Another shop project?

[steven c newman]

Back when I cobbled up a storage case for some auger bits..
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These were all the shop had.

Since then, I have added to the total amount.....now there are about 30 or so.

Old box will get recycled into something else. Trying to find ideas about storage for all of the bits on hand.

Then, need a way to store a few that are 16" long.

Lumber supply is mainly Pine. I really don't want to use Oak, as it doesn't play "nice" with things made of steel.

Almost two sets, that run from #4 to almost #20.

With the way this knee is acting, shop time is way down......issues with stairs. More of a planning stage right now.

[steven c newman]

Ok, I rounded up the second set of bits. There is also a 5 piece set from Hikraft in a roll up pouch. May keep that seperate, as those are marked on the shafts as Hikraft.

There is an extra double flute bit in the pile. I'm sure there are a few others running around loose. A couple gimlet bit, a counter sink bit and a few twist drill bits for braces.

There are 2 @ 16" long #11 bits. One an older with the square end, the other a bit more modern with a hex end. May have to find a different spot for those two. I only have the one expansive bit.

The old case might get a new use....seems I have a few rosewood handled squares and bevel gauges. Might even find a spot for a marking gauge as well. And...even a handforged marking knife.

But, until they fix this knee, I am not going to get much done. Stairs to the Dungeon Shop are a pain to use, and working with sharp objects while I am on pain killers just ain't safe. So, all I can do is sketch on a note pad....

[Stew Denton]

Hi Steven,

Your current box for the auger bits looks great for it's current task, but I am sure you will find another good use for it as well. Custom fitted wooden boxes, especially those with finger joint or dovetail joints look absolutely classy. Maybe I will build some myself, but you never know what time will bring.

Take care of your knee, and I will have to add you to the other guys here that I am praying for. One of my knees will probably need some attention in the, probably near, future as well.

When you get to feeling more chipper we will look forward to the updates on the new bit box. In the mean time it sounds like you will be making a lot of drawing on how to build the box.

They don't look as neat as your box, but I have seen boxes for auger bits that had lift out trays, with the bits running lengthwise down the box. The trays fit inside the box, with one tray stacked on top of the next, about 3 or 4 total trays, I suppose depending on how many bits were in it. One practical advantage to that approach, is you can leave one try empty on the bottom for future expansion. The box was about a square cross section on the end. The other type of bit box for auger bits that I have seen had small pull out drawers, kind of like a tiny chest of drawers with shallow drawers. I didn't like the look of either style of box, as much as I like the flat style box like yours, though.

Stew

[steven c newman]

IF I can figure a way to keep the bits in place a bit better. it may wind up as a "book" where you open it up, and there are bits on both halves. Most metal clips are way too tall, and cost a bit too much for me. May drill out a block to house both main sets. maybe so the shafts slide down into the block. We'll see.

As for this knee...IF I sit too long, it hurts, if I walk too much it hurts. Seems to be some things torn inside, kind of "flapping " around. Awaiting Tri-Care's ok before things get fixed. No replacement is needed...right now.

[steven c newman]

MRI is scheduled for next Tuesday morning. Then wait a week for the results. Only times I can get in to see both places.

Drill bit box has a new id.....have a bunch of sliding bevel gauges ( Rosewood ones, Stanleys) and a set of the Stanley rosewood squares. All could use a nice place to call "home". May see HOW I can fit all of them in there. Have some thin Walnut scraps....might help out?

Pine for the new drill bit box, as of now. Finger joints for the corners.....or dovetails? Maybe something like this simple box?
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And add a tray or two inside? Might be awhile, depending on how much is done to the knee. Not sure how long it will be on the "D.L."

[Stew Denton]

Steven,

The book idea sounds like it could also look pretty good, kind of like your existing box when open, the bits being side by side in the two halves of the open book, with each half looking a lot like your current box when open. Could you build a set up that holds the bits kind of like your existing box, but with a hinged strip that would fold down over the shanks to sort of lock the shanks in place when you want to close the book, the bar going over the tops of the shanks and the undersides of the shanks held in place by at set of two strips that is virtually identical to your current box?

When the two leaves of the book are open, the bits would be in pretty much the same position as they appear in the current box, but with a notched wooden strip over the tops of the shanks just like the notched strips currently set under the bits shanks.

Or maybe a couple of fold down flat plates that piano hinge from the top and bottom of the bottom faces of the sides which would fold down over the tops and shanks of the bits when the box is closed. You open the box like a book, and then can fold open the two flaps to free the books, one wooden flap at the tops of the bits and one at the bottom over the shanks. Your current box has a cover that is hinged kind of like what I am thinking of for the two flaps, but the flaps would be inset, so when you close the box, they would be closed inside the box and not visible. You would have two sets of such strips, one set in each half of the closed book.

Again, the above does not describe what I am thinking of very well, but I am sure you will come up with something nice. Keep us informed about the knee.

Your existing box looks really nicely designed, to my eye. I may eventually copy something like it. I have two sets of auger bits, but one is in a leather roll, and the other in a canvas roll. Both are extremely practical, and in good shape, so I don't know if I will pull them out of the current set up and change things around, but I could see a box like yours if I had a tool chest to put them in, maybe.

Just a thought, and poorly expressed.

Stew

[Stew Denton]

Steven,

I went to that auction site and typed in "auger bit" and a number of boxes showed up, so some different designs to chose from.

Stew

[steven c newman]

Thanks, will take a look, when I can. The "OWWWWIE" factor is ramping up lately.....hope it isn't a "Bridgewater" knee...

[lowell holmes]

I use clear plastic shoe boxes from Target to store items like drill bits. They sit on shelves and I can see what's in them.

A different shoe box for each, chisels, gouges, bits, . . . . . . .

[steven c newman]

MRI was this morning, now the knee is sore. IF it does settle down later, I might wander down to the shop. Starting point will be to make a box to house the bit holders in. After I then make the holders, I can slice the box to fit each holder.

Intend to make it like a "Coffee Table Book" that lies flat. Open the "cover" to reveal the first holder, then turn a page to find another. And so on til I get to the bottom. Each will have their own hinges, and latches. Nothing real fancy, just the wood I have on hand...Pine. I doubt IF one make of Oak would work.....iron vs Tannic acid sort of thing. Two complete sets of bits, plus at least one holder for the "other stuff" ( countersinks, twist bits, expansive bit, maybe a center punch or two? )

Will see the kneedoc next Tuesday to find out what he is planning on doing. I figure I can get a wee bit done in a week.....?

I have three 16" long auger bits to find homes for...they are a might too long for this box...

[steven c newman]

Snuck down to the shop for awhile, Boss was on the Warpath anyway, nice and quiet down there... Aldi's crosscut saw to make four pieces of Pine 1x6 to size..
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Dang thing even skipped out and raked me thumb. All four from one 1x6. Planed the edge grain and end grain of each pair. Two are to be sides, two are ends for a box. Millers Falls No.11 seemed to do ok on end grain..
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I plane each way towards the center. Made some fine shavings..
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But,3/4" thick is a bit too thick. I marked a cut line, about 1/2" in from the best face on each board.
This being a Hybrid shop, a bandsaw was used to try and remove the excess lumber
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Meh,dull blade. May need to go and BUY a new one...someday. Opened up
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Well, we have ways.
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Stanley No. 5c with the Schwarz Cambered iron. Going straight across. Later, I can bring out the smoother..
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Craftsman #3C...aka Millers Falls No.8 ( no C ) Get these as flat as I can , then set them aside for awhile, to see how they move..
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Reflatten in a day or so, the some hand cut finger joints. I'll make the "outside" of the box first, then add the auger bit holders, I saw the box as needed to fit the holders height. Need to go and buy some hinges and a few latches.

Knee was doing...ok..it was the lower back that was complaining. Bumbled back upstairs, Boss was done with her Warpath thing. Might be safe to head for the computer?
BTW: "Igor, Clean up on Aisle #1!"

[steven c newman]

Because.
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Just because. Well, this is most of the mess I made..

Might go to the shop again this evening....to see how those four boards are doing. I have to lay out tools and markings, to make finger joints on the ends. I might also have to do a glue up, stock for the bit holders needs to be a wee bit wider than 3-1/2" ......then maybe tomorrow, Boss willing, I can make the holders for the bits. Thinking three levels of holders, right now...

[steven c newman]

Now, IF I can just get a bit of shop time later. Might take awhile.

Have to wait a week to learn what the MRI found wrong with the knee, and HOW they intend to fix it. The other knee is starting to act up, might be protesting all the attention the other knee is getting?

Next stage, I can at least sit on the shop stool to work. Might give the old back a rest that way, too..

[Phil Mueller]

Thanks for sharing the build, Steven. I must say, it's a fairly common occurance that when one knee is injured, the other will get sore. You put more pressure on the good knee to make up for the bad knee. It's doing all the work. By the same token, you're putting more pressure on one side of your pelvic region, which can cause issues in the lower back. So point is, don't end up with two bad knees and a bad back. You may just have to chill out a bit more.

[Stew Denton]

Steven,

Looking forward to see how the build goes, and to see how the design is going to be. From what you have mentioned above, it looks like you picked one of the more difficult designs, if it's what I am thinking of.

Like the others said, take care and don't make the knee worse.

I'm also kind of glad that you mentioned the problem of oak being corrosive toward steel. That has come up before, and it makes sense, but I had forgotten that such was the case. My garage is a mess, and I need to create some tool storage when I get some time. I have some oak, and might have used it. Thanks for the reminder.

Stew

[steven c newman]

Played "hooky" from the shop today. Gave everything a rest. Getting a bit hard to find just the right way to sit, so the knee doesn't.....complain.

GrandBRATS have arrived for the weekend...Grrrrrrrr, might have to go and hide out in the shop.....quieter there....

[steven c newman]

Morning shop time is done....All finger joints are done.

Film @ 2300 hrs,ZULU....

[Prashun Patel]

Steven,

(I say this only because I follow and enjoy your build threads):

Your pictures always come out a little fuzzy, and the coloring does not appear accurate. Is there anyway to improve the quality of the photography? I feel like a heel saying that, but I suspect you'd get more responses and followers if the pictures were improved to match the work.
pp

[steven c newman]

Hmm, maybe some day, I can afford a new camera....til then...it is what it is.
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Two sides are done..
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And two ends have been fitted.
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According to some, since these weren't done by a MACHINE, I was just wasting my time. Hey, it is my time to waste, after all.

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Plane work. Had resawn a few chunks to make bit holders. They needed cleaned up. made a better glue joint that way. First of three bit holder blanks is in the clamps, awaiting the glue to cure
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This will hold the larger diameter bits. Need two like this, and at least one thin one.

After the glue has cured a day, I will go back and flatten it out, cut it for square, and width. Might feel up to working on the next blank, as it needs so plane work too..
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That be a #18 bit. There is a #20 around somewhere. The blanks were from the old, non-treated 4x4s that have sat around for a couple of years. Until a wind storm took things apart.
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They used to be the corner posts for this frame.

[James Pallas]

Hey Steven, it's much more fun to spend money on tools and wood than cameras. Keep it coming. I enjoy all of your posts.
Jim

[steven c newman]

Can't really afford a new camera right now......fixed income sort of thing. Mine doesn't even have a "Macro" setting. Maybe I have the "wrong" overhead T-8 lights, as well. Is what it is. A wood shop, not a picture studio. Now, IF someone were to show up to do a photo shoot...

As for that other post about finger joints? Who gives a Rat's behind. Done trying to help people. Seems some here seem to think I am either a fool, or a know-nothing. Nit-picking anything have to to say to help an OP get an answer to HIS question.

Bloody well done with that " Specialized, High Intensity, Training. I'll keep doing what I like in MY shop, what others do in theirs......not my concern any more. Some only look to argue, or nit pick a fine detail that doesn't even matter in the questions asked.....

I think I'll just go to my shop, and have what a lot of people have forgotten about this craft......TO HAVE FUN! THAT is why I do the things in the shop, to have a wee bit of fun. NOT sitting here arguing about what steel is in a blade. Hey, IF the blade works, fine by me.

[steven c newman]

Even better when I actually have money to spend!

Blank #1 is out of the clamps. Squared up and planed flat,,,,,as flat as I can get it. Blank came out a 1/4" short in length...no biggie. I kept the thin panels from the resaws. Will add enough to make up the space. Glued up to either the end of the blank, or the non-cut up end of the holder. Whichever is easiest to do. Trying to hold four panels and the blank still enough to check to sizes......I don't think I have enough hands....Will make the next blanks a bit longer.

Too many errands to run today and tomorrow...maybe hide out all day Sunday....

Real fun will be..drilling end grain with a brace and bit. The same bits that will go into that blank. Only have to drill for the fluted sections. The rest of the bit ( shank..shaft?) will get it's own hole. Then I can split off just where the fluted section is. May need a little off the smaller section. Holder gets pinned in place into the "page" of the book. You'll have to open to a page, to get out a bit. The rest will stay closed up. I MIHT keep the cut-offs to act as covers. When you close the book, the covers will close over the holders. Have yet to scribble a line on paper.....so far, the Infamous Single Brain Cell Sketch Up is doing all the work..plan-wise.. Plan? Plan?? What is this Plan thing?

Stay tuned, fun is about to start..

[Stew Denton]

Hi Steven,

I am enjoying the build, but in looking at the pieces am still a little uncertain how it will go together, so am looking forward to seeing that.

For what it's worth, my 2 bits is that I had not even noticed any fuzziness in the photos. There may be some, but not enough fuzziness to hurt, I don't think. Your pictures are plenty good enough to see the design, etc. I can understand Prashun, since he is a moderator, and wants the quality of the pictures to be as good as possible, but I don't think it is very critical at all. I'm with James, save the money for tools.

Jim sent me a note on how to add pictures to the site, so hopefully maybe someday I can do that. (I will have to get TLOML to help, as she puts pictures on Facebook all of the time.....me?.....I haven't got a clue, but will try to look at his note from Jim with her so she can explain.)

Again take care of the knee (my right knee is beginning to complain fairly loudly that I need to go back to the specialist about it pretty soon, same as you to find out what is going on.....haven't had an MRI yet....but it's coming, I think.)

Stew

[steven c newman]

Played "hooky" from the shop today, other things were getting done instead. One lousey estate sale = one walking cane ( for the knee) one slate bladed Tomahawk ( for a friend) and a large, bright red hatchet. $5..meh, for all three items.

If I get a bit of time Sunday, I might try drilling the holder to hold the larger bits. Depends on how much time I get, and how the knee is doing.

There is an "outside" to this bit box, where I can wrap around the grain. Then cut that to match the thicknesses of the holders. Hinged and latched, to form a "Hard-bound Book" shape. Irwin or Jennings used to sell a version like this.

[steven c newman]

Something like this?345861
Not the easiest thing to do. Lots of sore elbows
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Between all the drilling..
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Rip saw work, and ...
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And crosscutting. Then more drilling to make a slot for the shanks to go....I am plumb worn out. trying to keep the bit going straight, and to the needed depth seem to be sticking points. Still need to cut a slot for each shank, so I can lift the bit out of the box.

I did pick up some hinges today, and some brass nails. New Bandsaw blade is in place. Too tired even to do a beer run....

Will have to rethink awhile......I happen to have a 2 x 12 available.......might try something different.....not too happy-happy with this first version...

[steven c newman]

According to the Knee Doctor, other than the underside of the kneecap getting worn out and rough, nothing else was torn inside. Seems to be more of an Uncle Arthur (itis) start up. No surgery is needed at this time.


So, after getting a new phone line installed, internet is back to normal. Squirrels had been chewing the wires up on the telephone pole......mine was the worst, others were fixed in place. Vines were pulling on the wires. tech went by and cut those down.

No surgery, Internet back to normal......might be a good day, after all. Intend to rest the leg up today. maybe tomorrow I can restart the drill bit holders. Don't want to push this good luck too far...

[steven c newman]

Ok, gave the knee a day's rest. Back to the shop, today. Awhile back, found a belt/disc sander at a yard sale @ $15.....finally went to H-F and bought the required belt and discs...
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The Maxi-mouse is for saw plates. At least it IS cordless. Anyway, I got the next holder blank into the clamps this morning..
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Only needed three pieces, this time around. There went half of my bench space that was left. Bunch of tools and such behind the glue up. Which keft just enough room to finish work on the #1 holder. Decided to cut the outside pieces to fit each holder, so a line was drawn in the Pine..
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Then I could cut the narrower part off. I have a place for them....first, I needed to chop some slots. Makes it a bit easier to lift each bit up and out of the holder. Marked a pair of lines where each shank will be. Made the lines into knife lines, as I needed a way to guide the saw..
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A backsaw to saw along the lines. Then a couple chisels, one to chop down to pop the waste out, and a 1" wide one to pare things to look a bit better..
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Tested to make sure of the fit. Finally got all the slots done, and a test fit done..
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If I can get the bits into the holders, should be ok. Scrap block is there, as I was using the end vise and benchdog to keep things from moving around. It is also the right height to check how the bits will go into the holder.
Final fitting of the outside pieces, a spot or a schmear of Elmers, and some 1" brass nails.......then most of what clamps I have left..
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Needed the diagonal one to pull things back into almost square. Will let this and the other sit awhile. Once they are out of the clamps, I can clear the bench's top, and start on the next stage of the project....holder #2. Stay tuned.

[steven c newman]

Well, a little bit of work with a plane..
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Some drilling. I finally found a couple spade bits, too
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1/2" chucked drill. Then I came back and chased the holes with a brace & bit..
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Because the spade bits were too short. A rip cut, and a crosscut...
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Then some chisels to cut more slots, a drill to deepen a couple holes, a test fit...
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Then mark the stock for the outside again, and cut to height. Keeping track of which set of fingers goes where...gets complicated, but..
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Was able to stack things up. Still have to pin and glue the sides to the new holder. That can wait until tomorrow.....I even ran out of cuss words tonight. Bottom two pages are about done, might be two more, thinner ones coming up later...and a lid.
Camera said low battery.....guess that means it is QUIITING TIME for the day. Stay tuned.

[Brent Cutshall]

I don't know, I kind of like Steven's pictures. They're almost like his signature, I can tell they're his just by looking and I think to myself, alright, we're fixing to see some tools now! You're not doing as bad as you think Steven!

[Prashun Patel]

I get it. I very much appreciate the time it takes to document and post these things. I consider it a generous contribution, Steven regardless of the color balance ;)

Also, regarding the other thread: Illigitimi non Carborundum. Try to remember that for every one person with whom you have a bad interaction, there are 20 silent people appreciating your contribution. We probably don't say it to each other enough, but I for one appreciate your experience, and think sharing it is generous. I learn and am inspired, which is why I follow yr threads.

[steven c newman]

I usually try to remove the glare from the shiny stuff. Rather limited as to how much the camera can do. I did clean the lens off....I wonder where all that dust came from....

More glue-ups today..
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Second holder has been trimmed out. Pinned and glued the outside trim in place. the pipe clamp beside it?
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Holder blanks # 3 and # 4. 3/4" thick stock. A bit of resaw work, and other cuts, to get these to roughly the size I want. When #3 is done, #4 takes it's place. I will need to sand the #2 holder a bit, after the glue dries. Have to match holder #1..
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Considering this will be the bottom of the bit box. Still have just enough side stock for the last two holders..
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I also need to do a lid. Box is starting to look almost like a R. Jennings style? Or, an Irwin. Maybe a nice coat or three of the Infamous Witch's Brew?

[David Eisenhauer]

I always look into any ongoing work that comes out of your shop and am fascinated by the apparent, glorious "mess" revealed in the background/underfoot/overhead/etc :) The German portion of my blood cries out Oh Igor, wherefore art thou? I rarely comment on your work unless I have a specific technique question, but am very interested in your projects. Please keep dragging yourself out to the Dungeon and Ibuprofen helps my knees. don't never stop.

[steven c newman]

Well, went back down to the shop tonight, removed both items from the clamps.....and glued up the next item needed.

Then,,,LOTS of sanding. Due to the pins I used, I didn't want to risk the planes. Got both holders to FINALLY match each other...
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And went ahead and hinged them up. Needed a few toys...er..tools for that..
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The Kobalt was to open a package of hinges. Used a nail to make pilot holes. Square to make sure both hinges were in the same line. Small screwdriver for those very small screws.
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The next glue up. Behind that is where I was test fitting the #3 holder's parts. Had to square the ends, and narrow the width a bit. Work in progress. Now, about Igor.....
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Well...at least he brought the broom back. Now, IF I can just get him to actually USE it for something besides transportation...

[Mike Holbrook]

I have been storing chisels in fabric or leather tool rolls, then storing the rolls in drawers or on shelves. The rolls can be carried to the work where ever it may be. I was planing to use a similar system for drill bits, so this thread is interesting. I have also been thinking about mobile drawers, boxes. I might lift the idea of making individual round storing spots for each bit. Keep us posted concerning how you like using the new storage areas for your bits.

[steven c newman]

This thread was getting a bit long to read. Started a new one, as the updates thread. Thanks for muddling along with this thread, see you all up at the new one.

Now, IF I can just fet a day or three IN the shop? Been playing Hooky too much. No surgery for the knee, just pills. I even turned down the cortizone shots, as they are not a fix. Just Uncle Arthur tearing up the underside of the kneecaps.

Thanks again.

[Chris Hachet]

Neat little project!