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Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT The Mary Kay Garage

Workspaces sized between 265 and 485 squarefeet.
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pickles

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Just curious, how did you determine the pattern to glue the blocks? Is it tuned to the room or just random?
There are a couple of different patterns available online and supposedly there is some science to it. It’s not random. For me it’s also not specific to my room. There is a lot of real analysis for the people who really get into this or do it for a living. I’m kinda just trying to follow very general guidelines and presume that it sounds better than an untreated room. To my uneducated ear the theater sounds great now. I presume that it will sound better once treated. Besides the treatments kinda look cool.

There are tons of resources on AVS Forum if you want to go down the rabbit hole. It’s a very deep hole.
 

billconner

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It's a quadratic diffusion panel, aka quadratic residue diffuser (QRD) or Schroeder diffuser, does disfuse the reflection rather than reflect it like a mirror. It is however very inefficient, effectively absorbing a lot of the sound energy as opposed to a flat surface of similar density. More significant in much larger rooms, Expensive as all get out to buy commercial ones.

Great project. Lucky kids.
 

bobg03

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The 69 Roadrunner I posted about awhile ago is still available and might still be something I do. If I a project like that I probably would consider some upgrades. Things like AC and disc brakes, maybe even upgrading the engine, but I would definitely want to keep the original appearance both inside and out - or at most the modifications that a Roadrunner would have had back in the time (headers and 15 inch Torq Thrust wheels perhaps).
That would be a day 2 car, what a gear head made for modifications right after the purchase and then no more changes.
If y'all gonna have headers and Torq thrust wheels it will be mandatory to install a set of Hi-Jackers air shocks on the rear.

Just to stay period correct... :cool:

Y'all have done a helluva job with all your projects, truly a joy to look thru your photos.
 

jbrentd

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Jul 8, 2015
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Northeast Oklahoma
Getting caught up on your thread. You will love the mini split and wish you had done it sooner. It is possible to install the condenser up high in between the two structures? I wouldn't want it taking up space on the deck either, but would understand if you had to put it there.

Also digging the Lego sets. I have to keep myself in check on those.
 

fouckhest

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Jul 24, 2013
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Greer, SC
I did something today. Signed up for a MIG welding class. Maybe soon I can use that welder I purchased about a decade ago and never once used.
Great way to learn the fundamentals and get some good reps in!

I would encourage you to start thinking about a/an project(s) at home, both while taking the class and after. Start small, then build up; maybe some shelf brackets or something in the beginning and then have plans for a table/stand/shelf, etc., for when you are done with the class so you will get out to the garage and keep using the new skill!
 
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pickles

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I am thinking of doing some sort of welding table. I have a space in the garage that would be nice for a small flip up welding table. M sure I’m not the first novice welder who wants to make a welding table.
 

pdubss

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Mar 16, 2013
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Great thread. I'm in the same area as you and have taken some welding classes at the Eastwood shop in Alsip (fantastic instructors). Also, probably want to familiarize yourself with them if you decide to restore a car. It's convenient to be able to pick things up as needed.
 
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pickles

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Pdubss. Thanks, that’s good to know. Yes the desire to be able to weld comes from a desire to do a full frame off restoration of a car. I am familiar with Eastwood, mostly from YouTube, but did not know that they had any presence in the Chicago area.
 

Vette60

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Mar 15, 2006
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Glen Allen, VA
Thanks for the update - love the lego sets. I need to finish the Corvette set that I started a ways back. My son bought me the 911 for Christmas. Need to get that going soon.

Good luck with the welding class - that's something that I thought about doing for a while now at the local Community College and haven't pulled the trigger. Anxious to see how it goes.
 

Jagmandave

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I assume your welder is a Mig? If it's a flux core, you'd be well served to convert it to gas if possible.....welding sheet metal with a flux core is NOT fun. You'll learn some of this in your welding class I think, although the ones at our school concentrated on thicker metal for the first timers. Thin metal takes patience and much lower amps!
 
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pickles

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I assume your welder is a Mig? If it's a flux core, you'd be well served to convert it to gas if possible.....welding sheet metal with a flux core is NOT fun. You'll learn some of this in your welding class I think, although the ones at our school concentrated on thicker metal for the first timers. Thin metal takes patience and much lower amps!
Yes, it’s a MiG welder. Class is just for MiG welding although they also have a separate Tig welding class too.
 

Jagmandave

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Yes, but does it have provision for a gas bottle and regulator? Cause if it does you're mostly there.....just need to go rent a bottle from the local gas supplier and put some 23-25 wire in it and go!
 
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pickles

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Yes, but does it have provision for a gas bottle and regulator? Cause if it does you're mostly there.....just need to go rent a bottle from the local gas supplier and put some 23-25 wire in it and go!
Yes. Both a bottle and a regulator. Don’t all MiG welders have them? I have no idea what I’m doing but the guy I used to work with who helped me buy it did.
 
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pickles

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So I got stranded by a car today. Never had that happen before. Errrr, well except for last Spring when I tried to drive Mary Kay back from Virginia.

That was understanding I suppose. Today was, to say the least frustrating. I was driving our Volvo XC90 to Michigan this morning and the car didn’t completely stop but it did go into limp mode forcing me to abandon my trip and to have it towed back to the local Volvo dealer. Of course it was negative four degrees at that time. AAA did come fairly quickly and I was able to stop at a Starbucks so I was warm and able to enjoy a cup of coffee while I waited. It could have been worse.

The Volvo is only a 2019 so not that old but I have put 185k miles on it since I bought it new back then. The car has generally been reliable until the last couple of months. I had a 2k repair to the four wheel drive system back then. I was hoping to get another 12 months out of it but now I’m thinking it’s time to go new car shopping. Will have to see what it takes to fix it.
 

tweidman

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As an owner of a 2020 v60, I am interested to hear what went wrong with your Volvo. Although, our v60 doesn't even have 30k on it yet and I doubt I will keep it more than a few more years. I love the styling and the much-improved interior, but have not been impressed with the build quality, considering the price. Very few wagons left in the US...
 
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pickles

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I’ll definitely let you guys know. This far it’s been pretty good. I’ve had to recharge the air conditioning system twice so there is a small leak that I haven’t tried to have anybody find and like I mentioned a momth or so ago I spent $2k to get the four wheel drive system fixed. It’s been slow to start from time to time as well but I’m going to assume that is either due to the cold weather and a weak battery or to whatever caused the problem today.

That said I’ve spent much of the day doing some online car shopping. If I can’t have a car that I’m confident I can get in a drive a few hours reliably I’m not interested in having it anymore.

I’ve been looking at wagons in particular. I wish BMW still imported a 3 series wagon.
 

gilr

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Your choices are limited, I love a wagon, and the Volvo, Audi, and Mercedes are about the only choices anymore. Move to Europe and the list really grows. Sadly, Americans seem to shun them. Maybe it shows my age, but I dislike an SUV. I love my V90, one of the best looking cars around, and fun to drive. No idea what I would replace it with.
 
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pickles

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A wagon would make a lot of sense for us. Our kids are older- our daughter is a junior in college and our son will be going to college in 18 months so our days of wanting a three room SUV are over. A two row wagon be a sportier experience vs an SUV, even a two row and since we live in a crowded city a smaller car than the current Volvo would be easier to manage. But a wagon would still give us the practicality for Home Depot runs.

Assuming we buy something brand new I think the Mercedes is the most appealing option. I do a ton of long distance highway driving. That’s how our Volvo has 185k miles. I really like the adaptive cruise control and the semi-autinomous steering which our current Volvo has. I don’t want to give that up. I don’t think that the Audi wagon offers that, but please correct me if I am wrong. The Volvo wagon does offer that but it’s very similar to the existing Volvo we have. I usually want to pick a more different option just to enjoy a diversity of automotive experiences. The Mercedes is really nice, does have good autonomous driving capabilities and is a fresher design than either the Volvo or the Audi. The catch, of course, is that it’s expensive. I’d be fine spending 50k or so which is what the other two cars cost but the Mercedes Ive looked at online today list for about 85k. More than I would want to spend, unless I suppose I trade in the BMW. but then I’d need to get a second new (or used) car. Will see
 
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pickles

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So here is the Volvo update. The car needs new spark plugs and a new purge valve. Cost is $1,100. I authorized that. They also recommended an additional $4,250 of additional work. New control arms, brake flush, alignment, software update, cabin air filter, timing belt, serpentine belt, air filter, and wiper blades. I know some of this is BS. Some of this I could do myself. But some of it should be done I suppose. I’m going to see what my new car options look like before I spend anything additional.
 

gilr

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Your research has turned up the same options as me, the Mercedes is the best looking of the current crop. Also, I do not like the Android Auto operating system used by Volvo, it has been plagued with failures ever since it was introduced. Just look at the Volvo forums, owners are livid at the failures. Until Google learns how to manage an auto system, I'd avoid it until they fix it. Seems like most software companies, they just throw it out and try to fix whatever fails. A really poor way to sell cars!
 

Uofime

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Jan 11, 2021
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Charleston SC
I’ve been there, few thing **** more than breaking down hours from home on a work trip!

I’m not 100% on the Audi wagon but I had a rental 24 Q5 in November, in Chicago actually, and it does indeed have automated cruise and lane keeping assist. I also have a 23 VW Tiguan that has the same.

The Vo might have had a misfire. Was the check engine light flashing? A cracked plug, water in a boot or corrosion can all cause misfires. Replacing plugs fixes those directly or indirectly and it was time anyway. Cost is a little salty, but that’s Chicago, 200$/hr labor.
With your mileage all the other stuff makes sense too (idk about the software update)
 

jcarapet

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May 22, 2017
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Texas
I am thinking of doing some sort of welding table. I have a space in the garage that would be nice for a small flip up welding table. M sure I’m not the first novice welder who wants to make a welding table.
Always a good project. A good option is a welding cart as well. if it rolls and holds stuff, criteria met. who cares if it's 1/16" out of square.

My only reservation/suggestion on a welding table is shop space and you will get the itch for something nice i'm sure. You might consider something like a small fixture table and building around that.

This one isn't exactly top notch, but will allow for the criteria of flip up, and you could build a base for it. Is at somewhat of a throwaway price too.

This or the langmuir is a good smaller size one. I linked the Primeweld because i have their TIG (like it) and they usually have good black friday deals.

There is also a DIY fireball top. Little bit thicker, Comes in multiple sizes so you could pick and choose based on space. Maybe even make your own base that allows for welder storage combined. Downside is it's a 3/4" vs. 5/8" system, so you are locked into their system. The dragon wagon stuff is also pretty cool but is not cheap and you sure as heck aren't going to be able to flip that up.
 
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pickles

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Weekend Update:

While it’s been warmer in Chicago this last week or so it’s still too cold for me to want to spend time in my still unheated garage. So I’ve occupied myself by continuing to work on some basement projects. That and doing some car shopping too (more about that soon)

Mostly I’ve been working on reorganizing part of the wood shop. I’ve focused on the east wall of my shop. I bought a mobile base for my jointer and now I can tuck it again the wall while not in use. This is a big improvement from before when I had to walk around it constantly while using the table saw. IMG_1661.jpeg
I also put a couple of banks of drawers on each side of it for extra storage. Much needed storage.
I also was able to create a space for the Dewaly planer I bought. Few months ago. My Grizzly is technically a jointer planer but it’s started throwing a drive belt constantly. It functions fine as a jointer but using it as a planer is basically not possible. So I bought the planer. The added benefit is that I no longer need to spend time switching the Grizzly over.

I built a pull out shelf for the jointer. I can pull it out to use it but when not in use it is out of the way against the wall. IMG_1680.jpeg
My drill press as belt sander are also stored here.
I plan to put some black Formica on the shelfs and to make some oak drawer fronts so that this area matches what I did for the outfeed table I have.


I bought a reel of dust collection hose. I m9unted the reel but hav3 not yet hooked it up to my dust collection system, I’ll also connect the planer too. It creates a ton of chips when in use.IMG_1662.jpeg
 
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pickles

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While I was at it I also decided it was time to organize some of my draward. I’m pretty proud how some of them turned out. IMG_1674.jpegIMG_1673.jpegIMG_1676.jpegIMG_1675.jpegThat said some of them are still a messIMG_1677.jpeg

I also used Sballer bins to organize some of my fasteners. IMG_1682.jpegIMG_1681.jpegThere still is a lot more organization to Do
 
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pickles

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About the new car:

First thing is it does not replace the 911. Nor does it replace the M5 - although I did think about getting rid of that car now but I guess I'm just not ready to let it go. Instead the new car replaces my wifes Volvo XC90. The Volvo was not that old - its a 2019 - but it had 185k miles on it and started causing problems. I had to spend about 2,400 bucks a month or two ago to fix the four wheel drive system and then 2 or so weeks ago it left me stranded by going into limp mode. I had to get it towed and it only cost 1,200 bucks to get it fixed but a week later it went into limp mode again. Its still in limp mode. I would have liked to get another year if possible out of that car but I'm really just not willing to live with a car that I can't get in and drive across state without worrying. Time to move on. Because its in limp mode I didn't even bring it to the dealer to see what they would give me As a trade in. I plan to get it fixed and then either bring it to carmax or sell it as the worlds cheapest 2019 Volvo on facebook marketplace.

I test drove a few cars - a couple of wagons and some smaller SUVs. The Volvo, for us, and as city dwellers, is a fairly big car. Three rows were nice to have when the kids were younger but now that one is in college and that the other will leave for school in a little more than a year a bigger car doesn't suit our needs anymore. A smaller size car is easier to live with in the city environment that we live in. We test drove 3 wagons. An Audi A4 (seemed like a dated design and it was too small inside), a Volvo (nice but to much like the XC90 that we are getting rid of and its boring to have the same car twice) and a Mercedes E450 Wagon (very nice but expensive). I thought seriously about the Mercedes but because it is 85 or 90k getting that would have meant that I would have traded in the M5. And then I would have also had to buy another new car. I was considering a Mini for my wife. At the end of the day it just didn't make sense to trade in an M5 and get 50k and then go and buy a Mini two door for 35k.

As far as small SUVs we drove the new Toyota Land Cruiser (engine sounded horrible and it was very slow) and the new BMW X3. I looked at Mercedes SUVs but didn't even bother test driving as I did not like the interiors. I didn't like the Audi SUVs either. The X3 was very nice and I actually thought we likely would order one of those. I was debating if I could live with the four cylinder or if I would spend the extra 10k to get the six. But then I test drove the Porsche SUVs and I just like them better. I did test drive the Cayenne and thought a little bit about getting either a Cayenne S or maybe their plug in hybrid model. Both of them would have been between 110 and 120k. Buying either would have, like with the Mercedes, meant trading in the M5 and then also buying another car for my wife to drive. Again I decided I wasn't wiling to let the M5 go just yet.

I ended up with the Macan. The same dealership where I got the 911 a year ago had the car in my post above. Its a 2024 base Macan that had been used as a loaner. They had a number of loaners that they were hoping to sell but the one I chose was the only one with semi autonomous sterling. That is something I had on my Volvo and I really like. It has just over 3k miles on it. I got it for 20k less than sticker - basically 56k. The car, as certified preowned, comes with a 3.5 year unlimited mile warrantee. I paid another 2k to extend that for an additional year. To me that makes a lot of sense as I expect to put at least 40k miles per year on it. Even thought its little more dated design than the X3 (the new version of which just came out now) the fact that it was slightly cheaper than the X3, felt a little bit higher quality, better built, especially inside and came with the unlimited mile warrantee made it make more sense to me than the BMW.

The car is the base trim level which means it only has a four cylinder (turbocharged) engine. Its sporty feeling - but it is not fast. Maybe I'm a wimp but I do have two other cars that are quick, I can live with not that quick with this one. Its silver - but a different silver than the 911. The 911 is a straight silver (its called GT Silver Metallic) and the Macan is more blue shade of silver (Dolomite silver). To be honest I probably would have chosen another color if I were ordering one custom but its fine. The car has all the options I needed - Apple carplay, distance cruise control, auto steering and heated seats and steering wheel. It also has memory seats - which is important to me as my wife and I intend to switch off using this car. I will use it when I travel for work to neighboring states (that is how we put so many miles on a car) and my wife will use for driving to work (6 miles) and around the city when I do not need it. This is how we used the Volvo in the last few years and why that car has so many miles on it. It has a couple of other options that I probably would not have chosen but which are nice to have - Sunroof, ventilated seats, 20 inch wheels. It also has a couple of silly options - puddle lights, chalk colored seat belts. and the Porsche crest on the seat headrests.

Anyway I thought I would share. Its always fun to get a new car and it was fun once again to spend time at the Porsche dealer with my son but like I said this isn't a particularly exciting car. Nice and I'm glad we got it but its no GT3.

With regards to the garage - this new car is in there now. She is with Mary Kay. The 911 is at the dealer getting its first scheduled service. My wife also broke the passenger cup holder so its getting that fixed too. They said I could keep it there for a week or two if I like. I"m going to start looking for a garage space for Mary Kay. I'm hoping to find something within walking distance of the house that is large enough that I can keep Mary Kay there when I am not using her or working on her. For now the garage will be for this new car and the 911 once it comes back from service. The BMW, sadly, will have to continue to be street parked.

Or maybe I'll be a four post lift?
 
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Uofime

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Mary Kay is in a convenient state for storage, in that it’s not so nice it demands a private stall. A (city) big size space and a good cover in a shared garage seems more than adequate for winter storage. On the off chance it gets a door ding, it’s not the end of the world, it could use a little paint and bodywork anyway.

That seems like a good deal on the macan. Unlimited mileage on a good interstate cruiser that you can still enjoy if find yourself on an amusing stretch of road.

How’s the transmission programming? VW seems all over the place on how they calibrate those. Some have a meaningful sport mode that keeps the turbo engine above the boost threshold and some just hunt the highest gear as quick as possible then have an unrefined level of steep ramp on the accelerator pedal/ torque request map.
 
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pickles

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Mary Kay is in a convenient state for storage, in that it’s not so nice it demands a private stall. A (city) big size space and a good cover in a shared garage seems more than adequate for winter storage. On the off chance it gets a door ding, it’s not the end of the world, it could use a little paint and bodywork anyway.

That seems like a good deal on the macan. Unlimited mileage on a good interstate cruiser that you can still enjoy if find yourself on an amusing stretch of road.

How’s the transmission programming? VW seems all over the place on how they calibrate those. Some have a meaningful sport mode that keeps the turbo engine above the boost threshold and some just hunt the highest gear as quick as possible then have an unrefined level of steep ramp on the accelerator pedal/ torque request map.

In normal mode the transmission programming seems fine and shifts about how I would expect. The dual clutch shifting is really smooth. It’s totally unlike the single clutch transmissions of old that I remember. In sport mode it’s a little aggressive perhaps. Ive only had it in sport mode for maybe one minute on the test drive so far. It holds a gear for a long time. There is nothing wrong with that other than this is not a particularly fast car. In Sport mode it maybe feels like trying to be a fast car that it’s not. Maybe it would be better if I were on some twisty mountain road someday.
I’m sure that 99 plus percent of the time it will be in the normal transmission mode. I’m going to be drive it to Michigan on Tuesday this week. Will be nice to get used to it and perhaps form some additional opinions.
 

Jagmandave

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We have two Audi Allroads (a 2017 and a 2018) and have owned a number of Audis for many years, with little to no issues with any of them but we don't drive the miles yearly that you do.

I don't consider the Macan a station wagon, but it is a tidy size and like all Porsches, well made and reliable. I think you made a good choice for you and your needs.......

PS: Get your wife the MINI, you'll both love it! In fact, unless you need the bigger car for your trips for some reason, you might find the MINI an even better road tripper!
 
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