Finnish 2-car garage build, by-the-book

[turbowoodworker]

Matias,
I posted a couple of things for you over on the workbench thread about bench dogs. Hope it helps.
Rick

 

[Matias]

Matias,
I posted a couple of things for you over on the workbench thread about bench dogs. Hope it helps.
Rick

Thanks Turbo! Good advice, and I now have been reading the Woodworking 101 thread, that will keep me busy for some time

 

[bolensboneyard]

Matias I finally got a chance to visit your garage. So far I like what I see. My wife says she would like to learn how to braid her hair like your little girl has hers.

 

[Matias]

Matias I finally got a chance to visit your garage. So far I like what I see. My wife says she would like to learn how to braid her hair like your little girl has hers.

Thanks for dropping by! Regarding the braiding, I don't remember if it was the wife or myself who did that one, it's just a French braid started from the side to be able to catch the hair in the front well. With two girls, I've actually enjoyed learning this skill

So, on the garage, we are currently at a point where I have managed to clear one side, so that I can get the wife's car in. I added the shelving, and will still add some more. I bought one sheet of plywood where I will get 3 shelves (one still to do), and the guy gave me those two grey uppershelf boards for free. They were boards just used for protection. I also bought some grey paint, and painted the plywood and the edges of the grey boards, well grey.

As you can see the workbench is already full of stuff, but I'm at the moment throwing everything there which doesn't yet have a place, or the place is not yet accessible.

For the first time, there will be enough space for the bike and two cars

However, I still have the other side to go through.

It will be a lot better instantly, when the shelves are finished so I can get the wood and tools out, and I manage to sell the two tall cabinets.

Got the first batch of new screwdrivers earlier. These are the Vessel "JIS" screwdrivers. I had to order them in small batches, to avoid paying nearly double due to imports and taxes.

 

[Matias]

Had just a couple of hours tonight, but I finally managed to move the old, heavy cabinet I haven't been able to use for three years. It was against the wall and obstructed by stuff for a long time. Used my motorcycle centerstand mover and a strap to move it to it's place.

The workbench was designed to have this in this place. I will at some point fabricate a base with casters for it.

It's useful as it can carry heavy stuff. In the lower drawer I have all my extra scrap metal and welding stuff etc. which is not very visible.

In the upper drawer there is all my tubes/pipes, exhaust repair stuff, spring compressors, some old measuring equipment etc.

As the tubing etc. is light, I will move them to a box/tote at some point, and use this to hold for example jack stands.

To finish the evening, I did a reverse bleed for the clutch on my bike using some big *** stuff from the pharmacy In the picture I'm pushing the clutch fluid from the slave cylinder up towards the master cylinder.

 

[drivesitfar]

Matias: I'd love to see what you design for the caster base for your cabinet cause I need to build one for a couple cabinets too.

looks like the shop is really getting some use and as you get organized i bet it's more fun to use when you are able to find stuff easier.

keep up the good work!!

 

[bolensboneyard]

You can't have to many shelves. I have them floor to ceiling in many places.

 

[Mikkeli]

Did you get casters/base for your cabinet? I need to get some casters for my workbench and cabinets and I'm looking for some ideas.

 

[drivesitfar]

Matais: you're one of the GOOD GUYS here so would like to see more of your work and stuff even if it's just cleaning off snow off the driveway.

hope you are staying warm and enjoying your new sauna and home!!

post up a few more pics or just post a quick update and a good word.

cheers

 

[Matias]

You can't have to many shelves. I have them floor to ceiling in many places.

That's for sure, will be picking up the planning of the back wall and shelving now.

Did you get casters/base for your cabinet? I need to get some casters for my workbench and cabinets and I'm looking for some ideas.

Not yet, will need to get a couple of things done beforehand, more on that below.

Matias: I'd love to see what you design for the caster base for your cabinet cause I need to build one for a couple cabinets too.

Matais: you're one of the GOOD GUYS here so would like to see more of your work and stuff even if it's just cleaning off snow off the driveway.

hope you are staying warm and enjoying your new sauna and home!!

post up a few more pics or just post a quick update and a good word.
cheers

Thanks Drives, just had a lot of things going, especially at work with a new organization and responsibilities. Also, my back gave up again, and has been hurting since november. Now trying to lose weight, walk a lot and do some swinning and it's on the mend.

It has been an exceptionnally warm winter in Finland. Everything seemed normal in december, when we got snow:

I'm taking advantage of clearing the snow to run in my new MC gloves, so they would fit perfectly in summer.

Managed to get some 1-2-1 with the wife, and we went to the capital Helsinki, where my brother took care of the kids and we went to some tea tasting. Opened my eyes, now I drink white tea without sugar or milk!

(white tea is in the picture the bottom left pile of leaves)

But then, the weather warmed up, and we haven't had good snow since. There's no snow currently which is exceptional. And that meant that for the first time ever, I managed to go riding two times this weekend!

Got the odometer up to 80000km!

Ok, part 2 will be about the garage and stuff...

 

[drivesitfar]

Matias: great looking TEA there sir and i drink about a gallon of cheap Moroccan
Mint green tea daily that I make at home and buy from our TRADER JOE'S grocery chain here.

you need to post on the GET HEALTHY thread that I had to put in FREE PARKING which was a little hard to get approval of cause most of the members prefer a shot or a pill or surgery to changing anything that might require some thinking or exercise. that said here's the link and hope to see you on it cause there are a few members that just wake up making the best of every day there, but of course there are a few complainers too. also eating better and exercise should help you when it comes time to chase the boys away from your daughters.

here's the link: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=298568

you need to get an inversion table and use it 5 minutes a day to spiff up your back even if you have had horrible issues in the past. UNLESS a couple doctors tell you that you absolutely can't hang upside down it saved me and a boatload of friends and clients from surgery and chiropractors.

anyway great to see you posting and hope you feel better and looks like it's warming up so maybe that might cheer you up like it does me when spring is coming.

cheers

 

[Matias]

Matias: great looking TEA there sir and i drink about a gallon of cheap Moroccan
Mint green tea daily that I make at home and buy from our TRADER JOE'S grocery chain here.

you need to post on the GET HEALTHY thread that I had to put in FREE PARKING which was a little hard to get approval of cause most of the members prefer a shot or a pill or surgery to changing anything that might require some thinking or exercise. that said here's the link and hope to see you on it cause there are a few members that just wake up making the best of every day there, but of course there are a few complainers too. also eating better and exercise should help you when it comes time to chase the boys away from your daughters.

here's the link: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=298568

you need to get an inversion table and use it 5 minutes a day to spiff up your back even if you have had horrible issues in the past. UNLESS a couple doctors tell you that you absolutely can't hang upside down it saved me and a boatload of friends and clients from surgery and chiropractors.

anyway great to see you posting and hope you feel better and looks like it's warming up so maybe that might cheer you up like it does me when spring is coming.

cheers

Just put my first post in the thread, cheers Drives. I'm hoping getting some weight off and exercising the core muscles will ease my back enough. I do "hang" to release pressure, but it's not a long time as my grip loosens.

I'm having mixed feelings with this warm weather, as I'm easily thinking can I go for a drive on the bike, when I know that a) I shouldn't b) winter is coming, it's just a bit late.

Anyway, regarding some progress, I finally managed to replace the old 2 x 16 foot led strips on the garage door. They worked fine for a year, then one started blinking all colours every now and then, so had to disconnect them. Bought some new ones from a local shop which are plain white, and it's better now.

Old mess:

New:

Also, my house inspection needs to be done before April, and one thing missing is a rail for the stairs. As there is a drop of 80cm/2,5 feet in the corner, it needs a rail. Anyway, as our parents are getting old, and the stairs can be slippery during winter, I think it's not a bad thing. I'm thinking of steel mounts, angled slightly and then a wooden rail. I did a mockup for my wife to see how it could look like, and to get measurements for the height.

Ofcourse there is always a million other things that need to be done immediately, as changing the whole front left axle for my car. Got it done, and changed the gearbox oil and motor oil and filter at the same time. Now it should be good for some time!

Got a new addition to my pen "collection". Found this in stumpy nubs youtube video about 16 cheap cool tools your shop shouldn't be without. It's a Pentel graphgear 1000. The "party trick" is the rectracting head, which makes it my new favorite pen having on me as these pens have a tendancy to either create holes in your pockets or hurt you under the finger nail when reaching for them...

Last, I now want to finish the last wall of the garage. I have now started the most tedious part, cleaning, organizing and arranging. Managed to sort 2 of the piles on the left in this pic...

The problem is I have the house finishing to be done, and my motorcycle is also waiting for a lot of servicing. I feel I will be servicing it again when the sun is shining and the snow has melted...

 

[bolensboneyard]

Nothing like a nice cup of tea. I like green tea with lemon ahhh.

 

[cgv]

Cleaning and organizing is a pain but in the endt it all is worth it! Keep going and I'll be waiting for the next update.

 

[littlebean]

just read this start to finish...….
some thoughts, bad first:

none!!

now the bad ones are out of the way, the good:

wow - I bet you're pleased with how it's all turned out!

 

[drivesitfar]

Matias: how does your bride like the new hand rail? it does look pretty cool, but I might add a 3rd support and make it a bit longer. since you are fabbing the steel support can you also bend it so it's closer to the stairs and maybe hanging over them a bit? maybe the railing is easy enough for old people to reach, but it also looks a bit high for small people (kids).

i would have thought you would have had to get your inspection signed off before you moved into your home or is this just for the railing and steps?

I'll comment on your GETTING HEALTHY over on the other thread and happy to see you are posting there. GOOD HEALTH is one of the keys to a good life so let's live it the best we can.

cheers and keep up the great work.

 

[Bob Heine]

Matias[/B];8306107]Got a new addition to my pen "collection". Found this in stumpy nubs youtube video about 16 cheap cool tools your shop shouldn't be without. It's a Pentel graphgear 1000. The "party trick" is the rectracting head, which makes it my new favorite pen having on me as these pens have a tendancy to either create holes in your pockets or hurt you under the finger nail when reaching for them...

Matias, I had my pen and pencil addition under control until you posted this. On the pen side, fountain pens are my go-to writing instrument. My uncanny ability to make mistakes is pushing me more to the pencil side and I couldn't pass up that Pentel pencil. I already had a 0.5mm Uni Kuru Toga so I ordered a 0.3mm Pentel Graphgear 1000 from Amazon and received an unusually heavy envelope. Instead of sending me one of the dozen that come in a box as I expected, they sent me a box with one pencil missing. This meant I had to order a variety of 0.3mm leads. Now I have 11 Pentel Graphgear 1000 pencils with most of them loaded with HB leads but one has B and another has 2B leads. I have several cheap Pentel 0.5mm and one 0.7mm Berol Automatic. There are a few mechanical pencils that are part of a pen/pencil set. Just to show how long I've had this addiction, I have a couple of IBM Electrographic pencils used in ancient times to mark test answers to be read by machines. They require 1.1mm leads.

I guess all that's left is to buy a bigger assortment of 0.3mm leads.

 

[Matias]

Nothing like a nice cup of tea. I like green tea with lemon ahhh.

One thing I haven't tried yet, but will do!

Cleaning and organizing is a pain but in the endt it all is worth it! Keep going and I'll be waiting for the next update.

Thanks! It's especially some of those "misc" boxes which kind of demotivates you to even start...

just read this start to finish...….
some thoughts, bad first:

none!!

now the bad ones are out of the way, the good:

wow - I bet you're pleased with how it's all turned out!

Thanks a lot! Yes, but I have a vision of how it will look in a year or two, which keeps me motivated. I hope that in the next 6 months, I will have the back wall organized, which will mean some new cabinets on wheels probably, an area for welding, I really need some of those plastic bins on the wall etc. And of course the painting needs to be finished first

Matias: how does your bride like the new hand rail? it does look pretty cool, but I might add a 3rd support and make it a bit longer. since you are fabbing the steel support can you also bend it so it's closer to the stairs and maybe hanging over them a bit? maybe the railing is easy enough for old people to reach, but it also looks a bit high for small people (kids).

i would have thought you would have had to get your inspection signed off before you moved into your home or is this just for the railing and steps?

I'll comment on your GETTING HEALTHY over on the other thread and happy to see you are posting there. GOOD HEALTH is one of the keys to a good life so let's live it the best we can.

cheers and keep up the great work.

You are correct Drives, we had an inspection, kind of "safe to live". This is the final inspection, where the house and garden and all those little things that usually don't get done, need to be done.

The handrail was tested after the photo, and it will be lower. Also, not really visible in the photo, is that it is bent towards the stairs, and it is on top of the inside of the wall.

=> Now I'm thinking will I order the metal parts, or will I buy a tool for bending metal (~$150). I know there are some parts that I could use it for later on, but not that many. Now, if it could have bent tubing also, then I could later on learn how to create small structures from tube (ie. motorcycle subframe), but it appears that needs to be a separate tool. I welcome any comments related to this

Matias, I had my pen and pencil addition under control until you posted this. On the pen side, fountain pens are my go-to writing instrument. My uncanny ability to make mistakes is pushing me more to the pencil side and I couldn't pass up that Pentel pencil. I already had a 0.5mm Uni Kuru Toga so I ordered a 0.3mm Pentel Graphgear 1000 from Amazon and received an unusually heavy envelope. Instead of sending me one of the dozen that come in a box as I expected, they sent me a box with one pencil missing. This meant I had to order a variety of 0.3mm leads. Now I have 11 Pentel Graphgear 1000 pencils with most of them loaded with HB leads but one has B and another has 2B leads. I have several cheap Pentel 0.5mm and one 0.7mm Berol Automatic. There are a few mechanical pencils that are part of a pen/pencil set. Just to show how long I've had this addiction, I have a couple of IBM Electrographic pencils used in ancient times to mark test answers to be read by machines. They require 1.1mm leads.

I guess all that's left is to buy a bigger assortment of 0.3mm leads.

Good to see a fellow addict Bob You sure have been collecting much longer than me. I used to use fountain pens daily when I lived in France and went to school there. Since then, haven't used them at all, as they need continuous use for the ink not to dry. I still have many, and even spare unused cartridges. At school, we used ink which could be turned "invisible" with a special marker, which then had a blue pen at the other end to write on that section you "erased". So you could correct the text once. In school, that was really helpful.

I nearly bought the 0.3 and 0.5, as I would probably use the 0.3 for detailed sketches, but there wasn't a good enough deal at that time for the 3. I have not had a lot of use for the Uni Kuru Toga, as I tend to sketch a lot more than I write.

 

[Matias]

Last weekend was quite successful. Good progress motivates to get even more done!

Before attacking any work, I managed to go to the annual bike expo in the capital. I go there to see the new and built bikes, buy some gear and just generally enjoy the atmosphere of being around people who like bikes, as that is not something happening to me in the day to day life.

This is a Finnish electric "concept" bike, but they are already taking pre-orders. The motor is inside the wheel.

Saturday went quickly as my wife was away for the day... Badmington with neighbour, swimming with the kids and then it was already time for taco night! On sunday I got some company in the garage. She went collecting snow and is then melting it to create free water... You can also see I have some lumber inside drying... That's for another post.

I started to work on something that just need to be done, adding two more vents to the garage. First, clear some stuff again.

Then I used a small but very long drill bit (~35cm / 13") to drill through the entire wall. This will make sure, that I drill exactly at the correct spot, as I have to drill from both sides of the wall, you can't just drill through.

After that pilot hole, I drilled a hole in the drywall, and removed the insulation from the hole.

As I will have no way to tape the blue vapour barrier to the tube going through, I cut it just a little bit too small, so it should be a tight fit when pushing through.

Did the two holes, and put the tubing and the ends.

This is something I want to clear next summer. All that wood needs to be checked. Either keep or cut and burn in fireplace.

Here you can see where they came out. Didn't have a lot of space to work...

That's one thing checked off from the todo list!

 

[bolensboneyard]

All this talk of pens I just had to post this pen I got by accident. It is so cool, I've never seen another, made by Swiss Army people at some time (maybe still). It also has a lite.

 

[Bob Heine]

All this talk of pens I just had to post this pen I got by accident. It is so cool, I've never seen another, made by Swiss Army people at some time (maybe still). It also has a lite.

Bobby, you knew we would have to have a taste of -- I mean find one of those. I believe it's a SwissPen and they have way too many versions. At least I don't have a wallet addiction -- yet.
https://swissknifesupplies.com/wagner-2/
And if that price puts you off, you can always go to one of the knife junkie sites:
https://knifeworks.com/wagner-swiss-pen-spectrum-translucent-yellow-black-ink/

 

[Matias]

All this talk of pens I just had to post this pen I got by accident. It is so cool, I've never seen another, made by Swiss Army people at some time (maybe still). It also has a lite.

Bobby, you knew we would have to have a taste of -- I mean find one of those. I believe it's a SwissPen and they have way too many versions. At least I don't have a wallet addiction -- yet.
https://swissknifesupplies.com/wagner-2/
And if that price puts you off, you can always go to one of the knife junkie sites:
https://knifeworks.com/wagner-swiss-pen-spectrum-translucent-yellow-black-ink/

Thanks to you both, I've been scouting the internet this side of the pond trying to find that. Ebay seems to find wagner only in the US... Now that I think, maybe it's better I do have a bike to save up to ATM.

I think we are going on a little tangent here, but bear with me, I think this is the last photo of pens for the moment. So talking about utility pens, the top pen I got for my trip to Russia. Not probably sensible, and surely not needed, but it's a kind of a pen, but the tip on the right is a hard tip to break glass etc. At the end there is a light, and not opened, in the middle is a screwdriver and bottle opener.

Below are my main caligraphy pens. They are filled with ink by initially turning the end of the pen open (as seen with the 1.9), and then closing the end will **** ink inside. The lowest pen is just for writing with different inks. I have normal fountain pens, but as said earlier, they don't get much use.

I passed the evening with the kids, so not much garage work. I did change the circular saw blade while helping the kids work on their pencils. I saw mentions in a thread about Diablo blades and how you should not try to squeeze a couple of last passes with the old blade. Haven't seen them in Finland/Europe though. So bought a Bahco one.

It also came with the 30mm -> 20mm adapter, and was about the same size. It has double the teeth though. I saw that it was mentioned in the store, that this would be better, as I'm cutting 2"x2" length wise.

 

[wasfast]

Fun to see the Kawasaki circular saw...never knew they made power tools. Who's the manufacturer of the colorful Torx set?

 

[Matias]

Fun to see the Kawasaki circular saw...never knew they made power tools. Who's the manufacturer of the colorful Torx set?

wasfast, I was also surprised when I saw the Kawasaki, it was on discount at a local store. Decided to buy it because cutting the 2x2 length wise wasn't really going well with the Ryobi (battery).

The torx set is from German brand Wera. It was not cheapest one but I have been quite satisfied. Amazon found a couple:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wera+hex&ref=nb_sb_noss

 

[Jyzze]

Kawasaki circular saw it's ok but what about Ford reciprocating saw?

 

[Matias]

Kawasaki circular saw it's ok but what about Ford reciprocating saw?

Forgot to mention the last saga with the car. After having changed the front axle, the vibration in the front end was reduced, but still significat As a last resort, I changed the wheels from front to back, and it was cured. So the front left wheel was bulged on the inside of the tread pattern

Anyway, quick look at the local craigslist (can't afford 4 new snow tires atm), found someone selling 3 snowtires for €50 (~$60), which were about the same age as current ones, and had nearly all spikes still in place and good tread depth. I've changed 2 car tires with only tire bars, and won't do it again. Got this tire changer from the local shop for about $100, well worth it. Changed the rear tires of the car easily, and I have now been able to ride hassle free for a couple of thousand km.

Probably should balance those tires at a wheel shop at some point, as the manual balancer I have only found in the states, and not for sale in amazon/ebay in europe The one which is kind of a spring with the bubble in the center.

 

[drivesitfar]

Matias: I hope you get the items left on your checklist done so you can get that final inspection approval and get that off your list.

I hope you are staying warm.

also happy to hear you are doing your best to GET HEALTHIER and i'm sure you're bride and family will notice and appreciate that even more than you.

cheers

 

[Matias]

Matias: I hope you get the items left on your checklist done so you can get that final inspection approval and get that off your list.

I hope you are staying warm.

also happy to hear you are doing your best to GET HEALTHIER and i'm sure you're bride and family will notice and appreciate that even more than you.

cheers

Drives, thank you. I am getting healthier, but this is now week 6, and I'm having some slipping going on...

I have now continued with the checklist items, as can be seen below.

But first of all, I went to my second garage, where I picked up my new-old TIG. I've used it 2x in my life, the only times I have welded. So, I brought the welder, the gas bottle and the old office supply I use to move it around. First of all, thorough cleaning was in order.

The welder in place

For the bottle, I had just screwed in place a small plank, with two small wheels underneath.

Now, I'm doing some planning for the rear wall. First I wanted to use the rest of the big beam I had left (about 16" x 5") which would be in the center, as in the first pic. That however will take too much space. I also want to create a small area where I can use the angle grinder and welder, on the bottom page, but that will be moved to the side.

As you can see, there is little room left, as the cars are as far back as possible.

And now to the checklist. I need to create two "fences", and as I also want to save money, I'm cutting up leftover 2"x2" to get the material.

I need one for the terrace. You can see in the pic, the grey mat is where the grill sits, so this gives me more cover towards the road.

This is where I got to at the end on sunday morning. Then I went to my kid's ringette tournament for the rest of the day.

BTW, the circular saw blade wasn't bad, it's the circular saw that gave up the ghost. It started to smell bad, and smoke came out of it. Doesn't turn well. Any parts I could try to change to repair it?

 

[drivesitfar]

Matias: I know you were/are doing a form of KETO diet and to me it seems hard to maintain if you aren't used to eating those foods or if you like variety. small portions and just changing meals to include salads and veggies instead of french fries and potatoes should help along with smaller portions so you can eat the foods you enjoy eating. AND just keep moving which i don't think is your issue cause you always have something going on at your place, with your family or job.

best of luck with the welding and once you get the hang of it I bet you'll enjoy doing many projects you have always wanted to do and not have to pay someone else to do.

 

[GeddyT]

Matias, I read this whole thread over the last two days, and I'm really glad I did. Anyone with a rare Futura as his avatar is worth giving a look! I've read about the real cult following that those bikes have.

I'm always fascinated how differently things like construction are done in different parts of the world. The way that crew went about building your house is entirely different from how it's done here. Very different regulations, too. In the end, I love how it came out. I particularly like the stone work for the retaining wall and stairs, the paint/coating on the foundation stem wall, and the surface design of your overhead garage door (I'd trade it for mine in a heartbeat).

Mostly, it's always surprised me how Finland, of all places, has this big motorcycle culture. I'm envious! There's not much of a scene here, so very few of my friends ride with me. Hell, you're even getting a MotoGP round this year, and I haven't been since they canceled Laguna-Seca. Out of curiosity, MotoGP aside, is track riding a big thing in Finland? Do you guys have a decent club racing and track day scene?

Anyway, keep up the great work on the house, shop, and all the projects you have going on in there.

 

[Matias]

Matias: I know you were/are doing a form of KETO diet and to me it seems hard to maintain if you aren't used to eating those foods or if you like variety. small portions and just changing meals to include salads and veggies instead of french fries and potatoes should help along with smaller portions so you can eat the foods you enjoy eating. AND just keep moving which i don't think is your issue cause you always have something going on at your place, with your family or job.

best of luck with the welding and once you get the hang of it I bet you'll enjoy doing many projects you have always wanted to do and not have to pay someone else to do.

Thanks Drives, I updated the getting healthy thread. I'll keep on moving, that's for sure

Matias, I read this whole thread over the last two days, and I'm really glad I did. Anyone with a rare Futura as his avatar is worth giving a look! I've read about the real cult following that those bikes have.

I'm always fascinated how differently things like construction are done in different parts of the world. The way that crew went about building your house is entirely different from how it's done here. Very different regulations, too. In the end, I love how it came out. I particularly like the stone work for the retaining wall and stairs, the paint/coating on the foundation stem wall, and the surface design of your overhead garage door (I'd trade it for mine in a heartbeat).

Mostly, it's always surprised me how Finland, of all places, has this big motorcycle culture. I'm envious! There's not much of a scene here, so very few of my friends ride with me. Hell, you're even getting a MotoGP round this year, and I haven't been since they canceled Laguna-Seca. Out of curiosity, MotoGP aside, is track riding a big thing in Finland? Do you guys have a decent club racing and track day scene?

Anyway, keep up the great work on the house, shop, and all the projects you have going on in there.

Thanks GeddyT! Well done for reading, it starts to take some time as it's getting longer. Futura's are great, I'm currently nearly buying a second one, already withdrew some cash, but I'm not sure the seller will accept my offer...

After we had done the retaining wall, two neighbours did the same with the same kind of brick The stairs turned out well, but the risk of it turning out tacky was real.

We are spoilt this year, with road racing in Imatra:
https://www.imatranajo.fi/content/en/2/10005/Home.html

My wife's parents live there, so it helps with accomodation. On the other hand, let's remember Imatra is 26 000 persons The hotels are not that cheap as during holiday periods, maybe 1/2 or sometimes 2/3 are Russian tourists.

Then we have the motogp. I've drove past the circuit many times, as it's halfway from my house to Imatra (100 miles). I have no idea how they are going to accomodate all the persons who are coming to see it. Thinking of taking a tent (that would be a first time for me).

There are a lot of track days organized by different clubs. I've been to a track a couple of times. It's quite cheap (in my car club, it was free, and I payed $40 per year). Trackdays are maybe $40-$80, but haven't been on bike specific ones. I have friends who go though. Have read a lot about the UK club racing scene and the different classes they have, and I have the impression it isn't as active/big in Finland.

All, bought a cheap angle grinder as it was for sale ($25) and some supplies. Then remembered I had bought a stand for it, so set it up. This will be useful at least for the small cuts like bolts etc.

Now I will have my Bosch with variable speed for other purposes, but this will be easy to pickup and cut pieces. Still need to buy the full face mask though, after reading the angle grinder setup thread.

 

[GeddyT]

$40-$80 for a track day!? They're $250-$300 in my neck of the woods, and that's for 20 minutes every hour.

That's a pretty cool setup for the angle grinder. Hadn't seen anything like that.

 

[bolensboneyard]

Matias nice job on the welding cart.

 

[Matias]

$40-$80 for a track day!? They're $250-$300 in my neck of the woods, and that's for 20 minutes every hour.

That's a pretty cool setup for the angle grinder. Hadn't seen anything like that.

Thanks. I tested the setup, and it works too!

Matias nice job on the welding cart.

Thanks! It's cheap (free) and works at the moment. Ofcourse I would like a proper welding cart, but I need to save the money at the moment...

So, it's still warm, so went again for a ride a week back.

I finished the fence for the terrace and made one for the garage entrance. All they need now is paint.

Ordered a cheap man's version of a welding table, and these carts were $40 each so got 2 of them

This is the welding table. It cost $120, so you can't expect the top to be thick. I will use it for small metal work.

Wanted some drill bits which would be all the time available on this table. Bought a $3 bit holder, and put some magnetic tape below:

It works. It's just to prevent the holder to fall and slide loosely on the table. However, basic magnets inside the holder were much stronger than these strips, so will probably use that instead.

Started to work on the last wall. First of all, remove stuff from one side of the wall, and test how the bike would fit. I want to have space for storing 2 bikes in the garage, with the cars inside.

Then moved the rest of the stuff, and mudded the wall. Boy do I hate that.

Wanted to put the reels on the roof, as they take too much space on the wall. Ofcourse, as the roof is drywall, but an osb-board beneath attached to the studs. Half of the screws of the reels are on the studs, the others are drywall anchors.

The last evenings I've passed painting, still need the black stripe. Then the window trimmings and the wall is ready!

 

[bolensboneyard]

Looking good. I had a lift like the one on your floor but traded it for a dump body flat bed. Should have kept it. Wait and see how bright it gets when the plaster board gets paint!

 

[drivesitfar]

Matias: glad to see you are getting a few things checked off your TO DO LIST AND also had a little time for you on your bike.

here's to both of us losing a few pounds this month and getting a bit healthier as both our area's weather is warming up.

cheers (yep still drinking a gallon of ice tea each day)

 

[Matias]

Looking good. I had a lift like the one on your floor but traded it for a dump body flat bed. Should have kept it. Wait and see how bright it gets when the plaster board gets paint!

Thanks! The lift has been in good use I only wish the hydraulic lines would come out of the other end/be a lot longer. Now I have to drive over them, and also run the air from the reel from the other side of the garage. 3rd world problems, I know It's now bright, and also looks more like a garage than storage with all the walls finished.

Matias: glad to see you are getting a few things checked off your TO DO LIST AND also had a little time for you on your bike.

here's to both of us losing a few pounds this month and getting a bit healthier as both our area's weather is warming up.

cheers (yep still drinking a gallon of ice tea each day)

Cheers Drives, I'm not doing so well on losing the pounds, but my to do list is shortening!

For the windows, put some spacers and then some interior trim in place. Then I wanted to put the masking for painting in place, before putting the last trim pieces. That way, it was easier, and I could just pull out the masking from under the trim after painting. First pic, one side done, three sides to go.

Bought some new tape measures, as my existing ones were bent once, and then they don't work so well. First time, I took 30 seconds and removed the clips and the carry loop. I don't know why I've kept them earlier on, I never use either. Now they are much easier to put in or take out from a pocket.

Had two of those hole wall pieces left over. They were exactly the same size as the window, so that would be a perfect place for them. However, the studs were only behind one of the pieces (the upper one luckily), so drilled some holes and bolted them together. Attached the upper one to the studs, and the lower one is held vertically with just the drywall screws.

Bought this from our local shop, it's just stainless steel cut, and you bend those cuts to make the can holder. Works out nice and is a little bit different.

Now I've got the toolwall in place, the can holder and I put the paper holder finally in place. 4 years of having paper around the garage in piles...

I've also bought the holders for the shelfs, should screw them in place tomorrow. Today bought a piece of plywood, cut it length wise to make the shelfs, and painted them.

 

[drivesitfar]

Matias: it's looking good around your home and i'm sure you are looking forward to sunshine, dry and warm weather to make a few more bike runs too.

losing weight is a life change if you want to lose it and keep it off so find the best method for you and when you are ready mentally to do it i'm sure you will. good luck with that cause at 64 i'm still fighting the bad habits of eating junk, fast foods and (soda not so much anymore) and sitting around watching TV that is slowly changing.

how was that sauna this winter?

take care and stay warm.

 

[Matias]

Matias: it's looking good around your home and i'm sure you are looking forward to sunshine, dry and warm weather to make a few more bike runs too.

losing weight is a life change if you want to lose it and keep it off so find the best method for you and when you are ready mentally to do it i'm sure you will. good luck with that cause at 64 i'm still fighting the bad habits of eating junk, fast foods and (soda not so much anymore) and sitting around watching TV that is slowly changing.

how was that sauna this winter?

take care and stay warm.

Thanks Drives, we really are looking towards summer, as the winter was ****. We did still go to the sauna nearly on a weekly basis, but it's not same without having -30C outside, but +2C and raining

We have stayed warm, and now it has been 3 weeks we have been isolated at home. Wife (teacher) had to go to school at the beginning, but now she has stayed at home as well. We only go to shop groceries, and I have been to the local shop for wood/metal as there's no one and you don't need to interact nearly with anyone.

It's been a lot of work teaching the kids, and working at the same time/afterwards. Nearly all evenings and some time on weekends been work. But, on the other it's also good, so no complaining from my side.

We have a some sunshine lately, so I've managed to sneak out for a 30min drive a couple of times, just to get some air and be out of the house. As you might see, the lake is still frozen.

For the first time in my life, I cut my own hair I'll be doing it more often now for sure.

In the garage, managed to finish the shelving. The bottom shelves will probable be changed in width/height etc.

That wall was still missing a table, and as per usual, I wanted a folding one. So again, bringing out the Kreg jig.

This time to get the tilted feet nearer the edge, instead of putting a piece of wood, I put angle iron.

I had some paint left over. Also painted the shelf rails on the wall, so they don't stick out.

The top is 2 x 12mm plywood, with a sheet of zinced metal on top, for which the local metal store bent the edges.

 

[Unruh]

Nice work on that fold out bench! You can always use more flat surface!