This project started in late 2011 when I got a new scroll saw and decided to learn the computer software program “SketchUp” about the same time.
The idea was to create a functional cabinet made of maple with slanted sides and front to match the angles on the scroll saw’s metal stand. The back was left vertical since the back of the scroll saw overhangs the cabinet. SketchUp automatically calculates the various angles and construction dimensions based on the measurements from the metal stand openings. (That is if you use the right measurements.) This project was built on faith that with the correct measurements, everything would fit in the stand when completed. The construction was taken in steps as I learned (or, should I say tried to learn) the various, fundamental aspects of SketchUp.
This cabinet design incorporates several features which are a little out of the ordinary: longer drawer guides so the various drawers can be pulled out sufficiently when working (photo 1); an odd shaped bottom, back drawer designed to use all available space (photo 4), while permitting a bottom front drawer long enough to store books and the instruction manual (the latter of which proved to be of limited value, c.f., http://lumberjocks.com/HillbillyShooter/blog/28247 ).
The center front drawer is set up to store an assortment of scroll saw blades (photo 2). Why so many? I’m fairly new to scroll sawing. Everything I read indicate there are no hard and fast rules—you just have to use various blades until you find out what works best for you. However, the holder is just an insert, so it can be re-designed in the future if a different or better approach is needed. Also, it’s not as confusing as it might seem since the types of blades are labeled on the drawer insert and the smaller sizes start on the left side, progressing to larger sizes on the right.
This is one project that has taken much longer than I’d like and I’m glad it’s finished. It did fit into the stand nicely, but the construction angles are off just a little because I used the metal stand’s very top rail measurement, instead of the measurement for the bottom of the top metal rail. At least everything else seems to have worked out, including the dovetailed slant front drawers. All drawers were dovetailed using a Leigh dovetail jig.
You have to use the “Zoom Pictures” view to get the full view of the cabinet in the stand due to formatting differences and limitations.
As always, comments (good, bad, critical or whatever) are greatly appreciated. Thanks for looking.
P.S.: If you are wondering about the software program SketchUp, I think it is worth the time invested to learn it. I appreciated the chance to see a project “built” before I began actual cutting and construction. I did invest in several learning programs by Bob Lang that I found thorough and helpful.
P.P.S. 01/08/13 Some of you have been kind enough to inquire about a copy of my SketchUp drawings, and thanks to LJ Sawstop, I was able to up load them to Google 3D Warehouse at the following: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/search?q=Hillbilly+Shooter&styp=m&scoring=t&btnG=Search . Thanks to everyone for their interest and remember to measure for your particular stand and that my cabinet was not wide enough at the top—so these are only a starting point. If anyone cares to improve or finish these, you have my encouragement with the hope you’ll let us know and share.