Thread: Catchin the Rat........An Introduction to the Woodrat Joinery System

Gidday

Heres a great resources that takes you through the Woodrat from opening the box to practicing Dovetails:

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/wr-2.htm

And furthermore heres a continuation of projects from WoodShopDemos:

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/wr-58.htm

I've found these great 'Ratter' resources that help to de-mystify what the Rat is all about; what it can do and how to go about it!!!! I must admit there appears to be a steap learning kerb in regards to mastering the Rat.........................N look foward to the challenge

REgards lou

Hey Lou,

I have a 'Rat. Bought it last year. While I do a lot of handwork, for much of my commercial work I use it. I think you'll find that when you learn one thing using the rat, the next thing you do will become easier. It's the only machine I have ever experienced that with.

Too, you will find ever more uses for it. And jigs. You'll think of many jigs. As a starting point for jigs, check out Aldel's site in the UK:

http://www.aldel.co.uk/

Also, for useful goodies, there's The Craftsman's Gallery:

http://www.thecraftsmangallery.com/M...T&Store_Code=W

Take care, Mike

Thx for the post MikeW

Any advise you'd give to new Rat Owners? Thinking back to when first starting with the RAt what were your most important observations..........Anything you'd pass on???

REgards Lou

Hi Lou,

Just make things. First thing I made was a small wall mounted cabinet with box joints, mortise and tenon door with a raised panel, stopped dados for the 2 shelves and a ply back in order to mount by the rat for the little bits and bobs for it.

That was a bunch of small, non-critical operations in order to learn how to use the thing. I then did a couple boxes for holding work things with lots of parts. Made them using the dovetail cutters to learn pins and tails.

After that, it was a real life project. I took it slower than I normally would have so I could catch any mistake. Didn't have one.

I have found that for me, I could not use their directions exactly for producing dovetails. Most of that was due to my router, a Festool, I understand. But I mostly use the directions on Aldel's site. Once you've successfully made a few, you'll be able to pretty much set up and begin cutting DTs in short order.

Not much help, really. Sorry 'bout that. Mainly just start making non-critical things that use the types of joinery you use. I don't know about you shop, but mine can always use something. No better way to practice to me.

Take care, Mike

Gidday

Well my new WoodRat precision Joinery Machine arrived this morning at about 10.30am All secure and intact thx to the 2 Miles of bubble wrap Steve entombed her in.

A Big thx to Steve AKA: Auld Bassoon who was a true gentleman to deal with n Highly recommended as a Seller if he's wanting to part with any further gear down the track!!!! Very trustworthy & a true blue bloke!!!!

For me the next step is familiarising myself with all the bits and pieces & developing a plan to mount the Rat in my new Shed. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

As with all new toys its a bit daunting at this stage of the process but I'll try and share as much as I can as I learn along the way. What I hope to do is share Information with those interested in the Woodrat & new owners alike.

REgards Lou

Gidday

Well after a sight inspection by my Lovely Foreman Imogen we finally decided on a home to mount the Rat. I must admit this posed a few new challenges for me as all the framing of my new shed is steel angle of various sizes and thicknesses...........Stuff i've never worked with before.

After a lot of agonising I came up with the idea of Laminating MDF to size. The plan being to use the MDF Joined to the structure of the shed as Cleats to mount a large sheet of Melamine vertically.

I decided that Laminating MDF to 50mm would be durable enough for the job & not move around as much as some structural grade hardwood.....And yes I'm going to seal it!!!

I drilled some pilot holes into the Steel angle Slapped on some West System Epoxy and dove some 75mm Steel Screws into the MDF & steel structure. I pre fabed some pilot holes and washers on the Drill press in the MDF cleats before going 'on site' as I found that this is a great way to torque down this kind of stock in the past.

I can highly recommend the Pump systems that are sold as an accessory for West System Epoxy.....I had no problems mixing and preping n found it a great system far superior to the 2 pack syringe setups that stuff up 1 in 4 times from my local harware stores.

Hey there

.............N heres the finished Job. Nothing fancy just some cleats that I can now mount some melamine to. The Melamine slab I'm planning on using is 1210 * 1880mm I'm not to sure which is th best way to go about this?????

Should I mount the Melamine directly to the MDF????

OR

Make a frame mount to the MDF then mount the melamine to the frame????

I want to make this structure as solid and sturdee as possible It must not flex while the Rat is mounted to it!!!

All Ideas really appreciated!!!!

REgards lou:confused::confused::eek:

Hi Lou!

Be sure that those metal rails are sturdy enough to take the weight of the Rat plus Router and wall mounting (say 45Kg) - plus the weight of any timber stock you might want to put through the machine - without any noticeable flexing.

Similarly make sure that those rails have a secure backing, because I for one wouldn't want Mr Rat, a screaming router, plus a ruddy great lump of timber come falling towards me when using the beastie

When I had it, it was mounted with a number of 150mm masonery bolts into a brick wall...

Cheers & enjoy!

OK Steve

The obvious question - why don't you still have it :confused:

Gidday

Well as some of you are aware I've now had my Rat for quite some time with seemingly no use as yet. I've decided to have a play in my shed for a few months and get my hands on a decent dustie before I start seriously getting into the Woodrat & what she can do.

Also at this stage I'm still not to sure where to mount the Rat in my shed However I'm soon to make a few decisions. What I can do though is make a few initial observations about the Setup of the RAt & the path I have chosen to try & get the most I can from it.

If there is an initial weakness to this Joinery system for the Average hobbiest woodworker its the initial cost to set up & get the most from the Rat. Indeed the official Woodrat Router Bits are expensive as is kitting out a bit set to create some versatility in those first few projects.

It soon becomes obvious that taking the plunge to own; master and develop an intimate knowledge of the limitations & what you can do with the woodrat joinery system is more like a marriage requiring a substantial dollar & time investment.

But as those who have already taken the plunge with the rat already know............. the potential versatility and the ability of the Rat to develop into a dedicated joinery system in the workshop regardless of size is its lure.

REgards Lou

Originally Posted by NewLou

But as those who have already taken the plunge with the rat already know............. the potential versatility and the ability of the Rat to develop into a dedicated joinery system in the workshop regardless of size is its lure.

REgards Lou

sounds a bit like what i said earlier tonight in the woodrat vs dovetail jig thread in the router section - not the easiest system to master but well worth the effort as far as i can see, having not mastered it yet

Gidday

I guess theres 2 schools of thought in regards to stocking up on bits. Buy as you go and need a certain type of bit for a particular job OR alternatively buy bits and stock up creating a kit that you think you might need (This is the way I have decided to go - See Pics)

Consider getting your hands on some quality s<!--StartFragment -->olid carbide up cut spiral bits these babies are expensive (Check out Carb-i-tool & CMT's range) but provide a great quality cut in woodrat Joinery Processes. The way I've decided to develop my kit I'll hopefully give me maximum versatility in exploiting the potential of the RAt

REGards Lou

Originally Posted by NewLou

Consider getting your hands on some quality s<!--StartFragment -->olid carbide up cut spiral bits REGards Lou

definitely agreed, can see great potential for upcut bits with the rat

Don't expect to be able to use the RAt straight outta the box. Theres a process involved in regards to mounting the Rat that takes some care and consideration.

Also a good dust collection system is a godsend all router owners knowing the potential mess these puppies can throw around the workshop!!!!

Be warned to get the most from this system try to give yourself pleanty of room either side of the Rat. In addition something most seem not to consider to much is the Vertical space you allow for stock when using the RAT. I'm presently working on a JIG to address this issue.

REgards Lou