Flaming Scroll Saw

Flaming Scroll Saw

When I work in my garage shop, I keep the garage door open to let the sunlight stream in. After working for several hours one fine afternoon, I smelled something burning—that acrid “electrical” smell. None of my tools were running or even plugged in, so I checked outside. Nothing. But as I reentered the shop, I noticed a wisp of smoke. I traced the smoke to its source and couldn’t believe what had happened.

My scroll saw has a large magnifying lamp attached. The lens happened to be fixed at just the right angle to direct the sunlight at the saw’s plastic housing. The laser-like beam had melted a hole through the housing and set it afire.

My most recent shop purchases have been a new housing for the saw and a cover for the magnifying glass. –Bill Aurand

Sawed-Off Gun Cabinet

Itching to use my new tablesaw, I decided to build a gun cabinet. What could be easier?  I took some measurements of a rifle and went to work. Who needs plans?  After five weeks of building and three coats of lacquer, I installed the glass doors, selected my favorite rifle and set it in the cabinet. It looked great! Proud of my accomplishment, I decided my favorite shotgun would go in next. Did you know that shotguns are longer than rifles? I did, but I’d forgotten…Ugh!  After grabbing a hammer and almost throwing it through the garage wall, I settled down and went to work. I cut a 2″ wide channel in the top, inside the cabinet, from end to end. I lined the channel with felt and installed another top and more molding. Until now, very few knew that the channel the barrels rest in was by accident and not design.  Looks like it was “planned” that way. Friends who see the cabinet think the felt-lined gun-barrel channel is a great design feature. I guess it looks like I planned it that way! -Larry Hess