Below 265 SQ/FT 10' x 22' Project – ‘Officina di Attrezzi Veloce’

[Trapps]

It started here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=363534

And here is what the place looked like the day we took possession of the house:



6AUG17

Finally put some time into this project. The bench is tall, but I wanted a single height flat surface so the black storage cabinet set the height. A pair of HF44 cabinets, sans casters, anchor the workbench and should provide enough storage. I wanted the 56" for the increased depth, but budget dictated the 44's . The black cabinet has been in my possession for more than 20 years and has functioned well as tool storage. The bench is probably over engineered structurally but it was fun to build. The floor is crowned a bit at the crack so I had to relieve the bottom of the bottom plate with a belt sander. All base plates are PT and I used appropriate screws. I also had to deal with immovable water lines and some electrical, which made for some funky inefficient layouts but I was able to conceal most of it.



I have an idea to use the stationary casters from the cabinets on a track behind the cabinets (the bench is 24" deep) with a flat panel that slides in and out of the space behind the cabinets ( cabinet is 18 1/2" deep).

Still a long way to go, but some visible progress.





EDIT 15MAR2021: Sometime on March 11th, 2021, FotoTime went '****' and I lost all of my pictures and links. I have all (or most of) the originals but it will take some time to re-populate them.
EDIT 1APR2021: As I upload hundreds of pics to a new FLICKR account, it has become clear to me that the replacements in this thread (or any place for that matter) may not link to the exact original I posted but they'll be close enough based on the verbiage clues I've left.
EDIT 11APR2021: OK, I'm now into thoudsands of photo uploads to Flickr. I'm experimenting with a process - read post and look for pic, or look at pics and go find the post. The end result is the pics I am now linking are close but not always the exact photo I had originally posted. The observant will find some inconsistencies; I'm striving for continuity but it's not easy (read, worth the time it would cost me to get it perfect).


Sláinte

 

[ddawg16]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

I like it.

Not crazy about the wood on the floor. I would have painted all of it before hand....but...

Plenty of outlets at logical locations.

Insulation in the walls

Load center easy access.

Makes up for the wood on the floor.

Looking forward to the final pics


Are you doing OSB or drywall on the walls?

What ever you do, do the ceiling first.

 

[ddawg16]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Forgot to add.....I like your 'tight' woodworking. Much better than average.

 

[Cris B]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Nice woodworking on that bench. What is the rest of the space like?

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Are you doing OSB or drywall on the walls?

What ever you do, do the ceiling first.

Thanks for the comments. Walls will mostly be 15/32 B/C. Ceiling is an open issue, once lighting is selected I can prep and begin. Currently thinking a T&G pine of some sort.

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Nice woodworking on that bench. What is the rest of the space like?

Thanks! Not much as it's only 10x22. An exposed brick wall which will stay that way; bikes will stay parked against it opposite the cabinets once completed.

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

8OCT17

'Operation Efficient Storage'

Progress has been slow but the family is happy (visiting kids away at school) so its all good. Balancing this with good weather bike time too. Winter is approaching...

The HF44's really are working well, especially given the investment (low). The workbench is 24" and I wanted to do something with the space behind the cabinets:




I re-tasked the casters and handles from the cabinets into what I'm calling 'Tool Trundles' that live behind the cabinets:

EDIT 26MAY21: the original photos (several) of the tool trundles were posted in this spot. They were lost when FotoTime crashed in March of '21. You can see updated versions in post #105 (Gen 2) & #169 (Gen 3). The following pic is of the original right side trundle:





Hindsight is 20/20, If I had planned ahead better I wouldn't need the 2x 'track' as the base deck is 23/32. Oh well, DIY amateur here. Learning as I go. Still there are 2 trundles, 48" and 36" and while they could have been more efficient (smaller casters would have helped and 1x too) they work quite well.

I also got a (very little) bit of the electrical done. Re-locating boxes:





And finally I think a better name for the space is 'The Cage'. The ST4 has been replaced by a real ANIMAL, a new-to-me 1098S Tricolore. The BEAST, a Multistrada rigged for 2UP, remains, and always will!

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project

Progress has been slow, but at least I have a game-plan for the ceiling (a budget friendly T&G Pine) and lighting (6x 48" LED strips).

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Light Progress

I wanted something suitable for a garage in Michigan. It will be heated, but only to about mid 50's. Cold weather, low profile and bright were key considerations. Also budget is important. I found these at Menards for $35. They required some modification to convert to hard wired and I did simply drill screws through the housing, through the T&G, and into the rafters, to mount them. The compression/snap fit end caps will make removal almost impossible without destroying the fixtures so I hope they work/last.



They are very low profile:





And they put out plenty of bright light:




2 are in. I will install 6, 3 down each side of the garage, 2 circuits.

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

A bathroom has disrupted progress; ripping it out down to studs. Happy wife, happy life...

So, more slow progress in the cave; got the 3rd light in and a few more boards in the ceiling.



As I finish up the lights and ceiling, I am focusing on tunes. This shop will need a decent sound system and I have some components from a car system I had 20 years ago. I am thinking of mounting it all exposed, amps, crossovers, wiring, speakers, etc. Conceptually like this (not my pic or gear):


Spring is arriving, and with it better weather. I hope to move a bit faster now.

Also, I am just stunned at how much content is here in GJ. I read almost every day now and find ideas and inspiration from so many different members. Love this place!

 

[Pathfinders]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Good looking shop. I really like the bikes, had a 1988 750 Paso. Miss it every day.

 

[LaneRover]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

I like your 'tool trundles' to use otherwise unused space.

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Sloooooow progress...

But ADT came out and the space is now protected with the rest of the house.

The ceiling is getting close to complete:





The last course is a real PITA but once trim is up it should look pretty clean.These carsiding boards came from Menards. This profile is now discontinued. I had been buying a few at a time (Livonia, MI) and one day they were gone and replaced with a different profile cut. I was about 2/3's done.

I ended up finding remaining stock of the rounded profile in the Ann Arbor location and bought enough to finish +4 more for insurance. I just barely beat the rain home with the 10'ers hanging out the back...

I should get the last few courses in this weekend.

I also started to organize tools:

 

[couch]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

I dig all the detail! Great use of space as well as the extra parts from the HF boxes.

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation Attrezzi Veloce

19OCT2018

I don't know where the time goes...I'd thought I'd finish the ceiling in May...

Finally got the last 2 boards in the ceiling last night.


Now I can finish the walls and start the cabinets, shelves and trim.

I've also started sketching a plan to add a detached garage next year. I built a garage several years ago, long before discovering GJ. I have learned so much since then and the inspiration in this place is incredible!

Currently I am looking for reclaimed hardwood flooring for the bench tops.

 

[mike93lx]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Looks great. Amazing how much better the space feels with a finished ceiling

 

[964haus]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Will be moving into a 10x18 garage in December and laid out a plan very similar to yours on the drawing board in preparation....loving seeing how you got so much in a small space. Looking forward to seeing the next instalment!

Matthew

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Faster than molasses in the arctic. Almost.

Last full sheet up on the wall...



Yep, it's a mess. I have a major bathroom remodel going on:











The shower is turning out pretty nice (I paid to have the tile set, I did all the rest including cement board, RedGuard, liner, etc.):



2 cubbies, tall enough for large pump-size soap:


...and 25 bags of leaves today. The Mrs. was a huge help!

 

[Mikkeli]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Nice workbench/cabinet project with good space using ideas. Bathroom project is looking good also, is it completed yet?

 

[LaneRover]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Nice garage, I also like the use of otherwise unused space.

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Nice workbench/cabinet project with good space using ideas. Bathroom project is looking good also, is it completed yet?

Just getting to the green board. Goal is 100% before Thanksgiving house guests arrive. Should go faster now that tile and plumbing are done.

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

The Last bit of wall sheeting:

Now for the trim work, cabinets and shelves. Let's hope I can find more time...the space is kept about 50F via a small space heater and good insulation (Owens Corning and some liquids sourced from Scotland)

A couple of shelves need to organize bike stuff:



I bought 4' adjustable rails and 11" and 7" hangers. I cut the rails in half and hung them into studs with 4"GRK screws. The shelves are leftover 23/32 ply from the walls. You'll see more of this later.

And the first snow has flown here in Michigan so hibernation mode is fully engaged:


Happy Turkey day y'all!

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

I found a bit of time since Turkey Day. I had been saving some old car stereo gear for a future project. A while ago I decided the cave/shop/office needed tunes and using the old gear would be the way to go. I had the following to choose from:

Nakamichi CD400 head unit - used in a car I had 19 years ago
Nakamich PA504 (50W x 4ch amp) - used in that same car
Nakamichi PA1002 (100 x 2ch amp) - also used in that same car
a/d/s 336is component speakers - NIB
a/d/s PP 6.25 (25W x 6ch amp) - Used in previous project
assorted wire




All the gear is in excellent condition. I started here:



Then picked up a couple of cabinet boxes at Menards and began the set up:

I had a section of conduit to deal with...

So I notched the brand new cabinet...






Then came the stereo. I made some crude boxes for the component speakers...




I covered them in some felt and added bi-wire terminals. These were needed for the components with the external a/d/s crossovers.





Then played out the gear placement...


and installed the head unit...


Things were going well, I wired everything up with the a/d/s amp, bridged for 50W/ch, and about 2 minutes in to warm up/break in, the left speaker went ****. I was devastated. After drowning my sorrows in some passable scotch I set out to diagnose what happened. 100% pilot error. I had swapped the tweeter and woofer leads from the crossover. Just a slight increase in volume and that lovely smoke made its appearance.

An internet search turned up zero options for a set of replacement a/d/s speakers so I pressed the easy button and bought new. #pissedmeoff! The end result sounds quite good given the difference in drivers. I did retain the a/d/s crossovers and the speakers have similar performance numbers.


I still have to finish hard wiring the power supply and a bluetooth adapter to the AUX in jack on the head unit. But for now CD's sound better than I expected. The boxes are sealed and totally un-scientific. I did not get into T-S parameters or any calculations beyond what I needed to fit the woofers.

With a small space heater the temp is a comfortable 65. This should work well as I focus on the rest of the electrical and then more storage / arrangement.

I want to again thank the masses here who share so many great ideas. This place can be overwhelming with the sheer volume of content over time but I keep finding awesome stuff. I wish I had discovered this place years ago!

 

[spudley]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

You do fine work. Your project looks great.
Bad news about the speakers. Keep your eyes open at garage/rummage sales. My son picked up a pair of Klipsch Heresies for $25 a while back. He's very happy.

 

[mike93lx]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

wow, Nakamichi, that's a brand I haven't heard in over a decade

 

[Terranova]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Everything looks great. I dig the tool trundle idea too.

I bet you'd be surprised how much brighter it would be if you painted your wall and ceiling boards white.

Keep up the clean work!

T

 

[bj383ss]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Man what a great build. I am digging the ceiling and the plywood walls.

Bret

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

You do fine work. Your project looks great.
Bad news about the speakers. Keep your eyes open at garage/rummage sales. My son picked up a pair of Klipsch Heresies for $25 a while back. He's very happy.

Thanks for the comments. I look at MCM in Denver, 12 Gauge, Gregor and dozens of others when I think of fine work, but I do what I can with the tools and skills I have. GJ has so many ideas to copy, ahh, er, inspiration.

wow, Nakamichi, that's a brand I haven't heard in over a decade

This gear was collecting dust in boxes in my basement for the better part of 2 decades. I ended up using the Nak PA1002 so each speaker set sees 100W. I sold some a/d/s 10.2rs subs years ago - I'm regretting that now as they'd have been a great solution mounted in the ceiling.

Everything looks great. I dig the tool trundle idea too.

I bet you'd be surprised how much brighter it would be if you painted your wall and ceiling boards white.

Keep up the clean work!

T

Thanks. That was the original plan, all white walls / ceiling and then red & black accents. It's pretty bright when all the lights are on and I plan to install some task lights as well. I sort of like the raw wood appearance and I may rethink the paint plan.

The Tool Trundles are working great for those things I don't use often. It is a bit of a PITA to remove all the stuff I stack in front of them, but it is useful space. If I had it to do again I might consider placing the cabinets at the end of a bench for ease of anytime access.

Ciao, Mark

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

I need to drink less, more, or better, Scotch. The pics I took last night were bugging me. The 45° amp mount thing was conceived as something different to display the (what I consider) old school cool of the Nak amp. The more I looked at it the more it fought with my sense of functionality - especially considering the space limitations this garage presents. While changing the amp mount to sit flat on the wall I started thinking about the blown a/d/s. A quick test proved that the tweeter was gone, BUT NOT THE WOOFER. Because I had used large terminal plates on the speaker boxes, I had good access to the inside of the box which was screwed/glued and caulked. I swapped the woofer back the the a/d/s and and changed the other side to the new tweeter. Now I have matching woofers and matching tweeters; balance was restored in my little universe, ah, garage.

I am super impressed with the sound quality.

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

So is that head unit attached to an antenna?

I like the vintage auto audio factor.

Cheers

Jim

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - renamed ‘ATTREZZI VELOCE’

Thanks Jim. I ordered an antenna from amazon which should arrive in a few days. It’ll be great for hockey/ball games.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Terranova]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

If you go no paint, some clear poly would make the grain pop.

Either way, well lit works.

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

If you go no paint, some clear poly would make the grain pop.

Either way, well lit works.

THIS! Thanks for the suggestion!

Organization is king in a small space. I have been struggling with how to store all the assorted screws, nails and other bits an active DIY guy accumulates. I looked at drawers - not an option in my space, and bins. No drawers as the 'cabinet' areas I do have will hold other, larger items. Eventually they'll get doors for an orderly appearnce. I've seen few bin set-ups here on GJ but I couldn't find the right place in my cave that would work. I had a storage box I had been using for electrical stuff, wire connectors, conduit parts, etc. Thanks to the Mrs. for 3 more of these DeWalt organizer boxes. I was able to convert this pile of tubs and boxes:

into this:

much more efficient and still more room!

 

[964haus]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Nicely done!!

 

[JustinS]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

You're making really good use of that space!

 

[Xti04]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

I have some hf knockoffs of those dewalt bins and they work amazing for storing screws and other fasteners. Need to pick up a couple more and build a cabinet to hold them all one of these days

 

[nicholam77]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Really cool space, Trapps. I've subscribed to your thread.

Nice bikes. I don't ride myself but have always admired Ducatis (I don't know that much about them technically but just for their beauty, style, and sound). My younger brother has a red 899 panigale.

Where did you source the pine ceiling? I think it looks fantastic and love the natural wood look with the brick. Very warm and inviting. Also looks great with the red bikes and HF cabinets. If it were me I'd just leave it natural or throw some poly on it for some depth and durability.

The roll-out secret storage in the bench is cool, too.

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Thanks all for the positive comments!

...

Where did you source the pine ceiling?

Menards

Install was easy but took some time. I bought the boards a few at a time over several months to spread out the cost. Near catastrophe happened when they changed suppliers (and profile) well into the project. I found old stock at a location not so convenient but made the drive to buy up the stock I needed to finish.

I am nearing the end of the shop stereo install. I want to have an 'ignition' switch rigged to keep memory presets and a simple on/off instead of messing with the battery. I also picked up a volt meter to keep an eye on the battery so I'll know when it needs a charge.

The switch and meter came with a mounting plate but I didn't like the way it fit (too small) so I made my own which matches the height of the DIN sized radio. Here is the original:


I inherited a cool hole cutter set from my grandfather that I've only used a few times over the years:


It's perfect for certain tasks:






Another Oops moment though; I crossed wires when wiring the switch. More of that sweet smell of electrical smoke. It came with no instructions and my guess work was off (even with the internet search prior). It has a green LED that lights when the juice flows, so 3 tabs. I've ordered the replacement...

 

[dak911]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Nice job...neat work...

 

[Trapps]

Re: 10x22 Project - Operation 'Officina Desmo'

Some more progress. I installed 1/2 doors on the right wall cabinet as I will be in and out of there like 8 year old and a freshly filled cookie jar. The CD's will live there. And the Scotch.

The left side configuration happened based on availability of doors combined with my impatient personality. They (Menards) did not have the 15x30 doors in stock but they did have 15x15 doors and 15x30 drawer front. So I punted and installed a horizontal cabinet door which is actually a drawer front mounted on special hinges.

Yes it was more than I wanted to spend, but I'm also treating this like a long term space. The 'car' stereo is great and working as hoped. I need to build some sort of battery center with the 12V, a couple of multi chargers and 2x cordless battery chargers.

I've also finally settled on grey switch-plate covers over black switches and receptacles. I've got a few on order but should finish all of that this week.

I looked at Grey, Black, Red and White cabinet doors. I chose white as the space is so small I wanted to keep it as bright as possible. Anything I can do to not make it feel closed in...remember 10x22 is all I have to work with.

I'm still finding new threads to read. Some take heavy time chunks! I continue to be amazed at the number of projects and how many guys have so much passion.

Long live Garage Journal!!!

Ciao!