I need advice. And a lot of it. I recently moved to Hong Kong from the US. In typical fashion I live on the 28th floor in a 400sf apartment with my wife and dog. And I brought no tools with me when I moved. However, the bug has gotten to me and I’m itching to start a new woodworking project of some kind. My aim is to use this time to fine-tune my hand tool skills on small projects. I’m not planning on buying any power tools.
My first question is: as I start to build a tool collection, has anyone seen a toolbox that also serves as a workbench? I like the traditional Japanese toolbox (like this one: http://www.daikudojo.org/Archive/howtos/20070224_toolbox/) and wonder if there’s a way to increase the scale slightly and make the lid functional to hold small pieces in place while working on them. I really don’t have space for a workbench and toolbox separately and will probably spend a lot of time working on my small 18sf balcony. (I’m also looking around for co-op space, but even if I find it I’d like to tackle this as a side project.)
Secondly, what kind of project categories do you recommend for such constraints (limited wood storage, hand tools, not much space of any kind)? I have a lot of experience and spent a few years working as a cabinetmaker, now I’m an interior designer, but have always had access to any equipment I wanted and worked on larger projects. I’m thinking that there’s a lot to explore in box making of all kinds and I could easily manage some smaller scale boxes while getting better at intricate dovetails.
Thanks for any insight you can lend.
Replies
Depending on how supportive, cooperative, and tolerant the spousal unit is, you might think in terms of multi-functionalism. Like a coffee table that "transforms" into a (low) workbench, with tool-storage drawers on one side. Or, the maximally-minimalist approach, using small tools stored in a plastic tote and using the kitchen table as a work surface. I recently finished a combination shooting board/miter box for a friend that does the latter, making small projects in her kitchen. Creativity is the key, I think.
A candidate for consideration from Tom Figden
Tom Figden of Toronto, ONT has an excellent design for a portable toolbox that should be adaptable to your needs.
It's listed in his "Made by Hand" book, a Cabinet maker's toolbox. I think it is also on this site as a .pdf download.
http://www.theunpluggedwoodshop.com/made-by-hand/project-1
I've made one, and like the heft and size of it. It's not too big to carry, but it is sufficient for several cutting and planing tasks.
I would caution bringing much wood up to the 28th floor for storage - humidity from the Fragrant Harbor will wreak havoc on anything stored out in the open. Perhaps plastic wrap would help?
Adding clamps and hold downs?
Thanks for that link to Figden's toolbox. There are definitely elements of his design that I'll use. And it turned me on to his great site. Very inspirational.
I plan on having very little lumber on hand at any time. I can see Victoria Harbor from my balcony and the weather is not conducive to wood storage.
Does anyone have a suggestion for an approach to "clamping" the shorter lengths as they are being planed, cut, etc? I use quotation marks because I'd be happy to use a system of bench dogs and wedges rather than adding something like the Veritas Surface Clamps sold at Lee Valley. I'm just unfamiliar with any methods other than bench vises and the like. Perhaps the lid could be double sided with one side functioning as a shooting board as mentioned by Ralph above and the other side set up for securing pieces for cutting dovetails and similar tasks. Sorry if these questions are elementary, I'm just wrapping my mind around my constraints and trying to plan for the new working methods when not being able to reach for my trusty router .
un-clamps
(Like Un-Cola)
A couple of thoughts. Opposing, narrow right triangles make nifty wedges for holding a board between two raised edges. Offset cams can also be used for a looser hold.
Japanese Woodworking Tradition
Jason,
For the Winter here in NY, I have to downsize from my now seemingly mammoth unheated 12' x 16' shop to a corner of our apartment Living Room - maybe 5' x 10'.
I haven't decided what I am going to do - but here is what I'm considering:
1. Exploring/trying Japanese-style woodworking and tools. (Taiwanese? Chinese?)
Roy Underhill has a show with John Reed Fox: http://www.pbs.org/woodwrightsshop/video/2600/2608.html There is available Used the apparently classic Japanese woodworking reference by Toshio Odate:
Japanese Woodworking Tools: Their Tradition, Spirit and Use
(ISBN: 0918804191 / 0-918804-19-1 )
I can also go broke at 'Japan Woodworker' (http://www.japanwoodworker.com) - but here you have the advantage of sourcing locally
2. A combination of 1. in addition with some Western hand and a few portable power tools - and on a small bench of some sort - not necessarily on the floor with my feet for workholding.:>)
For the bench, I'm looking at the Festool MFT800 currently on closeout for $306. Its about 24" x 27". Its surface is a precision Grid with 20mm holes for all sorts of clamps and holddowns. It does come with a small track and fence for use with their TS-55 tracksaw - which I have and plan to take with me from my main shop. (The TS-55 has excellent dust collection and really can be used in an Apartment)
I will be following this thread with great interest for further ideas, and to learn what you ultimately decide to do.
Good Luck!
Chris
Yet another possibility...
I considered making one of these, but it seems that I can make do with the gaggle of handscrews I own and any flat plank.
The merits of this design are light weight, and portability. Storage of the pipe clamps required would entail rust-proofing methods mentioned (bag storage, dessicants, oiling after use - a chore).
Still, this thing might punch your ticket.
http://www.blumtool.com/pages/benchhorse.html
I wonder if a plastic cutting board might be pressed into service?
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23751&catid=705
Hong Kong woodworking
Sorry I took so long to reply.
Lucky you! I think this move will give you the opportunity to get up to snuff with hand tools, and see Chinese woodworkers/furniture shops up close!
IMHO: The workbench probably should be a multi-task design, Toshio Odate's toolbox that can be used as a low table. Look at using some forms of benchooks to facilitate holding pieces being worked on. I would stay with hand tools, but maybe a Dremel power system (watch the voltage requirements).
I remember an alley where there were endless birdcages for sale. Some of those were not cages, but bird resorts. Some really great craftsmanship. The next ally over was packed with birds for sale-small apts.
I would seek out wood sources, but agree with others here not to store much wood because of the humidity.
Again, enjoy your time there!
Pete
My experience
I was stationed in Germany and had to live in an apartment. On the plus side we had basement storage cages to store my tools and other things. I could do a small amount of work there in the passage way, but had to be very concious of raising dust. I didn't want to get it on other peoples stuff. I did some work on the front stoop and some on the balcony.
I would say that dust and noise are your challenges after space. By dust I mean any wood particle that cannot be called scrap (plane chips etc...). You'll also need to be careful of the floor. Hard or soft a dropped tool is going to cause damage. Hard floor broke tool, soft floor broke floor.
I built a "bench" (actually three) that worked as a work surface from an old water bed frame. Picture a 2x12 x 3ft top 18" off the ground. I through tenoned the ends/legs (also 2x12) to the top. The next thing I did was make a stretcher that went though each leg in the center and about 4" off the floor. This was through tenoned to the leg and held with a wedge like a trestle table. The whole thing knocked down pretty quickly. With the fairly thick top, I could clamp pieces to it's surface almost anywhere. If I were to do it again, I might add a small hobby vise to make it more veritile. I made a different version since I got back to the states with a tray bottom instead of the stretcher. It would fill your hold the tools and be a bench too requirement. Hope this helps.
Larry
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