This is continued from the original post

First a few more details on the table,

The bottom most part of this table is ground contact treated 4×4.

Big holes are drilled halfway up through the base for the bolts to fit.  Smaller holes are drilled through so that the holes shown above allow washers and nuts to be tightened onto the bolts.  All very snug and solid.  One small issue.  Cedar is very acidic, and tends to eat steel.  This is why there is a dark stain around the screws on a cedar picket fence.  I have used my wax mix to try and reduce these issues, but time will tell.  In any case, I don’t want to leave tools out on this table overnight.  Bad idea anyway.

Here is a closer look at the stretcher connection.

The stretcher is what gives stability to this table.

Another View of the Stretcher;

The holes don’t go all the way through, no reason really, I just felt like being different on this part.

The odd part about this table is that it is really two seperate tables.  The gap at the top is two inches, the gap between the legs is four inches.  The legs and stretcher are two by eight cedar, the top is two by ten cedar.  I plan to do all sorts of experimental modifications on this bench, including mouthing a treadle into it.  The split in the center is to be able to run a belt up and provide power to tools on the table top.

Here is the end of the table;

A very simple design so far, but I have some pretty involved modifications planned. This table is going to end up with all sorts of holes drilled and parts attached.

Bob

I have a fun idea!  I want an outdoor workbench.   I like to work outside when I can.

So here it is:

The vise is one that clamps onto the bench,  so it can be put up.   Hopefully the rest of the table will take the wear and tear of outdoor  living and do fine.

The table is made of wood and these bolts:

The wood is definitly pretty enough.

Here are all the tools needed:

I used a few others, but over the course of making the table, decided I liked these tools best for the job.

Starting on the right side, close end first, here is the list of gear.

Open Wrench — to get into the holes so the nut and bolt can be tightened.

Socket Wrench—to tighten the bolts.

Stabby and Stabby Jr, Marking Awls—To make starter holes for drilling precisely and lines for acurate work.  One would do, I like using two of them.

Nut and Bolt with three washers—to hold parts together allowing it to be taken apart or modified later.  A bunch of these were used.

Clamp, pair—to hold parts together and in place while drilling and lining up.

40″ Stainless Steel Rule—measureing.

Brace—For serious drilling,  Power tools are inferior or even dangerous when force is needed.

Royoba Saw, Razorsaw 650—Cutting wood.

Long Drill Bit—For drilling channels for the bolts to fit in.

Set of Forstner Drill Bits—To make square bottomed holes, and nice neat holes, these are just the thing,

Continuing on the left side, ignoring tools that are on both sides:

Scraper—It looks like a rule, but I use it as a scraper.

Vise—Ok, I didn’t use it for this project.  But it is nice to have handy.

Big Orange Speed Square—One of the best and cheapest must have tools out there.

Ryobi Lithium 18V One Plus Power Screwdriver—Sweet drill, could have done it all with a brace, this made it faster.

This article is continued  here.

Bob

In general, a scraper is a much better  tool all around than sandpaper.  For  some tasks however, sand paper is still quite useful.  Here are two tricks to shaping on a budget.

sandpaper rolls are very useful.  By using a length and grabbing each end, applying pressure and pulling the sand paper back and forth like you were polishing a shoe, very quick work can be done.

By applying pressure on a high spot with a finger, and drawing sandpaper underneath that finger by pulling the sandpaper strip with your other hand, you can sand specific spots.

Bob

Here is a lovely miniature waterlily.  I have always had a fondness for the smaller waterlilies.

I rather like this one.

Not quite two inches across, with a variegated leaf.

I think the snake likes it too!

Bob

These lovely flowers bloom sometimes right after it rains.

Nice flowers.

Bob