Bump for the long weekend.

Do you think maybe the smell might be animal urine? Could be from rats or mice or even household pets.

Mine is very similar to yours and I have found it to be just what I had hoped. I recently added a Dutch tool chest on casters so that I would have some mobile storage to augment the fixed wall cabinet. A saw till comes in handy too, if you develop a...ahem... saw problem.

Painted - I would go with poplar; just because it's cheaper than maple. I don't like painted oak.

Poplar and maple are very similar except maple is harder. They both accept paint well and machine well.

Kinda got a thing for vises I see. Nice collection. I'm gonna have to start looking out for these thing.



John.

Those should work, but I have always preferred to use wood from the milling as stickers.

When milling the log into a cant, just slice on board off the outside that is less desirable and stand up on its side and rip strips. Cross cut them with a cir saw to the desired length.

I seem to have less staining this way vs using pine with oak for instance. I dont know if there is anything to it, but its free, and has worked for me.

I saw this old Elmer's glue ad. I e-mailed Elmer's through their Customer service site. They sent the plans to me.
http://vintagead-a-rama.ecrater.com/p/16...vintage-ad
If they no longer offer them PM me and I will scan (or copy them) and send them to you.

Use paint thinner to clean off the oily finish.
You could paint it if you prefer, I left mine bare, no problems.

Not breaking at the weld is worrisome. It may indicate the blade material is more brittle than it should be. Did it break just on either side of the weld or in a completely different place? If it broke adjacent to the weld but not on the weld itself, then the weld wasn't done properly.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Wagner-705-12.../204171773 this works great and is fairly inexpensive. plus it works on wall paper. I have just been using a 6" x 4' length of pvc pipe. you do have to build in several supports because after while the pvc will sag, bend, distort. I doubt that is large enough for your app. a plain old ply box better if exterior or marine ply, may be a better approach for you. If use a one time use any old stuff will steam a few pieces. the steamer does a great job. hooks it up get it steaming and don't have to mess with kettles, hot plates, or anything else. plus auto shut off if you happen to forget an run low on water.