same if you are preparing timber that is DAR (dressed all […]
Episode 16 The Router Table. The router is an incredibly versatile tool, capable of many, many tasks. One method of using the router is to mount it underneath a table, so the router bit is exposed, and bringing the workpiece to the router, rather than the other way around. This video looks at using the […]
Episode 15 Metal Detection in Reclaimed Timber I came across this security device recently and to all intents and purposes, it is exactly the same as the metal detectors sold in woodworking shops (for 2 – 3 times as much). This video is a brief look at the detector in action (plus some traps for […]
Episode 14 E=mc Square. Squares (or tri-squares) are an essential part of every toolbox. In this episode, we have a brief look at various types of squares, from the cheapest through to some superb versions that are available. We also look at how to test a square for accuracy before buying it. Particularly featured is […]
Episode 13 A Footy Trophy. In this episode, I needed to extend the life of a Footy Tipping Trophy by adding some room for more winner plaques. We go from sketching the initial shape, to roughing it out on the bandsaw, sanding to final dimensions on the disk sander and spindle sander, and finally round […]
Episode 12 Sign Writing with the Router. It is one of those things that many people want to do when they first buy a set of template guides for their router, and see the picture of router-carved words on the box. Or when you come across a well-made wooden sign, and you look at it […]
Episode 11 Carbitool Wheel Cutter Carb-i-tool is a Melbourne manufacturing company, producing very high quality router bits in a myriad of styles and designs. One of their rather unique designs is the Wheel Cutter. It comes in 3 sizes – 40mm, 50mm and 60mm. It is not strictly a router bit, as it is designed […]
Episode 10 Triton Spindle Sander Another horse out of the Triton Stables, the Spindle Sander is an excellent addition for the workshop. Taking spindle sizes from 13mm (1/2 inch) to 76mm (3 inch) all those difficult sanding projects can now be easily performed and is an excellent complement to the belt and disk sander. The […]
Episode 07 Triton 13in Planer / Thicknesser The Triton 13in Planer/Thicknesser is an interesting addition to the range of Triton power tools. It is a 2.5HP, 8000 RPM (16000 cuts/min) 330mm x 150mm (max size of stock) thicknesser. It has some quite unusual features that are worth noting. There is a cutterhead lock which provides […]
Episode 06 Bandsaw Circle Cutting Bandsaws have always been great at cutting curves. With a simple jig, perfect circles are a breeze. This video demonstrates this homemade jig, and also briefly shows some minor mods that I have made to my 14″ Jet Bandsaw to keep the tyres clear of sawdust.
Wooden Thread Cutting Cutting a thread in metal is a relatively easy affair, especially with the thread-chasing tools available for lathes. How cool would it be, to be able to easily produce a wooden thread – imagine all the applications! Tools, height adjustable stools, toys, wooden vice etc etc This video demonstrates a very, very […]
Episode 04 Triton Router Plunge Spring The Triton Router is an excellent machine, very powerful with lots of innovative features built-in. Table mounting is this router’s forte, and some features are built into this router to optimise using it in table mode. A plunge router uses a spring to counteract gravity when using the router […]
Episode 03 Scrollsaw Dinosaur Scrollsaws are often used to produce very incricate pieces, but a cheap one is perfectly good for making some really cool kids’ toys.
Episode 02 Bandsaw Blade Folding When you purchase a bandsaw blade, it comes in a neat coil which takes up little space, and is easy to store. However, once the blade is used, getting it back to that initial condition can be quite daunting. Once you have seen it done, you will be surprised just […]
Episode 01 3D Router Carver The 3D Router Carver produces stylish designs using a handheld router, with dedicated templates and a uniquely designed router bit.