Dan Case LR
07-09-2013, 12:03 PM
I call this my "Ten Percent Stand" because it cost me about $36--ten percent of what Jet's stand sells for--and it's better.
266086
The stand is made from big-box 2x4's, planed down to 1 1/4 x 3 1/4. The top is 48" x 18", made from two layers of 3/4" MDF (From a piece that's been in my way and I really needed to get rid of anyway). The lower shelf is 3/4" MDF and has additional structure to support ballast if needed. The middle shelf is 1/4" Baltic Birch plywood in a 1/2" rabbet, providing a slight lip to keep things from rolling off. I would like to put a hardwood band around the top, but I didn't have anything long enough that wasn't too nice for the need. The raw MDF edge will work just fine for now.
Unlike Jet's stand, this one has room for the grinder and Wolverine jig, convenient but not in-the-way.
This stand is very "utilitarian." I'd prefer drawers (my preferred method of hiding stuff to make things look neater and more organized), and once I get some experience turning and develop a better idea of what I need (and don't need) in a turner's workspace, I may build something prettier and more attuned to my needs. If that day comes, I can set this $36 wonder at the curb without a single twinge of guilt. Or, maybe I'll have so much fun using it that I won't notice its shortcomings (or won't want to stop turning long enough to fix them). Either way, I think it's a winner!'
D.
266086
The stand is made from big-box 2x4's, planed down to 1 1/4 x 3 1/4. The top is 48" x 18", made from two layers of 3/4" MDF (From a piece that's been in my way and I really needed to get rid of anyway). The lower shelf is 3/4" MDF and has additional structure to support ballast if needed. The middle shelf is 1/4" Baltic Birch plywood in a 1/2" rabbet, providing a slight lip to keep things from rolling off. I would like to put a hardwood band around the top, but I didn't have anything long enough that wasn't too nice for the need. The raw MDF edge will work just fine for now.
Unlike Jet's stand, this one has room for the grinder and Wolverine jig, convenient but not in-the-way.
This stand is very "utilitarian." I'd prefer drawers (my preferred method of hiding stuff to make things look neater and more organized), and once I get some experience turning and develop a better idea of what I need (and don't need) in a turner's workspace, I may build something prettier and more attuned to my needs. If that day comes, I can set this $36 wonder at the curb without a single twinge of guilt. Or, maybe I'll have so much fun using it that I won't notice its shortcomings (or won't want to stop turning long enough to fix them). Either way, I think it's a winner!'
D.