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Space for 79 turning tools (one can dream), pegboard in the back and two pullout shelves. May change them to drawers eventually if shavings and dust are a problem but I tend to fill drawers with junk.😀
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Built a new Lathe tool cart today
- Thread starter Scott Bradley
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Looks like a nice set up
One caution. Those short tools in the front look like a gotcha waiting to happen
Be careful
Al
One caution. Those short tools in the front look like a gotcha waiting to happen
Be careful
Al
Nice looking cart, Scott.......
Your prediction of dust is a prophecy......it will happen, that's guaranteed!
There is one thing you can do that would be quick and easy. Check out the selection of covered plastic storage boxes at your local Walmart, or similar store. You're likely to find some storage boxes that will fit perfectly on those shelves......dust problem solved! 😀
I favor the clear plastic ones, because you can see the contents without opening the container.
ooc
Your prediction of dust is a prophecy......it will happen, that's guaranteed!
There is one thing you can do that would be quick and easy. Check out the selection of covered plastic storage boxes at your local Walmart, or similar store. You're likely to find some storage boxes that will fit perfectly on those shelves......dust problem solved! 😀
I favor the clear plastic ones, because you can see the contents without opening the container.
ooc
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I was thinking earlier that I may put a set of full overlay doors on it so that I can keep my shelves and keep dust out. I really want at least the top shelf for use when I'm doing pens or something like that. That area of the shop doesn't get a lot of dust from other equipment and the DC pulls the fine dust very well when sanding. I'll just have to deal with the large stuff. I don't think I'll change it until I have to.
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I like the clear box idea too. Quick blowdown with the air hose every now and then and done.
Concerned about its design and safety.....
Hi Scott!
The cart is very well built and seems like it will be serviceable. Comments about shavings and dust accumulation are spot on - expect it to happen.
I do have serious concerns with its design, particularly the requirement for reaching past the sharp edges of tools to grasp the handles of the tools behind them. In my demonstration on woodturning workstation design, I strongly recommend against using this kind of tool rack design where you have to move any body part (hand, wrist, arm) past one tool (particularly the "business end") to pick up another. Similarly, replacing tools at the "back" where the hand or arm must come down toward the sharp ends of the already stored tools is also unsafe. While turning, a simple distraction or loss of concentration when picking-up or replacing tools into this kind of rack can result in a serious cut or worse. Having to be so careful not to impale one's self on the upward pointing tools will result in reduced efficiency of use as a secondary but real problem (the first being a significant injury hazard). I can only imagine how much worse this would get with a nest full of 79 sharp tools, all pointing upward.
"Be careful" is an understatement about my concerns for long term use of this tool rack. Sorry I can't be more encouraging about an obviously well built tool cart.
Rob Wallace
Hi Scott!
The cart is very well built and seems like it will be serviceable. Comments about shavings and dust accumulation are spot on - expect it to happen.
I do have serious concerns with its design, particularly the requirement for reaching past the sharp edges of tools to grasp the handles of the tools behind them. In my demonstration on woodturning workstation design, I strongly recommend against using this kind of tool rack design where you have to move any body part (hand, wrist, arm) past one tool (particularly the "business end") to pick up another. Similarly, replacing tools at the "back" where the hand or arm must come down toward the sharp ends of the already stored tools is also unsafe. While turning, a simple distraction or loss of concentration when picking-up or replacing tools into this kind of rack can result in a serious cut or worse. Having to be so careful not to impale one's self on the upward pointing tools will result in reduced efficiency of use as a secondary but real problem (the first being a significant injury hazard). I can only imagine how much worse this would get with a nest full of 79 sharp tools, all pointing upward.
"Be careful" is an understatement about my concerns for long term use of this tool rack. Sorry I can't be more encouraging about an obviously well built tool cart.
Rob Wallace
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Rob, your concerns are well founded because it was a similar arrangement of tools arranged "pointy end up" that resulted in me taking a trip to the ER. I barely felt it as my hand gently brushed across the end of a surgically sharp bowl gouge and peeled the flesh from the back of my hand.
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Valid points. I have a 5" height differential from 1st row to the 2nd so I left those alone. From there back, I cut some PVC sleeves with caps for skews, gouges, parting tools and other gotcha tools that fit over them like socks on golf clubs. I may color code them or just write on the pvc so I can quickly tell them apart.
Im with Rob on the safty point a cut to an artery to the wrist and you may not make it to A&E I would sugest a redesign with handles up. the shelves are a great idea just put a front on them to keep the shavings out, other than that it is a nice looking unit
Cheers Ian
Cheers Ian
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Scott, I really admire your design and craftsmanship in your tool cart and I hope that you do not have an accident due to the tools pointing up. I honestly feel that you should consider redesigning the way that the tools are being stored because it seems to me that the things that you mentioned -- height and boots are minimal band-aids for a problem that should not have been allowed to exist in the first place. Hopefully, you will never forget to use those band-aids.
For me, the momentary lapse in safety occurred when I wasn't even turning -- I was just reaching for a pencil when it happened. I was extremely fortunate -- no major artery was severed, no major nerve was cut, nor were any tendons cut. All that happened was that I rode the bevel along a bone as the meat peeled away. The ER doctor said that my tools must have been surgically sharp -- a compliment of sorts to my Tormek and my desire for clean cutting sharp tools. Later, when I had plenty of time during my recovery to reflect on the safety hazards that should not have ever existed in the first place, one particular thought stuck in my mind: these tools are made to cut wood with the greatest of ease -- cutting flesh is nothing by comparison. Don't count on your reflexes to save you. If your tools are sharp as they should be, you'll never feel the pain of the cut until several hours later as the ER doctor is sewing you back together. On the bright side, I got the opportunity to catch up on reading a lot of magazine articles on woodturning and reading a few books.
For me, the momentary lapse in safety occurred when I wasn't even turning -- I was just reaching for a pencil when it happened. I was extremely fortunate -- no major artery was severed, no major nerve was cut, nor were any tendons cut. All that happened was that I rode the bevel along a bone as the meat peeled away. The ER doctor said that my tools must have been surgically sharp -- a compliment of sorts to my Tormek and my desire for clean cutting sharp tools. Later, when I had plenty of time during my recovery to reflect on the safety hazards that should not have ever existed in the first place, one particular thought stuck in my mind: these tools are made to cut wood with the greatest of ease -- cutting flesh is nothing by comparison. Don't count on your reflexes to save you. If your tools are sharp as they should be, you'll never feel the pain of the cut until several hours later as the ER doctor is sewing you back together. On the bright side, I got the opportunity to catch up on reading a lot of magazine articles on woodturning and reading a few books.
Scott.......
My statements here, as usual, will be controversial, but I feel they give another perspective to things........😀
You've already made the effort and have a nice way to organize your tools. It might have been better, but it is what it is, and unless a redesign doesn't involve a major re-work, you might just go with your game plan. I've had tools positioned as you do for years, and there's never been a problem. This isn't to say the risk isn't there, but as long as you keep an awareness of the possible problems with tool edges exposed, you can minimize that risk. Some people are less aware than others, but this is not to say that an accident can't happen, even with the best consciousness level of attention to those risks.
I do, however have tools that are the most frequently used positioned a little differently, and those sticking straight up are less frequently used tools. My risk factor isn't as great as yours is.
Life is full of danger and risk. If we spend all our time trying to eliminate all the possible dangers, instead of doing what will best serve the purpose, I'm not sure life would be as much fulfilling. One thing about it, no matter what you do, there is always someone else that will point out how you could have done it better.......but, it's your cart, and you control how your personal decisions effect things like convenience, risk, etc.
If you have the desire to redesign your cart, go with it.......otherwise your shop is yours, and you make your own decisions.
ooc
My statements here, as usual, will be controversial, but I feel they give another perspective to things........😀
You've already made the effort and have a nice way to organize your tools. It might have been better, but it is what it is, and unless a redesign doesn't involve a major re-work, you might just go with your game plan. I've had tools positioned as you do for years, and there's never been a problem. This isn't to say the risk isn't there, but as long as you keep an awareness of the possible problems with tool edges exposed, you can minimize that risk. Some people are less aware than others, but this is not to say that an accident can't happen, even with the best consciousness level of attention to those risks.
I do, however have tools that are the most frequently used positioned a little differently, and those sticking straight up are less frequently used tools. My risk factor isn't as great as yours is.
Life is full of danger and risk. If we spend all our time trying to eliminate all the possible dangers, instead of doing what will best serve the purpose, I'm not sure life would be as much fulfilling. One thing about it, no matter what you do, there is always someone else that will point out how you could have done it better.......but, it's your cart, and you control how your personal decisions effect things like convenience, risk, etc.
If you have the desire to redesign your cart, go with it.......otherwise your shop is yours, and you make your own decisions.
ooc
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I really like it!
Gotta get to building one myself. I'm not good with flat woodwork though. Guess ill need to start somewhere. I have a lazy Susan type tool holder that is a bit shaky.
Gotta get to building one myself. I'm not good with flat woodwork though. Guess ill need to start somewhere. I have a lazy Susan type tool holder that is a bit shaky.
john lucas
AAW Forum Expert
Hi Scott - Nice cabinet, it'll last for years.
I was wondering if you could you just turn the tools over and put the sharp end down for safety.
I have a bucket of tubes for taking tools with me, plus use it inside in the winter and have always put the sharp end down. Then after pulling 4 or 5 tools to find the one I want I started drawing a small picture of the sharp end on the tool handle end.
I now store all of my tools with the sharp end down, both outside for my regular shop and inside for my winter shop. The pictures on the handles come in handy all the time.
That's become a real time saver and the sharp end is always down.
Keep up the good work, it looks great.
Tom
I was wondering if you could you just turn the tools over and put the sharp end down for safety.
I have a bucket of tubes for taking tools with me, plus use it inside in the winter and have always put the sharp end down. Then after pulling 4 or 5 tools to find the one I want I started drawing a small picture of the sharp end on the tool handle end.
I now store all of my tools with the sharp end down, both outside for my regular shop and inside for my winter shop. The pictures on the handles come in handy all the time.
That's become a real time saver and the sharp end is always down.
Keep up the good work, it looks great.
Tom
My version
Attached is my version of the tool cart. This is a modification of another turners ideas... refined to meet my needs...
If you have questions, ping me.
(Sorry for the quality of the photos, took these with my cell phone 😱 and they are a bit blurry..)
Attached is my version of the tool cart. This is a modification of another turners ideas... refined to meet my needs...
If you have questions, ping me.
(Sorry for the quality of the photos, took these with my cell phone 😱 and they are a bit blurry..)
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I like that, Tom.........! :cool2:
Saw your other post in the "tips and techniques" forum.......and, I see you are an "idea man". Great! I see you only have a couple of posts, so here's hoping you show us some more cool stuff you've thought up! 😀
ooc
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Thanks Odie,
I also appreciate you sharing your great ideas. If the outcome is a better product or more time turning and less time getting ready to turn, then it is a success!
Cheers!
I also appreciate you sharing your great ideas. If the outcome is a better product or more time turning and less time getting ready to turn, then it is a success!
Cheers!
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It is sort of interesting that I have never had an accident while using a tool for its intended purpose. I attribute that to being aware of safety precautions while using sharp tools. I think that perhaps most of us have the same sort of awareness about using sharp tools or powered machinery.
The few times that I have had an injury that ranges from a minor mishap to the incident that I related earlier involved doing other things, thus not really thinking about a situation that is no less dangerous when sharp tools are not being used. When reflecting on my need to be a bit more aware of safety led me to have some thoughts that gave me a case of the willies about the way that things are arranged in my tiny shop. For example, I have some high cabinets and shelves that require a stepladder or stool to reach things. I haven't had a bad fall, but I have had a couple less-than-graceful dismounts if you know what I mean. 😀 That got me to thinking about what sort of damage I might cause if I really did make a spectacular splat. Imagine all the damage that I could cause to all my cast iron if I were to bleed all over them and cause valuable tools to become full of deep pitted rust. My widow would never forgive me for that one.
The few times that I have had an injury that ranges from a minor mishap to the incident that I related earlier involved doing other things, thus not really thinking about a situation that is no less dangerous when sharp tools are not being used. When reflecting on my need to be a bit more aware of safety led me to have some thoughts that gave me a case of the willies about the way that things are arranged in my tiny shop. For example, I have some high cabinets and shelves that require a stepladder or stool to reach things. I haven't had a bad fall, but I have had a couple less-than-graceful dismounts if you know what I mean. 😀 That got me to thinking about what sort of damage I might cause if I really did make a spectacular splat. Imagine all the damage that I could cause to all my cast iron if I were to bleed all over them and cause valuable tools to become full of deep pitted rust. My widow would never forgive me for that one.
Dangerous to say the least. Just think if you slipped and fell forward! Could you put foam in the bottom of the PVC and store the tools with the sharp part down? OK forum members, would this hurt the edge?
How about turning a wooden plug for the end of the tube?
That surely wouldn't hurt the tool tip.
Tom
Peter Toch uses clear plastic flexable tubing cut to length for the end of his tools when traveling, i'm sure you could do that with tool cart
looks like a well made cart
looks like a well made cart
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That certainly seems reasonable given that the intended purpose is cutting wood. 🙂
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🙂 vertical tubes will fill with soft cushioning chips if left close to the lathe 🙂
As you can see from my previous photos, I store my tools pointing upward. The only safety incident I have had is once I grabbed at a tool and it slipped. I grabbed onto the flute section and the top edges were sharp enough to cut the outer layers of skin (no blood).
Because my cart is on wheels, I move it close to me when working. I usually don't have to over-reach to get the tools. Additionally, since I am close to my work, I can lift the tools upward, meaning they do not hang-up slipping out.
Finally, I do not seal the end of my tubes. I did not want to trap shavings inside, so I insert a sleeve section to stop the handle, but allowing wood debris to fall thru (see photo).
I have had no issues with storing my tools upright, but with any tools (especially power tools) respect them and by all means - BE SAFE.
Because my cart is on wheels, I move it close to me when working. I usually don't have to over-reach to get the tools. Additionally, since I am close to my work, I can lift the tools upward, meaning they do not hang-up slipping out.
Finally, I do not seal the end of my tubes. I did not want to trap shavings inside, so I insert a sleeve section to stop the handle, but allowing wood debris to fall thru (see photo).
I have had no issues with storing my tools upright, but with any tools (especially power tools) respect them and by all means - BE SAFE.
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Tom.....You did a lot of thinking with your tool cart, and it shows. The elevated spacing between the three tiers gives some extra safety when reaching for tools on the top tiers......good thinking. What I don't get is the vacant spaces going diagonally on all three tiers......what are they for?
ooc
Built a tool rack out of the same PVC but my tools are stored point-down and the tubes are open to pass dust. Don't need every tool I own to be next to the lathe, so my cart [now on wheels] carries the basics plus what I'll need for the job at hand. Thus no drahs to fill up. Haven't been poked yet.😉
