Mike58
12-24-2015, 10:29 PM
Haven't ran my machine in months. Our 5 front porch steps all have rotted and need replaced. I built the porch in 1998 and got the steps from Home Depot. They had grooves milled on the top side for grip which I liked. Treated lumber on everything, yet the steps have all rotted but the rest of the porch is still good. Having Christmas at our house on the 26th and as we will have "company" I felt I needed to replace the steps quick. We use the back door so it's not that big a deal for us as we never use the front porch. Anyway, Home Depot had 4 steps EXACTLY the same as the ones I got there in 1998, but 3 were cracked or split . Wanted to get them again, but as I need 5 and even if I got the cracked and split ones I still wouldn't have enough to replace what I have. So I got some 8 foot 2x12's and routed grooves in 2 of the 8 foot boards to make 4 of the steps. I got to thinking I could personalize the top step and carve our name on it, and then add the grooves to it afterwards.
So I created a file and loaded it into the machine to carve wanting to get it done tonight so I can install them all in the morning. The 2x12 was 4 foot long. Machine goes to measure the length and it stops moving and I hear a ripping sound. I quickly turned the machine off, but the left belt is ripped into. I sure wanted to show off my custom steps but guess they will all be routed with grooves until I can replace the drive belts and try again. Got an extra 4 foot of board that I will use and save the good one I intend on carving. Here's a screen shot of the top step I was going to carve. I could Laser engrave it I guess, but a little concerned about lasering pressure treated wood and thought carving it would look better and last longer. I might just laser the extra board and see in the morning.
So I created a file and loaded it into the machine to carve wanting to get it done tonight so I can install them all in the morning. The 2x12 was 4 foot long. Machine goes to measure the length and it stops moving and I hear a ripping sound. I quickly turned the machine off, but the left belt is ripped into. I sure wanted to show off my custom steps but guess they will all be routed with grooves until I can replace the drive belts and try again. Got an extra 4 foot of board that I will use and save the good one I intend on carving. Here's a screen shot of the top step I was going to carve. I could Laser engrave it I guess, but a little concerned about lasering pressure treated wood and thought carving it would look better and last longer. I might just laser the extra board and see in the morning.