Woodbutchers?

Power tools in the campground? Mr. Ranger isn't going to like this, Yogi.

"I think you need to find a quieter hobby unless you are not going to use any of the power tools from that well equipped home shop. I know we wouldn't like to hear power saws, lathes, sanders, shapers, planers, and routers in the site next to us."


" X2. Last week we were at a CG and there was a guy there doing some carving. That was really cool until he started using his Dremel tool. I can't imagine someone using power tools at a campsite.
"

I think you guys have the wrong idea of my plans. I'm not looking to set up a Production Woodshop. A lathe turning greenwood bowls or a scroll saw making intarsia operate as quietly as a TV and certainly quieter than even the Honda generators.
Jim

quasi wrote:
"I think you need to find a quieter hobby unless you are not going to use any of the power tools from that well equipped home shop. I know we wouldn't like to hear power saws, lathes, sanders, shapers, planers, and routers in the site next to us."


" X2. Last week we were at a CG and there was a guy there doing some carving. That was really cool until he started using his Dremel tool. I can't imagine someone using power tools at a campsite.
"

I think you guys have the wrong idea of my plans. I'm not looking to set up a Production Woodshop. A lathe turning greenwood bowls or a scroll saw making intarsia operate as quietly as a TV and certainly quieter than even the Honda generators.
Jim

I think you have the wrong idea about how far power tool sounds can carry. The campground is no place for power tools.

quasi wrote:
How do you haul your equipment? We have a 5th wheel with little storage room left. I was thinking of adding some kind of cargo box to my pick-up and was wondering how other guys do it.
Jim

In addition to the truck bed, consider adding boxes to the front end and to the rear of the 5er.

You could also add a swivel wheel trailer to the back of the fiver which is not considered a double tow. They often carry bikes, ATV's etc. With a storage container you could carry a lot of stuff but consider how to unhitch it when desired with the extra weight.

Swivel wheel.

Noise - Jim is correct, a good lathe or Scrollsawing will be quieter than an air conditioner. No problem. Hand carving just as quiet. Do remember to put down a ground cloth for chips though, a lathe throws a lot of curls (I is an old queen bedsheet).

Lathe - I chose the comet for its size, weight, and slow end speed. I'm very happy with it and would recommend it. When I purchased it came with a small nova chuck that works well with this lathe.

The knockdown stand I made takes up little space. I put the lathe, stand, and tormek in the 5er, and the chisels etc (with plastic tubing over ends) in a Stanley water resistant box in truck bed. I built a box that goes on back of 5er for lawn chairs, genny, etc to clear up a little space in the basement.

I also rough turn bowls on the Powermatic at home and just carry the dried blanks, some cut rounds for platters, and a little Watco for finishing.

Traveling now without the lathe, PM me in a few weeks if you want me to send s pic of the stand when I get home. Good luck, you'll be surprised the people that will love watching you turn :)

I carry small blocks of bass marked up and roughed in with the band saw along with a few of my carving/whittling tools.

quasi wrote:


I think you guys have the wrong idea of my plans. I'm not looking to set up a Production Woodshop. A lathe turning greenwood bowls or a scroll saw making intarsia operate as quietly as a TV and certainly quieter than even the Honda generators.
Jim

Well, that wasn't clear in your OP. You said "wood butchery". That doesn't sound like a quiet activity. Even so, depending on the distance away from the next site, a Honda generator or TV can be heard quite clearly. On a cool day the noise from a lathe or scroll saw would easily carry through a CG. They are not much quieter than a Dremel tool.

I'm not saying not to practice your hobby. All I'm saying is to be conscious of your neighbors. A lot of us go camping to get away from grating noises.

I carry a small (18") electric chainsaw with me. It's handy for cutting firewood up to about 8" in diameter. Several times wood carvers have asked me to cut flat rounds out of fallen lumber for them to carve on. The saw is also handy for clearing smaller trees which block access roads. It's not a workhorse by any means though. Light duty only.

Several times other campers have asked me to clear a few stray branches that block access (clearance) to otherwise perfect campsites. In certain areas, the rangers should be consulted before cutting anything.

Chum lee