First project: Paulk Mitre Stand

[ndrew]

Hi there, FOGers.

First-time caller, long-time listener. I've been bitten by the bug, drunk the Kool-Aid... All of those things. I've been steadily working my caboose off to save the required pennies to purchase a few green toys. The Director of Finance and Entertainment pointed out that I'd spent a lot of time and money procuring the tools, but hadn't actually got to enjoy using them yet. I'd been eyeing off a Paulk Mitre Stand for a while, so I purchased the plans and set about making a home for my new Kapex.

It's been an extremely fun few days in the shed. I've got no trade background, but spent a good amount of the last two years renovating a house; I've learned a few things along the way helping out the various tradies that have been working at our place. My progress on the mitre stand was slow, but I didn't really care, as it was about getting into the shed and having some fun with power tools.

The final result... isn't actually the final result – I haven't built the saw horses, nor have I installed the fences. I reckon I'll build the saw horses and potentially buy some Incra track in lieu of the Paulk fence.

[attachimg=1]

Quality-wise, the thing is solid as a rock, but my craftsmanship still has a little way to develop! That was the point of the project, though, and I'm sure the next thing I make will be a level better. Here's my collection of Festoys that helped to build the project:

[attachimg=2]

All in all, a good first actual use of my toys for what they were intended – providing a bit of fun and entertainment. The plan is to expand the collection and fit out the shed so I can make some more stuff (probably furniture and things) in the future.

Cheers,

Andrew.

 

[Grakat]

Hello Andrew and welcome to the FOG.

Looks like a good start to me. If you make things that can help you to make more things it serves two purposes, honing your skills and getting more useful stuff.

There are a few of us here from down under, just head over to the Sales and Dealer thread, there is an Aussie section where we talk about everything and nothing.

 

[HarveyWildes]

What - a flat surface without 20mm holes?

Seriously - does anyone think that would be a good idea to facilitate clamping work pieces?

 

[waho6o9]

Seriously - does anyone think that would be a good idea to facilitate clamping work pieces?

Sure, you can clamp and use your  Domino, sand, etc..........

 

[ndrew]

What - a flat surface without 20mm holes?

Seriously - does anyone think that would be a good idea to facilitate clamping work pieces?

Absolutely! I've got the LR-32 SYS-SET on the list as the next purchase, along with the requisite cutter for just this purpose. Ron Paulk's design uses the dog holes to clamp jigs and other such things and is a must have for me

  — andrew

 

[copcarcollector]

Looks great and  [welcome] to the FOG!

 

[JimD]

Looks very useful to me. 

I have two Ron Paulk inspired work surfaces in the shop.  My workbench is like his total station with 8 inches space between the top and bottom but it is one 3 foot by 7 foot space.  My RAS/CMS workstation has a 7 foot section two feet wide built like the workbench with 7 inches of space inside.  Both have 20mm holes in the top made with the Freud bit and the Woodrave router base.  The Freud bit needs starter holes (I tried it both ways but 1/2 inch starter holes made it work a lot better).  The Woodrave base works with pegboard.  I was a bit skeptical of the spacing accuracy but I've made some squaring jigs with seem to be well aligned by the holes - so apparently they are accurate enough. 

My outfeed table for the CMS/RAS use the flip stops of the Paulk Total station which I REALLY like.  You make a track out of the plywood and there is no vertical rib for them to clamp against.  Clever design.  In my situation, horizontal work surfaces all do double duty.  Your side tables would probably not get used that way but it still could be something to consider.  I wouldn't waste a bunch of money on the fences, Paulk designs work well (and cost a lot less).