What did you do "IN" your garage today?

[Ben Buck]

In the garage attached to the house, replaced the 2 bottom rollers on the 9 foot door, cleaned both tracks, just needed maintenance.

 

[PhantomEB]

Finally dug out my summer rims and put 3 on the car. They are in sore need of new Rubber and brake pads soon. Looking at these As it’s just my daily driver.


Rated 99.5 for road conditions and speed rated enough to cover what I tend to open the car up to on the highway.

digging out other stuff to put on FBMP and get rid of.

all I can say is I am ready to just work 10-12 hrs a day, 6 days a week for 6-7 weeks probably more. Gonna be a lot of boxes showing up to dial in the vehicles With new sheet metal and whatever they need to be dialed in for trips.

 

[rollinlower]

Dug through one of the storage buildings for a fuel tank and some exhaust manifolds.

 

[Kurt4440]

Diagnosed and replaced the intake manifold on a used car at work. 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. Apparently a common problem on these because we had two manifolds in stock which is unusual if it’s not a common problem. Forgot to take an after picture but I will tomorrow. I haven’t been doing much “basic” work lately because they have moved so many techs up that there’s not enough basic work like tires and brakes for everyone haha. But that’s ok I like doing stuff like this. Engine and suspension work are my two favorite things to do so this was right up my alley. Not that hard to do just a little aggravating.

At least the intake manifold on that car is right in the front of the engine. No reaching around back on that job.

I did a front brake job on a LS430 last night. Easy peasy, but, I spent more time cleaning; the caliper, caliper mounting surfaces, hub face, and the back of the wheel. The rust belt is really tough on vehicles.



I had a little time left over and the car was jacked up, so I sanded, compounded, polished, and coated the headlights.

 

[mm08822]

I had a little time left over and the car was jacked up, so I sanded, compounded, polished, and coated the headlights.

What was your procedure/materials used for the headlights?

 

[bulletpruf]

Durham hardware storage unit was delivered to the shop. Unlike the two others that I've purchased, this one wasn't heavily damaged.



Partially unloaded the drawers and then wrassled it off the two pallets solo. I prevailed, but it was touch and go for a minute.



Unloading the old bins. I didn't realize how much I would prefer drawers to bins, but it's a huge difference when you're searching for the right length and configuration of bolt. With the bins, you have to empty the entire bin to see what you have instead of just opening a drawer.



Labeling done.

 

[dwasifar]

Added a dust collection hose to my bench sander:



I've had a run lately making pencil cups. To recap: It started with these two quick and dirty for the workbenches.



And it turned into making fancy ones for my office coworkers:





So now I'm selling them to people until my scrap wood supply runs out. But the ones I made for the workshop were only for the two wall benches. I have an island bench with the table saw attached, and I have to keep the top of that clear for the saw outfeed. But I've been using that bench a lot and I don't want to have to go get a pencil; I want it right at hand. This is my solution:



Back to basics, quick and dirty. At hand but not occupying bench space.

I am the pencil cup KING! (To be fair, I was running unopposed, but still.)

 

[Beerhippie]

I am the pencil cup KING!

Did you make one for your father yet?

 

[Kurt4440]

What was your procedure/materials used for the headlights?

Wet sand with 2000 grit, then 3000 grit, then compound,

usually I polish next and use a ceramic coating
but
last night I experimented with this graphene 1 & done, and then the graphene top coat.

I use the little yellow sanding blocks with the sandpaper and some elbow grease, and a 3" random orbital polisher with various pads for the compound, polishes and finish coat.

 

[dwasifar]

Did you make one for your father yet?

No, the last thing I made for my father was a coffin for his (and my mom's) ashes. He's in it now, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elburn, Illinois. I hope he's enjoying it.

 

[Beerhippie]

Tried to unplug another kitchen drain this AM. Failed. It's a floor drain with some dumb-*** built-in grease trap that pretty much makes it impossible to snake--or remove trapped grease. It's also set in a slab-on-grade floor, so no other access for cleaning. It's not a frequently used drain, so I'll wait 'til Monday--when we're closed for the day--and use the heavy-duty stuff--concentrated sulfuric acid. Works great, but stinks the place up with noxious fumes that take pretty much all day to clear out.

Got started mowing one of the back areas. Had a root that I've been mowing around for years and finally decided to do something about it. Got the Pulaski out of the shed and... it had been left covered in mud, with a trashed edge on the blade and stored with the head down on a damp dirt floor. Thanks, co-workers. Head was far too loose to safely even attempt to cut with it. Got out the chainsaw and got 'er done. Now I have a Pulaski to fix and a chain to sharpen.

As soon as I got the root out of the way, the skies opened up and the rain came down. No mowing today. Time to fix a tool.



Not the best job of sharpening I've done, but it'll work. Much better than what was there before--my framing hammers are sharper that that was. Sharpened the hoe end, too. I pulled the head almost all the way off--as far as it would go--and slathered 20-minute epoxy over the exposed part of the haft and inside the top of the eye. Drove the head back on, added a steel wedge and heated it up with a heat gun. Once the epoxy sets completely, I'll scrape that squeeze-out off the haft, sand it and give it a good few coats of thinned BLO. I'll hit the head with a wire brush and give that a coat or two of BLO, too.

Then hang it back on the shed wall, which is where it should have been.

Now for the chainsaw chain.....

 

[pima67]

Grab a shovel and the Pulaski and dig some fire line around the pub just in case.

 

[Beerhippie]

Grab a shovel and the Pulaski and dig some fire line around the pub just in case.

I got over that many years ago. A D6 makes much easier work of it.

 

[niget2002]

Loaded the kayak into the truck. Taking it out tomorrow. Been a busy year and this is the first outing. Had to triple check that I packed everything.

 

[Outlawmws]

I didn't realize how much I would prefer drawers to bins, but it's a huge difference when you're searching for the right length and configuration of bolt.

In addition, open bins collect flying debris, a lot. terrible in a fabrication area of any type.

 

[Metallitubby]

Where & when are you racing in Virginia this weekend?

We are currently in Norton, Virgina. The hill climb starts at 8.30am tomorrow morning (Saturday and Sunday).

 

[racecougar]

Repaired/restored a couple of parts for the '73 Mustang build that nobody will ever see. The vacuum switch for the heater core valve lost its spring retainer at some point. A little JB Weld and a door rod retainer saved us from spending $50 on a new one. The heater core valve still works great, but needed a good cleanup and repaint. These parts are ready to be put back into service, blocking off coolant flow to the heater core when the heat is turned off. Gotta keep that AC blowing extra cold!

 

[GrayFlattop]

“No user servicable parts inside.”

Kinda true, I don’t do surface mount stuff.



This is one of the batteries I inherited from Dad. It wouldn’t charge. So, let’s have a look inside.

Found four cells at ~4V and one at 0V. Rigged up a single cell charge, and got it up to 3.8V



Reassembled. It shows three bars now, but still won’t charge. Goes immediately to green, as if it was already full.



Could be that the four fully charged cells are confusing the circuitry. I‘ll drill some holes tomorrow, then see if it’ll charge normally.

Sanding and assembly on these.



Tomorrow they can start getting some primer and paint.

Don’t feel bad about that Milwaukee M18 battery - you gave it a good shot at a rescue. FWIW, I’ve been down that exact path several times with similar results. Milwaukee M18 batteries are without a doubt the sh!ttiest battery platform I use.

The YouTube gurus have much better luck reviving these batteries, but I’m 0-5. To me the larger point is why should I have to? Charged correctly, stored correctly and used correctly. Not dropped, not in a puddle of mud (that’s the ancient Makita that’s still ticking), not overworked so hard that the nylon brush holders started smoking (that’s a Bosch that still works). Other than these two wounded, cordless soldiers, I rarely abuse my tools.

I’ve had more M18 battery failures than any other brand. Never a single failure with Bosch, Makita 18V or even Ryobi 18V. When a $$ 12Ah M18 battery sh!ts the bed 4 months out of warranty, it gives you pause. 2-3Ah, and 2-5Ah have also joined their big brother in the battery recycling bin. It irks me as I have many, many more M18 batteries that I feel will give up the ghost in the coming years. I’m sure that others may have different results, but I don’t think I’ll be buying another M18. It’s a shame as they really have some brilliant tools (except for their useless 1/2” drill chucks).

To be fair, I’ve been very, very pleased with everything M12 in the very innovative Milwaukee lineup. My first new Milwaukee tool was in 1977, so it’s not as if I’m new to the brand.

Sorry-I just had to get that off my chest. Carry on.

 

[DGersic]

Don’t feel bad about that Milwaukee M18 battery - you gave it a good shot at a rescue. FWIW, I’ve been down that exact path several times with similar results. Milwaukee M18 batteries are without a doubt the sh!ttiest battery platform I use.

The YouTube gurus have much better luck reviving these batteries, but I’m 0-5. To me the larger point is why should I have to? Charged correctly, stored correctly and used correctly. Not dropped, not in a puddle of mud (that’s the ancient Makita that’s still ticking), not overworked so hard that the nylon brush holders started smoking (that’s a Bosch that still works). Other than these two wounded, cordless soldiers, I rarely abuse my tools.

I’ve had more M18 battery failures than any other brand. Never a single failure with Bosch, Makita 18V or even Ryobi 18V. When a $$ 12Ah M18 battery sh!ts the bed 4 months out of warranty, it gives you pause. 2-3Ah, and 2-5Ah have also joined their big brother in the battery recycling bin. It irks me as I have many, many more M18 batteries that I feel will give up the ghost in the coming years. I’m sure that others may have different results, but I don’t think I’ll be buying another M18. It’s a shame as they really have some brilliant tools (except for their useless 1/2” drill chucks).

To be fair, I’ve been very, very pleased with everything M12 in the very innovative Milwaukee lineup. My first new Milwaukee tool was in 1977, so it’s not as if I’m new to the brand.

Sorry-I just had to get that off my chest. Carry on.

Thread 'Tool battery life? New “red” vs. old “yellow” batteries.'
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...-life-new-red-vs-old-yellow-batteries.558285/

In this case, I think it worked. After putting the battery on the charger, it no longer flashes 8 blinks at me. After putting it in the drill and drilling some holes in a scrap 2x4, I got it down to two bars. After that, it seems to be charging normally.

It‘s only a 1.5Ah battery. And the (non Fuel) drill is weak. I can easily stall it with a 1/2” fluted bit in a 2x4. So, not impressed compared to my old DeWalt that has no problems running 1 1/4” bits and will snap a wrist if the bit jams on something.

So, success, I guess.

 

[Beerhippie]

Had a bit of a scare and found out what's on my dance card for tomorrow:



That door is 10' tall, 4' wide, 2" foam board sandwiched between 1/2" ply with 1X6" reinforcements. It ain't light. I went to close it as part of my evening lock-up, and it fell off the hinges. I was able to get out of the way, but it did get the ol' adrenaline a'pumpin'.

The pintle hinge pins bolts just loosened up and rotated, dropping the door off the hinges. I think I'll haul ol' Sparky over there and give them some good, solid tack welds to the pallet racks when I put it back together. Some of the youngs around here ain't as spry as the ol' guy when it comes to giant doors falling on them.

I'd hoped to get the rockers on the other side of the Brick painted tomorrow and get out for a little camping, but the weather is horrible and supposed to continue so through the weekend. May as well recharge the bank account with a little work instead.

Happy Friday, y'all!

 

[DGersic]

Got my fans. Got the evaporator box reassembled and hopefully ready to install back in to the car.




After use, the battery now seems to be charging normally again.




Primer.

 

[rd65]

Measured u-joints on the F350

 

[bugnut]

Cleared out space in the shop. Looked on as others loaded up a truck with the lathe, mill and other equipment. Shop sure looks empty now.
PS even though it looks like the bridgeport is going into the ridgeline it is in reality going into a box truck!

 

[Mike65]

We are currently in Norton, Virgina. The hill climb starts at 8.30am tomorrow morning (Saturday and Sunday).

I was thinking maybe you were at VIR (Virginia International Raceway) just east of Danville, Va. or South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Va. I would have drove over to watch & possibly meetup, but Norton is over a 3-hour drive one way.

 

[Beelzeboss]

I wrestled on the new manual gearbox for my hot rod!



No flywheel or clutch in there yet, but not far off

 

[Old Man Roger]

Cleared out space in the shop. Looked on as others loaded up a truck with the lathe, mill and other equipment. Shop sure looks empty now.
PS even though it looks like the bridgeport is going into the ridgeline it is in reality going into a box truck!

The Ridgline was sweating.lol

 

[Jay__Dub]

Been waiting to get some time, so I finally got the vette up, bought oil and filter, went over to my bench to check my records, as I'm **** about oil changes and stuff, and there in the records, were my notes changing it in Oct of last year when I put it away. I didn't even remember I'd done it. Mercy.

Oh well, some zoom zoom today.

 

[bmwrd0]

Drove downstate to pick up an auction win. So, not in the garage, but, still.

 

[Old Man Roger]

I wrestled on the new manual gearbox for my hot rod!



No flywheel or clutch in there yet, but not far off

I think this might be the first time I’ve ever seen someone use a Japanese V8 in an American car. Pretty cool.

 

[zcar751]

Camping this weekend so no shop for me.

 

[BonzoHansen]

starting to do light stuff. but its raining & humid, so i'm hiding inside. I am using the web, google maps and co-pilot to find some good spots to see the 4014 big boy in motion on 7/3 as it heads towards philly. seeing that giant engine move would be really neat.

 

[sparky 1971]

After getting two ducks taken out by either a weasel or mink, I built a door for the duck shelter so I can lock them up securely every night. Waiting for the paint to dry before the hinges go on. I'll install the hardware cloth over the hole after the door is hung.

 

[GrayFlattop]

Thread 'Tool battery life? New “red” vs. old “yellow” batteries.'
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...-life-new-red-vs-old-yellow-batteries.558285/

In this case, I think it worked. After putting the battery on the charger, it no longer flashes 8 blinks at me. After putting it in the drill and drilling some holes in a scrap 2x4, I got it down to two bars. After that, it seems to be charging normally.

It‘s only a 1.5Ah battery. And the (non Fuel) drill is weak. I can easily stall it with a 1/2” fluted bit in a 2x4. So, not impressed compared to my old DeWalt that has no problems running 1 1/4” bits and will snap a wrist if the bit jams on something.

So, success, I guess.

I'm happy that it worked for you.

I'm still pissed at Milwaukee.

 

[GrayFlattop]

I was thinking maybe you were at VIR (Virginia International Raceway) just east of Danville, Va. or South Boston Speedway in South Boston, Va. I would have drove over to watch & possibly meetup, but Norton is over a 3-hour drive one way.

VIR is an awesome track to drive - as well as having a first-class facility. They used to serve their own bespoke beer in the restaurant (for after the track goes cold, of course).

 

[DGersic]

starting to do light stuff. but its raining & humid, so i'm hiding inside. I am using the web, google maps and co-pilot to find some good spots to see the 4014 big boy in motion on 7/3 as it heads towards philly. seeing that giant engine move would be really neat.

Absolutely go see it. It is amazing.

 

[Kurt4440]

I did the rear brakes on my neighbor's LS430, this morning, after doing the front brakes Thursday evening.



Toyota wheels on a Lexus. They actually didn't fit on the front without wheel spacers, and of course longer studs.
The "good deal" he got on the wheels was offset by the additional hardware that was necessary.

 

[Beerhippie]

I got the door of death back on its hinges. Another fifteen-minute job, right? Just gotta haul the welder back there, tack those hinge pintles in place and find someone to give me a hand hanging the door.

Yeah, right.

First problem was to get power for the welder to the job. There is a handy breaker panel right there, but it has no open double-pole space and no 30A two-pole breakers to use. I don't happen to have an extra 30A handy, so I'd have to steal the one out of the welders' breaker box and then replace one of the existing ones where I now need it. then undo all that when I'm done. Nope. I do have an extension cord for the welders that will reach, but it currently has the wrong ends on it. No big deal, I'll steal the plug off the existing cord to put on one end and just splice the two cords together. Easy, right?



When I took the plug end off the cord, the terminals had gotten so loose I was able to pull the wires out without unscrewing them. I figured I better check the other, outlet end. Two screws to open the jct box... both stripped out. I was able to get one out, but had to cut the other. I still wasn't able to get it out, so I'll need a new box.

Now it's lunch time. Stopped at the hardware store on the way back and grabbed a box. Clocked in and made up my needed cords and made a note to stop at the electricians for another 30A twist-lock plug on Monday.

Finally got started on the actual job. Grab the M18 angle grinder with 36 grit fiber dist and backer and knock the paint off the pallet shelving and the galvanizing off the hardware. Straighten the hinge pintle that had turned, tightened it up and tacked it in place.



Did the lower hinge and grabbed a couple of the kids from the kitchen. Got the door stood up and... no room to slip the hinge strap over the upper pintle. WTF? Turns out, I welded the pintle on upright whereas the guy who built and installed the doors had the upper pintle upside-down.

Lay the door back down and remove the hinge strap. Get it back up and on the lower pintle and latched in place. With the wheel I installed at the bottom of the door, it rests just where it needs to be. Knocked the carriage bolts out of the door where the upper pintle mounted, slip the strap over the pintle and drill new holes for the bolts. Install bolt and, finally,



Two and a half hours.

Finished the refresh of the company Pulaski:



All ready to grub out some stumps--which needs doing. While I had the MIG welder out of its spot, I noticed the pile of leaves that had accumulated there over the winter, so I moved all the remaining tools that live in that corner--TIG welder, abrasive cut-off saw and portable vise--and cleaned that corner out. Put everything away and put the cords back together as found for now.

Beer thirty!!!

 

[PassnThru]

Took the afternoon off yesterday and did an oil change on my middle kid's new to him '17 Taurus. Also replace the wiper cowl as the rubber edge was breaking off. Got a knock off from the jungle and it was actually pretty nice but the washer nozzles wouldn't stay seated so I ended up using the old ones. Also it's not sitting completely flat against the windshield but I'm giving it a few days in the sun before re-evaluating.

 

[SMOKEYBEAR]

Sharpened the chains on my Stihl 290 and 180 to cut a path to get the boat out. Trying to get out tomorrow and Tuesday before the Holiday and 100+ temps. Tree professional lined up for Wednesday, 40" Pin Oak is a bit over my pay grade suspended on the shed and under tension.

It struck the lawn shed pretty dang good. I'm gonna patch it as a hold over, the steel building 18x30 is in line for a 14x30 extension and do away with the lawn shed..maybe.

 

[Prospecter]

Tree professional lined up for Wednesday

Get the boat out, go boating, and hire out the tree work. Makes sense to me!