You guys definitely have me thinking; thinking about how I can do
things more efficiently, before I do them.
I made myself a holder for the Kreg Jr. jig last week to avoid having
to line up and reclamp the jig with their "face clamp" forty times. I
did it in an unusual way, affixing the kreg device to one jaw of a
bench vise. This was mostly for lack of a toggle clamp at the moment I
decided to do it.
I finally got around to drilling the pocket holes this evening and I
have to say the makeshift jig worked like a charm, surely cutting the
job down by at least half, more likely 2/3. Except...
[there's always an "except..."]
It turns out that I blocked a small portion of the chip-escape holes
when I made the jig. It didn't seem like a lot visually, but the chips
built up and caused some slight burning in the first two holes I
drilled. I should add that I was also using a more powerful drill than
in had in the past..
So, to my makeshift "jig", I added an even more makeshift chip removal
"system", shown below. [those with frail constitutions or firmly-held
notions about doing things the proper way strongly cautioned :)]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gdguarino/8502425352/in/photostream/lightbox/
Believe it or not, this worked pretty well. The vents stayed clear,
the drilling was easier, and the holes didn't look burned.
The "system", even as hastily conceived as it was, allowed me to speed
through the task with confidence. And it has given me ideas for a more
permanent jig that I'll eventually build. I wonder now if that's not
the usual way such things are done: Rather that try to perfect a
device in theory, build a quick first attempt and use the lessons
learned to improve the permanent model.
Of course, "temporary" stuff can have a surprisingly long lifespan in
my house.
On Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:56:05 -0500, "Mike Marlow"
>I would happily have spent the money as well, since I too figured they'd
>done a good job of figuring it all out. But - they didn't have an option
>for one made out of walnut on the website...
Ok then. When you *FINALLY* chainsaw open your wallet and buy a
Domino, we want to see the Snakewood or Pink Ivory wood accoutrements
that you add to your Domino.
Greg Guarino wrote:
>
> I finally got around to drilling the pocket holes this evening and I
> have to say the makeshift jig worked like a charm, surely cutting the
> job down by at least half, more likely 2/3. Except...
That's great Greg. Always good when a plan comes together.
>
> [there's always an "except..."]
>
> It turns out that I blocked a small portion of the chip-escape holes
> when I made the jig. It didn't seem like a lot visually, but the chips
> built up and caused some slight burning in the first two holes I
> drilled. I should add that I was also using a more powerful drill than
> in had in the past..
Hmmmmm... I wondered about exactly that when I built my jigs. I routed
escape areas in my jigs because I was afraid the walnut would not hold up to
clamping if I cut in channels the way the Kreg does in their jigs, and I
haven't tested them yet so I'm a little curious now. I can always route
mine deeper if I need to (actually - I'd have to chisel them now...)
>
> So, to my makeshift "jig", I added an even more makeshift chip removal
> "system", shown below. [those with frail constitutions or firmly-held
> notions about doing things the proper way strongly cautioned :)]
>
Hell Greg - looks great! It has that "prototype" look about it that all
good products start out with.
>
> Believe it or not, this worked pretty well. The vents stayed clear,
> the drilling was easier, and the holes didn't look burned.
>
> The "system", even as hastily conceived as it was, allowed me to speed
> through the task with confidence. And it has given me ideas for a more
> permanent jig that I'll eventually build. I wonder now if that's not
> the usual way such things are done: Rather that try to perfect a
> device in theory, build a quick first attempt and use the lessons
> learned to improve the permanent model.
Yup - the very definition of a prototype.
>
> Of course, "temporary" stuff can have a surprisingly long lifespan in
> my house.
You mean there is a different way?
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
Swingman wrote:
>
> Although I applaud you guys on the results of your efforts, and in
> particular the satisfaction you're getting out of the process, I do
> appreciate you justifying my decision of years back to cut to the
> chase, crowbar the wallet, and let Kreg get all that out of the way
> in one fell swoop. ;)
I would happily have spent the money as well, since I too figured they'd
done a good job of figuring it all out. But - they didn't have an option
for one made out of walnut on the website...
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
Mike Marlow wrote:
> Swingman wrote:
>
>> Although I applaud you guys on the results of your efforts, and in
>> particular the satisfaction you're getting out of the process, I do
>> appreciate you justifying my decision of years back to cut to the
>> chase, crowbar the wallet, and let Kreg get all that out of the way
>> in one fell swoop. ;)
Yeah, you probably have a cell phone and a laptop sitting on top of your
workbench too!
It reminds me of what Roy Underhill said about using Japanese saws to
cut dovetail joints. : )
> I would happily have spent the money as well, since I too figured they'd
> done a good job of figuring it all out. But - they didn't have an option
> for one made out of walnut on the website...
>
Bill wrote:
> Mike Marlow wrote:
>> Swingman wrote:
>>
>>> Although I applaud you guys on the results of your efforts, and in
>>> particular the satisfaction you're getting out of the process, I do
>>> appreciate you justifying my decision of years back to cut to the
>>> chase, crowbar the wallet, and let Kreg get all that out of the way
>>> in one fell swoop. ;)
>
> Yeah, you probably have a cell phone and a laptop sitting on top of
> your workbench too!
> It reminds me of what Roy Underhill said about using Japanese saws to
> cut dovetail joints. : )
I saw that Woodcraft had some of those (old) nails that loos like
staples, which pull the wood
together as you hammer them in. Have you (or anyone else here) tried
those?
>
>
>> I would happily have spent the money as well, since I too figured they'd
>> done a good job of figuring it all out. But - they didn't have an
>> option
>> for one made out of walnut on the website...
>>
>
Leon wrote:
> On 2/24/2013 11:56 AM, Mike Marlow wrote:
>> Swingman wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> Although I applaud you guys on the results of your efforts, and in
>>> particular the satisfaction you're getting out of the process, I do
>>> appreciate you justifying my decision of years back to cut to the
>>> chase, crowbar the wallet, and let Kreg get all that out of the way
>>> in one fell swoop. ;)
>>
>> I would happily have spent the money as well, since I too figured
>> they'd done a good job of figuring it all out. But - they didn't
>> have an option for one made out of walnut on the website...
>>
>
>
> Yeah but yours will look the same after you paint it blue. ;~)
Geeze - I'm just now getting the kind of shine I was after, and you're
telling me I have to paint it blue? Man - there's no end to this
woodworking stuff...
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
Dave wrote:
> On Sun, 24 Feb 2013 12:56:05 -0500, "Mike Marlow"
>> I would happily have spent the money as well, since I too figured
>> they'd done a good job of figuring it all out. But - they didn't
>> have an option for one made out of walnut on the website...
>
> Ok then. When you *FINALLY* chainsaw open your wallet and buy a
> Domino, we want to see the Snakewood or Pink Ivory wood accoutrements
> that you add to your Domino.
More likely be Purpleheart. A friend just gave me about 3 BF of the stuff
as sort of a payment for spraying a guitar body he had done some work to.
Was wondering what I might use the stuff for, and now I know. Domino and
Purpleheart - kinda sounds like they go together, don't it?
BTW - man is this stuff dense!
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
On 2/24/2013 9:20 AM, Swingman wrote:
> On 2/23/2013 8:50 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
>
>> Rather that try to perfect a
>> device in theory, build a quick first attempt and use the lessons
>> learned to improve the permanent model.
>
> Ah, the very secret itself ... particularly for those of us without that
> particular gene that lets you _accurately_ visualize, in minute detail,
> the whole enchilada in your imagination.
>
> Although I applaud you guys on the results of your efforts, and in
> particular the satisfaction you're getting out of the process, I do
> appreciate you justifying my decision of years back to cut to the chase,
> crowbar the wallet, and let Kreg get all that out of the way in one fell
> swoop. ;)
>
I haven't tried the full Kreg Jig, and if I'd gotten off my butt and
ordered a toggle clamp when I intended to, I probably wouldn't have
thought of the vise method. But I like it, or at least the new and
improved version I envision. I especially like that there would be a
nice wide surface to hold the work. Maybe that's unnecessary; that seems
likely, given that you've apparently done well with the Kreg Jig for
what must be many jobs.
In addition, I am starting to enjoy the "puzzle" aspect of woodworking;
that "sense of satisfaction" you mention. I'm now trying to visualize a
jig that I could quickly slip onto the movable jaw of the vise. It would
hold the kreg unit and provide a surface flush with the front surface of
the kreg to hold the work. I've got some ideas about how to make a
vacuum port too.
If you need to find me, I'll be perched at the top of the slippery
slope. :) Good thing I have so little free time.
Greg Guarino wrote:
> I haven't tried the full Kreg Jig, and if I'd gotten off my butt and
> ordered a toggle clamp when I intended to, I probably wouldn't have
> thought of the vise method. But I like it, or at least the new and
> improved version I envision. I especially like that there would be a
> nice wide surface to hold the work. Maybe that's unnecessary; that
> seems likely, given that you've apparently done well with the Kreg
> Jig for what must be many jobs.
>
> In addition, I am starting to enjoy the "puzzle" aspect of
> woodworking; that "sense of satisfaction" you mention. I'm now trying
> to visualize a jig that I could quickly slip onto the movable jaw of
> the vise. It would hold the kreg unit and provide a surface flush
> with the front surface of the kreg to hold the work. I've got some
> ideas about how to make a vacuum port too.
>
> If you need to find me, I'll be perched at the top of the slippery
> slope. :) Good thing I have so little free time.
Don't let Karl get to you Greg - he's just jealous because he doesn't have
the time to dick around with this stuff to amuse himself, 'cause he's too
busy building beautiful stuff. He just doesn't understand that sometimes
it's rewarding to not be so damned talented. Look how we get to amuse
ourselves...
Hell - I may just go build something else - just for the hell of it!
--
-Mike-
[email protected]
On 2/23/2013 8:50 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
> Rather that try to perfect a
> device in theory, build a quick first attempt and use the lessons
> learned to improve the permanent model.
Ah, the very secret itself ... particularly for those of us without that
particular gene that lets you _accurately_ visualize, in minute detail,
the whole enchilada in your imagination.
Although I applaud you guys on the results of your efforts, and in
particular the satisfaction you're getting out of the process, I do
appreciate you justifying my decision of years back to cut to the chase,
crowbar the wallet, and let Kreg get all that out of the way in one fell
swoop. ;)
--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://plus.google.com/114902129577517371552/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)
On 2/24/2013 11:56 AM, Mike Marlow wrote:
> Swingman wrote:
>
>>
>> Although I applaud you guys on the results of your efforts, and in
>> particular the satisfaction you're getting out of the process, I do
>> appreciate you justifying my decision of years back to cut to the
>> chase, crowbar the wallet, and let Kreg get all that out of the way
>> in one fell swoop. ;)
>
> I would happily have spent the money as well, since I too figured they'd
> done a good job of figuring it all out. But - they didn't have an option
> for one made out of walnut on the website...
>
Yeah but yours will look the same after you paint it blue. ;~)
On 2/25/2013 12:05 PM, Greg Guarino wrote:
> In addition, I am starting to enjoy the "puzzle" aspect of woodworking;
> that "sense of satisfaction" you mention.
Yep, and I've mentioned in the past that I often get more satisfaction
from designing the jig/fixture to make a particular job easier and more
repeatable than in doing the project itself, so I feel your pain. :)
This link has just a few of them:
https://picasaweb.google.com/111355467778981859077/EWoodShopJigsFixturesMethods
Including my modest, store bought, Kreg-On-A-Plank, about 3/4 of the way
through:
https://picasaweb.google.com/111355467778981859077/EWoodShopJigsFixturesMethods#5779253468866373122
What I particularly like about the Kreg is that since Leon discovered
the necessary adapter to hook it up to our respective Festool CT22E dust
extractors, I no longer have to blow out drill chips, none, nada ...
which was the only thing slowing me down when turning out hundreds of
face frame rails and intermediate stiles at a time.
(this is my second Kreg master system ... sold the last one to someone
here a few years back)
--
eWoodShop: www.eWoodShop.com
Wood Shop: www.e-WoodShop.net
https://plus.google.com/114902129577517371552/posts
http://www.custommade.com/by/ewoodshop/
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)