Mjozefow's Two-Car $500 Budget Overhaul...

[mjozefow]

Hello all,

After going through so many galleries here I have gotten some really great info and ideas. I'd like to share my garage build up with you guys and try to keep it updated as it progresses.

First, A little about me:

I'm 20, and a Junior in Agricultural Engineering at Purdue.
I just closed on this house on July 31. I am just now turning my attention to the garage.

I run a handyman service here in West Lafayette, and have been doing so for almost two years now. Check my website if interested:www.mitchshandymanservice.com

I have several design constraints for this garage:

1-It must fit my 1993 Dodge W250 Cummins. ~20.5'
2-It must be able to function as a wood shop for commissioned work.
3-It must come in at under $500.
4-It must be a pleasant place to work and hang out

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So here is my pseudo-starting point:



My current lighting:



Nook and utilities closet:
Note the clever use of drywall as shelving material by PO.


So far I have built this workbench and mounted the vise:


The bench is made with 12 2x4's, 2 sheets 3/4" CDX plywood and one sheet of luan. It is 32" deep and 8' long. Some Ipswich pine stain and wipe-on poly make it look a bit nicer for not much $$$. Total: $72.29

I scored this light at an auction for $20.


Grand Total thus far: $92.29

 

[thomask]

Mitch,

You already built a super work bench and I note a nice tool chest...

Perhaps you might build some shelves like you show in your porfolio. Should only be cost of materials. This should help get all your power tools up and off the floor.

You might get several 48" shop lights and replace those two bare bulbs. Just 4, 48" bulbs will make a huge difference for under 50.00 dollars. You might also put another one right above that new workbench. 25.00 dollars est.

Pegboard behind workbench may also be easy way to organize those tools you need most often. 20.00 dollars est.

Add extra outlets by workbench area for your use, wire and materials cost only. 30 dollars est.

You can do a lot for a little with your sweat equity and skills.

Maybe a garage stereo for car tunes?

Frame some photos from your portfolio pictures (neat shed doors you built), for prospective new clients to see your work...


Good luck to a Boilermaker. and keep us posted.

 

[mjozefow]

Mitch,

Build some shelves like you show in your porfolio. Great Job and should only be cost of materials. You can then get a place for all your power tools etc. You might get several 48" shop lights and replace those two bare bulbs. Just 4 48" bulbs will make a huge difference for under 50.00 dollars. Pegboard behind workbench may also be easy way to organize those tools you need most often. 20.00 dollars or so....

Really like your two doors you built, nice work.

Good luck

We think along the same lines... more to come.

The exact same lines actually.

Edit: We're still thinking the same!

 

[Bull]

You seem to have your stuff together...you sure you're only 20?

I love budget builds, so I'll be watching this one.

 

[Kevin54]

Nice work on the items in your portfolio.

You need a bigger garage.

If possible, I'd get an outdoor shed to keep some of your items in like the lawnmower and anything else that only gets periodic use.

Oh yea......for only being 20, you have a great future ahead of you with the quality of work it looks like you do

 

[mjozefow]

Nice work on the items in your portfolio.
Thanks! I need to update with more recent pics.
You need a bigger garage.

This was me in an apartment:


I also sprayed my truck tailgate in the bathroom. I rebuilt the forks, front and rear calipers, and Mikuni RS flatslides in my living room and kitchen! All parts such as fairings, tank, seat, etc were kept in my closet. I'm very happy to have the space I do. But someday...

If possible, I'd get an outdoor shed to keep some of your items in like the lawnmower and anything else that only gets periodic use.

I actually love that lawnmower too much to put it outside. I started a thread about it in free parking. All the other L&G junk will go outside at some point. I'm on a budget though. It will all go in the attic for the winter. Small shed in the spring?

Oh yea......for only being 20, you have a great future ahead of you with the quality of work it looks like you do

Thanks!

You seem to have your stuff together...you sure you're only 20?

Unless I've been told a lot of lies, I'm pretty sure.

I love budget builds, so I'll be watching this one.

A few more pics:


The box is a basic friction slide C-man I got for Christmas when I was 15. It matches my first truck which is a very important feature! Lots of sentimental value on this one.

The melamine shelving has to go, it is water damaged and placed haphazardly.

The Plano shelving unit was perfect for the laundry room of my apartment, it is far out-classed for the garage in my new home.

 

[vartz04]

all those spray cans, I just thought of a somewhat good idea, why not build a shelf, with a lip on the front of it, and the sides capped that can hold all of those 1 or 2 cans deep. have it mounted by the tool box, or on the wall behind the work bench, then it will be easy to find what you need, and will look good too.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Better yet, put a shelf for flammables in the shed, where you're less likely to have sparks.

You know, the shed you're going to build for that lawn gear.

 

[vartz04]

yeah they have a metal one at lowes for $250, i know its half your budget, but it be the best thing for the small garage.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=98483-25-LW108&lpage=none

 

[mjozefow]

all those spray cans, I just thought of a somewhat good idea, why not build a shelf, with a lip on the front of it, and the sides capped that can hold all of those 1 or 2 cans deep. have it mounted by the tool box, or on the wall behind the work bench, then it will be easy to find what you need, and will look good too.

I'm thinking along the same lines as you. Wait and see.

 

[mjozefow]

Better yet, put a shelf for flammables in the shed, where you're less likely to have sparks.

You know, the shed you're going to build for that lawn gear.

If I do build a shed I will do so. Buying one is against my way of doing things.

BTW: Your garage has been a HUGE inspiration to me. I will be stealing a few ideas from you in the next few weeks.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Just a suggestion if you are going to feature your workshop as example of your work. It should always be tidy, just in case a customer stops by. Pick a paint color or two. Paint all your accumulated tools / storage / shelving this same color. You will not believe how much this will clean up your shop and make it look professional. If you have lawn / house equipment / bikes in the shop screen it with covers or moveable walls.

 

[Jack Olsen]

If I do build a shed I will do so. Buying one is against my way of doing things.

BTW: Your garage has been a HUGE inspiration to me. I will be stealing a few ideas from you in the next few weeks.

Thanks.

And I'm with you on the build-it-don't-buy-it front.

 

[mjozefow]

Just a suggestion if you are going to feature your workshop as example of your work. It should always be tidy, just in case a customer stops by. Pick a paint color or two. Paint all your accumulated tools / storage / shelving this same color. You will not believe how much this will clean up your shop and make it look professional. If you have lawn / house equipment / bikes in the shop screen it with covers or moveable walls.

The garage is my own space, customers don't see it unless they come over for a BBQ or something. I'm with you on the paint.

Unfortunately, all flooring options would bust my budget. Oh well.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Pick a paint color or two. Paint all your accumulated tools / storage / shelving this same color. You will not believe how much this will clean up your shop and make it look professional.

Agreed. And since mine's been referenced here -- and was also a $500 project -- here are my three (retro) colors:

 

[mjozefow]

Agreed. And since mine's been referenced here -- and was also a $500 project -- here are my three (retro) colors:

Including the floor?

 

[Jack Olsen]

That was the next $500.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Hello all,

First, A little about me:

I'm 20, and a Junior in Agricultural Engineering at Purdue.
I just closed on this house on July 31. I am just now turning my attention to the garage.

I run a handyman service here in West Lafayette, and have been doing so for almost two years now. Check my website if interested:www.mitchshandymanservice.com

You seem to have your stuff together...you sure you're only 20?

No kidding! You've got your sh/t together more than most 50 year olds!

 

[Jack Olsen]

At 20, I'm pretty sure I spent my days picking my nose and throwing rocks at the neighbor's fence. Or something like that.

Good work, mjozefow. You're way ahead of the curve.

 

[mjozefow]

Thanks guys.

Lots of progress. Will post up soon. About 70% through the budget.

 

[mjozefow]

My previous set-up.

 

[mjozefow]

Alright, it is time for an update. This is what I did Friday night:

First I drove to Indy to pick up these from the same guy I bought the vises from. The "tool box" is a hospital medical cart. It is all aluminum and VERY sturdy. The bottom drawer has about 100lbs in it now and it slides beautifully. It offers a lot of lockable tool storage for the $50 I paid for it. It needs drawer liners too. The bolt bin is brand new and I paid $40 for it. These will not be considered part of my budget as they are in my garage and not a part of it.


I removed all the shelves from the utility room. The previous owner for some reason thought drywall and Homasote ceiling tiles were suitable shelving materials. Sometimes I wonder...


I then started the shelving cabinet for the utility room:


A good way to keep nails lined up:



Now I can't actually take a decent picture of it in the utility closet, but it is now full of tools and screwed to the wall. It will not have doors due to space constraints in the utility closet.

 

[mjozefow]

Saturday, Sunday, and today I worked on and off (I had jobs for other people lined up) on what you see here:

This is the wrap-around-the-corner bench where my ultrasonic machine will go. I plan to have the nook dedicated to more delicate work such as carb cleaning.

I started with this:


It progressed like such:



I like to see this!:


Taking the angle with a sliding T-bevel.



Fitting the top was a bit interesting because the wall is not straight nor the corner square:



I got the top pieces to fit in with no gaps after some finagling. Those TiN blades really cut luan nicely. You can see the joint next to the blade pack.


So far so good:


The rest of the garage needs to be painted and the 2x4's will be veneered with luan and then painted gloss white to give a more polished look. This stuff just always takes longer than expected.

I modified and hung this today too. It needs a coat of gloss white paint, but it is a highly effective way to store aerosol cans. I built this unit about five years ago I think.



And this is where I stop for now:

And I of course sign my work!


PS- Give me an opinion on the red accents. I was not planning on a red, white, and blue theme but the red seems to go most times I look at it.

So option one is blue and white only, the other is red, white and blue.

 

[pipehack]

Nice job... Refreshing to see a guy on a budget! I like all the work on this forum........ But , I don't have the cash that some of these guys do.

 

[vartz04]

looks awesome, love the can holder, keep up the good work

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Great deal on the hospital toolbox. I bought and restored an old Waterloo toolbox that had been used in a hospital. It's a great box. Whenever I'm in a hospital, I always pay attention to the carts they're using...wondering if they'd work well as regular toolboxes. Yeah...I know I'm weird!

That holder for the spray paint looks great. I may just do one of those. I use a lot of spray paint. I'm damn impressed with everything you've done so far.

 

[mjozefow]

Thanks guys. I'm going to try and do a bit more tonight.

 

[cyclopsblown34]

You sure you're only twenty? I'm gonna mark this thread and steal ideas for my shop. Excellent work.

 

[vartz04]

yeah i hope to have something set up like this by the time im 25, im 23, and I have 3 months left of college. You are way ahead of the curve

 

[mjozefow]

I spray painted the light fixtures deep hammer-tone red on a piece of carpet I got while dumpster diving behind a mental hospital in Morton, IL, looking for usable catapult materials. (long story)

Got one light up:


I used one full spectrum and one utility bulb to cut down on cost a bit. Under the prismatic cover you cant tell, but colors look less florescent-ish.

 

[mjozefow]

You sure you're only twenty? I'm gonna mark this thread and steal ideas for my shop. Excellent work.

Go ahead and steal away. I have a lot more ideas that are swirling around my head. I'm not sure how soon they will be done though.

And yes, I'm sure I'm only 20. I just need four years to get to A_pmech's level. Yeah right, like that's going to happen...

Maybe I'll get a picture up on here so you guys will believe me.

 

[DHCrocks]

just a suggestion but for your shelves in your cabinet, since you don't have a dado for them to sit in I would recommend that you nail some cleats under them so they don't fall down. Looks like you're using 15ga finish nails to hold them up, and that's not going to take a whole lot of weight.

 

[mjozefow]

just a suggestion but for your shelves in your cabinet, since you don't have a dado for them to sit in I would recommend that you nail some cleats under them so they don't fall down. Looks like you're using 15ga finish nails to hold them up, and that's not going to take a whole lot of weight.

You are right. The cleats were installed once the unit was in place, after a decent picture could be taken.

They are glued too. Even on plywood "end grain" it helps some.

 

[mjozefow]

I've been working, but there have been a lot of distractions. It is chugging along. Completed projects are a bit smaller this weekend.

 

[mjozefow]

I finished painting the nook and the can rack. Then I mounted the bolt bin to the wall:

I'm not at all worried about the weight, as each of the brackets is rated at 500 lbs. Of course I'm not sure that they know what the term "square" or "90* angle" means in China. They were like 85* or so. There were no USA made brackets. The "Made in Germany" no-drill lags are great though. They really have some bite.

 

[A_Pmech]

Consider the can rack and dock light officially stolen! I have about 150 spray cans which just rattle around and fall off the shelves. Now, I have a solution! The dock light is pure win.

You should post those carriage house doors here. Very nice work!

And yes, I'm sure I'm only 20. I just need four years to get to A_pmech's level. Yeah right, like that's going to happen...

You're on the curve.

 

[mjozefow]

Consider the can rack and dock light officially stolen! I have about 150 spray cans which just rattle around and fall off the shelves. Now, I have a solution! The dock light is pure win.

You should post those carriage house doors here. Very nice work!







You're on the curve.

Thanks!

The angle on the can rack makes it easy to see the labels of all the cans. Or at least the portion that matters.

 

[thomask]

I finished painting the nook and the can rack. Then I mounted the bolt bin to the wall:


Hey guy,

We are all real proud of your work out there. You have done so much with a super tight budget.

A very professional look.

 

[mjozefow]

Hey guy,

We are all real proud of your work out there. You have done so much with a super tight budget.

A very professional look.

Thanks thomask!

I've gotten some more done but progress has been greatly slowed by school work. Gotta keep my priorities backwards!

I hope to get some more done this weekend. I'd like to finish with the paint, but I really hate painting walls. I've got bench tools to mount, shelves to put up, a hardware bin system to make, and a mobile nesting bench to make. And a lumber rack to make on the ceiling. All materials have been purchased, and I'm pretty much still in budget. +/- $30 I think.

I need to tally up my expenses to get a more accurate figure.

I'm excited to be get to the point where I can work on projects in the garage instead of the project being the garage itself.


PS: Who is 'we'???

 

[mjozefow]

I made a very small amount of progress this weekend. I got this cabinet built for my clamps. I made it out of leftover pegboard scraps and extra melamine shelving. It is quite sturdy.



It will be taken down and painted gloss white, but I need to get stuff out of my way so I can work.

It's a catch-22 because I need a place to put my stuff so i have room to build a place to put my stuff.