Above 1200 Sq/FT The ASYLUM - Happy 40th Birthday to Me! (Est. 2005)

[Omphaloskeptic]

Shopnut - great looking sign! Knowing you to be an OCD kind of guy, I have to ask if you have started fab'n up the miniature enameled barn down light to illuminate your very cool shop sign? lol

Merry Christmas to you and the Mrs.!

P.S. - If you hear some noise on the roof tonight, DON'T get on a ladder to investigate!

 

[shopnut]

Classic shopnut, I just new an injury couldnt keep you down. Happy holidays!

It may not be keeping me down, but it certainly is slowing me down a bunch. It seems everything is a bit of struggle without the use of this foot. Happy New Year to you reiferman.

Shopnut - great looking sign! Knowing you to be an OCD kind of guy, I have to ask if you have started fab'n up the miniature enameled barn down light to illuminate your very cool shop sign? lol

Merry Christmas to you and the Mrs.!

P.S. - If you hear some noise on the roof tonight, DON'T get on a ladder to investigate!

Thanks, the sign is coming along, slow but sure.

Regarding the sign light - I would like to tie the sign light into my pre-existing "night light" circuit somehow since it is on a timer to energize in the evening hours. But I also want the light accessible for servicing, so that may force it to be located on the center light fixture (which will share the newly installed hoist track). Cool idea about the miniature scale light though - I'll have to keep that one in mind. I just need to figure out what the full size ones are going to look like first .

I heard some rustling up on the roof Christmas Eve, but I thought I better let Santa do his thing - not a good idea to disturb that guy!

 

[shopnut]

THE ASYLUM SIGN GETS SOME LETTERS…

Using a combination of bandsaw and jigsaw, I got the letters cut out. I used some scrap tileboard to make them, but the simulated tile surface was placed to the back so the grout lines didn’t show. In one picture, I taped the paper template back on just to get a glimpse of what it will look like when finished.



Cutting out the letters was pretty straight forward and I simply traced around the paper template with a Sharpie marker to transfer the outline. I used a hole punch to add some holes and then masking tape held it in place during the tracing.



The lettering is spaced off the background about 3/4” with some spacer tubes.



Next, it’s time to add some black and yellow paint.

 

[Red Leader]

The first thing she said was “Oh, that’s cute”. Well, that is not exactly the look I was after so I told her not to spread THAT rumor around

Hmm...now that I take a closer look at it...

 

[tinbender 66]

That sign is beautiful. And ya made it out leftovers to boot. Once you paint the letters and get it back lit it should really pop.


Oh yeah HAPPY NEW YEAR too. Here's to a progress filled, injury free one.

 

[wolflrv]

Sign is looking awesome!! Glad to see you're getting around again!! Being creative is the best therapy there is!

 

[shopnut]

Hmm...now that I take a closer look at it...

Don't look at it too closely RL. And don't be spreading any rumors!!!

That sign is beautiful. And ya made it out leftovers to boot. Once you paint the letters and get it back lit it should really pop.

Oh yeah HAPPY NEW YEAR too. Here's to a progress filled, injury free one.

I'LL DRINK TO THAT TOAST!!!! (I couldn't have said it better!)

We both really made some good progress on our shops this year didn't we? Despite my injury in November, I think it was my most productive year. Once I get back up on two feet, I think 2012 will be the year I finally finish the ASYLUM. I wish you the same with yours. I know we both have Chevy's really looking for some attention!

Thanks for the comments on the sign. It's really nice not having to spend a bunch on a project for a change. Of course, I had to shell out the first $15 today to make the job a bit easier, but that story is for another time.

Sign is looking awesome!! Glad to see you're getting around again!! Being creative is the best therapy there is!

Thanks wolflrv. Certainly much slower, but still getting around.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to the entire Garage Journal clan!

 

[Vernmotor]

Happy New Year to you also

 

[Adrien]

I'd like to go back a few pages, or years (hah!) and ask you a question. The between the floor storage space intrigues me. I may have overlooked this, but it looks like you already had floor joists in place before you added the 2 layers of 2x8's for storage, is that so? Or are the 2 layers of 2x8's acting as your floor joists? I hope that makes sense.

Thanks!

Adrien

 

[Rich H.]

Happy new year and I hope this is the year you can start using that amazing shop as intended

 

[shopnut]

I'd like to go back a few pages, or years (hah!) and ask you a question. The between the floor storage space intrigues me. I may have overlooked this, but it looks like you already had floor joists in place before you added the 2 layers of 2x8's for storage, is that so? Or are the 2 layers of 2x8's acting as your floor joists? I hope that makes sense.

Thanks!

Adrien

A step back in time is always fine Adrien, as are any questions. The quick answer to your question is yes, there was 2x6” floor joists up there above the bathroom and laundry room, complete with 3/4" plywood decking. The storage compartments have proved to be extremely useful for all the long items to hidden out of the way, and I would encourage you to consider building something like it.

I will also mention that I had a second reason for doing it – it raised the second story office to the correct height for proper viewing out the clerestory windows up there. But even without this other reason, I know it would have been well worth the effort.

These pictures explain what it started as:



These next CAD plan view shows the additions I made for the second story office, including the stairs and storage area framing (in white). Depth ranges from 8 to 12 feet on the various compartments. I’m really glad I added the intermediate shelf in there and I believe I used 1/2" plywood for it.





You may have already found it, but since you are a new visitor to this thread - the index on page 1 will lead you to other posts on this subject if you care to learn more. Of course, asking questions is sometimes quicker with as long as this thread has grown .

 

[shopnut]

Happy new year and I hope this is the year you can start using that amazing shop as intended

Thanks for the warm wishes Rich, and welcome to the thread.

Up until last Nov., I was on a pretty clear path to get working on some cars and bikes by about mid-2012. But with my recent injury, it may take through 2012 . Actually, if you jump back to Reply #292, we'll see I was already planning a big bash on Dec 20th, so maybe that is my new goal!

 

[SpeedinLemon]

Shopnut -- I've spent way more hours than I'd like to admit reading though your awsome thread over the last couple of months. I'm in the rebuilding phase of my shop right now and plan to borrow (although I'll never return them!) several of your ingenious ideas. Question....Now that you've had your vinyl ceiling in for a few years, any regrets? Google searches for how to finish the ceiling of mine are what got me to GJ and your shop originally. I'm considering everything from metal to wood to vinyl similar to yours. Great work!!

 

[shopnut]

Funny name and avatar, SpeedinLemon - I’m guessing there’s a story behind that one!
Borrowing ideas and not giving them back is allowed around here at GJ .
HOWEVER, coming up with ideas and not sharing with the rest of us is frowned upon , so please share your own experiences when appropriate.

Thanks for taking the time to read through the thread - it makes me glad to know that my time wasn’t wasted and that it may be helping some folks here.

The short answer to the ceiling vinyl is - NO REGRETS. It has worked out perfectly and I can’t think of anything better for my shop (all things considered) and I’ve seen many, many options on this website over the years. Of course, everyone’s situation is different so continue your evaluation on all the choices.

Of course, I won’t leave you with just those comments. I’ve listed a bunch of replies in my index at the beginning of this thread, but probably the most useful to you will be #353 & #711 for my opinions about it, #447 for working with it (extended discussion with BillGalbraith), and #448 for mfr links to instruction manuals (blue text are links so just click on them). Most of these have several replies following them that carry on the discussion so I encourage you to scroll down to see more information/tips.

Here are some related threads I’ve posted in that might also be of interest to you:
Using soffit for the ceiling
Looking for Suggestions for Light Weight Ceiling
Vinyl soffit for ceiling - those who have tried it

Hope this helps. Let me know if any of the links don’t work and I will fix them up. (Actually, this subject comes up quite often so now I finally have a definitive vinyl soffit material Reply to refer back to when the topic surfaces again!)

 

[shopnut]

SOME BLACK PAINT AND A HANGER FOR THE ASYLUM SIGN…

The roof and lettering are now gloss black. I find that anytime I’m coating wood, it takes at least two coats of paint/varnish to get a glossy finish. The first basically seals it and allows you to sand down the rough spots. I think it makes the grain stand up a bit too. The second usually comes out shiny. The lettering required a third coat in this case because it had some deeper scratches I had to deal with.



I also spent a little time creating the hanger on the back. This thing is going to be at a 20’ height and I don’t feel like wearing a hard hat all the time in anticipation of it falling. I’m planning for one main 3/8” lag bolt to attach it to the wall with a second smaller (think drywall screw) to hold it level.

You should be able to see keyhole slots that will make the hanging job easier. Besides them being different sizes, I made the slots different lengths for safety purposes. This method practically eliminates an inadvertent bump from causing something to come crashing down. To remove it, you will need to lift it about 1/2”, them pull the bottom out and continue lifting another 1/2" to release the top from the wall.



Next will be adding the yellow inset to the lettering.

 

[tinbender 66]

Are you gonna climb 20 feet up a ladder to hang that thing (awesome 'thing' btw)? You're a brave man.


Seriously, that sign is perfect.

 

[Red Leader]

Shopnut I am always so impressed with your responses! So detailed!

I know I'll never be like that but I can still admire from afar, yes?

Glad to hear the sign is coming together for shop use!

 

[shopnut]

Are you gonna climb 20 feet up a ladder to hang that thing (awesome 'thing' btw)? You're a brave man.


Seriously, that sign is perfect.

I'll be on the scaffold for that job and I'll choose that over a dreaded step ladder any day!

It may sound weird, but I'm really looking forward to being able to climb off the ground again. Lately, I've only been able to climb up about one step (safely) and that really limits your reach and accessibility. There's many things in the house and garage that I simply can't reach so I have to ask for help (which is tough for me) or just put the project off until later when I have the use of both legs again. Thankfully, this is only a temporary thing and I really feel for the guys that have to deal with it on a permanent basis.

Thanks for your comments on the sign, TB66. I just ordered some special LED spotlights to shine on it and I'm looking forward to seeing how they work. Of course, I still need to finish the sign before I can start playing with lighting and that may be 3 or 4 nights yet.

Shopnut I am always so impressed with your responses! So detailed!

I know I'll never be like that but I can still admire from afar, yes?

Glad to hear the sign is coming together for shop use!

I get a bit long-winded sometimes on the explanations, but I try to make this somewhat of a self-serve thread where hopefully everything is included. If some readers aren't interested in certain topics, they can just skip over it - that's the great thing about the internet, right? Perhaps others will get details they were seeking.

RL, your thread has become THE definitive vintage Craftsman equipment restoration thread on GJ - you should be proud. There are many looking to you for guidance. (But don't let that go to your head )

There are many people seeking knowledge out there and it's great to share what we can.

 

[jktruck150]

Shopnut! Alll I can say is wow! I love the inside of you place! Sorry I haven't commented before, but man it looks good!

Good luck with the recovery on the heel!

 

[wolflrv]

Shopnut...you need to add one of those "grabber" tools to your knee walker arsenal! You can then grab stuff off those higher shelves without a step stool.

The sign is just looking friggin' awesome!!

And when it comes time to climb that ladder again..I have total faith that you'll get back on that horse and give'em what for!!

 

[shopnut]

Shopnut! Alll I can say is wow! I love the inside of you place! Sorry I haven't commented before, but man it looks good!

Good luck with the recovery on the heel!

Thanks for stopping by and making the nice comments. Glad you like the place. It gets a little closer every year.

At this point, it looks like Valentine's Day is the day for getting back on two feet (that's the 12 week point anyway). Of course, there might be just a bit of physical therapy to get things back to an acceptable level again. They said be expecting some pain

Shopnut...you need to add one of those "grabber" tools to your knee walker arsenal! You can then grab stuff off those higher shelves without a step stool.

The sign is just looking friggin' awesome!!

And when it comes time to climb that ladder again..I have total faith that you'll get back on that horse and give'em what for!!

You know, I used to see those grabber things and think they looked a bit hokie. But to be honest, there has been many times I could have used them in the last couple of months. And I see them for less than $20 - it might be worth picking one up.

I haven't seen an update from you lately. Hopefully you are just taking a long holiday break and will be back at it soon. OR MAYBE you are just cranking out wood projects left and right and posting them on another website - TRAITOR! (j/k )

Hopefully the sign will be done by the time I can climb a ladder again. Thanks for the comments.

 

[wolflrv]

I haven't seen an update from you lately. Hopefully you are just taking a long holiday break and will be back at it soon. OR MAYBE you are just cranking out wood projects left and right and posting them on another website - TRAITOR! (j/k )

I'm still working steadily on the shop. I guess I do need to do an update. I got busy building wood projects, that weren't shop related so yeah..I'm guilty..been posting them on Lumberjocks site...LOL! I do have a few new shop projects going though...I'll post again soon!!

 

[Bob Heine]

You know, I used to see those grabber things and think they looked a bit hokie. But to be honest, there has been many times I could have used them in the last couple of months. And I see them for less than $20 - it might be worth picking one up.

You may end up buying the heavy duty grabbers but if you just want to give the flimsy ones a try, Harbor Freight has them for $2.19 in the stores. I broke one after abusing it for six or seven years. The two replacements seem to be well-made enough for my needs (wife took the first replacement).

36" Pickup and Reach Tool - Item # 94870

 

[SpeedinLemon]

Shopnut -- Thanks for one of your signature detailed replies! It's incredible how organized you are with both the shop and this thread. The lack of fire resistance on vinyl does concern me....both because of my recent experience and I have a woodburning stove as well. I decided to with metal panels for the ceiling after all...same as the what's on the outside of the building. But just because I didn't steal that idea, don't think the rest of yours are safe! Thanks again for all your great replies and for all the time you've spent documenting everything you've done. Glad you're getting closer to healed up....Great job on the sign and looking forward to more greatness in the future.

 

[shopnut]

wolflrv - AHHHH-HA, I knew it! Just don't forget about us here at GJ.

Bob Heine - Always good suggestions from you Bob, and your timing is perfect. Earlier this week, Mrs. Shopnut was just asking were she could find something and HF immediately popped in my head for the item, so a trip was already planned. Add another thing to the shopping list - Thanks! We have a HF about a mile from our workplace (with a Wendy's burger joint right next door) so it makes a great lunch run. Hopefully she remembers what the original item was, because I don't (It ***** getting old). As wolflrv suggested, I may have to add a little holster on the side of that scooter for that grabber tool. Just like how the cowboys carried their rifles - ready for action.

SpeedinLemon - I figured you might be a bit more sensitive to the whole fire thing. But in reality, we all need to be concious of the constant threat of a fire in our shops. I would be completely devastated seeing all the time I've put into this place going up in smoke. And I would have a hard time doing all this again. Thanks for your additional comments.

 

[shopnut]

MAKING THE LETTERS POP – ADDING YELLOW TO THE ASYLUM SIGN…

I’ve been dying to try out a roll of “Frog Tape” (the green stuff) to see if it really guards against paint bleed, but it will have to wait until the next project. Rather than taping it all off and spray-painting the yellow, I decided to cut the letters out of some decal sheet. I use this stuff all the time for various projects, but unfortunately I had every color BUT yellow, so it was off to the local motorcycle store – oh darn, I hate going to THAT place! Funny thing is, it’s the first time the salesmen didn’t offer any test rides – maybe it had SOMETHING to do with the crutches .

Anyway, here is the raw decal material. It comes in a package of 3 - 12x18” sheets. It’s actually quite close to matching the cabinets, but it really isn’t that important since there won’t be anything yellow close to the sign to compare it to.



Here’s the template used to trace the letter boards. The black was trimmed off to create the smaller templates for the yellow letters.



To hold the letters in place while tracing, I used a hole punch and covered the holes with tape. The also allowed me to also test fit the letters onto the board and make sure they looked okay.



“Nesting” the letters allowed me use less than 1.5 sheets for this job. In the second picture you can see where I used a Sharpie to transfer the outline to the decal material.

 

[shopnut]

CUTTING AND APPLYING THE YELLOW LETTERING …

Being a packrat, I save stuff like this just in case I can use it again later. They will get stored away in the project file.



Sometimes I wished I owned a vinyl decal cutting machine or knew someone that did. I still cut them out the old fashion way – with a scissors. See, all that specialized training in kindergarten truly does pay off – thanks Miss Schmidt!



Next it was time to apply the letters to the boards. This is an in-process shot with the “T” finished and the “h” just getting installed. The blue tape is my guide and helps me align the corners when I stick the first edge down. From there I just peel off the backing and work it towards the other end. Some people use the glass cleaner application method, but I have had great luck doing it this way with small graphics.



And the finished letter boards:

 

[shopnut]

THE FINISHED ASYLUM SIGN…

This picture of the sink area is a reminder of color scheme I’m trying to capture on the sign – yellow items with black outline on an aluminum background.



Of course, my RZ350 was probably one of the early inspirations for the shop colors you see now, although falling into a great deal on 30 of those yellow Stanley cabinets helped a bit too.



The lettering and some edge trim was added to finish the sign off. It was a long time in the making, but it ended up being a perfect project for my current hindered condition, and one that I have wanted to do for a while now.



AND SOME SPOTLIGHTS TO ACCENT IT…

The sign wouldn’t be complete without some lighting and here are the LED spotlights I mentioned earlier. These PocketSpot LED lights are made by Chauvet and intended to be aimed at disco mirror balls. They have a very tight pattern, but that is good because I intend to mount them on the far side of the room where I can reach them with the library ladder.



This view of the sign is with the light positioned 22’ away. I just have one shining on the sign in the picture, so it will take two for full coverage.



The only bad thing now is I have to wait a few weeks before I’m able to climb up there and hang it

 

[nkachur]

The sign looks great. It is good to hear you are getting around, even in your present condition
Do we have any other projects lined up during the rest of your recouperation time?

 

[wolflrv]

Sign is awesome!! Can't wait to see it hanging up and you back on your feet!! Great job!!

 

[tinbender 66]

That sign is ti.........oh wait, I can't say that. Stupendous.

I wouldn't mind getting committed to that place

 

[flybefree]

Great job on the sign!

 

[shopnut]

The sign looks great. It is good to hear you are getting around, even in your present condition
Do we have any other projects lined up during the rest of your recouperation time?

Thanks nkachur!

SO WHAT'S NEXT AFTER THE SIGN?

A few days after the accident happened, I made a list of the things I could do during the recovery period. Not all of them revolved around the shop like finishing up an exact scale model of my FJR motorcycle, but several did. One was making the sign. Another was making a new ceiling flag out of more durable Sunbrella material, but that project was tossed out after Mrs. Shopnut got a good look at the new ceiling vinyl and “we” decided it would be a shame to cover it up. Then there’s a bunch of pictures of my vehicles that are in need of framing so that is next, and they will go in the stairway. Lastly, for more variety of music while I’m working in the shop, I’m converting all our old LP’s to digital music.

Another shop project I’m setting the ground work for is the installation of a TV out in the shop. The following pictures show the location of the TV, the rollup aluminum curtain (tambour style) I just won on auction for $50, and an example of TV with cabinet using a rollup door. I’m debating whether to strip the curtain to bare aluminum or paint it yellow. I think a 42” LCD will fit in there perfectly and I will be on the hunt right after the Superbowl when prices are at their lowest.



I’m not sure how long it will take to get back to 100%, so I’m now thinking of the “lightweight” projects I can start with once I get back on two feet. Some of these include reinforcing the door headers to support the front loft weight, installing that TV, and maybe working on the docking workbench system that has been put off for too long. I may just break down and buy that car lift before building the front loft to give me a little elbow room during the construction work, but I doubt it.

I really don’t enjoy sitting around.

 

[shopnut]

Sign is awesome!! Can't wait to see it hanging up and you back on your feet!! Great job!!

That sign is ti.........oh wait, I can't say that. Stupendous.

I wouldn't mind getting committed to that place

Great job on the sign!

Thanks guys!

Unfortunately, the sign has found a home in the guest bedroom for a month or so until I‘m able to install it. At least it’s safe unless a dog loses their mind and jumps up there.

 

[Red Leader]

That sign looks so great! I've thought about some 'labeling' of my garage, but nothing that intricate yet.

Then again, I always have to think too that maybe one day I won't be the owner of my garage anymore and by the time I leave, there won't really be anything 'Craftsman' left in it

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Shopnut, hopefully you will be 100% mobile before you need to get fitted for a straightjacket! Although, that attire would fit right in with your shop's name. Great job on the sign by the way; those LED spots are way cool.

 

[flybefree]

FWIW, I think the bare metal look on the aluminum rollup curtain...but I don't know how a guy could strip that easily.

Shaun

 

[wolflrv]

Thanks nkachur!

A few days after the accident happened, I made a list of the things I could do during the recovery period. Not all of them revolved around the shop like finishing up an exact scale model of my FJR motorcycle, but several did. One was making the sign. Another was making a new ceiling flag out of more durable Sunbrella material, but that project was tossed out after Mrs. Shopnut got a good look at the new ceiling vinyl and “we” decided it would be a shame to cover it up. Then there’s a bunch of pictures of my vehicles that are in need of framing so that is next, and they will go in the stairway. Lastly, for more variety of music while I’m working in the shop, I’m converting all our old LP’s to digital music.

Another shop project I’m setting the ground work for is the installation of a TV out in the shop. The following pictures show the location of the TV, the rollup aluminum curtain (tambour style) I just won on auction for $50, and an example of TV with cabinet using a rollup door. I’m debating whether to strip the curtain to bare aluminum or paint it yellow. I think a 42” LCD will fit in there perfectly and I will be on the hunt right after the Superbowl when prices are at their lowest.



I’m not sure how long it will take to get back to 100%, so I’m now thinking of the “lightweight” projects I can start with once I get back on two feet. Some of these include reinforcing the door headers to support the front loft weight, installing that TV, and maybe working on the docking workbench system that has been put off for too long. I may just break down and buy that car lift before building the front loft to give me a little elbow room during the construction work, but I doubt it.

I really don’t enjoy sitting around.

I definitely like the TV in the shop idea! Rollup door should be yellow to keep with the rest of the wall and I'm sure you'll figure out some pneumatic remote controlled lift system for it too since it's higher up on the wall. I'm thinking like...the button is pressed...the door rolls up..and the tv swings out to provide a nice corner angle and better viewing..

 

[shopnut]

Red Leader - Thanks. Although I’m sure you could come up with something really fabulous for a Craftsman sign, I suggest you stay focused on the bigger things right now.

I don’t know how long we will keep our city house (and garage) either, so it’s always tough to decide how much effort to put into that place. The ASYLUM on the other hand - it’s a keeper!

Omphaloskeptic - Thanks. I’m trying to hold it all together in my current state so hopefully my closet full of straightjackets can stay on the hangers I’ve almost lost it a few times in the last month when I was standing in the garage staring at the storage bin up high on the shelf and trying to figure out how in the heck I’m going to get that certain part out of there. Luckily, Mrs. Shopnut has been very supportive through it all.

I was really impressed with those little spotlights. They nearly put out as much as my dental task lights in a MUCH smaller package. LEDs are the future, I believe.

flybefree - I believe I could strip the paint off of those curtain slats with some chemicals, but I’m not sure if some of the goo would end up in the hinges and foul them up. Might not be worth the risk and the mess.

wolflrv - Yellow might be the way I lean on the curtain, all things considered.

I love your idea of having the TV extend out of its hole and be able to angle to one side. This would be particularly useful if I am working back by the rear roll-up door where the lathe is located. I mounted our TV in the apartment on a massive articulating arm which allows the TV to hang out about 3’ from the wall and pivot 90 degrees in either direction.



A powered version of that will be really cool and would be pretty easy to rig up. I need to be careful how much time I spent on this, however, since I very rarely watch TV programs in the shop - maybe an occasional ball game or race. I mainly will be using LCD as a second monitor to my PC so I can see the current song playing or so I can view service manuals while working at the island workbench.

 

[nkachur]

or so I can view service manuals while working at the island workbench.

I have had the same thoughts for my shop, when I get that far. It would be great to have the monitor on a long enough arm to bring it around the vehicle or over the Work benck for easy viewing.