Leigh Super 18 Unburied

[gee-dub]

I feel like an archeologist when I'm digging out woodworking stuff from storage; there's layers.   Found my new DT jig.  If this is the result from my very first try I will have to call this one a keeper.

I figured I needed a safe place for this thing and had a sheet of C/D plywood sheeting leftover.

The case clamps to the work surface and the jig attaches via machine screws and t-nuts using fasteners that take the same screwdriver as everything else on the jig.

The jig slides under cleats that keep it secure whilst moving it about.

I added a second set of cleats to hold a simple tray (speed was the consideration here not sophistication ). The tray has a block that holds bits and the 8mm collet reducers when not in use.  There's also a magnet for the screwdriver and room for the bridge-piece material and manual.

It fits in like so.

And the lid fastens on with a spare pair of draw catches I had leftover from the adjustable table effort.

I need to practice more to where I feel comfortable with the process.  I bought some additional bits from another forum member several months ago in anticipation . . . can't find 'em .  I figure that like the jig, they'll turn up while digging through one layer or or another.

[Coop]

That’s a pretty neat deal!

I just put on my Santa list, one of those tables, 46” with two drawers. 

[Tom King]

Worthy of copying.  2 dedicated routers?

[gee-dub]

On 12/8/2021 at 5:05 PM, Tom King said:

Worthy of copying.  2 dedicated routers?

The only way to go.

[treeslayer]

Looks like I found an excuse to buy more routers, having 2 set up and ready to go would be nice, I love my Leigh D4R 24”, but I am on the hunt for an 8mm collet for my PC router, I had a bit slip a couple of times and I blame the reducer and not the operator 

[Coop]

I’m in your boat but found it to be the bit and not the collet. 

[treeslayer]

31 minutes ago, Coop said:

I’m in your boat but found it to be the bit and not the collet. 

More detail please Coop, dull bit ?

[Coop]

Not dull but it gave up during the process, twice. It released and elevated up during the pass. I could hear a distinct change. This happened twice with the same bit. I went to Rockler and bought a new bit and haven’t had the problem since. I believe it was a 1/4” straight cutting bit for a groove in a drawer side. 

[gee-dub]

I have had good luck with Whiteside collet adapters.  Purely unscientific but, I have had bits slip but, never in a Whiteside adapter.  In the spirit of questionable science I tossed the others since a failure of that type costs more than a good adapter .  A proper sized collet would be the best solution in my book but at $42 for one for each of my routers I'll ride the adapter train a little longer.  I have 1/2" and 1/4" collets for many of my routers but currently have little preference as to whether I change the collet or just drop in an adapter. Long periods without failure breeds confidence . . . hopefully not unwarranted .  I'll be the first to share if things go sideways.

[wtnhighlander]

I have recently discovered that tiny amounts of rust, corrosion, or 'smutz' on the bit shank can make the grip of the collet fail during operation. I've taken to cleaning them with alcohol and occasionally buffing with steel wool.

[gee-dub]

On 12/8/2021 at 5:04 PM, Coop said:

I just put on my Santa list, one of those tables, 46” with two drawers. 

I worked out what it would cost in materials to make one as well thought out.  I make a lot of my own fixtures but for this function, the price was way reasonable.  I bet you will be happy with it.

[gee-dub]

Here's where I ended up for the router parking area. I modified the lid to the jig case.

I cut a couple of circles about 3/16" deep.

Routed out the waste.

Drilled and chamfered holes for the bits.

Here's my first run at variable half blinds.

Not super variable but I did just eyeball the positions. I managed to initially set the bit depth at 9/16" instead of 7/16". That's the end near the toe of the plane. I also need to remember to drop the fingers onto the surface after having them raised to set the fingers. I've almost shot myself in the foot twice on that already .

[Coop]

Those dt’s are tight like last night! Well done!

[Mark J]

Do you find the jig is a little high when mounted on the table?  Or is the table "up" in the pictures?

[gee-dub]

On 12/10/2021 at 6:05 AM, Mark J said:

Do you find the jig is a little high when mounted on the table?  Or is the table "up" in the pictures?

The table adjusts .  I find working with the jig so that my forearms are just a bit higher than parallel to the floor works well.  You need to see the fingers every now and then to stay on track.  I shoot for operator comfort first and just tilt my head a bit at the beginning and/or end of an operation to confirm my position.  I've only cut a dozen ends on the thing so far so time and experience may change my approach.

Pat Warner had a tall I-beam "bench" that put his router at about head height.  I can see why he did this but, have never done it.  I do find myself squatting or sitting for some operations which mimics this relationship between operator and routed work.  The jig work is a different animal since I find myself looking at the jig fingers more than the work itself.  Kind of like how you don't need to watch the tablesaw blade; it is the fence, gauge or other reference surface that is really important.

[wtnhighlander]

That visibility angle relationship brings up a question for me. Do those of you that wear bi-focals or reading glasses (like me) find it necessary to take extra steps to get good visibility at awkward angles? 

[Mark J]

Yup.  And it sucks.

[gee-dub]

On 12/11/2021 at 9:34 AM, wtnhighlander said:

That visibility angle relationship brings up a question for me. Do those of you that wear bi-focals or reading glasses (like me) find it necessary to take extra steps to get good visibility at awkward angles? 

Here as well.  I have a pair of over-under cheepie safety glasses I dig out if I am going to be looking up for long periods.  They come in basic powers like "cheaters".  Clear in the middle and powered above and below.  Not good for long term but, will get you through an under-the-counter job.  They make "real ones" too but they cost a bit more.

[Coop]

@gee-dub, you’ve helped more ways than one. I got my Christmas gift from my son a little early. He likes to shop online and had the table shipped to our local HD, not knowing that they have no less than a dozen already assembled. However, the assembly was remarkable with their outdated instructions, ie, the good old day instructions! And great quality.

Even better, it lives in front of a cabinet that I built my wife ( the only thing in my shop that she can claim), where I previously had boards standing in front of and she always griped that she didn’t have access to. So, I built another storage rack for the lumber and the table has great castors, allowing her access. Money well spent. Thanks. Oh, the flowers will now go in the cabinet and the fire extinguishers will be hung!