Crafting Quality Tables: The Tools Behind the Art
As a carpenter, it never fails to amaze customers when they discover that we create our own tables. Perhaps it's because our tables look exceptional, or maybe we simply don't resemble individuals who have never wielded a hammer or nail. Either way, being a carpenter is a passion I cherish.
Now, let me share a not-so-secret trade secret with you: It's all about the tools we employ. Regardless of your skill level, without the right tools, completing a project on time, achieving the desired outcome, or finishing the job at all can become quite challenging.
Cutting the Wood: The Importance of Precision
In the early 90s, we opted for wall-mounted computer tables. One advantage was their stability, as they remained steadfast even when accidentally bumped. Dealing with a wobbling table can be highly frustrating, especially with a bustling customer base.
However, mounting these tables on the wall proved arduous and dismantling them even more so when relocation was necessary.
When we transitioned to freestanding tables, we initially relied on hired carpenters to cut the wood. Occasionally, we attempted it ourselves, but the results were never quite what we envisioned.
That's when we discovered our saving grace—the Jigsaw. This handy tool provided the flexibility to cut rounded corners effortlessly, making it a breeze to divide 8 x 4 feet 3/4-inch plyboard into smaller sections.
Tip: When selecting a jigsaw, test various brands and models until you find the perfect fit. We usually purchase our tools from Ace or Handyman (Ace tends to be more cost-effective).
After trying out several brands, Bosch stood the test of time (and countless plyboards). Both our Black & Decker and Makita jigsaws required frequent trips to the repair center.
While jigsaws excel at cutting curves, they prove less efficient for long straight lines. Therefore, we eventually added a Circular Saw to our arsenal for this purpose.
Assembly and Disassembly: Efficiency Matters
To facilitate easy dismantling (particularly during relocation), we minimized the use of nails when designing our freestanding tables.
Using a regular screwdriver presented a problem: blisters! Applying significant pressure to tighten screws can take its toll on your hands. Moreover, imagine assembling tables for 20 computers using a manual screwdriver—it's a recipe for muscle cramps.
Consequently, we ventured into the realm of electric screwdrivers. At the time, Bosch introduced the IXO, which brought us sheer delight. Despite its compact size, this tool proved powerful and facilitated hassle-free table assembly. However, after a few months, our IXO developed a defect. Thankfully, the store replaced it without any hassle. Yet, after a subsequent few months, the IXO seemed to lose some of its power. Consequently, we considered upgrading to a more potent cordless drill.
The next Bosch cordless drill we explored seemed excessive for our needs, both in terms of price and power, as it was primarily designed for automobile screws. We then turned our attention to the DeWalt cordless drill, which proved to be at least 50% cheaper than the Bosch option.
Enter the charm of the DeWalt drill: enhanced power and longer battery life. Additionally, it came with a backup battery pack, allowing for continuous work by charging one battery while using the other.
We have been relying on this drill for quite some time now, and thus far, the only issue we encountered was one battery's reduced charging speed. Nevertheless, we attribute this to the ordinary wear and tear of equipment.
The Bosch model we initially considered has since been phased out and replaced by a model more closely resembling the DeWalt. Although we're eager to try it, it's currently impractical to make the purchase since our drill is still functioning flawlessly.
#Carpentry #TableCrafting #ToolsoftheTrade
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