Log Jig or Tool

lmccown · Post by **lmccown** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 9:05 am

I am trying to build a boring jig for an aspen log lamp about 5" in diameter and 20 " long. Something that will keep it from moving while I use the Shopsmith to bore vertically. Is there a tool or does someone have a jig they use. The jig I am trying to build will act as a sled so both the head stock and the jig can move to accommodate different size logs. I am using a 3/8 14" bit. Lonnie

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 9:37 am

The first thing that popped in my head when I read this was the old pig holders a lot of farmers used to use at castrating time... I searched but could not find a picture. They used 2 boards about 6" to 8" wide x about 2' long joined edge to edge at 90 degrees to make a Vee shaped open ended trough (like an extra big V-block). The base depended on where they wanted to work but was often made to sit down over the top of a gate. They attached an old leather belt at about the midway point with the tongue part on one side and the buckle part on the other side. The pig was laid in the V on his back and strapped down and the "operation" was performed (you probably should not use a Shopsmith for that

).

Anyway, You could use something like that made so that it had a base to fit the way-tubes and the log piece could be placed in the V and shimmed up with blocks to get it in position and held down... At least your log should not be kicking and screaming.

.

lmccown · Post by **lmccown** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 10:19 am

Castrate hogs!! been there done that. Thanks for response. I did do a jig like that maybe not exactly as the hog holder but the problem I had was when i wanted to leave the knots on the lamp it would not set level enough to bore. I am trying to make a jig that will expand to allow me to do that. I do like the idea of the belt. I could maybe use heavy velcro in place of the belt. Thanks for your response. Lived on a farm in south Texas and raised hogs and probably castrated around 30 + head. Like your horse. Lonnie

reible · Post by **reible** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 10:21 am

Hi,

Taking the lamp thought then I think of a lathe with a hollow tail stock and auger bit for drilling. Have you considered this? The length and width are only limited by what the shopsmith can handle... and well of course the stock would have to be somewhat balance to turn at low speed.

This is or at least was a common way of doing this operation in the past.

Ed

lmccown wrote:I am trying to build a boring jig for an aspen log lamp about 5" in diameter and 20 " long. Something that will keep it from moving while I use the Shopsmith to bore vertically. Is there a tool or does someone have a jig they use. The jig I am trying to build will act as a sled so both the head stock and the jig can move to accommodate different size logs. I am using a 3/8 14" bit. Lonnie

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 2:36 pm

Maybe this would grip that log...

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.

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 4:16 pm

robinson46176 wrote:Maybe this would grip that log...

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If you shop is big enough for that, I understand how you have room for so many Shopsmiths. In my shop I barely have room for one of these.
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dusty · Post by **dusty** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 4:22 pm

paulmcohen wrote:If you shop is big enough for that, I understand how you have room for so many Shopsmiths. In my shop I barely have room for one of these.
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Now, now. Pictures please. I think I have seen plenty of room in your shop for that.

derekdarling · Post by **derekdarling** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 8:06 pm

dusty wrote:Now, now. Pictures please. I think I have seen plenty of room in your shop for that.

Hey you guys, don't make me come up there!

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:18 am

dusty wrote:Now, now. Pictures please. I think I have seen plenty of room in your shop for that.

All right maybe it will fit because I just finished cleaning it up and adding another wall to get me more space and allow me to heat/cool the shop without heating the whole three car garage.

lmccown · Post by **lmccown** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 9:15 pm

My shop is not that big 14X16. I found a jig today. Went to the Houston Woodworking show and watched a Band saw instruction by the Crazy Canadian with Stock Room supply They have a log ripping jig for the band saw that runs on a track. This has a grip with teeth that will hold the logs in place for boring and with the track will work by clamping the track to the ShopSmith. I really appreciate the help of everyone.
Found the old Mark V at a garage sale for $150 completely worked it over including the motor and it now is my boring machine and scroll saw stand alone. Lonnie Thanks again