Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT The 12-Gauge Garage

[Zeke]

Re: Garage Movie Double Feature

That is wonderful Jack! Not sure if it was the music in the first film but as she rose I almost had a tear in my eye!

I don't know, I leaned back and had a good laugh in the kindest way.

But, Jack, your wife must think you're crazy. However, I'm sure you have some great vids of your fine young son set to some cool music.

BTW, what was that music in the build vid? Liked it.

 

[54FordPanel]

Re: Garage Movie Double Feature

Very cute video.

Yet, once again, I see your garage and I just want to go slightly mess it up.

Good work!

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Ha! You are kidding -- because it's TWO minutes you'll never get back. I tried shortening the music, but I don't have the audio-editing skills it required.

I meant Whitetrash's four paragraphs of explanation on your folding tables, not your video. I LOVED the video, especially the 2001 soundtrack - very clever.

The switch is mounted up above the center bench, but I knew I'd look stupid standing there pushing the button.

I had originally planned to have it mounted as foot pedals down under the swing away panel on the side of the center island, but worried that my kid might figure it out. So now it's up and out of his reach. Of course, before he gets too much taller I'm going to have to come up with another level of security for it.

Black switches? Not painted 12 Gauge Green? I know; just repurpose a metal box to put them in and paint IT green.

I really like where you put those pedals/switches - much more convenient. The good thing about their placement is that if your son finds them, he has to be on the other side of the island from the lift to operate it. (It's not til one of his little neighborhood buddies comes along that you'll have to worry about it...not that I know anything about that sort of thing!) Excellent work through and through.

I'm already "Jonesing" for the next installment of the Olsen garage. I KNOW you have something else in mind, you've got to.

 

[Jack Olsen]

"Open the garage bay door, Hal".

"I'm sorry, Jack, I'm afraid I can't do that".

That made me laugh out loud.

You SHOULD put them behind the swing away panel. Then install a lock on the panel to keep small hands and feet away from them.

I'm still thinking about my options. I want to have a lock or a switch for the power. The garage itself is going to have to stay locked most of the time, too. Lots of ways for a young kid to get hurt out there if I'm somewhere else.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Jack,
Have you read what the young guy in "The Lapidated Garage" thread did with relays and remotes? Maybe put your rollup and ped doors on that kind of a system. I'm guessing you can assign an easy PIN number to the remote that only you & your wife know. Then there's no key to find and even if the kids later get ahold of the remote, they can't get in. Just an idea.

 

[Flange]

I want to have a lock or a switch for the power.

One option is to fit a lockable switch. If you google it you should come up with a suitable switch which has a key lock built into it.

 

[ADaughen]

That made me laugh out loud.

I'm still thinking about my options. I want to have a lock or a switch for the power. The garage itself is going to have to stay locked most of the time, too. Lots of ways for a young kid to get hurt out there if I'm somewhere else.

Tag out/lock out on the main power feed to the lift?

If it isn't something you'll use every day, might as well have a safety cut-out on it.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Re: Garage Movie Double Feature

Thanks very much guys. I meant the Space Odyssey clip in a joking sort of way -- so any smiling or laughter is expected. Then again, after digging that thing out and mixing all that concrete, my emotions at seeing the car go up were just about as bombastic and over-the-top as the music.

You freakin movie guys in LA with all of your fancy CG! Or.....were you behind the island operating the lift pedals and the door remote?

I tapped into the lift pedal wire, and was crouching back there with three alligator clip leads to hold together, counting out 'one Mississippi...' At one point, my wife came out and saw the lift moving in the empty garage. She just rolled her eyes and called out that dinner was almost ready. I was grateful I wasn't going to be using the actual audio.

Looks great Jack. I do have a suggestion for your video to really show off the lift installation and how well it looks. When the door opens the Porsche should be out of the garage so we can see the floor space. Most viewers would not notice the lift. Then edit in the Porsche and show it raising with the lift.

I think the seamless installation in the floor is worth showing.

That's a great idea, actually. Right now the clip doesn't show the 'invisible' nature of the lift at all. But it would also mean doing this again, and find a way to move the car past where the camera sits without moving it -- which is probably not going to happen. I'm proud of what I did. But I'm also very lazy.

BTW, what was that music in the build vid? Liked it.

The kind of minor-key music on the build video was chosen because it was the right length, more than anything else. But it's a German band called Eisbrecher (Icebreaker?), who usually play stuff that's much more... heavy metal. It's called 'Ruhe.'

 

[Oldtymeflyr]

Re: Garage Movie Double Feature

Jack:

It great the way it is. Thanks for keeping us tuned into

"Garage Wars."

 

[gussteve]

Re: Garage Movie Double Feature

jack my hats off to you brother ,i like yer set up.

 

[jabberwoki]

Re: Garage Movie Double Feature

(don't know why, but you can't embed movies in threads in the Garage Gallery forum )

Can you not fix this now?

 

[slimpickins]

Great vids Jack. lmao! Squankum's suggestion on the soundtrack was perfect!

I think that video has changed the mental picture in my head of what goes with that music. Now whenever I hear that music, I'll remember yer garage!

 

[billscamaros]

That video is too funny .... but then again I've spent 10 mins watching WVU students burn couches on YouTube .... so everything is funny at this point! So that's where my tuition dollars are going, son.

As usual, Jack, your creativity is inspiring on so many levels. Good work!!

 

[Stuart in MN]

How many wires in those pedal switches, and what voltage are they switching? A neat solution would be a three position, spring to center keyswitch. You have to insert a key, then hold it in one position or the other to run the lift up or down. Places like Allen-Bradley or Square D make them, they're generically called oiltight switches. You can get them configured with all different kinds and numbers of electrical contacts to suit your needs.

Here's an example from the Allen-Bradley catalog.

http://www.ab.com/en/epub/catalogs/12768/229240/229244/2531083/tab4.html

edit: I re-read the above posts, and it sounds like you just need to switch 24 volts to go up or down, that makes it fairly simple. You can sometimes find these kinds of switches at surplus places, or on eBay or other online sources.

 

[Corsario]

Re: Garage Movie Double Feature

Jack, are you sure you are a writer? I think movie makers should look at you with careful respect, you know what I mean? Maybe I can hire one people that solves two roles!!!!!
Chapeau!

Corsario

 

[NUTTSGT]

Re: Garage Movie Double Feature

As usual, Jack out does everybody else, leaving us in awesome of his small but awesome garage. Very well, done Jack, well done indeed. I love the flooring on the top of the lift, your attention to detail is phenomenal.


BTW, watch out somebody might file a grievance on you for making the movie instead of writing them.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Something like this?

I'm setting up an automatic ebay search.

 

[mdbeck1]

Jack,
Have you read what the young guy in "The Lapidated Garage" thread did with relays and remotes? Maybe put your rollup and ped doors on that kind of a system. I'm guessing you can assign an easy PIN number to the remote that only you & your wife know. Then there's no key to find and even if the kids later get ahold of the remote, they can't get in. Just an idea.

One of my "other" jobs is a NRA rifle safety instructor. We like to get the kids (ages 8+) by themselves and ask them if their parents have firearms, do they know where they are, and do they know where the key is? Almost ALL of the kids can answer YES to all three questions. ...and if the parents have cypher locks the kids usually know them too. Kids are curious and are constantly watching their parents. They will eventually get that cypher code.
That's why my gun safe key is in my wallet. If my son want it he's gonna have to knock me down or wait until I dig it out.

 

[abstamaria]

Lift

Now. back to the lift...
I have two video clips, but this particular forum won't allow video embedding. So I've rigged it another way.
Here's the glammy presentation video:

I love the video, Jack, and the background music is perfect. What a neat job on the lift! I am envious.

I considered a lift like yours, but didn't think it would work for my motley collection (It might not suit the MG TC and Lotus Elan, for instance). Now, you have me thinking seriously about a lift again. I was already perfectly happy before I saw your video.

Fantastic work, as usual. Congratulations.

Best,

Andres

 

[Stuart in MN]

Something like this?

I'm setting up an automatic ebay search.

Here's the brochure for that particular switch: http://www.camdencontrols.com/pipelines/resource/17242_CM_11002000_SpS_Rev1_Ap11.pdf It looks like it can be configured with two switches, but I'm not entirely sure it works with a left-center-right configuration. It appears to be more or less a regular key lock like you'd put in a door, with a couple microswitches on a bracket mounted on the back side.

edit: here's what I'm talking about: http://cgi.ebay.com/Allen-Bradley-Keyed-Switch-800T-J631-800T-XA-Contact-/220746079178

Put it one of these boxes: http://cgi.ebay.com/Allen-Bradley-800T-1TZ-Enclosure-NIB-AB-800T-/120708733027

 

[gussteve]

This is the first i have seen of your garage, looks great man,and well you got me wanting the heavy duty cabinets, I am already looking for some.Im still building my garage and regret not taking more photos along the way.eventually i'll post some photos.good work!

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

One of my "other" jobs is a NRA rifle safety instructor. We like to get the kids (ages 8+) by themselves and ask them if their parents have firearms, do they know where they are, and do they know where the key is? Almost ALL of the kids can answer YES to all three questions. ...and if the parents have cypher locks the kids usually know them too. Kids are curious and are constantly watching their parents. They will eventually get that cypher code.
That's why my gun safe key is in my wallet. If my son want it he's gonna have to knock me down or wait until I dig it out.

EXCELLENT points.

I agree and I withdraw my suggestion.

Your comments about kids reminds me that when mine were young and I considedred putting in a pool I was discussing the idea with someone who pointed out that where adults see a 6 foot fence as a barrier, kids see it as a challenge. Needless to say I did not put in the pool and Jack should find another way of securing his lift.

P.S. An aside: My son is 29 now and about a year ago we were discussing his childhood and he told me that when he was 10 - the summer of the Rodney King riots in L.A. - his across-the-street friend, "Travis" showed him his Dad's gun! He knew where his dad kept it and they took it out and looked at it before putting it back. This made me literally break into a sweat some 18 years after the fact thinking about what easily COULD have happened...and I never knew.

 

[onething]

Great video you should consider a career in TV

Actually, for the first sixty seconds I was lol, then around 1:10, I started wanting a lift. While I praise your skills, I may grumble a bit more when I have to put the Miata on jackstands to change the oil this week.

You found the perfect "One more thing", sir.

 

[mdbeck1]

EXCELLENT points.

I agree and I withdraw my suggestion.

Your comments about kids reminds me that when mine were young and I considedred putting in a pool I was discussing the idea with someone who pointed out that where adults see a 6 foot fence as a barrier, kids see it as a challenge. Needless to say I did not put in the pool and Jack should find another way of securing his lift.

P.S. An aside: My son is 29 now and about a year ago we were discussing his childhood and he told me that when he was 10 - the summer of the Rodney King riots in L.A. - his across-the-street friend, "Travis" showed him his Dad's gun! He knew where his dad kept it and they took it out and looked at it before putting it back. This made me literally break into a sweat some 18 years after the fact thinking about what easily COULD have happened...and I never knew.

You may have misunderstood. My intention was to let you know that the kids WILL get into anything that you think is secure. When my son was TWO I placed an UNLOADED pistol on the couch and told him NOT to touch it. His immediate reaction was to attempt to pick it up. I dusted his bottom and repeated the exercise. On the third pass he looked at me ands said "wanta look". I picked up the pistol, cleared it, and let him look at the pistol while I held it. Then I put it back on the courch and told him NOT to touch it. He repeated his request several times that day. He did not touch a firearm without asking until he turned 14 and by then I had him in organized firearms instructor classes. I don't worry about him and firearms.

Basically I'm telling you to TEACH the kids what is safe to play around and what is not. It takes time, patience, and determination. Be fair and consistent.

 

[kfainf]

Re: Garage Movie Double Feature

Great job as always Jack! I love your attention to detail.

 

[mustangmccance]

Thanks, Dan. I had the tables fold up for two reasons. One -- as you mention -- was so the weight of the bench wouldn't be on the hinges when the table was in use. The hinges are plenty stout, I'm sure. But it was the principle of the thing.

But then, also: the legs are longer than the table top is wide. So having the table fold in a spiral pattern wouldn't allow the legs to fit back there, as far as I could figure it. With the top swinging up, the fold patter in more like a N, so the lengths of the legs don't matter.

But I'm sure it's possible to do it with the table folding down. I agree it would look better.

The other side effect is that it allows space behind the table for a storage area for lots of clamps. you would have to have a second door to cover that up if they hinged the other way.

As far as the lift goes, as always jack, it looks awesome and is designed to work in the space and situation you have available. That meets my definition of excellence.

 

[mrstang69]

Great Video! If you paint the foot switches green then mount them to the 12 gauge green cabinets your son will never find it!

 

[WhiteTrash]

I would make the controls removable. Just wire in a connection and then a lead on the controls. That way you can remove the controls when not in use. It could be secured in your 12 gauge cabinets. With a long enough lead, you can move it around in case you needed to see the contact points on the other side of the lift while you are lifting it. Or if you needed to be there to help hold something while using the lift to load and unload the Jeep. You said it was only 3 wires, so you could even use the ends of an extension cord. I would make the part going to the lift be the plug end to avoid any confussion of trying to use it as a powered outlet or someone trying to plug the switch into the wall. And the rest of the extension cord and the receptacle end going to the switch. Or you could use the same idea but clean it up by using one of these

They are available here

 

[Jack Olsen]

The funny thing is that the lift -- as it's manufactured -- uses a common PC three-wire power cord. This kind of outlet/socket:

I already bought a short extension so I could put the controls where they currently are.

 

[jmauld]

You're not going to be able to completely kid proof a garage. Take the advice above. Teach your children the dangers that are lurking around. Don't be afraid to describe why the items are dangerous.

My son knows that parts of his electric gokart are dangerous. He also knows how (and why) to avoid those parts.

I would make the assumption that at some point the child will be faced with a dangerous choice. Give him/her the tools they need to make the right decision.

 

[thomask]

Hey JACK,

I have been off site for a while and just got updated on your lift.

May I say over the top sir, again.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Thanks, thomask.

Here are a couple of other pictures.

It's nice that it's clean now, but the next project is some serious work on the 911.

 

[JMURiz]

Oooo, more 911 work, can't wait to read about it here and on the bird-board!

 

[kbuhagiar]

It's nice that it's clean now, but the next project is some serious work on the 911.

Don't keep us in suspense - didn't you just replace the engine not too long ago?

 

[Jack Olsen]

Yes, the engine swap is fairly recent. It developed a knock at my last track day that sounds a lot like a bad rod bearing.

At the previous track day, I'd lost both my v-belts. The one that went first got tangled in the second and did some serious damage to my crank pulley. It's a good lesson in how physics get kind of strange when you're dealing with very high RPMs.

This may have been enough to bend or hairline crack the crank. (Hard to say, but the engine was at high RPMs when it happened.) And flex or damage to the crank might have been enough to hurt a rod bearing.

I'm just guessing at this point, of course. I won't know much more until the engine is opened up, and that is going to have to wait -- since I've got a big work thing I have to finish before I can even get started.

(I did the lift first because I didn't want to pull an engine again with jack stands and know I had an uninstalled lift sitting 20 feet away.)

I'm not thrilled about having to do the engine work. But I'll keep you all posted.

 

[e-tek]

I laughed - I cried - I KISSED 3 minutes GOODBYE!!!!!

Just kidding Jack - it was a great video - very creative. Must be nice to have SO much time on your hands!

 

[boarderline]

Yes, the engine swap is fairly recent. It developed a knock at my last track day that sounds a lot like a bad rod bearing.

At the previous track day, I'd lost both my v-belts. The one that went first got tangled in the second and did some serious damage to my crank pulley. It's a good lesson in how physics get kind of strange when you're dealing with very high RPMs.

This may have been enough to bend or hairline crack the crank. (Hard to say, but the engine was at high RPMs when it happened.) And flex or damage to the crank might have been enough to hurt a rod bearing.

actually i just had a look on there site they really only cater for v8's...what about making some sort of belt guide so the belts cant come off


I'm just guessing at this point, of course. I won't know much more until the engine is opened up, and that is going to have to wait -- since I've got a big work thing I have to finish before I can even get started.

(I did the lift first because I didn't want to pull an engine again with jack stands and know I had an uninstalled lift sitting 20 feet away.)

I'm not thrilled about having to do the engine work. But I'll keep you all posted.

Man that sux's.. can you not use a stepped gilmore type pulley ? with teeth to stop the belts throwing off ??

 

[boarderline]

Actually i just looked on gilmores site and they really only cater for v8's ...what about making some sort of belt guide to stop the belts coming off ??

 

[Jack Olsen]

I switched to a single-belt system before the knock started. (The stock setup used a second belt to drive the alternator faster, since the car was getting more electronic nonsense in 1995. For my use, it was overdriving the alternator and wasting power.) For the single belt (which is what you see in the picture) I was able to use the inside sheave, which was still viable. But once the engine is out, I'll replace that three-sheave pulley with a single (and lighter) one. I've never heard of a problem like this with 911 engines -- I suspect it was like lightning striking. But the investigation is just starting.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I have one last video clip of the lift. My still camera does not shoot video, but it takes a nicer picture of the garage. So I snapped a set of still pictures and strung them together.

I wouldn't call it essential viewing at all, but here are all the videos in one place.

Time-lapse video with the better camera:



The glammy presentation:



The build pictures: