Edge-lit LED sign

As a gift for my Dad, I made this edge-lit sign. It has Psalm 100:1-2 engraved on the face. This was done in 1/4" acrylic, using a home-made engraving bit on my work's CNC machine.
The baseplate I built from scrap hardwood. There is a dado at a slight angle on the top that lets the sign rest at a gentle tilt. From the bottom, I drilled holes and inserted 5 blue LED's and wired them (with a couple of resistors) to a 9v battery which is recessed into the bottom.

CNC machine plans

I have a Fireball V90 CNC router table at work. Now I am planning to make one for my garage shop. The cutting area on the Fireball is about 18"x12" x 3". My machine will be just under 24"x36"x5". I will be using 3/4" MDF, aluminum angle iron, v-groove bearings and ACME screws.
My plan is below. I am drafting it in AutoCAD. Most of the parts can be cut on the CNC table at work. Bill of Materials is expected to be under $400, not counting stepper motors, electronics and computers (I have these already).
Look for posts in the future.

Garage Workbench

Here's the workbench I finally got around to building. Now we have resigned to the fact that the car will never be parked in there (it's too big, anyway).
The top is 3/4" CDX Plywood, the legs are 2x4. The center of the bench is lowered to hold my 10" Ryobi 18v cordless miter saw. I plan to make a false top for it so that it is a flat surface when the saw is put away.
Below I can store my Vacuum, a small bench drill press, and something (maybe a bench sander...)


Also I thought I'd include a picture of the garage shelving I built a while back. This houses our hand-me-down kids clothes. It's made from 3/4" CDX plywood. Plans came from Handyman Magazine. There is another one on the adjacent wall.

new blog

I decided to start a blog that will cover all of my handy interests.
Hope you enjoy!