Got a patio umbrella but didn't want to pay for a base. Have rocks, and and pail, figured I'd try making one myself.

So I have a piece of PVC secured in the bucket and then needed to lock the umbrella post into it. A person who values their time would have simply cross drilled and put in a pin, but I wanted to turn something so I made a circular wedge.

Turn a taper:

Bore for the post:

Then cut in half:

And done!

It's held up just fine in its first weekend of use.

Last fall I got an inexpensive 3D printer (Ender 3 Pro) and have been surprised at how it's made "shop life" better. What are your favorite things you've made for your shop? Here are mine:

#1: Milwaukee M12 Wall Mounts

Pictued above, this have 100% solved how to store these things. Just printed with PLA, they're quite strong and fit the tools perfectly.

#2: Tool Well Storage Bins

I made these to fit my bench's tool well. I had been using jars and other round containers but their shape wasted space and they didn't have internal divisions.

#3: Hex Bit Rack

Nice way to keep my most often used bits out of a drawer and easy to find.

#4: 4" x 120mm Dust Hose Adapter

While not glamorous I use this every time I use my table saw.

Finally got around to making a tool Caddy for the drill press. Clearly inspired by Lee Valley's.

I have holders for all my drill bits so this is just a tray to hold small stuff used with the tool.

Here it is disassembled:

I was able to use some barrel nut hardware saved from some big box furniture kit.. Lesson to never throw that stuff away!