It’s been a long time coming, but we’re finally making progress on getting the shop up and running again! With the sale of our old house finalized and temporary power now running to the garage, the dream of a fully operational workspace is getting closer to reality. While there’s still plenty to do before the shop is completely set up, one major step forward is happening soon: setting up a 3 HP SawStop.
Why the SawStop?
A table saw is the heart of many woodworking shops, and the SawStop was a no-brainer for safety, power, and precision. The 3 HP professional model provides the capability to handle everything from thin rips to heavy-duty milling while also offering peace of mind with its industry-leading safety technology. After months of being away from making, this saw will be a game-changer in getting production rolling again.
Steps to Get It Running
Even though the shop isn't fully operational yet, getting the SawStop set up is a critical milestone. Here’s what we’re tackling:
- Working with Temporary Power – While we’re still waiting on permanent electrical installation, having temporary power means we can start setting up key tools (like the table saw and lathe) and getting back to work.
- Unpacking & Assembly – The SawStop is a beast, and it will take time to get everything assembled and fine-tuned for precision work.
- Dust Collection Considerations – While the full dust collection setup may not be in place immediately, we have a plan in place to keep things as clean and efficient as possible.
- Testing & Calibration – A perfectly aligned saw means cleaner, safer cuts, so dialing in the settings will be a key step before getting into production.
A Big Step Forward
While setting up the SawStop is a major milestone, getting both the SawStop and my lathe up and running would be an even bigger step forward. With these two tools in place, I can finally start making again—whether that’s turning pens, working on new product designs, or just getting back into the groove of woodworking.
From here, the plan is to continue setting up the rest of the shop piece by piece, refining the workflow to maximize efficiency and creativity. It’s been a long road to get to this point, but the excitement of making again is finally within reach (I think).
If you’ve set up a SawStop or a lathe before, what are your best tips for getting them dialed in? Drop a comment below!
Stay tuned—Cross Cut Creations will be back with a fully functional shop soon!