Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT 1950s Craftsman Garage retro remodel

[Red Leader]

RL-

I have been following your thread since the first post, and I love what you have done. It really is an inspiration.

For your door, you could paint it white then put on a print (think Gustav Klimt or another Seccessionist painter) or some shop safety posters from the 50's (can never have too many reminders).

Your workbench drawings remind me a lot of the Popular Mechanics articles from the 50's/60's that showed how to build workbenches/living room furniture. Maybe some of those articles may help. Another idea would be to use tanbar (is that the correct spelling) as a sliding cover for sections to keep them clean. That would still keep the vintage theme, and work with curves.

Best of luck with the baby... they are truly a blessing.

Jeff

Thanks for your thoughts! I really do like the idea of a 'safety poster' or something. I also really like the idea another forum member had with getting a steel door, that way we could attach our son's kid drawings and stuff with magnets. Both awesome ideas.

 

[Red Leader]

One more thing:

4. It probably wouldn't look as good as what you show, but for functionality, I would have the main bench overlap the rolling bench (or change the cantilever on the rolling bench to a swing down wing) so items setting on the main bench don't have to be moved to roll the bench out.

PM Sent.

Man, those workbench sketches are right on target. You have good vision. I love the curves and shelves and the whole flow. Play with it in Sketch-Up. You may want to think about the floating bench sliding over the long bench. It may want to go under, but the look would be different. The reason, right now, you would have to move the wall-o-matic to use the floater. Putting it back means clearing off the bench again. If it slides under, nothing to move. I know its a design thing, but it also needs to be functional. I like it floating, but if it needs to be near the corner, extend it to the wall.

RL, I think I figured out what inspiration your shop reminds me of... Erich Mendelsohn's Einstein Tower, built from 1919 to 1924 in Potsdam, Germany.

Mendelsohn designed a lot with the deco curves that you are using.

Keep up the great work.

Guys,

I really like your suggestion of putting the sliding table under the bench table. That was brilliant for you both to think of. When I started thinking about it, here's why:

1. Definitely from the 'messy' standpoint, it will be easier to put the two together when stuff is on the bench (as this point was previously stated)
2. The wall-o-matic mounting won't get funky (as was previously mentioned)
3. Now, I won't have to have a huge empty space under the sliding table so that it can fit over the bench. It can be solidly supported all the way to the end, and the little cubby it will fit into will make a perfect hole for a chair or stool when the two are separated and one wants to work at the workbench.

I don't think it will affect the cosmetics that much. In fact, it may even look better.

Thanks for that great suggestion! I'll do some drawings of it later!

 

[mdbeck1]

Guys,

I really like your suggestion of putting the sliding table under the bench table. That was brilliant for you both to think of. When I started thinking about it, here's why:

1. Definitely from the 'messy' standpoint, it will be easier to put the two together when stuff is on the bench (as this point was previously stated)
2. The wall-o-matic mounting won't get funky (as was previously mentioned)
3. Now, I won't have to have a huge empty space under the sliding table so that it can fit over the bench. It can be solidly supported all the way to the end, and the little cubby it will fit into will make a perfect hole for a chair or stool when the two are separated and one wants to work at the workbench.

I don't think it will affect the cosmetics that much. In fact, it may even look better.

Thanks for that great suggestion! I'll do some drawings of it later!

...another idea... On the "floating" part of the bench attach a flip down table section (on the side toward the wall). Then when you pull the floater away from the dock (wall) you can have even more table space by just flipping up a panel. I don't think I'd put a vice on that flip table but it would work good for more space during an assembly.

 

[shopnut]

...another idea... On the "floating" part of the bench attach a flip down table section (on the side toward the wall). Then when you pull the floater away from the dock (wall) you can have even more table space by just flipping up a panel. I don't think I'd put a vice on that flip table but it would work good for more space during an assembly.

If I understand you correctly, my dad did something similiar on his docking bench:



Of course, he knows the weight limitations on the folding wing and the possiblity of bench tip-over, but he really likes the extra space every now and then. He built the bench extra heavy (weight-wise) to minimize the risk of tip-over, however. And he stores things like fastener bins in there for a quite a bit more ballast - things that remain there more or less permanently. More details can be found in my parents garage thread if interested.

 

[Vernmotor]

I just had to post a pic of my old (I believe 1957 ) craftsman box. It was my dads. I have had it for 30 years..maybe I should restore it..but some of the decals on it are very old also. don't know how to get around that.

 

[mdbeck1]

If I understand you correctly, my dad did something similiar on his docking bench:



Of course, he knows the weight limitations on the folding wing and the possiblity of bench tip-over, but he really likes the extra space every now and then. He built the bench extra heavy (weight-wise) to minimize the risk of tip-over, however. And he stores things like fastener bins in there for a quite a bit more ballast - things that remain there more or less permanently. More details can be found in my parents garage thread if interested.

Very close to the idea that I was describing. I was thinking about off of one end. That way you wouldn't see it unless you "undocked" and you could have even more space.

Shopnut:
Look at the triangular shaped board that holds the top up. If it was square and almost hit the floor (say 1/2 - 1") you wouldn't need ballast in the main box. If the box got overbalanced it would only tip a little bit, hit the brace and stand on its own.

 

[Red Leader]

Quick update:

Got the formica sheet from the hab:

By daveamy at 2011-07-19
The biggest pieces broken off are actually my fault. But its all good This will be one workbench top.

Also picked up the medicine cabinet:

By daveamy at 2011-07-19

By daveamy at 2011-07-19

By daveamy at 2011-07-19

I've been thinking about color schemes - I'll have to do it up nicely. Definitely wanted a first aid kit in the garage.

In other news, it's been a sad day. My $5 habitat run turned into a $75 habitat run when I lost my multi-tool. I've racked my brain trying to think about what happened, but the closest I can formulate is that I may have accidentally left it on the top of my vehicle when I strapped the formica on. Its my own fault, so there are no excuses, but I'm pretty depressed about it. Had that thing 7 years. A Victorinox SwissTool. I feel like I lost a good friend

 

[408Chevelle]

Really cool project! I may have missed this, but what do you have planned for the ceiling?

 

[Red Leader]

Really cool project! I may have missed this, but what do you have planned for the ceiling?

corrugated steel, surrounded by wood trim.

 

[kbuhagiar]

I just had to post a pic of my old (I believe 1957 ) craftsman box. It was my dads. I have had it for 30 years..maybe I should restore it..but some of the decals on it are very old also. don't know how to get around that.

I think the best thing you could do is keep that box exactly the way it is.

It has some wonderful patina, plus I'm sure there is an interesting story associated with every sticker and decal.

Not to mention the memories of your Dad...

 

[Red Leader]

I just had to post a pic of my old (I believe 1957 ) craftsman box. It was my dads. I have had it for 30 years..maybe I should restore it..but some of the decals on it are very old also. don't know how to get around that.

That box is awesome! I agree with the other poster about keeping it as is, some things tell stories with their age, that piece certainly does. Other pieces age pretty gracefully and would be a shame to take away the original finish for a scratch here or there. Those scenarios are when I have a hard time refinishing an item.

That's why I prefer mostly the rusty, crusty "Please save me!" type of stuff

 

[Red Leader]

...another idea... On the "floating" part of the bench attach a flip down table section (on the side toward the wall). Then when you pull the floater away from the dock (wall) you can have even more table space by just flipping up a panel. I don't think I'd put a vice on that flip table but it would work good for more space during an assembly.

If I understand you correctly, my dad did something similiar on his docking bench:



Of course, he knows the weight limitations on the folding wing and the possiblity of bench tip-over, but he really likes the extra space every now and then. He built the bench extra heavy (weight-wise) to minimize the risk of tip-over, however. And he stores things like fastener bins in there for a quite a bit more ballast - things that remain there more or less permanently. More details can be found in my parents garage thread if interested.

Once again, you guys come through with genius. I think that is a GREAT idea to put a folding section hidden back behind when the rollaway table is under the bench. I can even make that fold down section slightly curved to match the other end so that when it comes out, it is symmetrical.

Awesome ideas, guys!

I was going to work on some practical sketches for the bench tonight, but I'm just too tired. Maybe tomorrow!

 

[Wingnut65]

Vernmotor, I'd have to agree, that is great just the way it is. Those stickers tell a long story. He even had a Don Gartlits sticker on there. maybe remove and polish the handles and latch and maybe remove some of the dirt and grime, but leave the stickers and patina as it is.

Quick update:
Also picked up the medicine cabinet:

By daveamy at 2011-07-19

That doesn't look like a medicine cabinet, but could be used as one. With the handle on top, latches on side and key holes on back, it may have been a large job-site first aid kit. Movable from one trailer to another and the small box to take carry around. Does the 'Important' sticker give any hints?

That could be painted deco style with a red cross and used as a first aid kit...

 

[Nightshift]

Mine shop kit is small, but it's at least 40 years old and might give you an idea for the front of your box. All kits I've ever seen from the era were painted white with red, blue or green lettering. The red on white theme might really pop along with your red Craftsman logos too ... Cheers, Bill

 

[Vernmotor]

Well thanks for all the thoughts . there are stickers on there .Where my Dad race in the 1959 NHRA nations. and other sticker from that time.. I have look for the right kind of rivets that hold the handles on..so I could take off to clean.. but no luck. by the way I really enjoy this thread

 

[Vernmotor]

just one more pic and I get out of red leader post !

 

[Vernmotor]

PS my dad comes by once in a while and see it.. and says you still got that old box ! just rolls his eyes LOL

 

[lonestarky]

If you do a lot of wood working, would you consider making the roll away bench or the stationary bench purpose built for wood working? I'm more of a metal guy myself, so I immediately jump to industrial fab tables with square holes for clamps and attachments...so for woodworking, maybe a slot to mount those aluminum T rails for clamps, side guides, etc. Mount a table saw to the part that slides under the other work bench, or maybe a router table. Perhaps some sort of woodworkers vice system to make it similar to a black and decker work mate or whatever those things are called.

Anything you can do to customize the bench for what you're doing will only help you in the long run. It's one of the things I notice about Jack's 12 gage garage. It's beautiful, but its just tables. And that's not a problem for him, because thats what he needs. I need a vice. Constantly. 2 vices in fact, mounted in line about 6 feet apart to hold long items when sawhorses wont work. Or I need a plastic curtain mounted to the ceiling so I can have a roll up/drop down paint booth when I need it. I'm always trying to think how to make things more purpose built. That seems more clever to me than just cleverly storing more bench space.

More than likely though, no one will agree.

 

[lonestarky]

Here's some "medicine cabinet inspiration" too. The colors are even close!

http://cgi.ebay.com/1950s-American-National-Red-Cross-First-Aid-Kit-/360275519673#ht_500wt_1180

 

[Red Leader]

So, I've been having a TON of fun drawing up difference designs for this workbench.

I've taken a lot of inspiration from the vintage Alemite stations and working in some of my own ideas. Then I've gleaned some ideas from you guys and from some other places.

I've been focusing a lot of my attention on the 'headboard' at the top of the station and sketching up some ideas. Here are the top two contenders. I'm leaning slightly towards the bottom one:

By daveamy at 2011-07-20

It is a triangular design that I saw in use here:

The triangular shape would have a light behind it and be illuminated with a logo when on. The front of the triangle would be like a translucent plexiglass or something similar. The wings would be a 3D shape and have a polished aluminum laminate. The entire facing would stick out about 1 to 1.5 inches from the main piece and either have rope lighting running behind it or some neon attached to the front strip (also laminated with aluminum facing).

Its a little hard to describe, but I can see it in my mind and it looks pretty cool. I've got several other designs but I'm trying not to make them too complicated. Then again, art deco can get pretty intricate. Its been a lot of fun.

Honestly, this has been so fun I feel like I could design and build these things for a living. I'm loving it!!!

 

[mdbeck1]

If you do a lot of wood working, would you consider making the roll away bench or the stationary bench purpose built for wood working? I'm more of a metal guy myself, so I immediately jump to industrial fab tables with square holes for clamps and attachments...so for woodworking, maybe a slot to mount those aluminum T rails for clamps, side guides, etc. Mount a table saw to the part that slides under the other work bench, or maybe a router table. Perhaps some sort of woodworkers vice system to make it similar to a black and decker work mate or whatever those things are called.

Anything you can do to customize the bench for what you're doing will only help you in the long run. It's one of the things I notice about Jack's 12 gage garage. It's beautiful, but its just tables. And that's not a problem for him, because thats what he needs. I need a vice. Constantly. 2 vices in fact, mounted in line about 6 feet apart to hold long items when sawhorses wont work. Or I need a plastic curtain mounted to the ceiling so I can have a roll up/drop down paint booth when I need it. I'm always trying to think how to make things more purpose built. That seems more clever to me than just cleverly storing more bench space.

More than likely though, no one will agree.

Nope... Wrong on that one. I'd agree that using the mobile table top would be a cool place to put a router table.

However I'd probably put the router in the MIDDLE of the rolling table. My router is in the middle of a 30X60 table and works REAL WELL. In fact I've been thinking about adding a 12X60 "wing" on each of the long sides. It would make handling LONG stock a lot easier.

I think the table saw on the end would actually be a problem UNLESS you turned it so that the rolling table was actually an outfeed table????? Hmmmmm.... A wider table makes it easier to work plywood and wide stock but a LONG table makes it easier to handle LONG stock. Decisions, decisions, decisions..... Maybe make is so that you could turn the saw 90 degrees when you wanted to???? That would make it the best of BOTH worlds??

OHHHH SH!T!!! I'd probably just go with the router. My table saw already has a stand....

 

[Red Leader]

If you do a lot of wood working, would you consider making the roll away bench or the stationary bench purpose built for wood working? I'm more of a metal guy myself, so I immediately jump to industrial fab tables with square holes for clamps and attachments...so for woodworking, maybe a slot to mount those aluminum T rails for clamps, side guides, etc. Mount a table saw to the part that slides under the other work bench, or maybe a router table. Perhaps some sort of woodworkers vice system to make it similar to a black and decker work mate or whatever those things are called.

Anything you can do to customize the bench for what you're doing will only help you in the long run. It's one of the things I notice about Jack's 12 gage garage. It's beautiful, but its just tables. And that's not a problem for him, because thats what he needs. I need a vice. Constantly. 2 vices in fact, mounted in line about 6 feet apart to hold long items when sawhorses wont work. Or I need a plastic curtain mounted to the ceiling so I can have a roll up/drop down paint booth when I need it. I'm always trying to think how to make things more purpose built. That seems more clever to me than just cleverly storing more bench space.

More than likely though, no one will agree.

I do think this is a good idea. Honestly if I knew more about incorporating that into the bench, I probably would. So...I probably will at some point. Here pretty soon I will have a LOT of time to think about it all

 

[Red Leader]

Here's some "medicine cabinet inspiration" too. The colors are even close!

http://cgi.ebay.com/1950s-American-National-Red-Cross-First-Aid-Kit-/360275519673#ht_500wt_1180

Hey, that's pretty cool! I like the colors.

I haven't figured out what I'll do with the box yet. I was thinking the verde green paint, with a white circle and a red cross in the circle. Or, I was even toying around with the idea of making a wood faceplate for the front of it, then painting/clearcoating it.

 

[Red Leader]

So,

I've been doing some research, and I think that a little neon lighting for the top of the workbench might actually be possible. I'm fine with rope lighting for the wall cabinets because it will be hidden. However, where the lighting is directly visible, I like the consistency of the neon. I didn't know it, but they make flexible led neon tubing that looks pretty sweet.

There was one website selling it really cheap, but it looks shady and there are a bunch of warning posts on other forums about them.

This is the best price I could find on the stuff:

http://www.contractorlighting.com/blue-led-neon-rope-light-per-inch-section-p-679.html

Not cheap by any means, but not horrible. I also have a friend that owns their own professional lighting company - I may check with him to see if he can find something.

 

[Wingnut65]

Honestly, this has been so fun I feel like I could design and build these things for a living. I'm loving it!!!

RL, I think you might have just planted a seed in your mind. Build it and they/we will buy it. Just look at all the feedback on your first attempt. (But if you do, get some graph paper to make it look professional when you show clients your creative thought process.)

Man RL, that bench idea just keeps getting better. I see the idea of the triangle, but the scallops on top will never be seen. The clock would also be functional. And, you could make a C-Man clock face that is back lit and wrapped in a red neon strip. Those strip LEDs are cool and could add the perfect icing on the cake.

My wife says I need to stop visiting Red Leader's shop! She says I am coming up with too many great ideas for my shop. She sees where I got the idea to paint the garage door tracks and hinges, but she can't understand why it needs it. But she will when its done! Then the idea of re-using my hand-me-down workbench and old kitchen cabinets is now gone thanks to RL, jimbob and others on the workbench thread. Thanks guys for increasing my budget. Maybe I just need to work on the VW until RL finishes his workbench and I can decide how to proceed. Hope the baby comes soon so we can all get back to work!

 

[ct96ek]

Shop is looking GREAT! I haven't checked it out in a while and you have made a ton of progress! Keep up the great work

 

[widerberg]

By daveamy at 2011-07-20

I like the bottom one, too. The triangle with the Craftsman logo and the way it plays off the long horizontal lines, I think it's great

 

[Red Leader]

RL, I think you might have just planted a seed in your mind. Build it and they/we will buy it. Just look at all the feedback on your first attempt. (But if you do, get some graph paper to make it look professional when you show clients your creative thought process.)

Man RL, that bench idea just keeps getting better. I see the idea of the triangle, but the scallops on top will never be seen. The clock would also be functional. And, you could make a C-Man clock face that is back lit and wrapped in a red neon strip. Those strip LEDs are cool and could add the perfect icing on the cake.

My wife says I need to stop visiting Red Leader's shop! She says I am coming up with too many great ideas for my shop. She sees where I got the idea to paint the garage door tracks and hinges, but she can't understand why it needs it. But she will when its done! Then the idea of re-using my hand-me-down workbench and old kitchen cabinets is now gone thanks to RL, jimbob and others on the workbench thread. Thanks guys for increasing my budget. Maybe I just need to work on the VW until RL finishes his workbench and I can decide how to proceed. Hope the baby comes soon so we can all get back to work!

Thanks for your encouragement. I'm going to take your advice and try to get some nicer drawings going. I don't have any graph paper right now, but I'll try to pick some up. Currently I'm working on a detailed 3-D design of the whole bench unit and will try and post that up this evening.

Originally I was thinking an either/or situation with regard to the lighting - either I would have a detached facing on the mantle piece and put some rope lighting behind it, or I would skip the detached faceplate and try and get some neon for the front...but now I'm thinking a combination would be killer. I came up with a design that is sort of a '<' shape behind the facing plate, so that the lights behind the plate would hit that shape and come out the top and bottom (it would be covering in polished aluminum as well).

In any case the drawing will more clearly show what I'm talking about. If anyone is like me...words are useless, I need pictures!!!

All this feedback is incredibly helpful. Thanks to all for it.

 

[shopnut]

Nope... Wrong on that one. I'd agree that using the mobile table top would be a cool place to put a router table.

People are really on the same wavelength here. I didn't bother to attach the last picture of my dad's bench, but he has it fitted with a router and detachable dust collection hood...


(I personally would still reserve that spot for a future flip-up lathe because the proportions seem to match the rolling bench nicely )

 

[mdbeck1]

People are really on the same wavelength here. I didn't bother to attach the last picture of my dad's bench, but he has it fitted with a router and detachable dust collection hood...


(I personally would still reserve that spot for a future flip-up lathe because the proportions seem to match the rolling bench nicely )

Nothing wrong with the lathe idea. I've got a wood lathe and most of the time it sits idle. I've got wheels on hinges for mobility but that way I can move it around. I've actually been kicking around making a table top that would fold down over it when I'm not using it.

 

[mdbeck1]

...
Honestly, this has been so fun I feel like I could design and build these things for a living. I'm loving it!!!

I'm glad that you are enjoying it and what you are doing looks good. However if you start doing this for a living you need to watch out a little bit more for copyright infringements. If you copy labels (like say the "Craftsman" logo) you could be infringing on the company's rights and they could sue you. That's probably the last thing that you would want to have happen.

However if you CHANGE the logo some... say "The Craftsman Garage" or something like that you get around the copyright.

 

[egads74]

copyright... you can also ask permission to use (in writing). They may allow it... and offer dollars to use you garage in an ad or commercial. You never know... nICE garage.
I really like the green... And the deco look is most excellent.

 

[48James]

Well finished the grinder, and thought you'd be interested in seeing how it turned out!

[/IMG]

[/IMG]
Thanks for telling me where to get that color, but I found you can special order it anywhere they sell Rustoleum

 

[widerberg]

Well finished the grinder, and thought you'd be interested in seeing how it turned out!

Very nice! Can't wait to see it all put back together with the nameplate, etc.

Any news on the other, more deco-looking grinder?

 

[Red Leader]

Alright, here is a nicer sketch of the workbench idea. Let me know what you guys think:

By daveamy at 2011-07-22

You probably noticed that big hole in the middle of the sliding bench. I saw this AWESOME idea for a workbench and totally wanted to incorporate it:

This way, I can incorporate some more modern tools (i.e. miter saw, ridgid sander, dedicated router setup, etc.) and keep them under the workbench table in their respective 'cubbies', attached to their own module board that would slide into that cutout. I should be able to find a way to latch them down as well to prevent vibration.

There are probably some other cool workbench ideas that I haven't seen yet. I will be using all this planning time to study and research more ideas, including the T-slot woodworking ideas and others that posters here have mentioned.

Getting more and more excited...

 

[Red Leader]

Okay,

I moved the bandsaw into it's finally resting position near the panel to see what kind of room that gave me for the bench. I was happy to find that it gave me a full 8ft with room to spare!

By daveamy at 2011-07-22

So, what I'm thinking for the bench dimensions are 8ft by 6ft (including top piece).

Now the main question is...how high does the bench go? And typically, how far does a workbench stick out? I'm average size...5'10", so probably a good average size would do. What has worked for you all?

 

[Red Leader]

Well finished the grinder, and thought you'd be interested in seeing how it turned out!

[/IMG]

[/IMG]
Thanks for telling me where to get that color, but I found you can special order it anywhere they sell Rustoleum

Awesome awesome awesome!!! Looking awesome!!!! Thanks for posting that!

 

[Red Leader]

Any news on the other, more deco-looking grinder?

Do you mean me? Or 48James?

My early 50s Craftsman grinder is hitching a ride soon and should be here near the end of the month!!! Just a quick visual for everyone about what I'm talking about:

 

[Red Leader]

I'm glad that you are enjoying it and what you are doing looks good. However if you start doing this for a living you need to watch out a little bit more for copyright infringements. If you copy labels (like say the "Craftsman" logo) you could be infringing on the company's rights and they could sue you. That's probably the last thing that you would want to have happen.

However if you CHANGE the logo some... say "The Craftsman Garage" or something like that you get around the copyright.

copyright... you can also ask permission to use (in writing). They may allow it... and offer dollars to use you garage in an ad or commercial. You never know... nICE garage.
I really like the green... And the deco look is most excellent.

Thank you both for the words of wisdom. This is something that I haven't thought much about. However, if there are any official logos from other companies involved (say, for the bench) it will strictly be for this garage (private use) only.

If by some chance I made more benches, I'd probably come up with some custom designs and not get anyone riled up

 

[Red Leader]

Nothing wrong with the lathe idea. I've got a wood lathe and most of the time it sits idle. I've got wheels on hinges for mobility but that way I can move it around. I've actually been kicking around making a table top that would fold down over it when I'm not using it.

I'll have to think about that one! I actually really like the idea...I'd just have to see if I could realistically do it and how to incorporate it into the designs I already have.

I currently don't have a wood lathe, but it would be a nice tool to have on the list.