🧑‍🤝‍🧑 / 🏡 New shop toy (long post)

[sean]

I've been wanting to update some things in my shop for quite a while. And the first thing I wanted to upgrade is my miter saw. My old saw is a Delta 10" compound miter saw. It does single bevel and dual miter. And it's not a slider, so the cutting capacity was rather limited. After looking at a few options, I decided on the Bosch 12" Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw. This thing is a beast...

First, it weighs over 60 lbs. And while that's not really all that much for me to lift, it's quite a bit heavier than my old Delta; which probably weighs less than 20 lbs. Cutting on this thing is a dream. The larger blade means I can cut much larger stock. And the gliding (their version of sliding) means I can cut much wider stock. I do need to get a better blade for it, though. I like using 80 tooth blades for cleaner cuts. I also ordered a new dust collection port for it. The OEM one sucks (no pun intended) as do most OEM dust ports do on most tools. I ordered one from a guy on YouTube who makes them with his 3D printer. After having watched other people's videos using his 3D-mae ports and seeing how much better it worked, I ordered one.

The first image below is right after it was delivered and I got it into my shop. The second image is right after I unboxed it (you can see it's sitting on my hand-trucks). The third image is after I got the table made for it. The riser to the left will be duplicated on the right. It sits flush with the bench to the left. That bench is just over 6' long and will be used as support for the miter station. The base is made from base cabinets that I got for free when they did a renovation to the break room when I worked at Home Depot (I also got a set of upper cabinets that I hung just above that). The stand the miter saw is on is made from 2x4s (frame) and plywood (top). ON top of the plywood is hardboard. One side is slick so it makes it easy to clean up. The miter stand, the support bench to the left of that, my assembly table, and my other storage bench (which is 8' long) all have hardboard on the top. And they're all trimmed in pine. The hardboard isn't glued or anything, it just sits on top and the trim keeps it in place. That way, if I ever need to replace it, it's easy to just pick it up, cut another piece, and drop it on.

Underneath the miter saw table is my Rigid Wet/Dry Vac. I use it for dust collection for the miter saw (I still need to cut the hole in the riser on the left; there's already a hole in the main table just below it). I'll also be ordering an iVAC plug so the vacuum will turn on when I fire up the miter saw; just so I don't have to reach down and turn it on each time. I plan on getting an actual dust collector/extractor because I'll wind up with a few more tools that make more sawdust that I'll need to contain.

The wall behind it will get completely covered as I don't want any sawdust getting down behind it. I have the plywood for it, I just haven't made it that far. When it's all up, it'll get painted white. I installed a temporary zero-clearance fence on it. I have a Rockler Miter Saw Fence System on order, just waiting on it to be delivered (currently in Memphis, TN). It's a 6' rail system with an integrated stop and measuring tape that will get installed to the left of the saw. I ordered an auxiliary 3' fence to go on the right. As it stands, I can cut stock that is up to 10' long. I have another bench to the left of the 6' bench. If I clean it off, I have another 6 feet or so that I can utilize.

My future plans are to add a planer, a jointer, a drill press (my old one definitely needs to be updated), a band saw, an oscillating sander, and a new table saw (my contractor-size table just isn't getting it done, anymore). I'll also be getting rid of most of my corded tools and going with battery-powered (angle grinder, jigsaw, orbital sander, router, circular saw).

I also did some major cleaning up and cleaning out, earlier today. so now I have about 20% more floor space to use. and that means I need to make yet another trip to the dump. But I don't mind. Getting back some much-needed floor space is a trade I'm willing to make.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

Awesome, man.

I have some old equipment that I've been slowly upgrading. My Dad was a builder, so I have old stuff, including several Paslode framing nailers and a Paslode pneumatic trim nailer. Replaced his cutoff saw with a Matebo, laser line with the slide, love it. I still have his table saw. It's the heaviest damned thing, you made me go look for the brand and I realized it has a Sears & Roebuck serial number badge on it. It cuts straight, but I hate trying to move the thing. I love the Milwaukee M12 line, have the drill, impact, oscillating and ratchet, and I just added the 18 gauge nailer for some trim work.

I built out my study closet for camping equipment, books and ammo, kept it utilitarian. In December, I built out the pantry with butcher block and an Ikea base cabinet. My wife was pleased with it. Next is my closet in the master, if she's good with how that turns out for me then I'll tackle hers, so still a good bit of finish work. In my mind, I've fancied grabbing a half to three acres near my lake place to put a nice workshop in, maybe 50x60, to put in a lift for auto work but to hold a good bit of all my tools and equipment. Time will tell.

RTR,

Tim

 

[It Takes Eleven]

 

[Brandon Van de Graaff]

Looks nice! I'd have no clue how to use it... would probably cut my fingers off before I even got it turned on. Sometimes I wish I knew how to do woodworking stuff.

 

[sean]

Looks nice! I'd have no clue how to use it... would probably cut my fingers off before I even got it turned on. Sometimes I wish I knew how to do woodworking stuff.

YouTube. Lots and lots of YouTube. That's what I did when I first started. And I still do that.

 

[TerryP]

YouTube. Lots and lots of YouTube. That's what I did when I first started. And I still do that.

Looks nice! I'd have no clue how to use it... would probably cut my fingers off before I even got it turned on. Sometimes I wish I knew how to do woodworking stuff.

Several years ago I pulled all the carpet out of the house and put in flooring. When I was buying the material and discussing how much they'd charge for install I asked the sales guy (who used to install flooring) how it was done. At the time they were anticipating about six grand for the install. I looked at what he did, looked at the money they were asking, and said, "I can do that."

Brandon, what would have taken them a day or so took me a week. I had no clue how until I saw him explain it...then just went by gut. By the time I was halfway through the living room (with the halls and bedrooms to go) I'd figured it out. Trial and error.

@It Takes Eleven speaking of old tools...when I was putting in that flooring the most efficient tool I had was a coping saw that's 80+ years old...it made it easy sliding the flooring under door framing, etc. I had a multi-tool that would have done the same, more quickly in fact. But, the old tool...did it so much better and it was clean.

If there's one thing I've learned in life it's this...there's not a lot around your house you can't do. It's my belief the biggest mistake people make is they get in a hurry.

@sean love the saw! I've used one a few times...nice.

 

[sean]

Several years ago I pulled all the carpet out of the house and put in flooring. When I was buying the material and discussing how much they'd charge for install I asked the sales guy (who used to install flooring) how it was done. At the time they were anticipating about six grand for the install. I looked at what he did, looked at the money they were asking, and said, "I can do that."

Brandon, what would have taken them a day or so took me a week. I had no clue how until I saw him explain it...then just went by gut. By the time I was halfway through the living room (with the halls and bedrooms to go) I'd figured it out. Trial and error.

@It Takes Eleven speaking of old tools...when I was putting in that flooring the most efficient tool I had was a coping saw that's 80+ years old...it made it easy sliding the flooring under door framing, etc. I had a multi-tool that would have done the same, more quickly in fact. But, the old tool...did it so much better and it was clean.

If there's one thing I've learned in life it's this...there's not a lot around your house you can't do. It's my belief the biggest mistake people make is they get in a hurry.

@sean love the saw! I've used one a few times...nice.

I pulled out all the carpet in my house a little over a decade ago and put down solid flooring. I'd never done it, either. But after watching it done a few times (again, on YouTube), I decided I could do it. I'd just started buying some woodworking tools so I had the stuff to get it done. the first room (spare bedroom) took me a little over 12 hours (did it all in one go). By the time I got to the last bedroom (after 1 other bedroom and a hallway), I was down to about 4-5 hours. and by the time I did the living room, I got it done in about 3 hours. The bathrooms took even less; maybe an hour for the big one and ~30 minutes for the small one (used LVP for those, never cared for the tile that was there).

And talking about coping saws...I have my dad's and my granddad's coping saws in my shop. And I've used both on occasion for cuts that are small and need to be precise. My dad's old saw has a plastic handle. But my granddad's old saw has a wooden handle. I tried using the coping saw for those cuts you talked about, but my skills at the time just weren't up to it. So I bought an oscillating tool that allowed me to cut the very bottom of the trim and door stops so I could slide the flooring under it without having to remove the trim. That oscillating tool also comes in handy if you need to cut square holes in drywall for installing extra power outlets or to run cables/wires inside walls (like for wall-mounted TVs).

 

[TerryP]

...I bought an oscillating tool that allowed me to cut the very bottom of the trim and door stops so I could slide the flooring under it without having to remove the trim. That oscillating tool also comes in handy if you need to cut square holes in drywall for installing extra power outlets or to run cables/wires inside walls (like for wall-mounted TVs).

When I say multi-tool we're talking about the same thing. I say multi because I've got...geez, I don't know how many different blades and scrapers I have with that thing...literally, no clue.

The bathrooms took even less; maybe an hour for the big one and ~30 minutes for the small one (used LVP for those, never cared for the tile that was there).

I did the same thing in my bathrooms. The hardest thing about that job was pulling the toilet and quarter round...that went down so easy I was shocked. I thought it was going to take at least a half of the day...ended up only being a couple of hours.

I almost did the same thing in the kitchen but decided I would go with tile (yet another thing I hadn't attempted, but figured it out pretty quickly.) Since then I've tiled the walls in two kitchens and several bathrooms/showers.

Honestly, the hardest project I've ever done was replacing kitchen counter tops with a 3-4" concrete slab. We framed that out, mixed the 'create, and pouted it ourselves...that took a couple of days. Good lord...the amount of finishing work on those tops was a pain in the ass. But they looked good!

 

[sean]

When I say multi-tool we're talking about the same thing. I say multi because I've got...geez, I don't know how many different blades and scrapers I have with that thing...literally, no clue.

I did the same thing in my bathrooms. The hardest thing about that job was pulling the toilet and quarter round...that went down so easy I was shocked. I thought it was going to take at least a half of the day...ended up only being a couple of hours.

I almost did the same thing in the kitchen but decided I would go with tile (yet another thing I hadn't attempted, but figured it out pretty quickly.) Since then I've tiled the walls in two kitchens and several bathrooms/showers.

Honestly, the hardest project I've ever done was replacing kitchen counter tops with a 3-4" concrete slab. We framed that out, mixed the 'create, and pouted it ourselves...that took a couple of days. Good lord...the amount of finishing work on those tops was a pain in the ass. But they looked good!

I went with granite for the new kitchen countertops. I also ordered and had someone else install the new cabinets. To be honest, I just didn't want to tackle it. It was the last room in the house to be redone, and I just wanted to be lazy about it. I did take down the old cabinets, though. But that was the fun part. After that, guy came in and installed the new cabinets (1 guy, all by himself). And then I had someone come out and measure for the countertop. I'd always wanted granite, so that's what I got. It definitely wasn't cheap, but I'd made concessions elsewhere to save some money so I could afford it. And it was worth it. After that, I put up the backsplash myself as it was super easy. I want to put down a new floor in the kitchen, I just need to decide on which one I like best. I did the old floor in there, but I went with something cheap as at the time it's all I could afford. Now I can afford to upgrade to something better (quality-wise and looks), I just need to narrow down my choices to 1 or 2...instead of the 15 or so I've found that I like, lol.

 

[TerryP]

To be honest, I just didn't want to tackle it. It was the last room in the house to be redone, and I just wanted to be lazy about it. I did take down the old cabinets, though. But that was the fun part. After that, guy came in and installed the new cabinets (1 guy, all by himself)

I thought about that as well when I put down the new floor in the kitchen. The cabinets were/are in good shape. I didn't go the stingy route when the house was built. The only thing I didn't like was the oak and its stain. So...

Either Lowe's or Home Depot has a kit they sell for refinishing cabinets. I want to say it was around $200 or so...seven or eight step process from sanding to the final clear coat. It's now white.

I got a notion of using some of the vinyl flooring (looks like marble tile) as a back splash all around the kitchen underneath the cabinets. It was the 'sticky back' tile though I used a thin veneer of glue underneath and then came back with grout. It came out WELL!

I haven't done the counter tops in the kitchen yet...it's next. I don't have much of an idea of what I want to do...I'll tackle that this summer or early fall. While it's sort of counterproductive (considering the color of the cabinets I changed) I'm leaning towards butcher block all around.

When I put in a new oven a few years ago I had to expand the opening where the original was placed. So, I've got a little experience tearing the tops off, shaving them down, and replacing them. I think the butcher block would be fairly easy.

 

[sean]

I haven't done the counter tops in the kitchen yet...it's next. I don't have much of an idea of what I want to do...I'll tackle that this summer or early fall. While it's sort of counterproductive (considering the color of the cabinets I changed) I'm leaning towards butcher block all around.

When I put in a new oven a few years ago I had to expand the opening where the original was placed. So, I've got a little experience tearing the tops off, shaving them down, and replacing them. I think the butcher block would be fairly easy.

I thought about butcher block, but granite is something I've always liked and really wanted it more than butcher block, so I splurged. I did get a big Boos Block cutting board, though. It's 24" x 18" and is plenty big for anything I need to cut. and is reversible. I also have a plastic one for dealing with meats.

Which reminds me...I've always wanted to try making a wooden cutting board.. But I don't a planer or a jointer so getting all the pieces to the same width would more work than I'm willing to put in, lol.

 

[TerryP]

I thought about butcher block, but granite is something I've always liked and really wanted it more than butcher block, so I splurged. I did get a big Boos Block cutting board, though. It's 24" x 18" and is plenty big for anything I need to cut. and is reversible. I also have a plastic one for dealing with meats.

Which reminds me...I've always wanted to try making a wooden cutting board.. But I don't a planer or a jointer so getting all the pieces to the same width would more work than I'm willing to put in, lol.

I made one several years ago that I put on top of a movable stand (wheels on one side.) I use it as an island in the middle of the kitchen most of the time but since it's movable I'll pull it over to the stove, etc., often. It's 30x30. It was one of those things a friend and I thought of sitting around shooting the shit one day. Another pretty easy build.

We went to ReStore and found a breakfast kitchen table. Then we took the legs off and then basically built a box at the top. The top/cutting board was basically just router work (IE: putting a trench around the outside edges to catch liquids, crumbs, etc.) The top is removable so I've got about a 18" deep storage area underneath the cutting board. I put a couple of towel rods on both sides.

It's perfect. As example, making biscuits the other day right on top of the board...don't have to worry about the flour getting on the floor. The trench catches it.

I put two rails underneath that hold a kitchen trash can...works perfect when you are dicing vegetables and the like. It's just a matter of brushing the top off right in the trash. (The only regret to date is the trash bags I've bought that were scented...damn kitchen smelled like a laundromat.)

Back to the counter tops for a second. Got started thinking about this a little more...easy build. Honestly, it could be done with a circular and jig saw, some sand paper, and then it's just finishing.

 

[TerryP]

I thought about that as well when I put down the new floor in the kitchen. The cabinets were/are in good shape. I didn't go the stingy route when the house was built. The only thing I didn't like was the oak and its stain. So...

Either Lowe's or Home Depot has a kit they sell for refinishing cabinets. I want to say it was around $200 or so...seven or eight step process from sanding to the final clear coat. It's now white.

I got a notion of using some of the vinyl flooring (looks like marble tile) as a back splash all around the kitchen underneath the cabinets. It was the 'sticky back' tile though I used a thin veneer of glue underneath and then came back with grout. It came out WELL!

@sean This is spooky. Now, my appliances aren't in the same area but the look of that kitchen (a little older house than mine, I can tell from the design of the floor) resembles a lot of what I was dealing with and what the end result came out to look like.