Got a patio umbrella but didn't want to pay for a base. Have rocks, and and pail, figured I'd try making one myself.

So I have a piece of PVC secured in the bucket and then needed to lock the umbrella post into it. A person who values their time would have simply cross drilled and put in a pin, but I wanted to turn something so I made a circular wedge.

Turn a taper: !

Bore for the post: !

Then cut in half: !

And done! !

It's held up just fine in its first weekend of use.

Last fall I got an inexpensive 3D printer (Ender 3 Pro) and have been surprised at how it's made "shop life" better. What are your favorite things you've made for your shop? Here are mine:

#1: Milwaukee M12 Wall Mounts

Pictued above, this have 100% solved how to store these things. Just printed with PLA, they're quite strong and fit the tools perfectly.

#2: Tool Well Storage Bins

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I made these to fit my bench's tool well. I had been using jars and other round containers but their shape wasted space and they didn't have internal divisions.

#3: Hex Bit Rack

Nice way to keep my most often used bits out of a drawer and easy to find.

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#4: 4" x 120mm Dust Hose Adapter

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While not glamorous I use this every time I use my table saw.

Finally got around to making a tool Caddy for the drill press. Clearly inspired by Lee Valley's.

I have holders for all my drill bits so this is just a tray to hold small stuff used with the tool.

Here it is disassembled:

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I was able to use some barrel nut hardware saved from some big box furniture kit.. Lesson to never throw that stuff away!

This old catalog has large crosscut saws (sold by the foot!). They all have a rounded "belly" on the business side and I'm wondering why.

My best guess, without just googling it, is that it widens the last strip of wood thus reducing snap offs.