"Shop Gets a New Look"

    I have to admit that I have zero skills in SketchUp. I am sure that my shop layout could be much better and more accurate with that program. At right,  nothing is to scale — just by eye more or less.
   Now let me give you the "captions: 1) is the workstation; 2) is a MFT/3 for pocket hole drilling, Domino drilling and left extension for the Kapex; 3) is the Kapex on its MFT/3;  4) is the right extension for the Kapex and a long rail for crosscutting larger panels with the plunge saw; 5) the edgebanding unit and the VS600 for drawer dovetailing; 6) router lift and fence (needs work) for table routing; 7) current router table; and 8) row of systainers. (7 and 8 not seen)

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      So we start to test the setup. Elena starts cutting down the panel by marking 1/2" in on the long edge. Melamine particle board is 1 inch longer in each direction so that we can remove 1/2" to have a fresh edge. That is what we do first.

        As a preliminary step, she makes a "spacer" for setting the depth. She draws the outline of the TS 55 saw on 1/4" plywood..                                  

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     Here is the spacer in  use. Elena has unplugged the saw and lowered the blade until the blade just touches the foam sub-sheet. The saw is resting on the guide rail which is on top of the 1/4" spacer and then the work piece. Adjusting the depth stop this way will give her the accurate setting she wants.

       Elena makes the first rip cut on this panel. While this is primarily to remove 1/2" selvage, it give us a good chance to test everything, i.e. the blade type, quality of cut, etc.

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   Next Elena sets up the guide rail for making the cabinet cut of 24" the long way.

   She is using two "special" rulers. She starts by setting a stop at the 24" mark. She does this on two rulers.

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       She adds a small clamp to hold the ruler in place.

   With the stop set at 24", she can ease the guide rail to just touch the ruler. Note that the ruler has been shortened with a starting point just bellow 8 inches. That is the exact width of the guide rail. It means it can be used this way with out having to go under the guide rail. (here is the story: click here.)

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      She has placed rail clamps on both ends so that there is no movement during her cut. Even with the cut being 24" away from her, she makes it easily with the guide rail set and clamped. It is a good system.

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