[CAUT] Portable work station completed

[Willem Blees]

Just for curiosity, Rob, how much did the cart itself cost? Not the 
lamps, and all the power cords, etc, but just the cart? It's a very 
good looking cart, but just for information, Grainger has a cart that 
looks very similar to yours, 3' x 6', for about $300. 

Wim 
Willem Blees, RPT
Piano Tuner/Technician
School of Music
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL USA

Quoting Rob & Helen Goodale <rrg at unlv.nevada.edu>:

> (was: Bringing the shop to the piano)
> 
> At last the portable piano service apparatus is complete.  What we
> have here is a complete work station that will allow comprehensive
> piano maintenance on-sight for any piano within the university music
> department.  Custom designed and built by yours truly.
> 
> The entire frame work is made from welded steel.  The work bench
> surface area measures 2' x 6' with a slightly smaller shelf below. 
> The surfaces are made from 3/4" OMB hard board with poplar molding
> around the parameter adding protection to the edges as well as
> providing a more professional appearance.  An area below has been
> designated for a permanent shop vac.  There is a custom designed rack
> on one end for storing the vacuum hose.  An extension cord is
> connected to the opposite end of the cart with an integrated cleat to
> coil it when not in use.  A multi-purpose power strip is permanently
> secured for general use.
> 
> A square sleeve is built into the under side of the bench.  A mating
> square tube inserts into the sleeve for a removable work light.  The
> work light was custom designed and build specifically for this bench.
>  Custom made brackets were cut and welded to secure a re-enforced
> florescent fixture.  This is connected to an adjustable arm, (made
> from a modified commercial grade paint roller extension handle), and
> can be extended nearly 30" above the work surface.  When not in use
> the light is inserted backwards into the sleeve and neatly folds up
> below the bench.  The sleeve extends to the opposite side of the
> bench to except other future planed accessories such as a removable
> vice.  There is plenty of space below for a large drawer-type tool
> chest with room to spare for other supplies or perhaps a compressor. 
> The bench rolls on 6" commercial grade castors, two fixed and two
> swivel.  There are two pedestal brake stands which extend or retract
> by stepping on a lever.  When set in the brake position the entire
> cart is as stationary and stable as any well built work table.  I was
> very impressed how well these things work.
> 
> I'm pretty proud of this one, it turned out far better than
> originally planned.  It rolls very smoothly and is built tough.  It
> should withstand heavy use for decades.  It will make servicing the
> university's +/- 60 pianos far easier.
> 
> Attached are a few pictures as promised.
> 
> Painting the completed steel frame
> 
> 
> 
> Power strip and extension cord on cleat.  Accessory end of sleeve
> visible.
> 
> 
> 
> Shop vac installed below.  Rack for winding 14' hose.  A bungee
> secures it.
> 
> 
> 
> Custom work light inserted into sleeve.  It can extend to about 30",
> angle also adjustable.
> 
> 
> 
> Pedestal brake behind swivel wheel.  Remarkably stable and
> effective.
> 
> 
> 
> "Joplin Rags" demonstrates.  (Note his foot prints in the concrete).
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Rob Goodale, RPT
> Las Vegas, NV
>