Joe Homeowner’s Garage Build

[Zeppe807]

Hello All,
My wife and I just bought our first house on July 1st. We got the keys on July 1st, gutted, and remodeled the house, moved in on August 1st, and had our second child on August 8th, a day after my birthday. I feel I am like a typical down home guy and am the typical Homeowner, sometimes I would like to believe; above average … I have grown up working with my hands and mind in a shop, in the field, and behind a desk. I grew up going and working on my family’s dairy, ranging from manual labor, to maintaining, and building equipment. I have worked as a machinist, pump mechanic, grease monkey, field hand, and mechanical engineer. I have had many odd jobs beyond that, and many times worked multiple jobs at one time.
My garage in my last rental started off with bare walls and studs, and I built benches, a light table/desk, cabinets, added an attic space, wired, sheet rocked, and painted it in the three years we were there. I treated the house as my own and grew vary attached to my garage and neighborhood.
When we moved into our new house the garage was obviously not my main priority, especially since we had a new baby in the house. I was discouraged when we moved a bunch of stuff into the garage, and I could hardly walk through it. This was not my garage. The existing cabinets and benches are worthless, and not as useful as the space could potentially be. The garage is the same size, but due to the layout of the back wall and door to the house, I don’t feel like I can fit the same cabinets and containers that I had in the old garage, in the new one. A great bonus is that I have a shed that I can fit my over flow stuff in, along with my VERY heavy & old air compressor, which will save me a lot of space.

I am addicted to GJ, some of my favorites:
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=464 Lets See Your Workbench
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=110832 What do your Storage Cabinets look like?
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39367 What's on your walls? Neat storage ideas!
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50406 work benches... from scratch

Pictures of my old garage, although I have no photos of it completed before I left:

My NEW garage:

Prior to me (old homeowner was still living in the house for this picture):

Goals:
*I want to have a capable shop that I can park my wife’s car into (if I have to)
*Air plumbed into from compressor in the shed
*Multiple 220 plug locations
*Many 120V – 20 Amp plugs throughout the garage
*Mill and Lathe working
*New Electrical panel
*New work benches and cabinets
*Well Lit

Plans:
I would like to start with building an attic storage space in the rafters, in order to get our stuff off the floor. I would then like to remove everything off the walls, one wall at a time. I will then wire and plumb all components, and then start to build cabinets and benches. I want to start with the side walls first, then the back wall. At the back wall I want to move my hot water heater, washer, and dryer locations, to a more appropriate layout. At that point I would also replace the Electrical Panel, and add a much needed sink.

This will be a long process, due to my busy life, and low funds. If you would like to see this thread move faster: DONATIONS ACCEPTED!

Thanks for looking, and hopefully: input,
Joe Zeppe

 

[1BADLS1tuner]

Will be a nice project, thing is you will never be done with it if you are like me... something always changes, gets updated, reorganized, moved, painted a different color, ect.... its NEVER ENDING!!! hahahahahahaha

 

[Zeppe807]

I picked up a work bench at a garage sale for $25 so I took out part of the existing bench, and temporarily set in the new bench:

It is a nice old set of drawers and built well and with thick steel. There is a lot of potential for this unit.

Here is the thread: Garage Sale Find http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=119486


Joe Zeppe

 

[W650Mike]

Those base cabinets kick ***; funky color and all!

Two long drawers and $25 gets a U-****.

 

[Zeppe807]

Pictures to come, but due to so family things I have brought an old atlas drill that I repaired years ago, and my old organization drawers for bolts home today. They were at my family's ranch shop, but it is getting cleaned out, so I took them home.

 

[Zeppe807]

I also got some legs for a future project, while I was there too. It was a long day away from working on my garage.

 

[Zeppe807]

So I have just picked up a Durham Cabinet from our family ranch that I had there for organization of our bolts, but it will not be needed there anymore. I picked it up almost brand new about 6+ years ago for $40, I thought it was a good deal.

It is standing on its side, so it looks odd.

I also brought home a drill press that I had picked out of the scrap pile 15+ years ago, and rebuilt it to working order. I would like to see if I can do a full resto job on it now that it is home.

Here is a messy picture of my garage, as I pulled a bunch of stuff off one side of the garage to work on the attic space above.

It is very discouraging, I must keep thinking of a nicer future for the garage.

I think I am "collecting" things for the garage faster than I can use them.



Joe Zeppe

 

[Red Leader]

Will be a nice project, thing is you will never be done with it if you are like me... something always changes, gets updated, reorganized, moved, painted a different color, ect.... its NEVER ENDING!!! hahahahahahaha

Yep

 

[Red Leader]

So I have just picked up a Durham Cabinet from our family ranch that I had there for organization of our bolts, but it will not be needed there anymore. I picked it up almost brand new about 6+ years ago for $40, I thought it was a good deal.

It is standing on its side, so it looks odd.

I also brought home a drill press that I had picked out of the scrap pile 15+ years ago, and rebuilt it to working order. I would like to see if I can do a full resto job on it now that it is home.

Here is a messy picture of my garage, as I pulled a bunch of stuff off one side of the garage to work on the attic space above.

It is very discouraging, I must keep thinking of a nicer future for the garage.

I think I am "collecting" things for the garage faster than I can use them.



Joe Zeppe

That, my friend, is an Atlas Press Co drill press. I'm not sure of the exact model - models that were very similar had different numbers...it looks like a 1020, and should be from the 1950s. For just a little money you can find an original pulley guard and it will spruce it up a bunch! If you look, there might be a tag on the bottom base, close to the column. That is where Atlas like to put them.

Here is my Atlas:

Also, don't be too worried about the mess. My garage is a disaster right now, and it seems like it happens every single time I do a project out there.

You are not alone

 

[Zeppe807]

That, my friend, is an Atlas Press Co drill press. I'm not sure of the exact model - models that were very similar had different numbers...it looks like a 1020, and should be from the 1950s. For just a little money you can find an original pulley guard and it will spruce it up a bunch! If you look, there might be a tag on the bottom base, close to the column. That is where Atlas like to put them.

Here is my Atlas:

Also, don't be too worried about the mess. My garage is a disaster right now, and it seems like it happens every single time I do a project out there.

You are not alone

I have the guard and it is a 1020. When I tried to find the correct pullies, years ago, I could not find what I needed. I was lucky enough I was able to find the cover while cleaning up. Lucky that it was not thrown out years ago.

By the way nice project that you have been working on, and nice drill press.

Joe Zeppe

 

[Plump]

That Romex wire is pretty easy to nick and zap you. Should be conduit if exposed on a wall.

The drill press is amazing!!

 

[Zeppe807]

That Romex wire is pretty easy to nick and zap you. Should be conduit if exposed on a wall.

The drill press is amazing!!

Funny you say that, the wiring the previous owner had done below 8ft was unprotected, yet the wiring above was mixed, some just romex, some romex in conduit. The interesting thing was the conduit was cut with a tubing cutter so it cut the romex all over!

Joe Zeppe

 

[Zeppe807]

Well another item from the family ranch that I brought home recently was a unknown make floor jack.

I have been looking for information on my old jack that I saved from the dumpster years ago. It worked well then, but on heavy loads it would start to bleed down, but not before I would get a jack under it. After a while it got worse and was sent to storage along the shop. I have since decided to see if it was worth cleaning up.

From another thread I was able to find some more info:http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80165&page=2
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1975119#post1975119
http://www.ohiohydraulic.net/pdfs/J122 A-C SERIES.pdf

I wish there was a way to be able to lift more, but maybe once it is rebuilt it will work better.

I started to take it apart to see if I could find more tags, but I have not. It looks like it was bondo'd and painted, but I am not sure.

The serial number is E 632 J1429_ and looks like a Walker now that I found those threads.

Here is mine:

Thanks,
Joe Zeppe

 

[Zeppe807]

I feel overwhelmed at this point with my garage.

One step at a time.

 

[Thruxton]

I feel overwhelmed at this point with my garage.

One step at a time.

Do I understand that! Since January when I started my garage project I don't know how many times I have looked at my to-do list and felt like I was way in over my head. I still have a few major things ahead but I don't feel quite so desperate- one step at a time really works! Your project is looking good- keep us posted.

 

[tinbender 66]

That jack is a Lincoln. I have the exact same one. I believe it is model #96342. That's just off the top of my head, a dangerous place!! I'll check and correct the # if I'm wrong.

Those metal cabinets are killer.

 

[tinbender 66]

I just looked at my jack and there are some differences and some similarities so now I'm not sure.

 

[Zeppe807]

Paul,
Yes many similarities. Nice looking jack.

Joe

 

[Red Leader]

I feel overwhelmed at this point with my garage.

One step at a time.

Don't worry, we all feel that at some point. In my case, I've had that feeling multiple times, especially when I need to completely clean the garage because it becomes a disaster zone and it will take 4 hours just to get it straightened up.

It's as you say...one step at a time, and you'll get there

 

[Zeppe807]

Yeah it looks to be a Walker 93632 series E, from what I see. My next step is to see how much a rebuild kit would be.

Patiencs is a virtue, but I have to stop starting new projects.


Joe

 

[Zeppe807]

Garage sale today.


Hopefully we can get the "STUFF" out of my garage.

We brought stuff we from storage home, and have more along the house.


Joe

 

[Zeppe807]

Garage sale today.


Hopefully we can get the "STUFF" out of my garage.

We brought stuff we from storage home, and have more along the house.


Joe

Well This:

= $311 and a clean garage floor.

 

[Zeppe807]

So since I was able to make some room in the garage on Saturday, I was able to change the brakes in my '06 Dodge CTD, modify the fog lights to accept higher wattage bulbs, and new wiper blades on the wife's car.

As discussed above^^^ I took apart the old floor jack, my other floor jack is not working, so I was "forced" to use old faithful.

I got this bottle jack at a garage sale for $5 from a lady that didn't know what it was, but figured it was worth $5 for scrap. I got a vise from her too -> $5:

This bottle jack lifts the front of my 7800lb truck without a thought. The jack works so smooth, and dependably I couldn't imagine not having it in my garage.


Until next time

Joe

 

[Zeppe807]

I almost forgot, I had my Father In Law asked me to weld up his old sears vise the weekend before Christmas. Since I haven't set up my shop yet, I chose to use his old AC welder at his house. I chose to use some e309 rod to weld it up, after I preheated it, and prepared the bevel. I then post heated it and slowly cooled it in an oven.

Here are a few pictures:

I do not have any pictures of it in use yet, but will post them when I do.




Joe

 

[Zeppe807]

Cabinets... I was reading "The Derelict Garage" thread, and saw that he had gotten some cabinets similar to mine. I asked if he had any information on them, such as the name or make. He was able to give me the make of "Hamilton." I was able to take that and find that they seemed to be: Thermo Scientific Hamilton cabinets. Once I looked more into these cabinets I found one thing: THEY ARE VERY EXPENSIVE!
Here is a link where you can find more of these: http://nationallaboratorysales.com/search/41/

I was hoping to find more to add to the collection, but haven't found any like these, and now I know why. They are built very well. I can still hope.


Thanks Fergus

Joe

 

[Zeppe807]

GARAGE SECURITY --- So I have been concerned since being in a new neighborhood about what is seen in my garage. One thing that bothers me the most is the clear windows on my garage door. When my lights are on or left on, one can clearly see everything in my garage. Pictures to come.

So I have been thinking about putting a frosted plastic film on the glass. That way it will give me some privacy and security, without limiting to much light coming in.

As long as all goes well it will be done today

Joe Zeppe

 

[Zeppe807]

GARAGE SECURITY --- So I have been concerned since being in a new neighborhood about what is seen in my garage. One thing that bothers me the most is the clear windows on my garage door. When my lights are on or left on, one can clearly see everything in my garage. Pictures to come.

So I have been thinking about putting a frosted plastic film on the glass. That way it will give me some privacy and security, without limiting to much light coming in.

As long as all goes well it will be done today

Joe Zeppe

Well I did get "MOST" of it done on Saturday, but did finish it on Sunday.

I started off working on it, but the weather was so nice out here in California, we went to the beach!

It took very little time after I drew the size on a piece of plywood and all I had to do after that was use a straight edge and and sharp razor. I have used this type before, and did not use the "recommended formula" that they make and sell, so I used what I used last time: Windex!

As long as the window and the area that you are working in is clean, you should have no problems.

Here are some pictures:

I am happy with the results, and there is still a lot of light transmitting through the frosted windows.



Joe Zeppe

 

[Zeppe807]

Well, I had a good weekend working around the house and garage. I was able to get a lot more done in the attic space, but not quite done yet. Once I am I will be able to get a lot of the materials out of my garage, and the "stuff" off my floor.

I took some time to fix my 2 year olds radio antenna. She was funny, a friend brought her 3 year old son over to our house, and broke the antenna off her radio. She has been walking around saying "Michael Broke my radio " So today I fixed her radio.

I had to go old school, and file the flats down, since the move I have not got my Mill working yet. But it turned out well.

I can't what to see her face tomorrow.



I also worked on my Grandfathers drill, which was his brothers before he passed away.

I was able to use the drill for the radio antenna. I had to, I just fixed it and it felt so good.




Hope I am not just waisting time posting...



Joe Zeppe

 

[Zeppe807]

Well I picked up a Mag 77 Skilsaw for $40, but it needed the cord repaired.

I also worked on polishing the drill a little, since my recent move I was not able to find all my polishing compounds, but so far so good.

Before

After

I also build more attic space above my garage (an overhang above the front walk way) I think I should be done with building attic space for a while.

Tomorrow I plan on sorting through more stuff and getting everything off the floor. Although I still have some other projects that I have to do too. Since the winter set in, three of our interior doors do not close anymore. I have a gate outside that has the same problem. The house is built on Adobe Clay, which is very common around here, and shifting houses are also common due to our area.



Thanks,
Joe Zeppe

 

[Zeppe807]

So here are some pictures of the Garage Floor! Oh, and the current benches. I am going to be busy the next few weekends, but plan to build my work bench in the next month or so.

Here are the Pitures:

The picture turned out a little funky and makes my garage look tapered.

Here is another one of my bench, it is a mess, but has come a long way when compared to a month ago.

And here is my Little Helper:

We came back from a ride to the hardware store, and she pushed the stool over and wanted to help. She proceeded to pull out about 20 screwdrivers and placed them all on the bench, then back in the drawer.

She is Great!

It is so nice having my garage in a working state.



More to come,
Joe Zeppe

 

[Zeppe807]

So I got a new, to me, grinder today from my Dad. I was having some issues with mine, but this one is a huge improvement.

I will have to clean it up a little, in good GJ fashion.

Joe Zeppe

 

[dittle fart around]

Great place keep up the good work.

 

[hobbitss]

So I got a new, to me, grinder today from my Dad. I was having some issues with mine, but this one is a huge improvement.

I will have to clean it up a little, in good GJ fashion.

Joe Zeppe

You forgot to mention that nice old Craftsman table saw...

 

[Zeppe807]

You forgot to mention that nice old Craftsman table saw...

That was my grandfathers, who was a very skilled craftsmen himself! He built a 5x10ft table that meets up to it so one person could rip a sheet by himself. He was great. Now my pop has it.

 

[hobbitss]

That was my grandfathers, who was a very skilled craftsmen himself! He built a 5x10ft table that meets up to it so one person could rip a sheet by himself. He was great. Now my pop has it.

I have a couple of them myself, similar vintage from what I can see...

 

[novaboy009]

My little 8 inch Craftsman is just a touch newer, but it still cuts like butter!

I'd kill for a vintage Walker floor jack. So jealous. I've been looking for a Hein-Warner, Walker, Blackhawk, etc but the only ones I've seen were gone before I could get to them.....

 

[Zeppe807]

So a new revelation and change to many of our upcoming plans: we are now expecting our third child in September!

We are very happy, and are now getting prepared for our Third. I am going to say it now, I think it will be another beautiful girl. If I am wrong, so be it, but I have a feeling.

I am still working on the garage, but am trying to keep it to a tighter budget. We will see how fast this goes, but one step at a time.



We will soon be out numbered!


Talk to you all later,
Joe

 

[takeiteasy]

Looks great Joe. I love the old cabinet. A couple of us at work are trying to figure out how to make them get rid of some old drawings cabinets which have nice shallow but long drawers similar to those in your cabinet. Those will make some great tool drawers for you I imagine?
Congrats on your 3rd coming. We just had our 1st, so I'm a little behind.

 

[rocklobster]

Hey Joe nice thread!

I am a young dad as well I've got two little girls at age 3 and 1. Congratulations on the upcoming third!

 

[Zeppe807]

I think old drawing cabinets would make great tool boxes. Huge, deep, and heavy duty. And as a bonus you could not stack a bunch of stuff in the drawers, and loose things.


Thanks,
Joe