Below 265 SQ/FT 10' x 22' Project – ‘Officina di Attrezzi Veloce’
- Thread starter Trapps
- Start date
All workspaces below 265 squarefeet.
The mature Japanese Maple is a special tree we wanted to preserve. I did trim a couple of roots towards the house but only by a foot on roots that had been blocked by the previous pad. The patio space sees morning golden hour sun nearly year round. It’s a perfect place for morning coffee (me) or tea (her). From 9:30am onwards it is in the shade during spring, summer and fall. It is guarded by an enormous Sycamore we refer to as the tree of life.
MadeByMiller
Well-known member
I love every bit of that, sounds serene as can be! And thanks for identifying the Japanese Maple for me, I'm pretty plant illiterate.
Concrete was a success. I had 3 hired guns to direct and finish and 3 friends to help. Many hands made for a fairly easy pour. The truck arrived at 9:30am on Saturday and the crew left at 1:30. The mud was a bit wet and temps were cool so it took a few minutes to take off, but we got good results. I saw cut the control joints at 1.5" deep (recall the slabs are 4.25" thick) on Monday morning as it was just not set enough for me on Sunday. I pulled the forms Tuesday evening. It's all started to 'white out' now and I'm happy with the appearance. I have a few air pockets on some of the faces that I'll fill with some mortar, but for the most part, any unsightly edges will be covered by landscaping. Pulling the stakes was almost as difficult as setting them. The wet clay soil acted like a suction device on most of them. The forms are all going to a friend's place to form his driveway so I'm happy about that. Enough blah, blah, blah, here are the pics:
Right here. Dump the next load right here:
The skirts worked well:
I screwed a 2x to the forms to insure a straight saw cut. The 14" saw from Home Depot's rental department.
I was nervous as the step was a concern, but it came out great. 4.25" rise. The lead hired gun had suggested a long ramp, eliminating the step, but Mrs. Trapps argued successfully to keep it. As if that conversation could have any other outcome...
About the only thing I'd do different is wait another 20 minutes after troweling and before brushing; we had a few areas that just wouldn't pull cleanly with the brush. We rinsed after each pull too. I'm probably the only one who'll ever notice, and once its gone full white out, I think it'll be OK. There are a few air pockets on some side faces that I'll fill with some mortar.
8 Cu. Yd. was $1625 delivered on a Saturday. Concrete has been climbing rapidly for a couple of years (like seemingly everything else) and rumor has it the price of mud will climb to over $200/Cu. Yd. before the end of the year. That is a bummer because next year I want to do the driveway which will have close to 28 yards.
Right here. Dump the next load right here:
The skirts worked well:
I screwed a 2x to the forms to insure a straight saw cut. The 14" saw from Home Depot's rental department.
I was nervous as the step was a concern, but it came out great. 4.25" rise. The lead hired gun had suggested a long ramp, eliminating the step, but Mrs. Trapps argued successfully to keep it. As if that conversation could have any other outcome...
About the only thing I'd do different is wait another 20 minutes after troweling and before brushing; we had a few areas that just wouldn't pull cleanly with the brush. We rinsed after each pull too. I'm probably the only one who'll ever notice, and once its gone full white out, I think it'll be OK. There are a few air pockets on some side faces that I'll fill with some mortar.
8 Cu. Yd. was $1625 delivered on a Saturday. Concrete has been climbing rapidly for a couple of years (like seemingly everything else) and rumor has it the price of mud will climb to over $200/Cu. Yd. before the end of the year. That is a bummer because next year I want to do the driveway which will have close to 28 yards.
MadeByMiller
Well-known member
Turned out great!
nicholam77
Well-known member
That's turning out great, and love the Japanese maple!
jon72vega
Well-known member
The concrete turned out great!
Good job!
Good job!
Jblount3
Well-known member
Looked through this whole thing, love your use of space and the bikes. The trip looked great if you ever find yourself passing through Mankato Mn again look me up.
GeddyT
Well-known member
Awesome job on the concrete!
jbrentd
Well-known member
The patio and sidewalk turned out great!
Every project needs a little wabi-sabi... I'd say you knocked it out of the park! Great job!
Thanks a ton for all the positive comments; I really do appreciate it!
We are very happy with the outcome. I've started working on converting the 'pre project SketchUp' to the 'actual, post-pour SketchUp'. That will be a tool we'll use to plan the plants this winter. Deer resistant is an absolute must which unfortunately limits us in certain directions. Add full shade and suddenly the options diminish even further.
We're finalizing dimensions for the stone and other materials now that the concrete is in.
Here's a start. 7 Cu. Yd. each of Crushed Granite (R) and Ontario Trap Rock (L) was delivered this morning:
Were also shopping edging and leaning towards a metal solution that is clean and simple.
Back to Chet's this afternoon.
We are very happy with the outcome. I've started working on converting the 'pre project SketchUp' to the 'actual, post-pour SketchUp'. That will be a tool we'll use to plan the plants this winter. Deer resistant is an absolute must which unfortunately limits us in certain directions. Add full shade and suddenly the options diminish even further.
We're finalizing dimensions for the stone and other materials now that the concrete is in.
Here's a start. 7 Cu. Yd. each of Crushed Granite (R) and Ontario Trap Rock (L) was delivered this morning:
Were also shopping edging and leaning towards a metal solution that is clean and simple.
Back to Chet's this afternoon.
More progress!
These machines from Ditch Witch are just fantastic; quiet and very powerful in a compact design with excellent controls and ergonomics.
The Ontario Trap Rock comes as crushed (not rinsed or washed) so it has got a milky, dusty appearance when laid. Here you can see the rock as delivered & dry (background), just wet (middle) and rinsed (foreground) with a garden hose spray nozzle set to the proverbial 'full blast':
Once rinsed and dried it becomes a medium charcoal color that contrasts nicely with both the concrete and the brick. It will also coordinate with the new roof color:
We chose it based upon cost and appearance. It's also easy to walk on, a function of the size and being a high friction aggregate. While this is not a high use/high performance application, it is a durable product used in roadway and railroad construction. We liked other aggregate options better, but they were 2.5 to 4 times more expensive.
I was short on my order and need about 2.5 more yards of Trap Rock to finish. I'm not looking forward to that as I'll be moving it old school style. Shovel and wheelbarrow.
We're still waiting on edging samples, but I feel a huge sense of relief to have gotten this far while still enjoying good weather for outdoor projects. I'm still chasing some out of stock 'drain defenders' and will be adding the downspout offsets I ordered from Gutterworks. I'll also be updating/upgrading the exterior electrical outlets and painting or replacing the crawlspace and dryer vents from white to black.
Sláinte!
These machines from Ditch Witch are just fantastic; quiet and very powerful in a compact design with excellent controls and ergonomics.
The Ontario Trap Rock comes as crushed (not rinsed or washed) so it has got a milky, dusty appearance when laid. Here you can see the rock as delivered & dry (background), just wet (middle) and rinsed (foreground) with a garden hose spray nozzle set to the proverbial 'full blast':
Once rinsed and dried it becomes a medium charcoal color that contrasts nicely with both the concrete and the brick. It will also coordinate with the new roof color:
We chose it based upon cost and appearance. It's also easy to walk on, a function of the size and being a high friction aggregate. While this is not a high use/high performance application, it is a durable product used in roadway and railroad construction. We liked other aggregate options better, but they were 2.5 to 4 times more expensive.
I was short on my order and need about 2.5 more yards of Trap Rock to finish. I'm not looking forward to that as I'll be moving it old school style. Shovel and wheelbarrow.
We're still waiting on edging samples, but I feel a huge sense of relief to have gotten this far while still enjoying good weather for outdoor projects. I'm still chasing some out of stock 'drain defenders' and will be adding the downspout offsets I ordered from Gutterworks. I'll also be updating/upgrading the exterior electrical outlets and painting or replacing the crawlspace and dryer vents from white to black.
Sláinte!
MadeByMiller
Well-known member
Super clean! I see you did a layer of the crushed granite, then fabric, then your Ontario Trap rock. Can you explain that to a layman like me?
Life's been complicated, as it is for most of us. I've several things to update and share; I'll try and catch up chronologically.
Our friend, @MadeByMiller makes, among other things, 3D printed desk mats. I’ve been messing with a logo for my shop for a while now and Austin, being the skilled designer he is, helped me finalize the logo. I had a concept and rough idea which I’d translated into this set of sophomoric designs:
He returned this:
Which then became this:
The printing and detail is fantastic. It all nests together as if designed to do so. Imagine that! It snaps together like giant puzzle with a satisfying 'click' to create the mat. Scale is spot on and the colors are vivid and clear. I love the honeycomb infill on the storage box.
Thanks, Austin!
________________________
Thankfully, we had fewer leaves to bag this year, just 68:
Of course we had a little fun:
The Little Wonder blower is still performing well, but I think I need to clean and perhaps rebuild the carb now that the season is done. The 6.0HP Subaru SP170 engine 'hunts' a bit at anything below 1/3 throttle.
__________________________
More Auto maintenance capability has been added to the arsenal. More of a convenience than anything as tire top ups are a 2 minute drill now. I can skip the compressor and hose. Yea, I'm getting lame in my old age.
The Makita DMP181 is good for 160PSI, so that covers all I might ever need.
I also needed some new jack stands and these Big Reds had enough good reviews (and very few negatives) that I took the plunge:
____________________
After 5 months of waiting for the right buyer, I sold the 1098S Tricolore. It had become a garage queen and deserved to be ridden as intended. I put less than 300 miles on it last year.
It needed new hoops and a Desmo service, including timing belts. I would pay for the Desmo service at Ducati Detroit if the buyer paid asking price. Tires were up to the new owner. I didn't need to sell which afforded me some measure of patience. I think all parties are happy with the deal. I've earmarked the cash for another project.
More to come...
Sláinte!
Mark
Our friend, @MadeByMiller makes, among other things, 3D printed desk mats. I’ve been messing with a logo for my shop for a while now and Austin, being the skilled designer he is, helped me finalize the logo. I had a concept and rough idea which I’d translated into this set of sophomoric designs:
He returned this:
Which then became this:
The printing and detail is fantastic. It all nests together as if designed to do so. Imagine that! It snaps together like giant puzzle with a satisfying 'click' to create the mat. Scale is spot on and the colors are vivid and clear. I love the honeycomb infill on the storage box.
Thanks, Austin!
________________________
Thankfully, we had fewer leaves to bag this year, just 68:
Of course we had a little fun:
The Little Wonder blower is still performing well, but I think I need to clean and perhaps rebuild the carb now that the season is done. The 6.0HP Subaru SP170 engine 'hunts' a bit at anything below 1/3 throttle.
__________________________
More Auto maintenance capability has been added to the arsenal. More of a convenience than anything as tire top ups are a 2 minute drill now. I can skip the compressor and hose. Yea, I'm getting lame in my old age.
The Makita DMP181 is good for 160PSI, so that covers all I might ever need.
I also needed some new jack stands and these Big Reds had enough good reviews (and very few negatives) that I took the plunge:
____________________
After 5 months of waiting for the right buyer, I sold the 1098S Tricolore. It had become a garage queen and deserved to be ridden as intended. I put less than 300 miles on it last year.
It needed new hoops and a Desmo service, including timing belts. I would pay for the Desmo service at Ducati Detroit if the buyer paid asking price. Tires were up to the new owner. I didn't need to sell which afforded me some measure of patience. I think all parties are happy with the deal. I've earmarked the cash for another project.
More to come...
Sláinte!
Mark
MadeByMiller
Well-known member
Thank you Mark for the glowing review! I really had fun helping you to bring your shop logo to life and I'm stoked with the color choices you made in the desk mat. That red grid is so striking! It's been a real pleasure to work with you and all of the other members here that have chosen to support me and purchase a desk mat and I truly appreciate it.
That's an insane amount of leaves! I'm sure that was a tough decision to let go of that beautiful bike.
Wishing the best for you and your family during the holidays, Merry Christmas!
That's an insane amount of leaves! I'm sure that was a tough decision to let go of that beautiful bike.
Wishing the best for you and your family during the holidays, Merry Christmas!
GeddyT
Well-known member
That desk mat--and its packaging--are things of beauty! Makes me wish I had a shop table so I would have a reason to order one. I would ask what 3D printer was used, but I'm guessing it had to be a Carbon X1?
MadeByMiller
Well-known member
Thank you very much! I take a lot of pride in them. A good friend of mine likes to give me **** about the printed case, and I admit, it's totally not necessary, but I think it's cool! Yes you guessed correctly, I print the desk mats using USA made Atomic PETG filament on my Bambu Lab X1-Carbon machines.
The lights in the shop finally pushed me over the edge. 3 of 6 failed in less than six years. Maybe, given the price point, my expectations were too high. So I ordered some wildly popular internet and Garage Journal darlings, bright and brighter Barrinas. I now have bright, surgical and retina shriveling. I'll install the wiring over the Christmas break, tying into the old stuff and switches.
_________________________
On the subject of lights, Mrs. Trapps and I were out to dinner a few months ago and saw this interesting art install in a restaurant that served as lighting. Hundreds of branches woven together and decorated with interesting ornaments and lights. Could we do something like that she asked. Sure. I didn't give it much thought and then a few days later, while in the back yard, I had an epiphany.
I failed to get a before pic, but there all jumbled up on the ground, is a not insignificant tangle of vines I pulled down, some more than 25 feet long.
I screwed some hooks and eyes into joists over our dining room table and then made a cradle out of fishing line.
It's one stalk. The distance between the blue wall and the last light is just under 16'. Mrs. Trapps ordered a vase on line to serve as the base:
Ah, someone is waaaaaay behind on his dusting...
I am searching now for the right hooks to replace the mish mash of things I had on hand. I'll also replace the green line with clear. I thought the contrast with green line would work better on the vines. But the more I look, the more I think it's too visible against the ceiling. My hope is that the clear just disappears altogether.
It was a pretty big hit with the small Thanksgiving crew, ten people, we had this year. For more than a decade we've hosted 16 to 22 people. 10 was difficult to cook for - leftovers totaled nearly a metric ton. Or so it seemed.
Mrs. Trapps is thrilled.
______________________
Sticking with lights, I like Christmas lights but I am not a fan of installing them so I limit myself to just two trees, one in the back-yard, a 7' Black Hills Spruce:
This was pretty cool with the deer:
And in the front, a mature Japanese Maple:
[
The center spire is 16'.
______________________
More to come...
Sláinte!
Mark
_________________________
On the subject of lights, Mrs. Trapps and I were out to dinner a few months ago and saw this interesting art install in a restaurant that served as lighting. Hundreds of branches woven together and decorated with interesting ornaments and lights. Could we do something like that she asked. Sure. I didn't give it much thought and then a few days later, while in the back yard, I had an epiphany.
I failed to get a before pic, but there all jumbled up on the ground, is a not insignificant tangle of vines I pulled down, some more than 25 feet long.
I screwed some hooks and eyes into joists over our dining room table and then made a cradle out of fishing line.
It's one stalk. The distance between the blue wall and the last light is just under 16'. Mrs. Trapps ordered a vase on line to serve as the base:
Ah, someone is waaaaaay behind on his dusting...
I am searching now for the right hooks to replace the mish mash of things I had on hand. I'll also replace the green line with clear. I thought the contrast with green line would work better on the vines. But the more I look, the more I think it's too visible against the ceiling. My hope is that the clear just disappears altogether.
It was a pretty big hit with the small Thanksgiving crew, ten people, we had this year. For more than a decade we've hosted 16 to 22 people. 10 was difficult to cook for - leftovers totaled nearly a metric ton. Or so it seemed.
Mrs. Trapps is thrilled.
______________________
Sticking with lights, I like Christmas lights but I am not a fan of installing them so I limit myself to just two trees, one in the back-yard, a 7' Black Hills Spruce:
This was pretty cool with the deer:
And in the front, a mature Japanese Maple:
[The center spire is 16'.
______________________
More to come...
Sláinte!
Mark
jon72vega
Well-known member
Your dining room lighting is pure art!
bugnut
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Really liking the dining room lighting. Would clear monofilament fishing line disappear.....
Thanks Jon!
I hope it does. I'm still searching for the right hooks/eyes. I need enough length to get through the drywall and into the lumber.
You're a gambling man, I saw that Pcar muffler mod. Show her!Love that dining room lighting! .....internally/morally debating showing my wife
nicholam77
Well-known member
Great updates! That desk mat looks amazing, great job Austin @MadeByMiller !
I have a small compressor for tire fill ups and the like, and I seldom do tire fill ups because it's annoying to fill the tank and drag the hose around. The little Makita you got looks convenient, and if it's convenient you'll use it.
I'm not even a bike guy but I'm sad to see the Tricolore go. I get it, though. Hopefully you don't regret it... my brother sold his 899 for similar reasons (just wasn't ridden enough and was moving cross country), and I think deep down he wishes he kept it. It's a lot of cash to free up, though.
The dining room light sculpture is super cool and creative. Is it going to be a permanent installation or just a holiday fixture?
What's in the woodpeckers box, I need to know!!
I have a small compressor for tire fill ups and the like, and I seldom do tire fill ups because it's annoying to fill the tank and drag the hose around. The little Makita you got looks convenient, and if it's convenient you'll use it.
I'm not even a bike guy but I'm sad to see the Tricolore go. I get it, though. Hopefully you don't regret it... my brother sold his 899 for similar reasons (just wasn't ridden enough and was moving cross country), and I think deep down he wishes he kept it. It's a lot of cash to free up, though.
The dining room light sculpture is super cool and creative. Is it going to be a permanent installation or just a holiday fixture?
What's in the woodpeckers box, I need to know!!
Right now, no plans to remove the light sculpture. It's grown on me more than I thought it might and Mrs. Trapps really likes it. I've always been attentive to bike tire pressure; it is a part of every pre-ride check for me. I'm saved by the fact I still have the Mutistrada; otherwise parting with the 1098 would have been a bit more emotional. Read on for the new tool(s).Great updates! That desk mat looks amazing, great job Austin @MadeByMiller !
I have a small compressor for tire fill ups and the like, and I seldom do tire fill ups because it's annoying to fill the tank and drag the hose around. The little Makita you got looks convenient, and if it's convenient you'll use it.
I'm not even a bike guy but I'm sad to see the Tricolore go. I get it, though. Hopefully you don't regret it... my brother sold his 899 for similar reasons (just wasn't ridden enough and was moving cross country), and I think deep down he wishes he kept it. It's a lot of cash to free up, though.
The dining room light sculpture is super cool and creative. Is it going to be a permanent installation or just a holiday fixture?
What's in the woodpeckers box, I need to know!!
_____________________
I saved my Menards rebates for more than a year, which funded this:
I'll be incorporating it into my long planned, constantly evolving, not even started yet, MFT.
Every new project requires a new tool, correct? Or, is it every new tool requires a new tool? This is Garage Journal, both?
Typical Woodpeckers quality, excellent. The blade, with no adjustments, wasn't too far out:
Some minor tweeks will put me into the <0.007" target for the blade. I'm not building high end furniture here. The fence on the other hand needs some major adjustment:
Off by 0.028". Fortunately, it is a known issue and resolution seems straightforward.
I've got more work to do adjusting the saw, but so far I am happy with the acquisition. For the first use, other than a couple of test cuts before I got the gauge, I cobbled up a few birdhouses for Mrs. Trapps to paint:
____________________
More small parts storage and organization:
This time, in the standard (thin) version of the DeWalt Pro Organizers (currently on sale at HD for $12.88)
They integrate well with the current stack and attatch to the deep version.
I don't get the pricing of these things. Deep is $25, but previously, I got them on sale for $10. The shallows are normally $30 which makes about as much sense as airfare pricing. Less for more? Detroit > Dallas is more expensive than Flint > Detroit > Dallas the same bird/flight from DTW to DFW.
___________________
Deer here are a daily sight. Here's a couple of Backyard Bucks from this fall:
This is actually my neighbors yard:
___________________
Transformation of the house continues:
Sláinte!
Mark
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I've been saving coins for about 15 years. At the end of each day, whatever is in my pocket gets dumped into a liquor bottle tube (mostly Scotch). While the rate of accumulation has waned considerably over the past few years, mostly due to so many non-cash transactions in today's world, I've still kept adding.
I had always felt I'd wait until something came along that was out of the ordinary, something special, I might want, but didn't need. Car or motorcycle parts, a vacation, gear for golf, skiing or diving. Perhaps that Mafell DuoDoweller I've lusted after for years...
Anyway, I'm sorting and counting (well, a machine is). Each one of those 16 tubes is over 90% full. And yes, they are heavy.
Here's a silly game:
1. How much, in terms of USD will I get?
2. How many different countries will be represented?
I had always felt I'd wait until something came along that was out of the ordinary, something special, I might want, but didn't need. Car or motorcycle parts, a vacation, gear for golf, skiing or diving. Perhaps that Mafell DuoDoweller I've lusted after for years...
Anyway, I'm sorting and counting (well, a machine is). Each one of those 16 tubes is over 90% full. And yes, they are heavy.
Here's a silly game:
1. How much, in terms of USD will I get?
2. How many different countries will be represented?
GeddyT
Well-known member
$827.39
Four countries.
Four countries.
nicholam77
Well-known member
Intriguing. I'll say $500 and 5x countries.
Nice pick up on the Bosch saw. Now you have no excuse to get that MFT going!
Those DeWalt organizers are well-priced, I might have to consider a few of those.
Nice pick up on the Bosch saw. Now you have no excuse to get that MFT going!
Those DeWalt organizers are well-priced, I might have to consider a few of those.
I guessed $1,500 and 8. All of us were quite low. It's also been closer to 20 years (some pre Euro currency serves as evidence).
*I've never been to China
Having closeted, hoarding, pack rat tendencies is usually not a good thing. But sometimes holding on to things makes sense in the end. The 20 year old car stereo gear I listen to in the shop. Storing, and moving these coins, twice.
Now what to do with ~800 compact discs?
Sláinte!
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Mark, my coin hoard is tiny but I've done the same 'empty pocket change every time' routine for decades. My downfall is our prime shopping locations are ReStore and various thrift stores. We pay cash and because they are all charities I tell them "keep the change."
jbrentd
Well-known member
Only 1 paper clip in all of those canisters...that surprises me. lol
Just getting caught up from mid-December. The desk mat is awesome...I just wish I had some cool personal or company logo to put on one of them. It and the new Big Red jack stands coordinate well with the space.
Just getting caught up from mid-December. The desk mat is awesome...I just wish I had some cool personal or company logo to put on one of them. It and the new Big Red jack stands coordinate well with the space.
House mods continue. We've been biting off manageable chunks, and yesterday's two large front windows really have an impact on the appearance of the house. It is becoming the MCM / Modern mash-up we were hoping for.
I have been a wood filling, sanding, caulking, painting fool. New windows equals new trim, clear pine jamb extensions and poplar picture-framed 1x4 casings. 7 windows are done with 6, including 2 very large windows, to go.
I am a firm believer in the philosophy that painting is 75% prep and 25% execution. I got acceptable results for a DIY guy by loosely following this process:
Light sand, slightly breaking all edges.
Caulk all gaps.
Fill all holes and smooth transitions with wood filler.
Sand with 150G.
2nd coat of filler, this goes on very thin.
Sand with 180G.
Tape as cleanly as possible.
1st coat primer.
Sand with 220G.
2nd coat primer.
Sand with Fine and Extra Fine foam drywall sanding blocks (I like 3M).
Finish coat (brush on, then roll out).
Sometimes the order moves a bit; usually when I find one of the several things I missed along the way. Bright lights help.
I'm a fan of HandiPail tools for both cutting and rolling. The brush holding magnet in the cut bucket is a total game changer!
Not very eco conscious of me, but the ease and convenience is tough to beat. I let the liners dry completely and just toss them in the trash. Obviously spraying would yield a better final product, but that's a skill and tool set I'm not interested in acquiring.
The two windows flanking the front door are rather large at 75" tall by 128" wide. Because they're lower than 18" and have more than 9 SF tempered glass, and its significant upcharge, is required.
Interior before:
Interior after:
More trim painting on the menu for me...
This is November of 2016, the day we wrote the offer on this house:
It will be our retirement home and we've been chipping away at it as funds and time allow. With the installation of these windows, the 'envelope' is nearing completion: roof, gutters, garage doors, windows.
Yesterday afternoon:
Not much shop time per se, but I have been busy.
New items in the shop:
1/2, 3/8, 1/4. A significant improvement over the Companion trash and newer Craftsman ratchets in the drawer. My old ratchets I inherited from Grandfather are still good!
Hopefully I can use these to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the table saw.
For Christmas this year (including one as a part of my GJ Secret Santa 'victim' gifts) I gave out these bottle openers. An extra one must have fallen into my cart...
I hope your year is off to a great start; thanks for checking in!
Sláinte!
Mark
I have been a wood filling, sanding, caulking, painting fool. New windows equals new trim, clear pine jamb extensions and poplar picture-framed 1x4 casings. 7 windows are done with 6, including 2 very large windows, to go.
I am a firm believer in the philosophy that painting is 75% prep and 25% execution. I got acceptable results for a DIY guy by loosely following this process:
Light sand, slightly breaking all edges.
Caulk all gaps.
Fill all holes and smooth transitions with wood filler.
Sand with 150G.
2nd coat of filler, this goes on very thin.
Sand with 180G.
Tape as cleanly as possible.
1st coat primer.
Sand with 220G.
2nd coat primer.
Sand with Fine and Extra Fine foam drywall sanding blocks (I like 3M).
Finish coat (brush on, then roll out).
Sometimes the order moves a bit; usually when I find one of the several things I missed along the way. Bright lights help.
I'm a fan of HandiPail tools for both cutting and rolling. The brush holding magnet in the cut bucket is a total game changer!
Not very eco conscious of me, but the ease and convenience is tough to beat. I let the liners dry completely and just toss them in the trash. Obviously spraying would yield a better final product, but that's a skill and tool set I'm not interested in acquiring.
The two windows flanking the front door are rather large at 75" tall by 128" wide. Because they're lower than 18" and have more than 9 SF tempered glass, and its significant upcharge, is required.
Interior before:
Interior after:
More trim painting on the menu for me...
This is November of 2016, the day we wrote the offer on this house:
It will be our retirement home and we've been chipping away at it as funds and time allow. With the installation of these windows, the 'envelope' is nearing completion: roof, gutters, garage doors, windows.
Yesterday afternoon:
Not much shop time per se, but I have been busy.
New items in the shop:
1/2, 3/8, 1/4. A significant improvement over the Companion trash and newer Craftsman ratchets in the drawer. My old ratchets I inherited from Grandfather are still good!
Hopefully I can use these to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the table saw.
For Christmas this year (including one as a part of my GJ Secret Santa 'victim' gifts) I gave out these bottle openers. An extra one must have fallen into my cart...
I hope your year is off to a great start; thanks for checking in!
Sláinte!
Mark
MadeByMiller
Well-known member
Wow Mark, what a great upgrade! I really like that cove treatment in the room with the wood flooring. I just love your house and your treatments have been very complimentary.