Replies

1. 
   Westchester | Feb 16, 2010 03:26pm | #1

   I have one of those magnets on a stick - sold in Home Depot cheap. Anyway when I drop something metal - a quick sweep with the magnet usually finds what I dropped.

   SA

2. 
   flairwoodworks | Feb 16, 2010 08:35pm | #2

   When working with small parts, I like to work over a shallow tray that will keep all the parts together.

1. 
   forestgirl | Feb 16, 2010 09:48pm | #3

   Chris, I use one of those little round magnetic trays -- shaped like a very shallow bowl. Peachtree sells 'em, I think, pick them up at woodworking shows.

   They're great when you're dismantling a tool, or to keep on the base of the drill press for bits that you're changing back and forth (too lazy to put away, LOL). Or when you're assembling a tool or accessory that has alot of small metal arts.

3. 
   wotnow | Feb 17, 2010 07:16am | #4

   Jammer,

   Regardless of what you do with your grid, remember the 'wot' law of selective gravity which basicly states;   "Dependent on the size and weight of an object, it will either fall on your foot or roll into the most inaccessable position".

   regards

   wot

1. 
   Eef | Feb 18, 2010 02:38pm | #6

   "the wot law of

   "the wot law of gravity..."

   yeah, i've got one of those too :

   "the freshly glued surface, which i have just dropped, will land sticky side down."

   eef

4. 
   Scag_man | Feb 18, 2010 12:11pm | #5

   Here's a tip I learned many years ago for finding any tiny item that falls.  Lay your head down on the ground sideways (ear touching floor) such that your eyes are very close to the floor and scan across the surface.  It's amazing how much more you can see this way as opposed to looking straight down from a standing position.   Anything on the floor will stand out like a mountain on a range (works great on carpeting too).  Of course, this only works if your floor is otherwise relatively clutter free.  If it's full of shavings and piles of scrap, get the broom out and then inspect the pile!

5. 
   Jammersix | Feb 18, 2010 05:08pm | #7

   My latest idea is to install copper lines and air jets that will blow sawdust in a pre-determined pattern, and drift it up against one corner.

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Feb 18, 2010 09:33pm | #8

   Kinda like a dust devil?  Send it right out the door!

1. 
   Jammersix | Feb 19, 2010 04:28pm | #10

   I figure Bill Pentz can help me design it, since he knows dust collection.

6. 
   jhonbaker | Feb 19, 2010 12:51am | #9

   my work shop floor is painted white with sporadic red splotches for effect. When I drop something small I roll a flashlight on the floor and look for shadows - always worked great for legos as a kid and the really little screws in eye glasses. but the surest way to not lose the small parts is to always stock extra small parts of whatever it is you are delving into - this way the gods have no reason to mess with you on these smaller parts - but then you will have to be ware of the white floor that attracts red splotches.

1. 
   jonnieboy | Feb 19, 2010 04:43pm | #11

   "Hey, love your new project!

   "Hey, love your new project! What are those red blotches"

1. 
   Jammersix | Feb 19, 2010 06:55pm | #12

   "Well, I had this apprentice

   "Well, I had this apprentice who didn't listen very well..."

1. 
   jonnieboy | Feb 19, 2010 08:00pm | #13

   Jammer,

   Another idea; just throw it all on the floor. Nails, nuts, bolts, screws, washers, they seem to end up there anyway (maybe not all at once). It's easier to pick through them when they're all spread out like that. And hey, maybe your tools as well!

   "Why is all this crap on your floor?"

   "Don't totch eet! I'm an artiste! I verk better zees vay!"

   Happy Hunting!

   --jonnieboy