I aspire to one day be able to have a shop (and the time) where I can go to make whatever I would like. I've got most of the basic tools and my shop is my garage. It's just finding the time to work out there.
Until then, I've got plenty of ideas of things to work on. Anything from useful, like the air filter for the cat litter box, to just fun, such as the giant lens "Solar Death Ray". Since my time is short, my hardest decision is which one to make.
I've been researching shop made tools. Three I've looked into are a tablesaw, bandsaw, and lathe. They seem awfully expensive considering you can find plans online for some of them. I could probably save my money and go buy one but I like the thought of making my own. That way I can understand the tool better and be able to refine it or make accessories for it. Considering space versus what I would like to do, I've been contemplating making the bandsaw first then the lathe.
I figure a 12" bandsaw will be a good starter size in my small space. I have found a number of plans for shop made bandsaws, most of which are at least thirty years old. The only exception is several offered by Matthias Wandel at Woodgears. He doesn't offer a 12" but I am adapting the old plans online to info he's posted on his blog.
A lathe is relatively easy to make in comparison as you can find lots of how-to's online. I shouldn't have to much trouble with building one once the bandsaw is made.
One note: Since hurricane Wilma came through and knocked out our power, I've been more interested with having tools that are less dependent on electricity. Yes, that means more manual work but that could give me more time to work on perfection rather than just knocking something out. I've found references to bandsaws and lathes that are treadle/pedal powered and am considering setting up my tools to work manual like that. I'll have to work that out at another time.
Until I've got more time, I'll just have to work on the design. That way, I won't have to figure out so many details as I go and in the end save some time. I'll post more as I go.
