Category Archives: Shop Talk

This category is used to discuss things that go on around the shop.

Havahart Traps

When I was eight years old, I somehow got my hands on a popular mechanics magazine. In the back, in the advertising section, I saw an ad for Havahart traps, so I wrote for a catalog. I can still remember … Continue reading

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Web Hosting

I searched the web for several weeks searching for a web hosting company that could meet the needs of my website. I basically had two criteria at that point Continue reading

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10 Steps to a Beautiful Wood Finish

When you have built a piece of furniture yourself and have gotten to the part of the project when it’s time to apply the wood finish, you really need to know what you’re doing or you could completely spoil all the work you’ve done up to this point.

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The Best Finish for Kitchen Cabinet Doors

A couple of years ago, I completely remodeled a kitchen which consisted of custom built cabinets and doors. During the planning stage for the remodel, the question came up about the best type of finish to use on the kitchen cabinet doors. Continue reading

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5 Gifts Guys Want For Christmas – or Any Holiday

I thought since today was Christmas, I would give those people looking for very late Christmas gift ideas some suggestions. Here is my list of the 5 most wanted items for my shop. Continue reading

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Designing the X Axis for the CNC Router

This entry is part 4 of 4 in the series Build Your Own CNC Router

The X-axis is the backbone of the entire CNC Router onto which all other components travel. Continue reading

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Designing the Y Axis for a CNC Router

This entry is part 3 of 4 in the series Build Your Own CNC Router

The Y-axis is essentially the same as the Z-axis except it is larger and is turned horizontal instead of vertical. Continue reading

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How to Cut Crown Moulding

To me no room is really quite complete with crown moulding and baseboard moulding to finish the top and bottom of the wall. Continue reading

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Designing a CNC Router

This entry is part 2 of 4 in the series Build Your Own CNC Router

The design I’ve chosen for my machine consists of a series of C-shaped components that house aluminum angle to which skateboard bearings are attached that roll along two lengths of black steel 3/4″ pipe. Continue reading

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Build Your Own CNC Router

This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series Build Your Own CNC Router

I have wanted a CNC Router since the day I saw a video on the internet of one in action. Today I finally made up my mind to venture out and build one for myself. Continue reading

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