VNAS May 2024 - Router Table Insert, Double Bass Stand, Honda Civic and a tiny bit of boat work

Finally got round to enabling my workbench to be easily converted to a router table. Very happy with the result. First (test) project was to make a small portable stand for my double bass. Also a success. Took the cylinder head off my Honda Civic to assess the damage - this is a long standing project. And had a look at how I will be fitting the internal grab rails to Serenity.

[@Scruffy1000]

Absolute genius inventions for the stand and the router table!, I tell you what Paul, you’re getting rather good at this carpentry lark, good on yer for sticking at it, you seem to have kicked your initial trepidation at attempting woodworking far away into the long grass and the improvement you’re making is fantastic and your attention to detail, sweating the small stuff and getting square things square and round things round is a joy to behold !
By the way, until you mentioned it I’d forgotten you had a boat in the garden 😮
All the best,
Richard.

[@verynearlyaboutsailing8114]

Richard, it's really strange. I was very nervous about woodwork until I threw myself into it, and had a go. I also know a very good carpenter who was very nervous about fiberglass work - until he tried it. I guess the lesson is to simply try everything. Just start slowly and be as accurate as possible.
And, what's that you say... I have a boat in the garden? Really?
Let me just pop out and have a look.
Blimey, you're right. How on earth did that get there? I guess I'd better do something with it then.
Cheers, Paul

[@jcfgh]

Great video. The double bass is quite unwieldy, isnt it? Have you thought about cutting it into several sections and hinging it, like a folding bike? Or alternatively, you could take up the recorder and just pop it in a pocket?? Best wishes. James

[@verynearlyaboutsailing8114]

James, good idea. I could adapt it so that if you fold it out one way it becomes a double bass. And in a different configuration it becomes a yacht tender. What could possibly go wrong?
I do sometimes wonder if I chose the right instrument. Trouble is, I'm a bit scared of Medusa, she's from Transylvania (no really) and quite a bit bigger than me. She might take it badly if I try and replace her.
Cheers, Paul

[@waynelaw8999]

Bit late now, but did you do a compression test on the Civic before you took the head off?

[@verynearlyaboutsailing8114]

Wayne, I should have done. But my compression tester has gone missing. I probably lent it to someone, then forgot who. It would have been interesting to check which cylinder had the problem. I did the 'standard' head gasket blown test. I filled the coolant system up with water then started the car... violent bubbles blowing out through the filler cap everywhere.
To be honest, the car is worth less than a tank of petrol. But I hate throwing things away that can be fixed. It will either work or it won't. Not a big job to be honest. But lots and lots of fiddly parts - old cars are so much easier.
Cheers, Paul