Popular Woodworking 2008-04 № 168, страница 20
Tricks of the Trade EDITED BY PAUL ANTHONY THE WINNER: Sliding Bench-light Block H I aving light precisely where you need it at the bench makes it easier to see what you're doing, especially for j obs such as laying out joinery, cutting dovetails and other detail work. This sliding block holds the stem of my articulating-arm lamp, and it allows me to move the light anywhere I need it along my 7'-long bench. The device works well with any bench that has a recessed tool tray, and could easily be modified to fit other bench styles if necessary. Size the parts to fit your particular bench and the light you'll be using. The vertical block should be a tad longer than your bench back rail is wide for a nice, sliding fit. You can rabbet the top and bottom blocks on the table saw, using over-long stock for safety. Or, create the lipped areas by simply gluing and clamping together separate pieces of wood. I don'tjoin anything permanently, so I can remove the block when necessary, such as when laying large work (for example, a sheet of plywood) over my benchtop. To this end, secure the top block with screws and install 1A"-20 hanger bolts in the vertical block and attach the bottom block with 1A"-20 lock knobs. To quickly remove the device from your bench, simply unscrew the knobs and lift the block upward. To keep your new sliding block moving at the speed of light, wax all the bearing surfaces of the block and the bench rail. If you find the block binds a bit, try adding paper or cardboard shims between the bottom and vertical blocks. — Andy Rae, Asheville, North Carolina - Secure top block with screws Drill hole for stem of task light Lip catches top side of bench tray y . lip catches underside of bench tray coNTINUED oN pAGE 20 Cash and prizes for your tricks and tips! Each issue we publish useful woodworking tips from our readers. Next issue's winner receives a $250 gift certificate from lee Valley Tools, good for any item in the catalog or on the web site (leevalley.com). (the tools pictured at right are for illustration only, and are not part of the prize.) Runners-up each receive a check for $50 to $100. When submitting a trick (either by mail or e-mail) you must include your complete mailing address and a daytime phone number. if your trick is selected for publication, an editor will need to contact you. All entries become the property of Popular Woodworking. You can send your trick by e-mail to popwoodtricks@fwpubs.com, or mail it to tricks of the trade, Popular Woodworking, 4700 E. Galbraith road, Cincinnati, oH 45236. 18 ■ Popular Woodworking April 2008 illustrations by matt bantly |
