Above 1200 Sq/FT Cleaning Up My Shop

[bolensboneyard]

Went out early and there was no wind. Often the wind dies down overnight. Supposed to be very windy today, so I texted my Son in Law and told him "no wind, set the roof?". He was over in a flash. The old wall section still has a 5x5 column attached but it is off center so I stuck my spreader bar under it to rig to.

I thought we'd have to carry it with the back bucket but he insisted on trying the front bucket (more control for traveling) and we had about an inch to spare.

Slow and easy

Got it set down and switched to the back bucket for pick and set. My woodcutter was working just across the fence and came over to help. I had not asked him. The wind started coming up so it was really good to have another ground hand.

Went on without a hitch. And it fit. It is 12 inches away from the building to let fumes escape and if there is a fire it will go up instead of in the building.

Feels really good to have s shelter. Still need to buy some outside corner to finish off the edges and not all the purlins are tied down.

Bob put on his four way bucket. The front of the bucket lifts so it dumps out the back so I can stick it under the roof and dump by only lifting the teeth a little.

Put the dirt in and had a visitor wanting to fix his valve body on a big Massey Ferguson tractor. Nice guy, so we spent two hours taking it apart, figuring out what was wrong, fixing it, and putting it back together. (the end of one valve spool had been broken and rewelded before he bought it, and he's had it many years, a little grinding on the weld provided clearance for the operating lever to not bind)

Smoothed the dirt fill and walked it down with the show truck. It's got the least height of anything I have.

And, the extreme visibility is a real plus in tight quarters!

And we have a floor! It's raked down and close to level so when the fill settles we'll have a little grade away from the building. It may take some additional fill but it is ready to use now! (and the wind has howled all day)

A really good Saturday!! I may have to melt a little aluminum tomorrow to get my fix and then finish the roof on Saturday.

Thanks for looking in!

Andy what year is the Chevy in this picture? Looks like a 52. My grandfather had one we used to go hunting in.

 

[Toothaker]

Andy, you got that roof on just in time. The wind really howled here yesterday. The air was red from that stiff south wind bringing all that red dirt up from OK. But I notice you must live in the one area of Oklahoma that has normal-looking brown dirt. What's up with that, anyway?

 

[Bob275]

I'm surprised... all that stuff and equipment and no plate compactor or roller? You needed to use the show truck to compact!

 

[The_Geologist]

Just catching up on your progress and read about your recent addition (lean-to) to the shed. Nicely done!

 

[jimreed2160]

Inspector--The plans specifies "roof" but that tag says "wall".
Andy--I dunno. It was up there when I got up to feed the cows.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy, you are really kicking goals..

Noting that you still have not fixed the starter peddle rubber boot on the Show Truck yet..

Regards

Thanks, Steve!! It was a warm day and we weren't going fast so I hardly noticed the boot was leaking. Criticism noted, and mark made on to do list.

Doing a great job Andy.

Thank you!

You can get inline filter / dryer for the plasma that attaches right to hose end before going in the machine itself.
I got one from CyberWeld.
Enjoying the updates.

Might be a good idea to add a filter/dryer. Thanks for the visit!

Andy what year is the Chevy in this picture? Looks like a 52. My grandfather had one we used to go hunting in.

There are two. They are both 53's although they arrived with 54 tail lights. Both of them. I paid $100 for the pair to get them out of a guy's front yard at my previous domicile. Lots of good pieces left.

Thanks for stopping in, guys!

 

[Guster]

That roof went up so fast it almost looks like cheating... ALMOST! Looks like a great spot for a little foundry work Andy.

Plasma cutters are a bit like cheating too. Always tell people who inquire about plasma cutters that it is the closest thing you can currently get to owning a light sabre... a very little light sabre!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy, you got that roof on just in time. The wind really howled here yesterday. The air was red from that stiff south wind bringing all that red dirt up from OK. But I notice you must live in the one area of Oklahoma that has normal-looking brown dirt. What's up with that, anyway?

I knew Saturday was supposed to be windy so when it was calm early on we hustled. It has howled all day today, too. I need to buy tethers for the cows to keep them home.

Please bring our dirt back. You got some of it in the thirties, too, but most of it went to Texas and Arkansas.

The prolific red clay of central Oklahoma makes good bricks and inhibits the desire of the ladies to put in white carpeting.

I live in the good part of Oklahoma, thank you!

I'm surprised... all that stuff and equipment and no plate compactor or roller? You needed to use the show truck to compact!

As a poor farmer I only can afford the basic tools I truly need to keep things running. Plus, the Show Truck compresses the soil at 30 pounds per square inch (over two tons per square foot). And it is fun to drive. I think I missed your point.

Just catching up on your progress and read about your recent addition (lean-to) to the shed. Nicely done!

Thank you! I really needed the shelter, and a level work surface. Glad it happened in two days and only had to buy some 2x6's.

Inspector--The plans specifies "roof" but that tag says "wall".
Andy--I dunno. It was up there when I got up to feed the cows.

Boy isn't it the truth.

Inspector: "Well take it back down, we can't be using walls for roofs. (or is it rooves) What is this world coming to?"

Andy: "It's staying right there until I get an approved change order".

My fine lady was a little under the weather today so I spent the time with her. Pretty good day.

It's Saturday tomorrow!!

 

[oldironfarmer]

That roof went up so fast it almost looks like cheating... ALMOST! Looks like a great spot for a little foundry work Andy.

Plasma cutters are a bit like cheating too. Always tell people who inquire about plasma cutters that it is the closest thing you can currently get to owning a light sabre... a very little light sabre!

You Gustered in when I wasn't looking!

Who doesn't like a Son in Law with a backhoe? And the woodcutter showing up helped too. Thanks Rocky!! I suppose Bob and I could have gotten it up but it sure was easy with help.

I may need to build some wind breaks.

I'm feeling good about the foundry. I may just sit out there and enjoy the view of the woods.

I waited a long time to get a plasma and then waited several months to take it out of the box.

Thanks for stopping by!

 

[jbmatth]

Andy,
I stopped in expecting to see some information on the new addition and was surprised by the lean to. Well done with little expense and a bit of effort.

Toothaker, I live straight south of you just inside of Ok. and don't have red dirt, where did it come from then? Lots of wind again today, maybe I need to go fly a kite.
JB

 

[-Brent-]

Neat job on the lean-to. In one of the pics I saw the framework of another building. That's would be a nice little addition for storage. Ever consider putting a roof on it to keep things out of the rain?

 

[BUGTHUG]

Neat job on the lean-to. In one of the pics I saw the framework of another building. That's would be a nice little addition for storage. Ever consider putting a roof on it to keep thing out of the rain?

I was just getting ready to ask him the same question.....(woooooooo)
Well you know what they say about great mime's

 

[sublime68charger]

Andy, you are really kicking goals..

Noting that you still have not fixed the starter peddle rubber boot on the Show Truck yet..

Regards

I would have thought at least take the time to wrap a rag around it to try and keep the breeze from getting in!

Nice work on everything!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy,
I stopped in expecting to see some information on the new addition and was surprised by the lean to. Well done with little expense and a bit of effort.

Toothaker, I live straight south of you just inside of Ok. and don't have red dirt, where did it come from then? Lots of wind again today, maybe I need to go fly a kite.
JB

Thanks, JB. We should call it a shed roof and confuse the guys down under.

We'll post some pictures of JB's dirt when we get to digging it. On south of JB it does turn red.

Neat job on the lean-to. In one of the pics I saw the framework of another building. That's would be a nice little addition for storage. Ever consider putting a roof on it to keep things out of the rain?

Thanks Brent!

Another building, where? You really think I have an unfinished building and stuff out in the weather?

I had a welder weld up those frames (3-1/2" OD sch 80 pipe) years and years ago. I had the pipe and he was a friend light on work and only charged me $300. I dug the holes and set up the frames. Then the purlins were going to be $1,000 and I cheaped out. It was designed as a pull through (70 ft long) to park my hay equipment inside, hooked to tractors, ready to go. Time passed. I had the trusses evaluated by a Civil Engineer in 08 and he said they need more bracing. Not sure I agree but he is a good engineer. That stalled me some more. I just need to bite the bullet and buy the materials and finish it. It's 30 ft wide.

I did do my add on so there is still room to move equipment between the two buildings, and my woodcutter is starting to clean out the area. Maybe this year. Heaven knows I need more room.

I was just getting ready to ask him the same question.....(woooooooo)
Well you know what they say about great mime's

You're just too shy!

I would have thought at least take the time to wrap a rag around it to try and keep the breeze from getting in!

Nice work on everything!

OK, I've got to do something even if it's a shoddy repair. I have not exactly done first class work on the show truck (still won first place) so anything is better than nothing. I'm afraid doing nothing will affect the efficiency of the air conditioning.

Thanks for the advice guys!! Here we go!!!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Been frustrated lately, I can't seem to get to melting metal! This morning I finished a broom, broom needle, and boxed up a tag to mail (Look out Vladimir) then had to go to town. Got in the shop at 3:00 and welded up my stainless crucible

304 is good to 1500F and up to 1800F (850C to 1,000C) which is plenty for melting aluminum. Typically it is poured under 1,400F. Found a 3/8" SS bolt so I cut it up to make ears and welded everything with E309.

Built a new furnace under the shed and put the cured burner tile in it. Fired it up and it got hot quickly with the limited air.

The flame is from trash burning off the aluminum cans in the crucible. The bricks are at an angle with the furnace to give a space to charge the crucible and give them plenty of support as well. Doesn't look very neat but it was effective. In fact the furnace works so well I'm not sure why I need to build one other than a roof I can remove in one piece. the advantage of a brick floor is spills in the furnace have a place to run.

I'm sure everybody is getting bored of seeing aluminum muffins but I'm still excited about them

I melted 60 cans and poured the muffin tin a bit fuller than with 40 cans I had been doing. Used my new tongs to lift and pour with. Feels good, and good control.

Thanks for stopping in!!

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy, we are more than happy to see your muffins

What you are doing there is what I call "proof of concept "

Done well..

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy, we are more than happy to see your muffins

What you are doing there is what I call "proof of concept "

Done well..

Thanks for the 1/2 comment. Always welcome!!

Today is Saturday and I have no plans other than chores and furthering the foundry work

It would be really nice to make a sand mold...

 

[oldironfarmer]

Took my furnace apart to look a t he burner tile after firing it to melt aluminum yesterday.

Could not tell it had been fired. So I made another one, in case this one gets broken. It didn't make a lot of sense to make another, but I wanted to so

Out of the corner of my eye I saw something amiss on tractor row.

Hmmm.... check that out

Looks like a '35 Chevy

Looks like a 350 with headers and lots of chrome

And air conditioning. All steel body, needs a little love. My wife said if I promised to take care of it, it could stay. So I took it to town to meet my insurance agent

And dash away, dash away, dash away all!!

Is it Christmas? Sure feels like it

It's snuggled in for the night

I think it's happy here I'm happy

Also made a shelf for the foundry room

And it populated itself in no time

 

[Guster]

Took my furnace apart to look a t he burner tile after firing it to melt aluminum yesterday.

Could not tell it had been fired. So I made another one, in case this one gets broken. It didn't make a lot of sense to make another, but I wanted to so

Redundancy always makes sense...

And air conditioning. All steel body, needs a little love. My wife said if I promised to take care of it, it could stay. So I took it to town to meet my insurance agent

And dash away, dash away, dash away all!!

Is it Christmas? Sure feels like it

Nice! Impulse buy?

Just what in all creation is that purple muppet attached to the steering wheel for?

Saturday 6 times a week and more than one Christmas? Where can I get a retirement? Actually... don't answer that because it looks and sounds very expensive.

Also does your wife know you raided her kitchen for the foundry room tools?

So many questions Andy!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Redundancy always makes sense...

I've never wanted to be made redundant However, I might want to keep two different sized furnaces assembled. Maybe.

Nice! Impulse buy?

Not really an impulse, I just saw it and stopped to look and asked and offered and I guess I like it more than he did. Worst impulse ever. Told my son it was his inheritance, hoped he likes it.

Just what in all creation is that purple muppet attached to the steering wheel for?

I do not know and it feels goofy. When I take it off I'm sure I'll find a surprise underneath. Kind of gives you that 70's feel.

Saturday 6 times a week and more than one Christmas? Where can I get a retirement? Actually... don't answer that because it looks and sounds very expensive.

It really wasn't an expensive car. I'll find out why as the months go by. Lots of little defects but no big ones that I can tell other than a bad headliner.

Also does your wife know you raided her kitchen for the foundry room tools?

I do all the cooking these days so she wouldn't have a clue. And a lot of her stuff was her mom's or an aunts. I really wouldn't want to use them. So these are new. I went wild in Walmart buying what I thought I could use. Pretty inexpensive stuff and pretty useful in measuring and mixing.

So many questions Andy!

So many answers.

Thanks for stopping in! And for the detailed comments!!

 

[G20-Budo]

Awesome addition to the car family there Andy! I also like that you continue to add usable things (like shelves) as you go.

Take care!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Thanks, Kyle! And I didn't even know I needed another car! Shows how much I know!!

 

[ajohno]

Nice looking car.

 

[Terrick down Under]

I know I don't need to say it but I will.....that's nice!

 

[drivesitfar]

Andy: so are building plans in the works for another garage since it looks like the Blue one in your avatar no longer has a place to park? or did you sell the blue one to buy a purple one?

nice bright colored cars to mix in with the rusty cool stuff you have sitting around.

Congrats (I THINK?)

cheers

 

[1/2 Cup]

Andy, Andy, Andy.. you have done well sir..

 

[realvc]

So cool that you were able to take in another needy car. With some TLC I bet it will give you many miles of smiles.

You can sort out everything it needs this Saturday or next Saturday or next Saturday.

Congrats. on the new to you Street Rod.

 

[jbmatth]

Andy, I just don't know what to say, you are getting all of the good stuff around here. You certainly have an abundance of color in you life. So let me see if I have this right, you have the Chevelle in the paint booth, the new purple car (Looks much better on a computer than on my phone by the way.) behind the Chevelle in the Coke room, the hay truck on the lift, the blue car behind the lift, the show truck is in the carport, the red ford there as well, so what is on the old lift where the Chevelle used to reside? (Run on sentence much?)

Thank you for sharing you adventures with us all to follow along with.
JB

 

[Bob Heine]

Andy, you have proven the axiom that nature abhors a vacuum. It does not matter how much additional space you create, something will come along and fill it up. So wonderful to see it was something useful and beautiful. You may have to cut back on the muffins.

 

[Guster]

Andy, you have proven the axiom that nature abhors a vacuum. It does not matter how much additional space you create, something will come along and fill it up. So wonderful to see it was something useful and beautiful. You may have to cut back on the muffins.

Saying what we were all thinking!

Mind you he's got the bones for some 'stables' in the background here:

Nice painted concrete floor, bit of cladding, roll-up doors on the long side and showroom lighting and it would look the business!! With all the colours he collected it be like Andy's Candy shop!

 

[Pointbock]

...so what is on the old lift where the Chevelle used to reside?
JB

Where's Miss Vicky?

 

[jimreed2160]

Andy, that is one swell ride!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Nice looking car.

Thank you! When I drove by it on the street I lost all self control.

I know I don't need to say it but I will.....that's nice!

Thank you very much for commenting anyway

Andy: so are building plans in the works for another garage since it looks like the Blue one in your avatar no longer has a place to park? or did you sell the blue one to buy a purple one?

HA! My wife would sell me if I sold her blue car. It is peacefully residing in the machine shop, next to all the bolt bins. There are other cars I need storage for, like the '41 Chevy Coupe and the 48 Suburban, so I'm thinking more storage might be appropriate. but for now, everyone has a home, including the Dodge farm truck which is waiting for Saturday for repair.

nice bright colored cars to mix in with the rusty cool stuff you have sitting around.

Thanks! All my cars would be red or yellow if I had painted them, so I'm lucky to find cars I want with different colors. Never thought I'd want a purple cow or car.

Congrats (I THINK?)

cheers

Well, I'm happy with it Thanks for the visit!

Andy, Andy, Andy.. you have done well sir..

1/2 thanks!! It's sad to just lose control but that's what happened with this old girl.

So cool that you were able to take in another needy car. With some TLC I bet it will give you many miles of smiles.

Some cars don't like being around all the tractors, but this one doesn't seem to mind.

You can sort out everything it needs this Saturday or next Saturday or next Saturday.

Yes, I plan to work on it on Saturday. It doesn't seem to mind waiting.

Congrats. on the new to you Street Rod.

Thank you!!

 

[oldironfarmer]

Andy, I just don't know what to say, you are getting all of the good stuff around here. You certainly have an abundance of color in you life. So let me see if I have this right, you have the Chevelle in the paint booth, the new purple car (Looks much better on a computer than on my phone by the way.) behind the Chevelle in the Coke room, the hay truck on the lift, the blue car behind the lift, the show truck is in the carport, the red ford there as well, so what is on the old lift where the Chevelle used to reside? (Run on sentence much?)

Thank you for sharing you adventures with us all to follow along with.
JB

If I've missed buying something, I'm sorry.

You're close! Miss Vicky is behind the Dodge on the four post lift. The blue car is back in the machine shop where it lived before the cleaning project. The old single post lift is empty and available for work. That's funny to have a lift available I also am thinking of putting a ceiling in that room so I need to be able to move scaffolding around to do that.

I greatly appreciate folks following along and keeping me in line.

Andy, you have proven the axiom that nature abhors a vacuum. It does not matter how much additional space you create, something will come along and fill it up. So wonderful to see it was something useful and beautiful. You may have to cut back on the muffins.

I think Don Long had demonstrated that in spades. I just need enough space for my little collection. I was not planning on buying a car but lost all control when I saw the purple one. It really wasn't in my budget but here it is! If you see Miss Vicky in the foundry room you'll know I'm in trouble

Saying what we were all thinking!

Mind you he's got the bones for some 'stables' in the background here:

Nice painted concrete floor, bit of cladding, roll-up doors on the long side and showroom lighting and it would look the business!! With all the colours he collected it be like Andy's Candy shop!

Good news bad news. I had decided to finish out that building, but the woodcutter is giving me a nice western view. We live on a hill but don't know it with all the trees around. So a small auto garage may have to go someplace else. I'm thinking. Any thing I build has to be rodent proof and that is tough out in the country.

Where's Miss Vicky?

She is front and center off the starboard beam of the purple car. She's not jealous, either (she's a Ford and it's a Chevrolet).

Andy, that is one swell ride!

Thanks Jim! It is pretty snappy and comfortable. I don't know what the front end is, but it has rack and pinion steering (not power) so may be a Mustang II? It's a little hard to steer and wanders a bit, and I have to pump the brakes. Sounds like a little deuce coupe, doesn't it. Really don't mind the steering, it is a hot rod, after all. The A/C doesn't work but it is charged and all there so probably a hidden blown fuse and maybe a bare wire. It will fix, just wait til Saturday! Somebody put a lot more money in it than I paid for it, the frame is painted the body color. Custom fuel tank. Dolphin gauges.

Thanks for all the visits, guys!

 

[jywilli69]

Like what you done. so far. I am on page 22 now, look forward to seeing the rest.

 

[oldironfarmer]

Cars? What cars? We're running a foundry!

Have to make more tools for the foundry. I thought I had everything until I went to do something and STOP!! Need a gate cutter. My favorite book recommended the side of a Prince Albert can. I don't use tobacco I guess I could buy just one can Do they still make them? Cut a piece of galvanized flashing and looked for an easy way to roll it. I have a bending jig on my fly press.

Bingo! That was quick!!

Then I made a tamping tool. I could have used a dowel, but they recommend a peen end and it didn't take long to make one out of a treated 2x4 (didn't need to be treated but it was laying in the floor in the wood shop)

I mixed up some green sand, carefully weighing the water. It sure seems dry. But I went ahead and used it. For a pattern I used a piece of old 1-1/4" closet hanger rod I've saved for many years for this, I guess!

Rammed up the pattern, used my burner tile pattern for a sprue pattern, cut a gate into the pattern and we're ready to pour!

I made a batch of muffins first to get the furnace good and hot and then melted six muffins.

I thought I could pour with four muffins but I put six in the pot just to be sure. I had two and a half left over.

Nice shrinkage in the sprue. It is a reservoir you pour into to feed the pattern cavity but also needs to be large enough it solidifies last so it can feed liquid to the casting as it solidifies and shrinks. This was a good sign but I have to let it cool some then I can crack the egg and see what I did.

Looking good! Looking great!!

I'm really very pleased with my first casting effort. There are failures coming down the road, that is how life is, but to have success on the first try is gratifying. This casting represents about 100 soda cans. My plan was to cut the sprue off and turn it in the lathe to see if it has porosity or inclusions. But I'm a sentimental guy and this turned out so good I think I'll just keep this one for an example for visitors and do it again. This will make a nice keepsake. Casting a shaft like this saves buying a large diameter aluminum rod to machine down.

I've read that the aluminum in cans is unsuitable for casting. Looks pretty good to me. Maybe aluminum from castings will be a lot better. This is good enough! They also say cans make too much slag. I see aluminum in the slag so I collect it and run it again and get more out. I'm happy with the cans.

Thanks for looking in, guys. It's full time foundry work until I get my fill

 

[oldironfarmer]

Like what you done. so far. I am on page 22 now, look forward to seeing the rest.

Ok, we'll wait for you.

No, maybe not, but we'll be here when you get to the end!

Thanks for stopping by and slogging through! And I appreciate the comment.

 

[sublime68charger]

Nice car addition or foundry work?

Some times it get tuckered out just keeping up with your thread!

 

[djones1a]

When i walked into the garage tonight, i seen the broom i had ordered from you. Made me smile,Very cool.Thank you!!!

 

[Vieux]

You have foundry real shop