Introduction & Shop Tour

[Dan Larson]

I just wanted to introduce myself and give you a shop tour...

First, a little about me. Although I've been working with wood ever since my dad gave me a junior-sized hammer and hand saw for my 5th birthday, all of my woodworking experiences until recent weeks have been of the general carpentry variety. I've always spent a great deal of my free time engaged in a never-ending progression of projects to improve the various houses that I've lived in over the years. But I've aspired to pursue fine woodworking ever since getting hooked on watching the New Yankee Workshop in the 1980's. Alas, circumstances forced me to put this dream on the back burner for a couple of decades and feed my woodworking interests by reading the written works of masters like Nakashima, Krenov, Maloof, & Frid.

At long last, I began putting together my first woodworking shop a few months ago. My spiffy new shop occupies around 900 square feet of our basement. Since I was starting from scratch in equipping the shop with the large tools, I tried to buy the best that I could afford AND schlep through a 32" door and down a flight of stairs. I would have preferred to wait to post pictures of my shop after I had a chance to get better organized and build some storage cabinets. But I was beginning to feel pretty guilty about learning so much from the posts of others on SMC over the last several months while neglecting to make any contributions of my own to this forum.<O:p</O:p

So here’s the 10 cent tour of the shop:
<O:p</O:p

At the time I ordered, the Dust Gorilla was a new offering and it seemed like there was a good chance I would not get one with a Baldor motor. Didn’t want to risk getting an import motor and I liked the bigger filter on their older models better, so I went with the 2HP Commercial unit. I attached the steel bracket that Oneida </FONT></ST1:pprovided to wood blocks with lag screws and some homemade rubber vibration damping mounts. The wood brackets are then mounted to the wall with concrete anchor bolts. All of the ductwork is hung from the ceiling by lightweight chain. Although the fan and motor run pretty smoothly, this method of mounting the cyclone and ductwork eliminates virtually all vibration transmission to the rest of the house. I have the pump for the Bag Gripper accessory mounted on the wood block, but still have to wire it, and install the plumbing.<O:p</O:p
When I opened the shipping crate for the TSS, I had to chuckle. The abundance of “LAGUNA” decals plastered on the saw cabinet and fence reminded me of a 1979 Pontiac TransAm. Fortunately the saw has proven to be anything but laughable overall. The TSS is a great saw. It was a chore to move into the basement. I was able to navigate it through the 32” basement door by stripping the door opening back to the studs, and removing the tables and leveling feet from the saw. It just barely slipped through the opening when it was flipped on its side, with the switch box facing up. Now that I’ve had a chance to use it for a few weeks, my only gripe is with the crosscut fence. It just wasn’t engineered for precision work. I’ll have to come up with a better alternative to the factory fence. I purchased an Excalibur ceiling mount blade guard for the saw. Since this model doesn’t come with a mounting bracket, I’ll have to build one. Minor quibbles aside, this is a really sweet saw. Plows through 8/4 maple with nary a hiccup. Rip fence is robust and true. Slider runs smoothly. Riving knife and scoring blade are great to have. Dust collection is effective. Fit and finish are very good.<O:p</O:p
What is there to say about the Laguna LT18 that hasn’t already been said? It was a tossup between it and the MM16. Both are nice. I liked the ceramic guides better, so the sale went to Laguna.<O:p</O:p
I’m happy with the Rojek jointer/planer, also. Moving it down the stairs was a chore (550 lbs. and wasn’t practical to partially disassemble to reduce weight), but well worth the hassle. Being able to face joint a 12” board is a luxury that I won’t soon take for granted. The finish of the tool is mediocre, but the tool is well built. Chip collection is surprisingly effective.<O:p</O:p
I joined the Festool MFT club, too. It makes for a very practical first workbench. At some point, I’d like to get another MFT to make a bigger work surface. As you can see, I have some space left over in the shop. That will change over time. My wish list is long!<O:p</O:p
You’re still reading? Didn’t figure anyone would get this far…
Well friends, thanks for looking!<O:p</O:p

Dan

[Jim Young]

Well, that's a pretty solid start into the hobby side of woodworking. Looks like you got lots of things in the shop to make, like workbench, shelves and cabinets.

Your builder must be the same one as my last house, the heater and water heater are in different locations.

[Vaughn McMillan]

Fine. Just come on here and make me jealous right from the start! :D

Dan, looks like you're off to a great start...much better than me for sure. Nice looking shop space, and sweet tools you've got in it.

A hearty welcome to the Creek, and we look forward to seeing the output from some of those fine tools soon.

- Vaughn

[Jim Becker]

Not too shabby, Don! Great space and very good tools to make it messy!! ;) Congrats on the new shop and welcome to SMC!!

[Dave Malen]

Dan,
Glad to have you here at the creek. That's some nice equipment! I am amazed you got some of that heavy equipment down to your basement shop. I too have a basement shop and I always take size and weight into account when purchasing tools. I just bought a Laguna LT 14se. I would have liked something bigger like yours but I wanted to save my back :p Looks like a great shop in the works!

Dave

[John Miliunas]

Dan, (fellow Cheesehead!:) ) welcome to SMC! Having cruised around for some time, I guess I don't need to tell you what a super place this is and, I see you have the picture thing down right off the bat. Good job!:D Speaking of "good", you have one heckuva' good start to a top notch shop! I think you done right by going for the higher end equipment right off the get-go. Too many of us, myself included, purchased a lot of stuff to "get by with", only to end up getting upgrades no too long afterward! Way to go! Keep us posted with shop and project progress.:) :cool:

[Frank Pellow]

Dan, welcome to SMC! You certainaly have some top notch equipment in a great sized shop but it is far too clean! Even when my shop was brand new, it wasn't nearly as clean as yours.

Do you have a layout plan of the shop that you could share with us?

[Corey Hallagan]

Welcome to SMC. WOW, a very nice space and some awesome equipment. Looks like you have lots of projects to complete your shop with cabs, benches and such. Have fun!

Corey

[Jay Knepper]

That's a great looking shop, Dan! I doubt that you'll quickly be looking at upgrades for those tools.

I'm interested in more details about you ended up with the Rojeck combo. I'm looking to purchase a 12" jointer/planer in the near future.
Jay

[Sam Blasco]

Well, you got the talking and "looking good" part done... Now lets see what that shop can do! Next time we see this shop there better be plenty of dust on the floor and some scratches on those pretty machines... ~;}..
Welcome to the Creek, I think you'll like it here.

[Bob Noles]

Dan,


Whoa.... come on in with a bang. No way am I going to post pics of my 'lil ole shop with your thread shinning like that :eek:

Hey, welcome aboard and look forward to swaping knowledge with ya. Looks like you have what it takes in there.

[Dan Forman]

Dan---Looks like a great setup: fine tools and lots of room. Welcome to the Creek, you will find it a friendly and helpful place to hangout.

Dan

[Dennis Peacock]

WELCOME to SMC Dan......Wade on in, get your feet wet, enjoy the water, share what you know, and learn all you can. Great place here with a LOT of wonderful people.

[Mark Singer]

welcome nice shop!!!

[lou sansone]

hi dan


welcome to the creek. we like pictures here and so you are off to a good start. it looks like you have a very nice shop with some great tools. what type of furniture do you like to build?

best wishes
lou

[Karl Laustrup]

Dan, another welcome from another "Cheesehead". I would say you've started out well and it appears planning was done very well also.

Your D/C installation is interesting, as it has the straight shot from the intake, just like mine [I also have the Commercial 2HP Oneida]. I have your band saws' baby brother, LT-16HD and have been ogleing the TSS, but it's on a long wish list.

Look forward to pixs of projects in the future and maybe even getting together.

Karl

[Paul Canaris]

I saw the Laguna TS at a recent show when Benjamin H. was demonstrating the unit. Are you happy with it? It looked well thought out and well made.

[Michael Gabbay]

Dan - Let me be the... well not the first, to welcome you! :D Very nice shop. It's way too clean and makes me want to run home and vacuum and paint my walls. You have great taste in tools, I'd be curious to learn how you moved the TSS into your shop down a flight of stairs. I have the same issue (no walkout) and have been reluctant to bring anything over 400 pounds down that could not be striped down to the minimum.


Mike

[Jim Hager]

What a nice start you have there in that shop. Like the others have said you haven't got nearly enough mess made down there just yet but I'll bet you will have shelves and benches all over the place piled high with stuff before too long.


Welcome to the creek. I'm sorta new here too only having posted just a little over 100 times myself but I feel right at home and I'm sure you will too. Keep on postin' the pics. I like to see other's stuff.:p

[Dan Larson]

Wow-- I'm a little blown away by the warm welcome! I'll post replies to your specific questions when I have some free time this evening.

Dan

[John Renzetti]

Hi Dan, Welcome to SMC. Very nice bio. You have a great shop and some great tools.
take care,
John

[Dan Racette]

Looks like you are well on your way! What type of work are you doing? Is this a full-time gig for you?

d

[Dan Oliphant]

Welcome, great start to a well thought out shop.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Welcome to the Creek! You have a great start on a very nice shop! Thanks for posting pics! Again...Welcome!

[Jason Tuinstra]

Dan, welcome to SMC. Your shop is looking great. So what's on the "to build" list instead of the "to buy" list?

[Don Baer]

Great looking shop but as others have said, where's the sawdust?

THat said welcome to the creek.

[Jim Hinze]

Welcome... and may I say I'm quite envious of your new starter shop :o

Very nice collection of tools and nice space to boot. I'm looking forward to project pics...

[Joe Blankshain]

Dan,

Welcome to SMC. The folks here are great, knowledgable and willing to help a fellow woodworker. have fun with the new tools, we will be watching for your projects.

[John Bailey]

Welcome to the Creek. This will be the first post that I'm not going to say I'm also a new comer. I've been here about a yr. It's a great place. You have some great equipment and I'm sure you will enjoy the equipment as well as this site. See you around the Creek.

John

[Dan Larson]

That's a great looking shop, Dan! I doubt that you'll quickly be looking at upgrades for those tools.

I'm interested in more details about you ended up with the Rojeck combo. I'm looking to purchase a 12" jointer/planer in the near future.
Jay

Jay, I went with the Rojek J/P over the Mini Max or Felder machines because the Rojek was not quite as heavy and somewhat cheaper than the others. I preferred the Rojek over the Robland due to longer tables and slightly lower weight of the Rojek. If my budget was bigger and if I didn't have to move the machine down basement steps, I probably would have more seriously considered the MM or Felder. I think they are a little bit nicer machines than the Rojek. But honestly, I'm very satisfied with the Rojek. The only thing that would make better is a Bird Shelix head...

Let me know if you have any specific questions about the Rojek.

Dan

[Dan Larson]

hi dan


welcome to the creek. we like pictures here and so you are off to a good start. it looks like you have a very nice shop with some great tools. what type of furniture do you like to build?

best wishes
lou

Lou, I have no experience yet building furniture. I have lots of design ideas floating around in my head, but at the moment I lack the skills to properly execute them. The work of Maloof and Nakashima have for a long time appealed to me. Since joining SMC, I've become a fan of Mark Singer's work. So I guess I'm drawn to designs in the contemporary style that emphasize fine craftmanship. Until my skills come up to speed, I think I'll focus on smaller, less complicated projects and doing these projects well.

By the way Lou, I've learned much in reading the posts about your fantastic shop. I look forward to your next installment!

Dan

[Dan Larson]

Dan, another welcome from another "Cheesehead". I would say you've started out well and it appears planning was done very well also.

Your D/C installation is interesting, as it has the straight shot from the intake, just like mine [I also have the Commercial 2HP Oneida]. I have your band saws' baby brother, LT-16HD and have been ogleing the TSS, but it's on a long wish list.

Look forward to pixs of projects in the future and maybe even getting together.

Karl

Karl, my inlaws' farm is just outside of Black River Falls, so I pass through the Dells with some frequency. One of these days I'd really enjoy getting a tour of your shop. If you're ever going to be in the Milwaukee area, feel free to stop by my place-- there's always cold beer and cheese curd in the fridge!

Dan

[Dan Larson]

Dan - Let me be the... well not the first, to welcome you! :D Very nice shop. It's way too clean and makes me want to run home and vacuum and paint my walls. You have great taste in tools, I'd be curious to learn how you moved the TSS into your shop down a flight of stairs. I have the same issue (no walkout) and have been reluctant to bring anything over 400 pounds down that could not be striped down to the minimum.


Mike

Mike, as I mentioned in my original post, it took some serious effort to get the TSS into the basement. The one thing that I didn't mention is that I hired a piano moving company to move the TSS, BS, & J/P into the basement. These guys really knew how to handle awkward, heavy, fragile objects. Not a scratch on the tools or house, and nobody got hurt in the process.

Dan

[Dan Larson]

Hi Dan, Welcome to SMC. Very nice bio. You have a great shop and some great tools.
take care,
John

John, I appreciate the posts that you and Paul Cresti wrote about sliding table saws. You guys have helped me become a little less clueless about using mine!

Dan

[Karl Laustrup]

Dan, that would be great if you have a couple of hours. I know that's a pretty long haul from Milwaukee to BRF, geez, it's 80 miles from here in the Dells. Be that as it may, you are welcome anytime.

Just let me know a day or two ahead and I'll give you directions. We're not far off the interstate.

Karl

[Dan Larson]

Looks like you are well on your way! What type of work are you doing? Is this a full-time gig for you?

d

Hey Dan, no woodworking is just a hobby for me. I do admire those who are fortunate enough to make their livings working with wood, though.

Dan

[Dan Larson]

Dan, welcome to SMC. Your shop is looking great. So what's on the "to build" list instead of the "to buy" list?

Jason, your post strikes a chord with me. At the moment, I'm a little tired of hemorrhaging money for new tools. It's great to finally be in a position to be thinking about what to build.

Right now I'm focusing on bandsaw boxes. They're fun to make, and they allow me to practice a wide set of skills without blowing through big piles of expensive lumber. I think I'll try my hand at some more conventional jewlery boxes soon. Good opportunity to practice some joinery techniques. I'll also need to find some time to make an outfeed table and some shop cabinets.

Dan

[Dale Rodabaugh]

Holy Crap Dan,them are some great tools,and a nice looking shop.I know you will enjoy using them.So comeon get in the shop and make some sawdust.:rolleyes: :D :cool:

[Charles Bruno]

Welcome Dan,

Wow, nice tools! Can't wait to see some saw dust on that clean floor.

[Pete Harbin]

Nice shop Dan! I'm getting the itch for a bigger bandsaw for myself.

The more I see folks shops with the walls painted white, the more I'm motivated to pull everything out of mine and get to painting. It really brightens and opens up the space.

Now get to making a mess in there! :)

Pete

[Jeff Sudmeier]

Dan, (fellow Cheesehead!:) ) welcome to SMC! Having cruised around for some time, I guess I don't need to tell you what a super place this is and, I see you have the picture thing down right off the bat. Good job!:D Speaking of "good", you have one heckuva' good start to a top notch shop! I think you done right by going for the higher end equipment right off the get-go. Too many of us, myself included, purchased a lot of stuff to "get by with", only to end up getting upgrades no too long afterward! Way to go! Keep us posted with shop and project progress.:) :cool:

John, I think during the next aquisition for Dan we will have to make a trip up and do some drooling!

Great looking shop Dan, you are starting off right! In all seriousness us Wisconsin woodworkers need to get together sometime.

[Mike Wilkins]

Welcome to the wet side of the Creek. I love your choice of tools so far. I also have the LT18 bandsaw, but the former model with the 12 inch resaw. And I had to later add the ceramic guides, which are great.
I also have a jointer/planer which is similar to yours, but from Andreou Machinery in New Jersey. Love that 12 inch jointer feature.
As for projects and skills; just visit the local bookseller and start building yourself a small library. If I had the money back from all the books that I have purchased, I could finally get that TSS in my shop.
Good luck with this journey and watch those fingers.

[Byron Trantham]

Welcome Dan and a very nice shop. I painted all my walls white as well and it sure helps. ;)

[John Lucas]

Dan,
A great start. I will comment on one mention of yours...another MFT. I have two and I use them but before you do that, take a look at how I cut panels. Even with your great saw, it is thebetter way...ie easier to handle panel once and be done.

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/fest-6.htm

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/men-fes.htm

enjoy.

[Dan Larson]

Dan,
A great start. I will comment on one mention of yours...another MFT. I have two and I use them but before you do that, take a look at how I cut panels. Even with your great saw, it is thebetter way...ie easier to handle panel once and be done.

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/fest-6.htm

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/men-fes.htm

enjoy.

Wow John- getting a response from you is like being touched by Elvis in my book! I'm almost a little embarrased to admit how much time I've spent reading through your website over the past several months. Your step-by-step tutorials are awsome!

The point you make about cutting sheet goods with the Festool saw and guide rail is a good one.

Dan

[Dan Larson]

John, I think during the next aquisition for Dan we will have to make a trip up and do some drooling!

Great looking shop Dan, you are starting off right! In all seriousness us Wisconsin woodworkers need to get together sometime.

Count me in-- a gathering of the WI contingent of SMC sounds like fun!

Dan