My logs come from trees that I have cut down on my property and my neighbors’ properties, Friends have also contributed to The Pile. Every time I hear the whirr of a chainsaw or the crunching of a chipper in my neighborhood, I jump in my pickup truck to see what is being taken down. Tree services and landscapers can be very generous. I frequently cruise by my town’s DPW (Department of Public Works) to see if there is anything interesting to be gotten, especially after a storm. I have also gotten some gems left along the side of the road.

The first machine is the Jet 10” Variable Speed Mini-Lathe. I placed it by the door so that I could move it out into the driveway with minimal effort. It is rather enjoyable to turn smaller projects outside when the weather is nice. I keep brooms hanging behind it and the dust pan on the floor. Some of my turning smocks hanging there as well. There are also some logs on the floor that I have been meaning to get to.

Next is the Jet-1442VSK. That’s a vacuum chucking system attached with some rare earth magnets on the side there. I have also built a drawer system underneath. It adds to the weight of the machine, helping to dampen vibration. But, more importantly, that is where I store my centers, chucks, faceplates, coring tools, buffing system, and various other accessories. I have a number of tool rests that live on the shelf above. To limit the chips from getting thrown all over, I installed a hospital curtain track system. I just pull around me to the door. Behind the curtain is my sharpening station. And beyond that is  another Jet 10” Mini-Lathe.

To the right is the chest of drawers with a metal vice on top which is holding my branding iron. Wood storage racks. An always cluttered workbench. Face shields hanging from long quick clamps clamped to the rafters. 2 chain saws on the floor. And a lawn bag for the sweepings which my town collects for mulching.

This is one of two cabinets I built and placed side by side above the lathe pictured below.  I placed the chisels for easy access on either side of the inside panels. Both are hinged in the middle to get to the storage inside, super glue on the left and my OneWay steady rests on the right. There are also drawers beneath for more accessories.