# # # Save Yer Fingers on the Shopbot # # #

I like to use the ShopBot at TechShop in San Jose - www.techshop.ws  and I like to use the dust collection hood that channels wood chips to the vacuum system.

It's tough, though, to keep that dust collection hood in it's place - the thumbscrew in the back is tough to reach and tough to securely tighten.

Sooooo...   I decided to stop whining and do something about it!

If you make this, Please Be Gentle!   Thumbscrews and their threads need TLC!  This is a Thumbscrew-assist Tool...

Step 1: Go to the Directory and Get the File.

I'm including the Corel Draw v15 file with the essential drawings for using 1/4" MDF.  (Can you imagine?  togo1919 using MDF?)

Cut out the pieces using the Laser Engraver.  The parts look like this.  Ignore the dotted line - it's associated with the text box, that's all.

Step 2: Assemble the Parts

DRY FIT BEFORE YOU GET ANY GLUE INVOLVED!

So I'm still finding splines to be handy for alignment and glue-up.  I used CA glue for this, just to make it fast and easy.  

I still have 5 fingers on both hands with NO WEBS!  Sometimes that CA glue gets tricky...

Here's one of the sides with the splines being added...

Step 3: Add the Center Piece...

And here we see the second piece of the stack added...

Step 4: Add the Final Piece of the Stack...

Add the final piece of the stack...

Step 5: Look at the End of the Key...

And you'll see something like this!  It's a very dark shot, but I hope you can see the channel...

Step 6: ... and Test It Out! ...

Once the glue is set, test out the new key to assist you in securing the dust collection hood!

Please to be having a nice day...