Sandbags (illustrated)

[John]

If you have the ceiling height, you can make a great tool balancer using a sandbag and a couple of pulleys.

I have put washed gravel in the sandbag, the kind you get for the bottom of a fish tank, but if you prefer sand, better use a plastic bag as a liner to prevent leakage.



I think these are superior to the commercial balancers, as the tension remains constant when you pull the tool down, and you do not have to fight against a big recoil force as you work at bench level - even on a large frame - a lot cheaper too.

[markw]

John
were you a blue peter presenter in a former life?

hope the new shop is going well? - the idea of what we would do if we were to completly redesign our workshop is one i have often pondered - i have much too much clutter - and have learnt a few lessons about what kit i would buy - you are obviously doing just that. bit of kit i couldnt do without - large keencut glass and board cutter - being a short ass this makes cutting large sheets of glass easy - and safe.

sadly the old pub that is my workshop wouldnt allow for sandbags - even at my height they would be hazardous.

[SquareFrames]

Hi markw,

Try the Fletcher 3100, its a superb machine for cutting glass, MDF, mountboard, foamboard, perspex, etc.

I bought one about 6 years ago now, wishing I had bought it long, long before. Just bolt it to the wall and work away.

Steven

PS
Great idea Mr Noakes or is it Purvis?