That made that box even nice Harry. Great job. What a wondeful box!

Corey

 

Nicely done. Thanks for sharing your technique with everyone. I'm amazed how much I've learned in the past week since joining the forum.

 

Hi Harry

Nice job BUT I'm disappointed you didn't come up with a way to make them with the ski setup,,,,,I was almost sure you would come back with a way to make the feet but I was looking forward to see how you or Tom would do it..the safe way like with the bits below...
http://www.sommerfeldtools.com/list.asp?d=26&p=1
http://www.sommerfeldtools.com/list.asp?d=20&p=1

The pictures you posted show how you did it but that's a bit scarey for most router table users.....and use the term "finger"

I would suggest using a push block like the one(s) in the snapshot below, the long on will hold (saw handle type) the item down and push it along with one push block ,plus with the knob up front,this will keep both hands out of the way of the bit...


But the feet sure do help the looks of that great box Harry...

Bj

=============

Here is how I made feet for my most recent box. All manner of designs are possible by passing the material over more than one cutter. As this was my first attempt I was not very ambitious. The piece of wood that I used was an off-cut from the box itself and just happened to look the right size.

 

Bj, if you study the pics. you will see that there is no way in the whole wide world that I could have touched the cutter, not only was there half the thickness of the workpiece but also the thickness of the piece on top of it between cutter and finger.
Regarding use of the skis, I'm glad you mentioned that because it illustrates the fact that Tom and I are not "pushing" templates and skis, only demonstrating other ways of using the router, this means that I can CHOOSE which method is best suited to a particular task, in other words I'm more versatile than many other woodworkers, as you now are Bj.

 

but that's a bit scarey for most router table users.....and use the term "finger"

Maybe I just don't know enough to be scared --
Or - maybe I am brain damaged after all --
I DID grow up swinging on swing sets with WOODEN seats and sliding down tall METAL slides and riding in the front seat of the car with no car seat (or even seat belt).

But what Harry shows there - is pretty much the way I have always used a router table. And I was never scared -- just concerned enough to respect it.

In fact -- it was only fairly recently I bothered using feather boards and push sticks.
I just hold the stock with my hand - make sure I know where the bit is and where my fingers are -- and make sure they aren't in the same place.

NOT criticizing BJ -- anything someone does not to get injured is a good thing for them. And I am not encouraging anyone to take up my 'bad habits'.

Just an observation that if all the things in the world that someone tells us are dangerous - were half as dangerous as they want us to believe --
Most of us wouldn't be here.
AND YET -- at the same time --
A glass of water is dangerous -- if used incorrectly -
Pretty much everything in life is a balance of risk vs benefit.

And yes -- Harry -- I am PROUD of you for not trying to convince me/us that we had to have such and such a setup to do this

 

I tend to agree with Bob about the 'fingers' stuff. I play piano and it would not do good to lose a digit....I'd be missing many a note (some say I already do)....but I also agree with DC. The comfort level for each is different according to their skills and hours of use. For me, I also noticed the finger comment and thought it might be dangerous. I start to tingle if my fingers get within 6 inches of the router bit, but that's just me. I'm very glad this part has been brought up, as I think it could mislead beginner router workers.

Now, having said all that, what a wonderful box and thank you very much for sharing your techniques Harry. I will put them to good use down the road.

As usual, so much to learn, so little time......sigh......

 

Here is how I made feet for my most recent box. All manner of designs are possible by passing the material over more than one cutter. As this was my first attempt I was not very ambitious. The piece of wood that I used was an off-cut from the box itself and just happened to look the right size.

That is one good looking box Harry. The little feet are just right and set it off beautifully.
I shall file this one away for future reference.
Take care
Doyle

 

BJ The push blocks are just what I needed. My plastic push blocks, identical to the ones in your photo, are missing the rubber from the bottoms. I shall take your lead and mount them to wood blocks.
Thanks guys.
Take care
Doyle

Hi Harry

Nice job BUT I'm disappointed you didn't come up with a way to make them with the ski setup,,,,,I was almost sure you would come back with a way to make the feet but I was looking forward to see how you or Tom would do it..the safe way like with the bits below...
http://www.sommerfeldtools.com/list.asp?d=26&p=1
http://www.sommerfeldtools.com/list.asp?d=20&p=1

The pictures you posted show how you did it but that's a bit scarey for most router table users.....and use the term "finger"

I would suggest using a push block like the one(s) in the snapshot below, the long on will hold (saw handle type) the item down and push it along with one push block ,plus with the knob up front,this will keep both hands out of the way of the bit...


But the feet sure do help the looks of that great box Harry...

Bj

=============

 

Bj, if you study the pics. you will see that there is no way in the whole wide world that I could have touched the cutter, not only was there half the thickness of the workpiece but also the thickness of the piece on top of it between cutter and finger.

Harry, I thought the same thing about 2 months ago when I was cutting a small piece of 1/2 material like that and it shot out of the router and propelled my finger with it right into the spiral blade. A push pad would of been so helpful and even it shot out my finger woudln't of been there. I never expected it... had done it a 100 times like that Please be careful. We want you to keep posting projects not sitting on the sideline buddy!

corey

 

Hi Doyle

The blue stuff you see on the bottom of the push block is shelf liner and a tip I got from Rusty W.. on the forum,,,, it's cheap and I now use it all over the shop in the tool box and on all my push blocks...
I had the boss pickup about 8 rolls ,some from Kmart and Home Depot...

It comes in many colors and it's the same stuff you see at Rockler store for a router pad... one draw back you can't leave it in the sun on your work bench because it will stick to the work bench or anything else/// but now I turn my on the side when I put them down...



===========

BJ The push blocks are just what I needed. My plastic push blocks, identical to the ones in your photo, are missing the rubber from the bottoms. I shall take your lead and mount them to wood blocks.
Thanks guys.
Take care
Doyle

 

Harry, I just love your box, and the feet make it so much nicer. I will have to try your technique on my next jewelry box. Great job. :sold:

 

Thanks guys for you're kind comments and more importantly you're safety concerns. Believe me, safety is most important to me, especially having sliced a finger tip on my newly sharpened jointer soon after retirement some seven years ago, I have therefore just been out to my shed and taken some shots to show exactly what the set-up was and how safe it is. Do remember however what Cowboy said, you must stay within you're own comfort zone.

 

Harry, I missed the fact that you had a piece on top of the actual work piece. Sorry about that. I think you had it covered, but then you already knew that

Corey

 

Thanks guys for you're kind comments and more importantly you're safety concerns. Believe me, safety is most important to me, especially having sliced a finger tip on my newly sharpened jointer soon after retirement some seven years ago, I have therefore just been out to my shed and taken some shots to show exactly what the set-up was and how safe it is. Do remember however what Cowboy said, you must stay within you're own comfort zone.

Cool approach Harry...

After you cut a small piece off for a leg, do you route the end again to be ready to cutoff another leg?

Nice job.

 

Hey -- dont get me wrong guys - I'm not anti-safety.
Anything that keeps blood inside where it belongs is good -- especially if it also helps you relax a little more and enjoy using your tools.
And scars on my left hand prove my choices have not always been ideal.

It's probably another one of those 'language' things.
I learned early on to have a healthy respect for damage tools could do to the body. And not just power tools -- I've seen some pretty nasty messes made with knives and chisels -- even screwdrivers.
But it really never occurred to me to think of them as - 'scarey' or to be afraid of them.

I guess if I have to pick a tool in my shop to be nervous about -- it would be this new band saw -- since standard procedures require fingers in very close proximity to an exposed blade.

I applaud reasonable safety measures -- and admit I probably SHOULD use more of them. Just please don't ask me to work in gloves --- hate em.

 

Hi Cowboy

Have you seen the gloves that meat cutters use, tree trimers,chain saw users, they also have pants that will stop a chain saw from removing your leg,,,or your arm, just about anyone that works with the sharp tools, that will get you in a heart beat will used them...they also have a new table saw out called a Hot Dog saw that will not cut a hot dog or your finger,,,

Home shop safety is becoming a big thing for most shops...


=============

Hey -- dont get me wrong guys - I'm not anti-safety.
Anything that keeps blood inside where it belongs is good -- especially if it also helps you relax a little more and enjoy using your tools.
And scars on my left hand prove my choices have not always been ideal.

It's probably another one of those 'language' things.
I learned early on to have a healthy respect for damage tools could do to the body. And not just power tools -- I've seen some pretty nasty messes made with knives and chisels -- even screwdrivers.
But it really never occurred to me to think of them as - 'scarey' or to be afraid of them.

I guess if I have to pick a tool in my shop to be nervous about -- it would be this new band saw -- since standard procedures require fingers in very close proximity to an exposed blade.

I applaud reasonable safety measures -- and admit I probably SHOULD use more of them. Just please don't ask me to work in gloves --- hate em.

 

My brother in law up until a year ago worked in a small business here that manufactured those stainless steel gloves for everything from butchers gloves to suits made for shark divers.

Corey

 

Have you seen the gloves that meat cutters use, tree trimers,chain saw users, they also have pants that will stop a chain saw from removing your leg,,,or your arm, just about anyone that works with the sharp tools, that will get you in a heart beat will used them...they also have a new table saw out called a Hot Dog saw that will not cut a hot dog or your finger,,,
Home shop safety is becoming a big thing for most shops...
=============

OH LORD - looks like I opened another can of worms -

Yes - I have seen advertisements for most of the things you mention and have in rare and specialized situations seen some of it in use.
Just because I choose not to use something doesn't mean I don't know about it

And again -- I have nothing against anyone who wants to use it -
I am NOT putting ANYONE down -- whatever makes you feel safe and comfortable as you work -- is a great thing for you.

Personally -- the day I feel like I have to put on some kind of kevlar or chain mail to work in my shop --- is the day I take up crossword puzzles.
For one thing -- its tooo damn hot in Texas in street clothes - let alone what you describe.

And if you honestly believe that "just about anyone thatworks with the sharp tools . . .will use them"
We clearly hang out with a vastly different group of people.
I was raised around carpenters and welders and farmers and mechanics -
and still know quite a few - and with the obvious exception of the welders -- I know none who would feel the need for the kind of gear you suggest -

Sorry if I have offended anyone -- we just seem to live in very different worlds

 

I know that I shouldn't joke about safety issues, but (there goes that word again), the last time I was in England I visited the tower of London and there were some great suits of armour on display, I just had to smile with an image of Bj. busy in his shop all dressed up in one of those suits. All joking apart, as Cowboy has said, even hand tools can be dangerous, about 40 years ago I stuck a screw driver part way into my hand, just under the left thumb, how fortunate we are now that slotted head screws are a thing of the past.

 

"After you cut a small piece off for a leg, do you route the end again to be ready to cut off another leg?"

What I actually did Joe was to rout BOTH ends, then along the length, cut off each end then rout both ends again followed by two more cuts.

 

. . .they also have a new table saw out called a Hot Dog saw that will not cut a hot dog or your finger,,,

Home shop safety is becoming a big thing for most shops...
=============

Never heard of that one.
Have heard of the SawStop which makes essentially the same claim.
I admit to being intrigued by a lot of what I read about it on several levels --:sold: and hope they sell a LOT of them -- enough to get the price down to earth.

But for almost $3k -- --- I'll just have to keep reminding myself that sawblades and fingers dont belong together.

Don't know about shop safety becoming a big thing --
Unless you mean its becoming more and more of a buzz word for people to use to sell stuff --
Some of my earliest shop memories were my dad and grandad preaching safe use of tools --- and that was almost 50 years ago -- so where I am from - safety has been a big thing at least that long.

Our ideas of what it takes to be safe -- I guess are just - different.

 

. . . years ago I stuck a screw driver part way into my hand, just under the left thumb,. . .

Been there - done that - got the t-shirt.
But I can go you one better --:'( -- or worse - depending on how you look at it.
One of the most potentially life threatening injuries ever to my hand- was from a TOOTH PICK.

I was bussing tables - grabbed up a paper napkin that just happened to have a toothpick in it -- I felt the stick - pulled it out like you would a splinter - and went on with my work --
Next morning that hand was starting to look like a foot - swollen big time - MAJOR infection
It was a deep puncture wound so they had to cut it open to clean it out --
NOT FUN.