Power Carving Bench

[Mudbone]

Howdy Folks,
I recently came across some clear plexyglass or lexan, not quite sure what you call it, but when I saw it, it was almost like seeing what you are going to carve in found wood. I saw my new carving bench. On page 42 of WCI #47 there is a picture of more or less what I would like to build. It will have the clear around the sides to allow light in and plywood bottom (minus a 4" hole for dust collection). Does anyone have anything to add to, or better ideas? Even if its completely different than that one, I am absolutly open to suggestions.
One I saw somewhere on the web had the lexan sides, and instead of dust collection in the rear, it was right at the front so I would create a suction "curtain". I like that idea, to help keep this cypress out of my nose. I will hold off on it untill I hear from those that have been there and done that so I wont be saying to myself- "dang I wish I had done that".
Looking forward to yall's ideas.
Tom.

[Doug Ridley]

Mudbone-- Here's what I do. The dust goes up and over to my dust collector.

[oregoncarver]

I use the bench top dust collector that you can buy. I added sides by attaching clear lexon with hinges to extend the reach out some.

Arthur

[Mudbone]

Hi Doug and Arthur,
Doug- I see how yours works and thats pretty much what I am using now. A big hood. Let me add this, I'm in S. Florida so either the Fan or AC somtimes both is blowing so even with the hood I have a big mess everytime I crank up the tools. So with just the hood the blowing takes the dust and chips where ever instead of in the hood.
I want to make a square box that I can attach the DC hose to and remove it, and have this thing at my workbench on hinges so I can lift and fold away and have my bench still availbale for other projects. Then drop down when needed. I got idea off website that used a fold away bench like this but was for a miter saw. He just folded away when done.
Thanks, Tom

[Dull Knife]

Originally Posted by Mudbone

Howdy Folks,
I recently came across some clear plexyglass or lexan, not quite sure what you call it, but when I saw it, it was almost like seeing what you are going to carve in found wood. I saw my new carving bench. On page 42 of WCI #47 there is a picture of more or less what I would like to build. It will have the clear around the sides to allow light in and plywood bottom (minus a 4" hole for dust collection). Does anyone have anything to add to, or better ideas? Even if its completely different than that one, I am absolutly open to suggestions.
One I saw somewhere on the web had the lexan sides, and instead of dust collection in the rear, it was right at the front so I would create a suction "curtain". I like that idea, to help keep this cypress out of my nose. I will hold off on it untill I hear from those that have been there and done that so I wont be saying to myself- "dang I wish I had done that".
Looking forward to yall's ideas.
Tom.

I built my own power carving bench back in December of 2002, from scratch .....here are the measurements:
The top of the unit measures 26" wide by 30" deep (that's front to back). The square hole that I carve over measures 16" long by 7 1/4" and it's 6 inches from the front edge.
The table top is 42 inches from the floor.....(I'm a tall person and need plenty of room by my long legs).
Around the sides and the back I've mounted 1/8" thick plexiglass....with some small wood screws along the bottom into the wooden box and several vertical dowels on the outside of the plexiglass to keep the glass from bending.
The two back legs have wheels attached so that I can move it, for cleaning around and under the unit.
I purchased an enclosed motor with suction unit and it's located in the back of the box....wired to an explosion proof switch. In front of the motor/suction unit are two: 10 1/2" x 23 3/4" x 2" thick 'Perfect Pleat' filters.
I hinged the part of the table top that contains the square carving hole so that I can lift it up out of the way when I vacuum the dust from the filters.

[Mudbone]

Ok I shyed away from the fold down like I had planed and just made it on rollers to be able to push out of the way. Turned out good and learned not to glue plexyglass with wood glue or super glue. It just wont stay together. I eneded up using epoxy after it fell apart a couple times. I hate working with that stuff though, its like the fiberglass stuff. It gets all over and not much you can do about it. Anyway here she is.
Tom.

[bigEd_H]

Next time you want to glue plexiglass together just use Weld-On #3 or acetone after sanding the joints to make them fit tight. Apply the bonding agent with a syringe and it will wick along the joint. It only takes a little and the bond will be as if you welded the pieces together.

That said. You did a bang up job on your carving station. That should lessen the cleanup quit a bit and save your lungs.

Ed

[Mudbone]

I am familiar with acetone, but what is weld on #3? Is it somthing like acetone, like a pre-cleaner? I dont recall seeing it at the stores.
Thanks, Tom.

[bigEd_H]

Originally Posted by Mudbone

I am familiar with acetone, but what is weld on #3? Is it somthing like acetone, like a pre-cleaner? I dont recall seeing it at the stores.
Thanks, Tom.

Weld-On is a not flammable acrylic glue for bonding plastics.

Ed

(The link provided was just the first one in a quick Google search)

[FINGERS]

Lexan is great. I found some with rounded sides. My dust collector is 2 piece so I can transport it. the bottom box is plywood on back & sides, front is lexan. All is "screw together" the bottom box contains a 3 speed blower behind 2 filters. In front of the filters is the collect box that holds large chips, small particulate matter is held by the filters. the top box is all Lexan with rounded sides attached to 2x2. At the front opening is 2 adjustable a.c. vents to control suction. The design cause particles to circle around the right wall to the left rear corner where heavy matter collects, the dust moves to the front and falls through the vents into the collection section. Nothing comes out of the exhaust and nothing goes into my nose!

If you have lots of Lexan, and the fan is external, make your whole system out of it.