Replies

1. 
   missionlarry | Jul 15, 2006 11:26pm | #1

   I can't speak directly about the mini-drill press table but I did purchase the larger table from Rockler.  It went together very easily and has worked well for me.  Instead of a metal-working tool, the drill press now fits my idea of a wood working capability system.

2. 
   shippy | Jul 16, 2006 03:46am | #2

   I've been looking at the tables from woodpecker that are more expensive, and now Rockler got their mini tables on sale! Darn, and I almost had my heart set for the pretty red one......and I'll bet ya a donut that the cheaper one from rockler will do a fine job!

3. 
   GDH2 | Jul 16, 2006 04:55am | #3

   Good Q, Forestgirl.
   I actually went to my local Rockler today for their sidewalk sale (virtually nothing other than what's in their flyer) AND I planned to check out the DP table (GREAT price) - the "touch & feel" test works vastly better for me than examining the catalog pic with a magnifying glass.
   They were sold out, including the demo model, so I couldn't check it out. BOO!

1. 
   forestgirl | Jul 16, 2006 06:22am | #4

   The Seattle Rockler was sold out too, mainly because it was in some Manager's Special sale just a little while ago, they said.  The sale is limited to stock-on-hand if you go to the storefront.  I just pulled the trigger on it (="Submit") online.  It's a thicker base than the MLCS table I was looking at.  Fence is reinforced.  Just too easy at $49.

   I've heard from 2 different people who have the larger DP table and like it.  forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

4. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Jul 16, 2006 09:01pm | #5

   J, one of us is a mind reader, mine arrives on Tue. I saw the deal/nodeal online, called to see if the $35.99 assy kit w/DC fits the small table and ordered both. The kit was on sale for $24.99, item #23188 in catalog  "code : M6203". It should be just fine for my 10"and if I like it mabe I build a big one for the 15" Walker-Turner. Enjoy, Pat

1. 
   forestgirl | Jul 16, 2006 09:25pm | #6

   "Great minds" and all that, LOL.  The fence on the mini-table doesn't have a cutout for DC though.  Not sure how I'll deal with the DC issue.  forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

5. 
   MaxYak | Jul 17, 2006 10:52pm | #7

   I purchased this a few months ago (at a different, but not as good, sale price).  It had some major sag.  I took it back to Rockler and they exchanged it with apologies and no hassle.  They even allowed me to open up the box to examine the replacement to make sure I was getting a good table this time.

   As you already noticed, there is no explicit DC set-up.  I've found that, when I'm using a drill bit that throws chips around, I can just clamp the piece down, use one hand to hold a vac hose near the work and the other hand to operate the press.  This would be a pain if this situation were more common, but it works fine for my needs so far.

   To the man with a hammer, all the world is a nail.
1. 
   forestgirl | Jul 17, 2006 11:38pm | #8

   Thanks for the heads-up on the sag, I'll check it out carefully as soon as it arrives.  Re: DC....I have an old sun-lamp (a real sun-lamp) that hangs from a bracket and has "gooseneck" style neck, quite long.  Came out of sombody's basement somewhere, who knows, back in my auction days.  I think I can remove the lamp part, and use the gooseneck and clamp, which fits over a 2x4, to run a drop-down DC to my drill press.  Wouldn't that be sweet?!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   PADDYDAHAT | Jul 18, 2006 08:34am | #9

   J, my small table arrived today with the big assy kit. I only looked quick to rid the box of all those white cheese doodles(what a PITA) and the DC looks to be plastic but for the discounted price OK. I did not open the table box as I had 7 guys ripping off two roofs and installing a 280 lb. Tamko stoney grey over 1x6 t&g plank roof deck. BTW its in the very high 90's here and I expect 120F + on the new dark roof. My first task at 8:30 was to get 48 1/2 liters of water and 16 lb of ice at Pathmark for the cooler or watch them die. Needless to say I learned "something" in 30+ years as a GC or Facilities exec, you must take care of the troops. The result is that the roof looks like an architecutural painting  and my front and back lawns are cleaner than when the landscaper does them.

   I will fabricate the DP table in TN and check for sag(news at 11-really mid Aug.) and I expect at first blush to bore a DC hole in the fence or replace it with 3/4 maple to suite. I also picked up their special on a digital caliper for $19 it looks very good as it has a zero our feature to add clearence dimensions, not the best but useful. I don't buy a great amount from them as their retail price is too high(except for some discounts) for their home grown toys and the quality -fit, finish and material- isn't the same as we see from LV.  We have been spoiled. I will end here on Fri., see ya in Aug unless I poke at something in between. All the best, Patrick

1. 
   forestgirl | Jul 18, 2006 07:02pm | #10

   "I also picked up their special on a digital caliper for $19 it looks very good as it has a zero our feature to add clearence dimensions, not the best but useful. I don't buy a great amount from them as their retail price is too high(except for some discounts)...."  Patrick, you'll love the caliper!  I'm sure it's basically the same as the one they sell at Harbor Freight, which I bought a couple years ago and use frequently.  Lost mine a few weeks ago [someone shopping at Ace Hardware probably took it home :-((  ] so I'm going to order another, but get a fractional which they now sell for about the same price.  They don't work as smoothly as an expensive set would, but mine proved accurate over a long period of time, and that's what's important.

   I totally agree about Rockler.  Too, too pricey most of the time (for the overall quality), but these sales have some reasonable deals.  I also go the "big gulp" DC accessory.  $10 off their price, but only $5 off from Penn State's price (who is the maker).

   Hang in there in the heat!  Keep us posted if you can!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Jul 19, 2006 05:52am | #11

   The mini-table looks good to me, Jamie. I built one from MDF, but by the time you add the tracks and poly-coat it 3 times to seal: that price is find on sale. You have become much more versatile with that table added. I have mine set up so by un-screwing four quick knobs underneath the table, it will extract for any metal needs.

   Here's a picture. I haven't figured out to down-size these puppies yet. If you know send an e-mail and I will let Lisa figure it out.

   BTW.. still waiting patiently on my Jorgenson Cabinet-Masters on sale at Wood-craft! Should be showing up any day as the order was placed and got the e-mail confirmation about a year and half ago.  ha.. ha...  ha..ha..ha..

   Regards...

   SARGE.. g-47

   PS.. may have figured getting the KB down to the 6 figure size.. :>)

2. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Jul 19, 2006 07:12am | #12

   Test...

3. 
   forestgirl | Jul 19, 2006 09:08am | #13

   Sarge, that is a fine looking DP table ya made there.  I figured the price on the Rockler was pretty close to what my cost of materials would be, and I love saving the time.  That DP is about the only piece of Rigid equipment I kinda yearn for.  Nice.

   Now, your router table picture is pretty small.  Does that mean you've "figured it out" or do you still need help? 

   Re: your dust collector.....do you come directly off of it with a 6" fitting and then split later on to various 4" fittings?  I need to get ducting in for my Jet cannister collector.  I was going to come off the main port with this:

   http://www.pennstateind.com/store/r-90e06.html  use 6" pipe until I have to start branching out, and then use 4" S&D pipe per Bill Pentz's suggestion for small shops owned by not-rich people, LOL!

   Stopped at Barnes and Noble tonight and picked up a book on building workstations, and one on all things cabinetmaking (well, not all things, but a good starter book).  Used up my 2 coupons.  Time to get serious about workstations!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

4. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Jul 19, 2006 05:47pm | #14

   The drill press is only the 2nd piece of Ridgid I have. Mapmaker in another thread just purchased the 1550, but says that his is 15501? I purchased a Ridgid 6" ROS 2600 about two weeks ago. It was made by Metabo. Went to the store and all they had were 2610's. Noticed a slight difference in the air vents, etc. The big difference was the stamped, Made in China. Five stores latter I found the Metable (Ridgid 2600) buried underneath new stock.

   Perhaps the same scenario with the DP. Could Ridgid have gone to Rice-land to get the cheap labor? Sure... well of course they could as everybody else has done it.  :>) Time will tell if they short-changed the 1550 with the 15501. I have not seen a 15501 yet, so I can't compare the machining quality differences.

   I have the poor-boy DC from Penn State which has 1 HP, 10" impeller and 4" outlet. Put it on a caster base along with a 30 gallon metal garbage can (cyclone) chip collector and hook it directly to 4" outlets on my built for me machines and bases. I leave it connected to the TS, but a quick release allows me to move it to any machine in the shop. I also allowed a large area in front of the shop (adjacent the two over-head doors) so I can roll any machine to it and connect as the DC sits beside the TS adjacent that area. So.. in summer, I move the machines to it near the door and winter the DC to the machine. Works well for me.

   Lisa figured out the sizing I believe. We have a relatively new computer with fast access and a dedicated line for it. The smaller pic is 57 KB. The first was 225 KB. I posted some the other day at 550+ KB (way too large). I am going to post a size above the 57 KB now. Drop a note when ya get a chance as to if it's too big or the 57 KB is better. I can only see what I get and not the view from others computers.

   And yeah, by the time you make it with your time added.. the sale price is justified IMO. I did it a lot cheaper but.... I spent 2 days dadoing the slots and putting 3 coats of poly on to seal. That's OK for me as I like doing those things in summer when it's hot, but if you're trying to get up and running, all you have to do is attach it and get to work.  ha.. ha...

   Regards...

   SARGE.. g-47 

5. 
   forestgirl | Jul 19, 2006 07:16pm | #15

   Hi Sarge.  The 57K is looking good on that table saw pic.  Crop-and-resize usually works fine to get things manageable for dial-up folk.  Looking at my Knots pics, seems they're mostly 375-400 pixels wide by 350 or so tall.  They run around 50-60 Kb.

   We still gotta get you some good photog lighting, though, ROFL.  Show off that decked-out Ryobi you've done wonders with.  Big halogens help in my dark shop.

   Only reason I could afford the Jet is because Brian (migraine) ended up with 2 via a mix-up with Amazon.  He had bought it long before the price increase, so he offered it to me for $325, new-in-box.  forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

6. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Jul 20, 2006 05:35am | #16

   Thanks for the clarification on the sizing, FG. The 75 KB looks good on my screen, but my wife does have the DSL and we got a lot more jumbo-bytes, skeeter-bytes or whatever you "puter" folks call em on this system compared to the old dial-up.

   You know I like to tinker and modify machinery. I'm thinking of installed a tachometer on top of the monitor and have an accelerator pedal at my feet. A little gear change on the rear end of this CPU and I can put the "pedal to the metal" and jump those pics from 57 KB to about 9,000 or 10,000 KB in under 10 seconds. Whoa... put that on my review!

   Ummmmm..... I think I have just become a very Dangerous Man through modern electronic technology.  ha.. ha... ha..ha..ha..

   Regards for the evening ma'am...

   SARGE.. g-47

7. 
   forestgirl | Jul 20, 2006 07:14am | #17

   Oh, dear, Sarge -- you really are confused, ROFL!  The DSL connection affects how fast you receive all those bytes and such, not the final product.  The picture would look the same on your monitor, whether you were connected via DSL or via the phone line, or via 2 tin cans and a string <g>.

   By keeping the picture file sizes below 100 or 75 Kb (kilobytes) or so, you make the world a friendlier place for those who still use a dial-up internet connection.  I was one of those poor souls until late last fall; now I have DSL.  Once our contract with Earthlink (yuck!) expires, we'll probably go to a cable connection, which is even faster.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)