Folding Outfeed Table

Why did I wait so long?

I should have made one of these right after I got my saw, like ten years ago. I finally got around to making one a few months ago, and it is great. I used 2x4s and MDF, pocket-hole screws, some bolts to attach it to the rail on the back side of my saw, and a piano hinge so I could fold it down. I used some knobbed bolts to tighten the folding legs in place, and some adjustable feet to fine tune the height. For the most part, I leave the table up but I like being able to fold it down and free up some floor space when I need to. It sure is nice when you are cutting some long stock, and you don't have to worry about it falling on the floor.

 

You can download a Sketchup model of the construction here.

Rack'em Up

Lathe Gouge Rack

I got some new bowl gouges and a new roughing gouge and decided it was time to figure out were to put all my gouges, large and small, so I could get to them at the lathe without them being in the way and falling on the floor.

I saw some great ideas online and copied them.

I am still in the process of making my racks. I might end up with just two to start with, a large and a small, each holding 10 gouges. Here are the images of what I have come up with so far:

 

These are what I have to rack. I won't rack all of small ones, since I won't ever use some of them. I got a crappie set with the lathe and I can keep most of those stored away somewhere else.

 

This is the idea. You cut holes (I used 1 3/4" diameter holes) in a strip of wood, and cut the strip into two halves, then position them along with a slanted bottom piece so that the gouges lock into place with gravity.

   

For the small gouges I had to reposition the guide strips. I marked the position of everything in each configuration , large and small, and will make one for each size. 

 

I got the small one made and mounted on the wall behind my lathe. 

I added a couple blocks to the front rail of the small one to hold a few items. I also finished the large rack and installed it. Now I can get back to turning.