I just released my June 11, 2012 Chiefwoodworker’s Newsletter. In it are a couple of graduation stories, appropriate for this time of year, a new SketchUp Ruby Script tool (beta release) and some modeling techniques. The Table of Contents is:

  1. Installation and Graduation Time at the New England School of Architectural Woodworking
  2. New England School of Architectural Woodworking Class Schedule
  3. Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking
  4. Lie-Nielsen – An Exceptional Quality, Made In America and Customer Conscious Company
  5. Jesse Moy Graduates
  6. CutList Bridge – an Export tool for Flexible Cut Lists with Special Features for Cabinetmakers
  7. SketchUp Home Construction Is Proceeding On Schedule

Check it out.

Some Days You Should Just Stay Out of the Shop!

Delta Motor PlateSaturday was a bad day in the shop. I was working on drawers for my cherry bedroom chests, cutting dadoes and rabbets, when the lights dimmed and the table saw came to a halt. A quick look uncovered a tripped breaker. I also smelled burning. That was late in the afternoon. I was depressed because I knew I had big problems, so I just left the shop without cleaning up. When I have problems like this, running from them is what I do. It’s either that or throw something.

Starter Winding Chared in Upper Right of PictureI got back in the shop around noon on Sunday. It took me 2 1/2 hours just to free my table saw from my built in cabinet and table top, and to free the motor from the Delta cabinet. I opened the motor up, praying non-stop as I did, that the problem was just a  $10 centrifugal starter switch.

Rotor Burned and Badly GroundWell, God didn’t listen to my prayers (I’m sure God is a she). You can see that from the photos. The starter winding is burned up and the stator and rotor are severely ground and burned. After a number of phone calls I located a motor company that sells and equivalent Delta 3HP motor – Delta doesn’t stock and sell the motor anymore. I had never heard of the company I located, Leeson Motors, but it is the only one I could find after a long internet search. Hopefully my new $560 motor will arrive on Friday so I can get back in the shop next week. I’ll keep you posted on my recovery.

Some days you should just stay out of the shop!