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

[Red Leader]

The pictures pretty much say all Red Leader! Seems to work fine.

THAT is a beautiful circular saw Bluebolt! Is that the original case or an owner made?

Either case, fabulous score on that one!

The C-man saw local to me is still for sale and price went down a little...hmmmm

 

[Red Leader]

Okay, so a little update...

I started working on the workbench table today!

It's not much, but its a start!

It is taking a while because I am both gluing and screwing - wood glue and 2.5" screws, which means it will hopefully be really strong when done.

It is not perfect - many of the strips I'm using are warped or bent one way or another. My hope is that they will counteract each other and lend themselves to straightening out the table overall. Also, due to that, there are some miniscule gaps here and there (just about enough to get a fingernail in)...which should be taken care of by either a little wood filler or an extra helping of finish. How manufactured tables get around this is to use shorter pieces of wood so that a bow over the length of a board is cut up. Since mine are not cut up like that, it won't have quite the precise fit. Still, it is a surface for doing messy stuff on, so I'm not too worried about it. The wood grain is going look awesome. Besides, this is all about character, right? Overall, I'll be happy with it since total price for this one (and a second 8ft table) will be right around $70. With each table coming out to $35 (compared to $100-$200 for a pre-made), I'll live with it

 

[Firefyter-Emt]

Too bad you are not from around here... in Mystic, Conn. there is an old time wood workers bench that is maybe 6" thick (laminate like the way you are doing it) complete with base and BOTH vices.... $75

Old school, and in need of a good cleaning, sanding, and a few good coats of tung oil.... but I SO wish I had the room for it!

A little on the ugly side, but what hides under a good cleaning and refinish? I would bet that given what may be some good age, it could very well be maple and not pine! Maybe even oak, the stringer on the legs almost looks a bit like oak in the photos.

http://newlondon.craigslist.org/tls/2802840797.html

 

[bluebolt]

THAT is a beautiful circular saw Bluebolt! Is that the original case or an owner made?

Either case, fabulous score on that one!

The C-man saw local to me is still for sale and price went down a little...hmmmm

It's an owner made case. Seems well made.

 

[flybefree]

RL,

Howare you going to plane that? I thought maybe you could rent one of those floor sanders that the pros use to refinish hardwood floors...any how looks good, glad to see you in the shop making chips!

Shaun

 

[smschriefer]

RL. I can't recall the name of the clamps you need, but let me describe them. First, continue using the pipe clamps, they are a must. However, you need to make a series of clamps that are basically two pieces of 1x3 held together with bolts and wingnuts about 2" from both ends. When you drill the holes, you do so in the 1" side of the material so that it gives the wood the most strength while clamping. Make sure they are well waxed and what you do is span the wood you are laminating. When you tighten them, all the wood strips will line up more closely and reduce your planing. Another thing you might want to check is grain direction and get everything going in the same direction. That way you can run a plane to smooth the top without worrying about tearout. I hope that made sense. I will try and find the name of the clamp I am talking about and post it if I find it.

 

[smschriefer]

I found what I was looking for. This is a site one of our GJ members runs. It explains better than I can. Clamping cauls are what I was describing.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/cauls.html

 

[Red Leader]

Alright guys...between fixing the car and a new schedule at work I haven't dedicated much time to the garage...until today!

I'm FINALLY finishing up the garage door. I put on the last turnbuckle:

The turnbuckles have really helped the door. The weather strip now just about makes contact the entire way across the concrete pad, which is amazing. I have two factors working against me - a sagging garage door, and a concrete pad that is slightly upheaved in the middle. Fortunately, taking up the slack in the garage door means that weather strip takes up the rest of the slack in the pad angles.

If you do this - I would suggest one thing: take off all your steel support channels and tension things up, then, when putting back on the steel channels, drill new holes as necessary.

It wasn't a night and day difference, but I'm thinking I can attribute most of that to the steel channels holding the door in place and working against the effect of the turn buckle. I didn't think about it until I started trying to tension the bottom panel and it wasn't going anywhere. Then I started thinking...it has a huge steel U-channel, not to mention an aluminum bottom plate. I loosened all the screw holes on the steel channel and I could instantly see the effect of the turnbuckle as the holes between the steel and the wood started drifting farther apart. I drilled new holes and reattached the channel.


I also re-tensioned the garage door springs. A little shout out to the resource that helped me:

http://ddmgaragedoors.com/diy-instructions/replace-garage-door-torsion-springs.php#safety

I didn't stand in front of it, used the correct size bars (1/2"), and just to be completely safe, I donned by motorcycle jacket and helmet. I bet I looked pretty funny up there. No I don't have any pictures of that

The door now stays up on its own about 1/3rd up. About 2/3rds up, it wants to go up the rest of the way by itself. I tensioned each spring by 3/4 of a full revolution. I'm thinking about backing it off about 1/4, but what do you guys think? Sound good? It takes about equal force to pull it up from fully closed, and push it down from fully open.

Next up is the garage door opener adjustment.

Also, while I was at it, I thought I'd continue a long forgotten project - the tool board!

Hence, before:

And after!

No, its not done The last piece will be a black painted trim piece to cover up the joint between the board and the trim. THEN it will look all snazzy

All for now!

 

[Wingnut65]

Door looks great. Not sure I understand the elevated toolbox holding down the door, but if it worked, Cool!

I donned by motorcycle jacket and helmet. I bet I looked pretty funny up there. No I don't have any pictures of that

That really needs to be reinacted with Mrs RL at the camera...

The tool board is lookiing good, but it really is missing something... I see the board, but no tools? How long can you keep from using that new space?

Keep up the great work, Dave. And good luck on the new schedule. The garage will still be in the same place 24/7

 

[Red Leader]

Door looks great. Not sure I understand the elevated toolbox holding down the door, but if it worked, Cool!

Haha, the toolbox was helping me hold down the U-channel so that I drilled the holes right. I put my own weight on it too, but ya, looks a little funny there by itself...like "I really needed to bend this piece of steel...so I just put a toolbox on it"

That really needs to be reinacted with Mrs RL at the camera...

Hmmm...well, I might have to get up there again to take 1/4 turn off!

The tool board is lookiing good, but it really is missing something... I see the board, but no tools? How long can you keep from using that new space?

I've got that beat. I have a huge Craftsman tool box now with NO TOOLS IN IT!! Pretty sad actually, considering how much time I end up still looking for misplaced tools

Keep up the great work, Dave. And good luck on the new schedule. The garage will still be in the same place 24/7

As always Jeff, your kind words and thoughts are appreciated.

see responses above.

 

[Red Leader]

I found what I was looking for. This is a site one of our GJ members runs. It explains better than I can. Clamping cauls are what I was describing.

http://www.newwoodworker.com/cauls.html

Very cool link, and a great idea,

I am doing it the quick and dirty way by lining up by hand, then putting some screws in. It has worked okay so far, but I would absolutely need to do it the above way if I wasn't using screws.

I can just imagine coming back down 2 hours later after the glue has set just to discover about 5 boards popping up about 1/2" in various places

 

[flybefree]

Looks great...your door is down right spiffy now!

Shaun

 

[BeachBum2012]

As if I wasn't already glued to this thread, now I have another reason to tune it. I've been thinking about building my own butcher block tops for my garage and it'll be nice to see how it goes. Can't wait to see the progress.

 

[ckadams00]

I must apologize to everyone that follows this thread. I've been a little out of sorts this week as you can imagine. However, the work must go on!

A while back I made the above post. Well, tonight I finished most of the fence. I think it looks pretty good.

Here are the progress shots:

scraping off excess paint:

I still need to get a knob for it. I'll see what I can come up with.

Also finished (mostly) the handwheels.

Before:

After:

This saw is going to be coming together VERY soon. The only parts that still need cleaning up are the fence rails/guides and the waffle extension, which still needs paint. Apart from that, I just need to pick up some misc hardware and things will be going back together! I don't think I will restore the motor quite yet. It is non-original to the saw and only 3/4HP so before I invest the time I'll see how it runs first. I'm really looking forward to testing it out.


Also, got a very nice surprise today:

A local OWWM picked up some parts for the Craftsman cabinet saw that were ruckered in from across the country. Guess what they were?



Motor:

And...
















Motor mount!!!!

I was very excited to get the motor mount because it is proprietary to this one saw and the saws are pretty rare as-is, let alone trying to find a seldom-separated part. HUGE thanks goes out to BlueMerle from the OWWM forums - you are giving this old saw new life!

Now all I need is the unobtanium belt guard

Tomorrow am going to be doing some work, but mainly some security stuff. If there is one thing that having your car stolen will do, its to get you thinking about how you can better be prepared. Taking steps.

RL: what did you use to polish those hand wheels? I have the same saw . . .and want to achieve the same finish

 

[bluebolt]

RL: what did you use to polish those hand wheels? I have the same saw . . .and want to achieve the same finish

He uses a 3M scotchbrite wheel he gets off Amazon. See post #1713

 

[Red Leader]

As if I wasn't already glued to this thread, now I have another reason to tune it. I've been thinking about building my own butcher block tops for my garage and it'll be nice to see how it goes. Can't wait to see the progress.

Yeah, I'm a slacker. Actually, I did get a lot done this past weekend, just not on the bench. The garage door is finally done. All the insulation is on, the turnbuckles are on, the springs adjusted, the garage door opener attached, the opener properly adjusted...I needed to do that.

Next up will be the selling more tools and the bench I'm interested to see how it goes as well.

Thanks for sticking around and enjoying the show

 

[Red Leader]

RL: what did you use to polish those hand wheels? I have the same saw . . .and want to achieve the same finish

You have the same saw? PICTURES PICTURES PICTURES!!!

Do you have the extensions? Solid or webbed? Would love to see some pictures...feel free to throw them up in this thread. I hope that my resto will come in handy for you

 

[Red Leader]

He uses a 3M scotchbrite wheel he gets off Amazon. See post #1713

Which is incredibly awesome! I need to get royalty checks from 3M haha j/k

 

[Red Leader]

Looks great...your door is down right spiffy now!

Shaun

Thanks Shaun...but boy, your place is off the chain! Its looking so good now!

For those that haven't seen it, tune in to some 1930s J/O homage:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=110364

Can I call him J.O.? Everybody knows who I'm talking about

 

[flybefree]

I can only dream my door will look as good. BTW ordered a 3M wheel for my knife making projects based upon your salesmanship. I really hope you are in sales, because you are really good at...look at all of us who keep coming back?

Shaun

 

[Wingnut65]

Hey, I want a 3M scotchbrite wheel, too!

OK, I had to go dig up my Amazon password to order one. Finance Minister was on the phone, so, I'll get her approval later, I mean, inform her of the investment.

Thanks Shaun and Dave for kicking me to get one! Full report to follow.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I haven't ordered mine yet after asking Dave long ago what he used. All you shoppers are a bad influence.

 

[Bob Heine]

Red Leader,

After seeing the results on your projects, I bought a 3M de-burring wheel to add to my metal polishing collection. Works great but I neglected to order bushings so it would fit my 1/2" buffer shaft. Luckily I had the necessary bushings on the expander wheel.

A while back I bought an expander wheel from Eastwood. You mount an 18-15/16"x1.5" belt on the 6" rubber wheel. Belts include abrasives in 40- through 400-grit. 3M also offers brown, red and blue Scotchbrite belts and Trizact belts as fine as 3000-grit (buffing stainless steel is a whole lot easier after you clean up the scratches with that one). With one $55 rubber wheel you can add sanding belts for $3.49 each and Trizact belts for $9.99 each. The Scotchbrite belts are a bit more at $13.49 each. If you need an assortment of abrasives, this is a pretty good system. Here's what it looks like along with a link:

http://www.eastwood.com/buffing/metal-buffing/expander-wheel.html

 

[Vividlyvintage]

I found this on craigslist and thought of your garage.

The seller wants $95

The ad is located here:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/tls/2816674022.html

Thanks,
"Skrach"
My Vintage Blog:
www.VividlyVintage.com
My 55 Chrysler Worklog:
www.Pop's55.com

 

[Wingnut65]

Red Leader, Red Leader, Pull Up, Pull Up... You just passed 12-Gauge!

Wow! Vintage Tools and ScotchBrite really draws us in... That and a talented craftsman at work. Congrats!

 

[Red Leader]

Red Leader, Red Leader, Pull Up, Pull Up... You just passed 12-Gauge!

Wow! Vintage Tools and ScotchBrite really draws us in... That and a talented craftsman at work. Congrats!

Haha! Thanks, but...

cake pan lights > 1750+ posts

I think Jack's got the win on this one



I am still humbled by your comments though! Not sure I deserve them but we're keeping things fun over here!

And just as a general update...I plan to post a few more pictures here and there. I haven't been doing as much as I have in the past due to a lot of forces coming together and the fact that I just haven't had the same time to dedicate to the garage as I have in the past, but I haven't forgotten about the garage. I have several big goals for the garage in 2012, including a few notable ones:

1. Epoxy floor
2. Grid ceiling (my neighbor used to install these and said he'd help me)
3. Workbench

I finally got some drawer liners for the tool box and started putting tools in. I will need everyone's advice on how they think the drawer organization goes. I'll try to get some pictures up this evening.

Until then...

Thank you everyone for your encouragement, suggestions and feedback! You are all appreciated!!

 

[Red Leader]

I found this on craigslist and thought of your garage.

The seller wants $95

The ad is located here:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/tls/2816674022.html

Thanks,
"Skrach"
My Vintage Blog:
www.VividlyVintage.com
My 55 Chrysler Worklog:
www.Pop's55.com

A beautiful saw. I've seen those for sale locally as well. I'd pick one up, except I don't have room for a second band saw. If I did, I'd be tempted to pick up a 1930s Craftsman 10"er for metal work:

OR...

I probably could not resist if I came across a vintage Craftsman 16" band saw of Walker Turner lineage. They are very rare and ultra cool:

Actually, that would make a fantastic resaw machine - look at the height!

Both are actually pretty rare saws and would find a loving home in the 1950s Craftsman garage. I figure that if I'm doubling up on same type machines, I'd want them to be either really rare or really beautiful. Fortunately, examples like above meet both requirements

By the way, your blog looks curious - I'll have to check that out later.

-Dave

 

[Red Leader]

Red Leader,

After seeing the results on your projects, I bought a 3M de-burring wheel to add to my metal polishing collection. Works great but I neglected to order bushings so it would fit my 1/2" buffer shaft. Luckily I had the necessary bushings on the expander wheel.

A while back I bought an expander wheel from Eastwood. You mount an 18-15/16"x1.5" belt on the 6" rubber wheel. Belts include abrasives in 40- through 400-grit. 3M also offers brown, red and blue Scotchbrite belts and Trizact belts as fine as 3000-grit (buffing stainless steel is a whole lot easier after you clean up the scratches with that one). With one $55 rubber wheel you can add sanding belts for $3.49 each and Trizact belts for $9.99 each. The Scotchbrite belts are a bit more at $13.49 each. If you need an assortment of abrasives, this is a pretty good system. Here's what it looks like along with a link:

http://www.eastwood.com/buffing/metal-buffing/expander-wheel.html

Bob,

I'm glad that the EXL wheel is working out for you! And thanks for posting that other wheel - wow, what a cool and space saving design! That takes the same size as a hand held belt sander, yes? If so, You could just buy those belts and rip them down to size, which would save even more $$. I'm all for space saving solutions. That looks like a great one

 

[Red Leader]

I haven't ordered mine yet after asking Dave long ago what he used. All you shoppers are a bad influence.

You need to. They rock!

Sorry I haven't been able to follow up in your thread as much as I've wanted to. Same thing goes for Jeff's, Paul's, Shaun's, Rick's, and the other guys' shops that I admire so much on here.

I feel like I'm 'behind in the books' regarding all the threads that I usually participate in, let alone all the other great newer threads and threads that I haven't yet had the opportunity to check out their greatness

When I have a few hours to kill I'll plan on catching up!

 

[Red Leader]

I can only dream my door will look as good. BTW ordered a 3M wheel for my knife making projects based upon your salesmanship. I really hope you are in sales, because you are really good at...look at all of us who keep coming back?

Shaun

Shaun,

You know its funny...if there is something I really believe in and it really works, then I have no hesitation about talking it up because I think others could experience the same thing and it could help them as well.

I work in the non-profit sector doing mentoring with at-risk kids. I suppose to a degree we do recruitment, where we talk to folks about the impact they could make by signing up to be a mentor.

I feel like I could never be a 'through and through' good salesman though because I'm sure at some point you'd be caught in a position where you'd have to sell something you didn't fully trust or believe in or weren't passionate about, and I don't think I could do it.

But yes, those EXL wheels really are the real deal.

And don't sell your place too short! You have barely started on the 'interior decoration', which once that is done I'm sure it will be insanely good.

What really helped me was going with a theme - it helps with colors, design, materials, tools, signage, feel, etc. That's why I recommend to those who are just starting off with a garage remodel project and are looking for suggestions to find a theme, that was it makes the design process more fluid and helps their shop to stick out from the rest. But I suppose the biggest reason is because it is fun

 

[flybefree]

Dave,

I knew you were in sales, even in the not-for-profit world you have to sell people on the good and just work you are undertaking...otherwise not-for-profit becomes not-for-long!

I am still formulating my plan of attack for the interior of the office and shop...things have slowed down while I work on developing a vision of how things should be/save the money to start back up in the Spring. I am for sure going vintage and going big on the tools/machines simply because I have the room/need and they are no more expensive then the little/new stuff. That grinder has inspired me...got to be american iron.
Shaun

 

[rwachal]

Very cool garage .
I really like the wood working.
I have some '50s crafstman tools ,at least 4 differnt style of logos .
I do have two old crafstman vibebrating sanders .
I need a set screw for one of them .

 

[onewaydave]

Thanks Shaun...but boy, your place is off the chain! Its looking so good now!

For those that haven't seen it, tune in to some 1930s J/O homage:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=110364

Can I call him J.O.? Everybody knows who I'm talking about

The Urban Dictionary is almost required reading for us old folks. At least it is a useful resource.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=off+the+chain

Dave.

 

[SpeedinLemon]

Hey RL -- I just spent the last two nights rereading your thread from the beginning -- Great work throughout and you've inspired me to put the time and effort into restoring some of my older tools that were scorched in the fire. I wanted to run this one by you...It's called an Oiless Paint Sprayer and seems a good bit older than most of my "old" Craftsman stuff (mostly 60's vintage from what I've gathered). I'm thinking it's sort of an HVLP setup. I only found one reference to in vintagemachinery and it was another guy trying find out about his as well. Any thoughts on what it can do or what type of paint equipment it would run?

View media item 15967
283.18580 I believe is the serial #
View media item 15969
View media item 15966
You still doing late-night feedings, or is the night time routine settling down?

 

[Red Leader]

Tool Box Update!!!

Here is my (embarrassing) problem:

The good news is that there is a solution:

I needed to get some liners in the drawers, so that's exactly what I did:

Then filled with tools!

So what do you guys think? I'm still a long way from being done, but it is a start. What improvements would you make to the way the drawers are organized? What should I do with that one tall drawer in the top chest? Any thoughts/ideas/suggestions appreciated.

Also, I found this picture that shows what my tool board looks like in much better light so I thought I'd post it up. You can really see the wood grain:

 

[Red Leader]

Hey RL -- I just spent the last two nights rereading your thread from the beginning -- Great work throughout and you've inspired me to put the time and effort into restoring some of my older tools that were scorched in the fire. I wanted to run this one by you...It's called an Oiless Paint Sprayer and seems a good bit older than most of my "old" Craftsman stuff (mostly 60's vintage from what I've gathered). I'm thinking it's sort of an HVLP setup. I only found one reference to in vintagemachinery and it was another guy trying find out about his as well. Any thoughts on what it can do or what type of paint equipment it would run?

View media item 15967
283.18580 I believe is the serial #
View media item 15969
View media item 15966
You still doing late-night feedings, or is the night time routine settling down?

Wow, VERY nice paint sprayer! I've never seen a Craftsman that old. Off the top of my head it looks like late 1930s-1940s. So cool! I'd see those kind put on a tank and used as compressors, but I've also heard that they don't really put out a ton of pressure. I'm the wrong guy to ask about the paint sprayer setup as I am not very knowledgeable on that subject, but maybe some other members will chime in. In any case, it is a very sweet item and definitely restoration worthy.

Thanks for your thoughts on the build. I'm glad you enjoyed reading through it

Regarding the kiddo, he just got shots the other day so he's been a tad fussy ( I would be too!) but normal nights he wakes up a couple of times. My wife is AWESOME and takes such good care of him, especially when he wakes up in the middle of the night...he really is pampered quite well haha.

 

[machine_punk]

Use the tall drawer in the top chest for your fresh stack of N95 masks. I like the masks with an exhalation valve on them. Definitely should be using them when you are making dust of any sort. It looks like the clear, inner plastic bag of 10 masks would fit in there, even if the cardboard box wouldn't.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Dave, bet it feels good to get tools into the toolbox drawers. As for the arrangement of everything, let it sit on you for a week or two. As you go about using it you might want to swap things around. Maybe you find yourself reaching for something that might normally get used with another tool.

Does it feel weird that the tools are in drawers? I found it weird. I'm still getting use to the drawers and I constantly open the wrench drawer when I need the screw drivers. Or the ratchet drawer when I need sockets. One of these days... lol

 

[bluebolt]

Wow, VERY nice paint sprayer! I've never seen a Craftsman that old. Off the top of my head it looks like late 1930s-1940s. So cool! I'd see those kind put on a tank and used as compressors, but I've also heard that they don't really put out a ton of pressure. I'm the wrong guy to ask about the paint sprayer setup as I am not very knowledgeable on that subject, but maybe some other members will chime in. In any case, it is a very sweet item and definitely restoration worthy.

Thanks for your thoughts on the build. I'm glad you enjoyed reading through it

Regarding the kiddo, he just got shots the other day so he's been a tad fussy ( I would be too!) but normal nights he wakes up a couple of times. My wife is AWESOME and takes such good care of him, especially when he wakes up in the middle of the night...he really is pampered quite well haha.

Yeah I just saw a later one today at an estate sale, it only had 50 PSI max. Looked like 1970's.

 

[shopnut]

-Dave

The massive yellow saw in the background looks kind of interesting too. I'm not real fond of the open expanded metal guards though, but I bet seeing the spoked pulleys turning inside them looks pretty cool. And check out the perfect circular green frame on it - sort of has the same shape of a big chain hook. Probably a bit too "early" for your place, but interesting just the same.

BTW, the toolbox looks great!