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A Tip from Twizzle
For long items such as socket extension bars,
ratchets, speed bars and breaker bars I cut a
sheet of galvanized 1.5mm (0.060") steel to fit
the inside top lid of my toolbox, I then laid
them all out for the best fit on the sheet and
marked the best points to hold the tools with a
marker pen. Then, starting at the top left of
the sheet I bolted tool clips to hold the tool
I wanted there, and then inserted the tool into
them. By doing this you can check out your
finger clearence for grabbing the tool before
you mount the next set of tool clips. Do this
in sequence for each tool you want to mount on
this sheet and you shouldn't have any fitting
problems when it's all finished. When all done,
remove the tools and mount the sheet to the
inside top of your box lid firmly with at least
six bolts. If you're really proud of your box
layout and looks, you could paint this sheet to
match the box. Once the sheet is fitted in a
position you're happy with, cut a length of
3/8" tube to use as a lid prop as when all the
tools are mounted it adds a fair amount of
weight and the last thing you need is the lid
slamming down on your fingers as you're
selecting tools in the top section.
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A Tip from Alan Lapp
Wrapping a piece of tape around a drill makes a
quick & dirty depth gage.
( I've used this method before. If you use a
little caution, you can be pretty accurate with
it. Dick )
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A Tip from Terry Gortmaker
Here's a process I use when running a hole saw
in material 1/8" thick or more. Get the pilot
hole drilled, and just start the hole saw
touching so you can see the circle. Drill a
relief hole just touching the perimeter.
Careful not to go outside the perimeter ( 3/16"
dia. will work). This will act as a trash can
for your chips to fall in. Use a slow speed and
lots of lube and the hole saw will last a long
time.
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A Tip from Jacin Barnes
Here's a SHOP TIP I've been wanting to share,
but keep forgetting. Don't know if it's OLD HAT
or not - but I just came up with it - so it's
NEW to me. I am sorta extra conscious about eye
safety - and we all know there are times when
we are grinding and just can't position things
without the chips flying directly at our faces.
Yeah I'm always wearing my safety glasses but
they are far from fool proof escpecially when
grinding (die grinder) - I have at times also
worn my full face shield in addition to safety
glasses if the situation allows it. Yeah, I
LOOK awfully goofy! But here is my latest
thought - I had the wife grab a set of swimmers
goggles - these mold right to your face and
will easily fit under a full shield OR also
easily be used WITH a respirator. If this is
OLD HAT my apologies - I still think it's neat.
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Tapping Multiple Holes
Every once in a while you will be faced with
tapping multiple holes. Unlike through holes
where if your off a bit, you just drill a
bigger hole or file it to fit, the tapped hole
stays where it is. Here's what I like to do
when I am confronted with this .
- Align the part in position, then transfer
punch, drill and tap the first hole.
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- Install the first fastener and realign the
part to position. Make sure the fastener is
good and tight.
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- Use a transfer punch to locate the next
series of holes. If you don't have a transfer
punch, pick a drill that just fits into the
hole. Drill just deep enough to center up your
tap drill. After that it's a good idea to use a
smaller drill to start things off. Finish with
the tap drill.
- Chamfer the holes. (A little detail often
overlooked that gives the job a professional
look.)
- Tap away using a good tap lube.
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Lights, Cords and Hoses
I just don't like the looks of a 4' or 8'
florescent light fixture hanging over my bench.
I also don't like walking on air hose. This
simple gadget eliminates both problems. The
picture has the air hose hanging, but it hangs
up out of the way on the arm. The double
florescent lamp is a Home Depot product ($20
plus the lamps) It puts out plenty of light. I
used some scrap alum tube but steel will work
just fine. What I like about it is I can swing
the lamp or hose to the area of the bench I'm
working on. A little clip will hang up the
hose. Swings out of the way when you need it
too. A double actuating arm might be even
better.
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Tape Station
I got tired of looking for the disappearing
tapes. This is my solution, a "tape station".
Just a 90 degree bend in a piece of metal
(slips under the top of the tool box) and you
just built it. You won't believe how much time
this will save you. It's faster than looking
for them in a drawer.
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Please Don't Laugh
It is a scientific fact that Mozart is calming
to infants. They get a little upset, you play a
little Mozart and they calm down. Works on kids
and works on adults. If you don't want to
listen to this, you can hang up now. The next
time you are faced with a tedious task,
especially one you don't particularly enjoy,
play a little Mozart. Don't like Mozart, play
some classical you like. I realize most people
don't enjoy classical music, but the key is not
to listen to it but "feel its presence". I'm
telling you, it works. I'm not saying you need
to do this all your waking hours, but next time
you have to drill 50 holes, paint a door, or
whatever, try it.
Sonata, in C Major K.545, Movement 1 
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Dick Raczuk
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