I just got back to perusing the GJ forum again. I haven’t had time for the past few weeks…too busy with projects. For example:
I finally completed the installation of our 24kw standby generator. It worked perfectly in a simulated power outage, and I like the app from Generac for monitoring, etc.
I overhauled the mower deck of the old New Holland GT18 garden tractor that I recently purchased, which involved welding a few cracks, replacing the spindle housings and bearings, replacing the axles for the anti-scalp wheels, installing new blades, replacing most of the fasteners and several other miscellaneous parts, plus lots of cleaning, sanding, priming, and painting. It should be good for many more years (if I remember to clean it on a regular basis to keep it from rusting).
Before:
After:
We decided to replace our old kitchen range with a new Wolf gas range. Wolf recommended at least a 500 cfm range vent hood, so I ordered one with a 680 cfm capacity. I wanted a secure mounting surface for the range hood, so I removed the drywall from the wall above the stove, blocked out the studs with more 2x4s, and installed 1/2" plywood in place of the drywall. I also installed new ducting for the range hood. I removed and repaired one of the existing wall cabinets while I was at it.
Back in the garage/shop again, I built a custom oak cabinet to go above the range hood. Wife wanted an open-front cabinet, but if she changes her mind, I can always add doors to it. I came ‘fairly’ close to matching the stain color of the existing cabinets…not exact, but close enough.
Another garage/shop project: I fabricated a stainless-steel backsplash from scratch. I used an orbital sander to texture the surface to soften reflections from the lights. I did the same thing on another backsplash about 20 years ago, and it worked great. The backsplash is secured by 1/4” x 3/4" stainless bar stock and countersunk stainless flat-head screws. I also added stainless panels to the sides of the cabinets above the range.
Backsplash in progress:
Softer reflections from textured surface:
Finished backsplash:
All in place. Just waiting for the new gas line to be connected by the licensed gas tech next week.
I wanted to go with a 36” range instead of 30", but our kitchen isn’t very large, and we need all of the available counter space and storage. It’s just the two of us in the house, and we don’t cook for large groups very often, so we can get by fine with a 30” range. Besides, I have so many other projects going on that I didn’t want to deal with swapping out kitchen cabinets and shortening the quartz countertop. I’m also planning to replace all of the cabinet hinges and pulls with stainless steel to help integrate the cabinets with the stainless appliances.
Now back to other projects...