Single-Handed woodworking

[collinb]

 

If you've ever had rotator cuff surgery you know what the end is.  That was 12 days ago. I finally got around to something ... a sock assist gizmo.

Best (only) woodworking I've done in a couple weeks. Maybe it will inspire someone. :-)

Maybe I should have entitled this "practical woodworking." Of course it's not "fine" as little of mine is. But if you or a friend/family member is anticipating this surgery consider this a gift idea. :-)

 

#1. One  6" x 18" x 1/2" base, plywood.  Good enough material that you won't have to worry about splinters

#2. Two 4" x 4" x 3/4" side blocks. Can be cheap pine or about anything.

#3. Four 3" x 3/8" dowel pieces.  I used oak.

Step 1: Cut a ring at about 1/4" from the end of each dowel piece for a little sock friction. You don't need much depth. Sand it so it doesn't snag the sock when it's pulled off.

Step 2: Drill into the block to a depth of 1.5". Add glue and insert dowel pieces, ring out of course. I made the gap 2" between the dowels.

Step 3: Attach the blocks to the base by your preferred method. Add a counter-sink so the screw heads wouldn't scratch the floor beneath. Also, add a pilot in the blocks so your screw doesn't split the block, especially when going through the dowel. I placed the screws at 1" from each end.

Option: Round over the back edges of the plywood to avoid splintering. Paint even.

 

And for the historians among us: Twine not required but may be used for moving it on the floor with your hands instead of with your feet.

 

[Chip Sawdust]

Very cool. My Dad had a gizmo for helping him put his socks on. I hope if I ever get to that stage I'll still have my wife to help But now I have some pictures to follow should I need to build one.

[wtnhighlander]

Cool project Collin. "Twine not required", hilarious!

On a serious note, take care with that shoulder, several acquaintances of mine have been through that, recovery is typically several weeks to a few months for full function to be restored. Don't push too hard.

[Chet]

2 hours ago, wtnhighlander said:

Don't push too hard.

But do your physical therapy.

[davewyo]

Good Luck Indeed.

I had rotator cuff surgery last September. Mine was minor compared to some, and I'm not over it yet.

You have a long road ahead but it will be worth it.

[curlyoak]

4 hours ago, Chet said:

But do your physical therapy.

I had rotator cuff surgery. A barrel of monkeys. On the physical therapy, give it all you got. No second chance. It will define your range of motion. If you do it right you will still be able to satisfy that back itch you could just reach. After it was all done I lost my fast ball but still have my breaking pitch. Are you done with the pain pills? Lots of luck.

[collinb]

Thanks, all.

Visiting with the surgeon on Thurs. PT starts next week. The one thing I know is that he couldn't fix everything on the first pass and a second procedure will be required down the road. :-)

[Mark J]

Sorry Colin, I hope you're well soon, but I don't get how the contraption works?

 

[collinb]

19 hours ago, Chip Sawdust said:

Very cool. My Dad had a gizmo for helping him put his socks on. I hope if I ever get to that stage I'll still have my wife to help But now I have some pictures to follow should I need to build one.

My wife has been helping me. (She's a RN.)

I did this to help me and take just a little load off her.

[curlyoak]

Are you still on the pain killers?

[Coop]

Do you wear this thing instead of socks? 

Neat idea and glad to hear you still have your sense of humor about the string. 

Hope you get well fast bud! 

[collinb]

15 hours ago, curlyoak said:

Are you still on the pain killers?

Nope. Only took them for a day and a half prophylactically. That was plenty. Just a steady stream of ibuprofen, also being reduced.