Need plans for carvers lapboard

tbox61 · #1 08-02-2006, 10:07 AM

Need some help. I know that there is a plan for a carver's lapboard on the website this month, and was in the magazine not too long ago.

I would like to compare plans of several before I build one. Are there other plans out there?

Thanks for your help!
Tim

Thor · #2 08-02-2006, 10:21 AM

I just built one for myself, but don't think it's anything special. It does work though. My favorite parts are the tray I built to one side so tools and stropping tools can stay put, and the back ledge that I can use as a brace.
I also cut out a hole for a plastic icing cup to sit down in and catch the shavings, and that has proven to be handy. I still make a little mess in my lap though.
I posted a picture of it just for comparison, because I built two of these in less than an hour.
Thor

xsailer · #3 08-02-2006, 10:32 AM

Thor,
Looks good, cheap and simple. I especially like the chip cup holder that could easily be turned into location for a duct for a dust collector. The strop holder idea is something I'm going to incorporate when I make one.

tbox61 · #4 08-02-2006, 10:37 AM

Thor,
Thanks for the help--your lapboard is cool! I was trying to figure out how to incorporate something into the plan to catch chips, but couldn't figure out how to attach it.

We just got back from vacation, and the weather did not allow me to carve outside all of the time, and I don't think the housekeeper in the condo we were staying in appreciated my chips that I did not get picked up!

Hopefully I can get the ideas sorted out and put one together this weekend!
Tim

Kenny_S · #5 08-02-2006, 10:46 AM

Tim, Get you a little hand held vac to help you in getting the chips up when you are staying at the Condo. I carry one when we travel as I am sure the hired help doesn't like the chips on the floor at the hotels.

Thor, good looking portable carving station!

photodog · #6 08-02-2006, 02:12 PM

Page 40 Woodcarving Illustarated, Issue No. 34, Spring 2006.
Just what you have been looking for.

squbrigg · #7 08-02-2006, 02:59 PM

I use a lap board, made from strips of Birch glued edge to edge and shaped on a band saw. The edge boards were just high enough to keep tools and chips, glued and nailed on and the belly board is steam bent, glued and nailed. Works great. I glued felt on the bottom for smoothness and comfort. Click on the link in my signature to see.

Bob

tbox61 · #8 08-02-2006, 05:23 PM

Bob,
That is not a lapboard, that is a beautiful piece of furniture! What a great job!

I guess that the answer I am looking for is that I need to take my own measurements and decide how fancy I want to make it.

I like Thor's method of catching chips. Is anyone using anything else?
Tim

Tidewalker · #9 08-02-2006, 08:31 PM

i built a carving station for in the house carving but might be a little heavy for the lap. I use mine on a tv tray. I have one I was using like Thors but wanted a few more options only because I was doing more inside lately. Tyhors design is perfect for a laptop carving tray.http://picasaweb.google.com/love4woo...CarvingStation

is my address for pics of my carving station.

Thor · #10 08-03-2006, 09:44 AM

Another idea that I read about and haven't added to mine yet, is a drop cloth in your lap that attaches to the edge of the work surface to catch shavings that would fall into your lap. I think that will make it mess-free. I have a bench in front of me where I spread out my tool roll while I carve, so another design may incorporate places to hold tools.
I have seen some awesome pictures of portable work stations on this board or from links . I'm hoping some of those will pop up again. I think Susan Irish had a very cool one if I remember correctly that had a light attached. I hope to add a clip on light to mine as well.

Show us what you make when you're done. We might get more ideas for our own.
Thor