Escape FROM my dream shop

[Bob Heine]

Before I quit drinking alcohol we spent a couple of weeks in Scotland back in '96 and after the Edinburgh sights and possibly too many castles, we spent a good chunk of time visiting distilleries. Did the biggest (Glenlivet) and smallest (Edradour) operations from the Whisky Trail to Inverness, Skye and down to Armadale and on to Ft. William. Drove 2,500 miles in two weeks but couldn't talk the rest of the family to go to Islay. A year later I was introduced to Laphroaig and overindulged because it tasted so good. While in Scotland I bought a copy of The Malt Whiskey Files and planned to work my way through the long list of single malts that I hadn't tried.

Sadly I never got to buy and try a bottle of the most interesting single malt. It would be worth it just to be able to offer someone a glass of Sheep Dip. It was "said to have become popular with farmers because invoices... could easily be lost in their accounts if they kept a few sheep".

 

[Craptain]

Progress is progress, and you are making it. Looking good.
I have a friend up in Massachusetts that represents and also collects fine malt whiskeys. Whilst I am a Rum drinker, I developed a taste for scotch I can't afford due to his influence. Laophraig is high on my list.

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[rmack898]

Thanks Bob,
The Malt Whisky File is now at the top of my list.

My daughter who is now 31 is named Islay. I'm a second generation Scot in the US and I had no idea of the single malts produced in Islay when I gave my daughter her name. 31 years ago I didn't even like whisky.

We spent 10 days finding our own way about Scotland last summer and I found myself quite partial to the heavy peat flavor of Laphroaig. My favorite quote describing the flavor is that of a pack of wet dogs, chewing damp firewood, running through you mouth. It sounds nasty but tastes delicious.

 

[rmack898]

, I developed a taste for scotch I can't afford due to his influence. Laophraig is high on my list.

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Andrew,

The next time we have a gathering of the Florida garage Clan at my place here in the Grove, I'll be sure to set a dram aside for you.

 

[Lotusnut]

Sadly I never got to buy and try a bottle of the most interesting single malt. It would be worth it just to be able to offer someone a glass of Sheep Dip. It was "said to have become popular with farmers because invoices... could easily be lost in their accounts if they kept a few sheep".

Bob

26 years ago I had the family over in Scotland for a wedding and purchased a bottle of Sheep Dip just for the novelty. It sat in the bar for years before it got opened and I was very surprised at how nice it was given how little I had paid for it.

 

[Toolfool]

Glad to see you're making progress , and you're finally happy with the cabinet install. I like that ceiling fan. Tile work, not so much.

 

[Bob Heine]

Thanks Bob,
The Malt Whisky File is now at the top of my list.

My daughter who is now 31 is named Islay. I'm a second generation Scot in the US and I had no idea of the single malts produced in Islay when I gave my daughter her name. 31 years ago I didn't even like whisky.

We spent 10 days finding our own way about Scotland last summer and I found myself quite partial to the heavy peat flavor of Laphroaig. My favorite quote describing the flavor is that of a pack of wet dogs, chewing damp firewood, running through you mouth. It sounds nasty but tastes delicious.

Mac, you should be able to find the book used for $5 or less on eBay or Amazon. I was happy to pay the £9.99 when I found it in an Iinverness bottle shop. You are not alone being partial to Laphroaig. The book describes it as: "Generally accepted as being the most individually flavoured of all single malts. Like all the seaside distilleries, the salt air gives it a distinctive but subtle flavor. The high amount of moss in the peat they use also adds to the flavor.

We had been to England several times but at our daughter's request we happily did the same kind of self-directed tour of Scotland. The point of the trip was their re-marriage in Gretna Green. Liane and I packed an extra [hanging] bag with our 'parents of the bride' fancy outfits. On the limo ride to the airport our daughter told us they changed their mind and weren't doing the wedding thing. No problem, I just made sure their room at every bed and breakfast we stayed was on the top floor or most inaccessible location where they could shepherd our extra bag. One of the best holidays of our lives.

Bob

26 years ago I had the family over in Scotland for a wedding and purchased a bottle of Sheep Dip just for the novelty. It sat in the bar for years before it got opened and I was very surprised at how nice it was given how little I had paid for it.

Lotusnut, I think the best thing about Scotch whisky is the rarity of bad ones. I think it's because the Scots maintain control of their liquor in-country. I have had more than one undrinkable bottles of rum and vodka but never had the urge to throw out a bottle of Scotch. Bought the undrinkable (but really really cheap) rum on a visit to the rustiest, dirtiest Dominican Republic distillery on the island. Bought the Florida sugar cane vodka (and gin) decades ago just because it was so cheap. Orange juice and tonic water did nothing to hide the foul taste.

If you don't drink your Scotch neat, I was told to use the same water the distillery uses. Actually found a bottle of water from one of them in a Crown Liquor store and couldn't tell the difference except for the lighter weight of my wallet.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

If you don't drink your Scotch neat, I was told to use the same water the distillery uses. Actually found a bottle of water from one of them in a Crown Liquor store and couldn't tell the difference except for the lighter weight of my wallet.

I sometimes wonder how drunk people have to be to come up with stuff like that. Kind of like people that go nuts telling you how to smoke a cigar. I guess the harder you make it the more elite it makes you feel.

I had a buddy who owned a cigar shop. I delighted in going in the lounge and lighting my cigar the "wrong" way. The looks of horror on the snobs faces were great. After he had to close down he said my doing that was the highlight of owning the shop, it would get them all fired up after I left.

 

[Bob Heine]

I sometimes wonder how drunk people have to be to come up with stuff like that.

Willie, my daughter and I saw it in the store and she told me I had to have it. Back then those two gave me a lot of grief about being a Yuppie (I owned and enjoyed a BMW euro-spec 733i for a few years). I kept the bottle on my liquor cabinet for many years before actually using it.

The answer as to how drunk you need to be, refer to my bottle of every-day Johnnie Walker Black. I kept a 4.5 liter Jeroboam on the cabinet next to the water. The gimbal helped with pouring. Found it at A. H. Rise in St. Thomas for less than a 1.75 liter bottle in US.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Willie, my daughter and I saw it in the store and she told me I had to have it. Back then those two gave me a lot of grief about being a Yuppie (I owned and enjoyed a BMW euro-spec 733i for a few years). I kept the bottle on my liquor cabinet for many years before actually using it.

The answer as to how drunk you need to be, refer to my bottle of every-day Johnnie Walker Black. I kept a 4.5 liter Jeroboam on the cabinet next to the water. The gimbal helped with pouring. Found it at A. H. Rise in St. Thomas for less than a 1.75 liter bottle in US.

I know some people who would try to make that disappear in one afternoon. I never found any enjoyment in being drunk. I have always enjoyed people the next morning.

I used to work security at a hospital. Every friday night we would get a couple of drunks the cops brought in. Usually they were combatant and horrible to deal with, so they got locked in a psych room. Abnout 8 am we would go by and pound on the door and ask if they were ok. Small revenge for having to deal with them all night.

 

[shortykorte]

Well heck, my neighbor is named Pete and our oaks have a lot Spanish Moss, wonder if I can make some Scotch.
Guess I don’t have the palate for Scotch. Tried it twice and your description Mack is what comes to mind.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

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[rmack898]

Bob

26 years ago I had the family over in Scotland for a wedding and purchased a bottle of Sheep Dip just for the novelty. It sat in the bar for years before it got opened and I was very surprised at how nice it was given how little I had paid for it.

I will have to keep an eye out for it, hell I'm the black sheep of the family.

Glad to see you're making progress , and you're finally happy with the cabinet install. I like that ceiling fan. Tile work, not so much.

Whats wrong with he tile work? I've set my fair share of tile and I'm fairly critical of bad tile work but I'm happy with what Rafael is doing.

"Generally accepted as being the most individually flavoured of all single malts. Like all the seaside distilleries, the salt air gives it a distinctive but subtle flavor. The high amount of moss in the peat they use also adds to the flavor.

We sampled several aged barrels when we visited Laphroaig and you can actually taste the salt in the whisky. Some distilleries are right on the waterfront.

I sometimes wonder how drunk people have to be to come up with stuff like that.

Willie, I'm a guy who can be very happy with a good burger and and a six pack, but ..........I also enjoy 5 star fine dining and single malt whisky. I imagine a good Cuban after a nice meal would be nice but I gave up cigars many years ago.

Well heck, my neighbor is named Pete and our oaks have a lot Spanish Moss, wonder if I can make some Scotch.
Guess I don’t have the palate for Scotch. Tried it twice and your description Mack is what comes to mind.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Wrong kind of Pete shorty. Here's a pic I took of that descriptive note at the distillery.

 

[rmack898]

I got an early start on my domestic chores today and started working on the shop at about 9:30.

It took me a while to find a process or rhythm in dealing with the insulation and tin that need to be installed at the same time. I finally found a system that works for me but it took all day to find it.

I got one more panel up then is seen in the picture before I ran out of daylight. I plan to get an early start tomorrow and finish the back wall and start on the next wall. I have to cut out and trim the man door so that may take a little time.

 

[rmack898]

I got an early start as planned and managed to get a few more panels up before the damn house build demanded attention.

I finally got back on the shop in the afternoon and got the trim around the man door installed. I got one more wall panel up before the house build got in the way again.

I needed to run up the road to get more bullnose tile so the tile setter can finish the master bath in the morning and as I was leaving the alternator in my truck decided to take a dump. I called the day job and told them I wouldn't be in tomorrow but I would be in to get some tools to change the alternator in my truck.

So the game plan for tomorrow is to jump on the motorcycle and get the bullnose first thing so the tile guy can keep working. Then run to the day job and pick up some tools, and then to the auto parts store to get an alternator and fix my truck. If everything works out as panned I should have another half day to work on the shop.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

They say life is what happens when you are busy making plans.

Hope you get the truck sorted out painlessly.

 

[rmack898]

So here's how things actually went last Monday.

I got on the bike and drove 40 miles to the tile store only to find out that they were sold out of the bullnose I needed. On the way home I stopped at the parts store and picked up the alternator for my truck. 10 miles from home the skies opened up and I had to do the last 8 miles or so at 30 MPH because it was raining so hard. I get back home and dried off and find that I got the wrong alternator. Back on the bike in the rain for a 20 mile round trip to get the right alternator.

I change the alternator and figure I should put a new belt on while I'm at it. Lay on the ground to get the belt on the crank pulley and then go up top to get the rest on and the belt falls off the crank pulley. I really needed a second set of hands but I finally got it on after about an hour of ******* and moaning.

By the time I was done with the truck it was getting dark and nothing got done on the shop.

Wednesday afternoon was slow at the day job so I took the time to get the hitch off my truck. I had been soaking the bolts every day for over a week but it was still a pain to get the hitch off. This was not a cheap hitch and the side plate were 3/8" when it was new. Living in a coastal town where you have to drive though salt water every month when you have a moon tide takes it's toll on your truck.

 

[rmack898]

I got a late start today but I did spend almost the entire day working on the shop.

I got back wall completely covered with tin. I had to cut two sheets to fit around the man door and I tried all the tools I have to see what works best. Here's what I found that works best. For cross cuts, the M12 Hackzall with an 18 TPI blade works best. For rip cuts, up the length of the panel I used tin snips on the first one and it was fairly easy but it took too mush time. On the second one I used the M12 circular saw with a carbide tipped blade and not only was it fast but I got a nice clean cut.

I can't afford 2 long term lift rentals so I sent the rough terrain lift back. I kept the smaller man lift and when I need to work on the outside of the shop I pick it up with the forks and move it to where I need it and use it while it is still on the forks.

Now that I have a good system of installing the tin, I hope to get the next wall completed tomorrow.

 

[djones1a]

For the rip cuts you can use a utility knife,just score it from top to bottom then bend it. It should snap off clean.

 

[shortykorte]

Mack a little evaporust and a couple of weld tacks you’ll have the hitch back in order.

When I cut my tin a few weeks ago, I used a metal blade on a circular saw for cross cut, (ribs down) then tin snips at the rib peaks. Wasn’t set up flat enough to rip straight line with circular saw so switch to cut off wheel. It was fast but went through cheap blades quick.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[taumac]

Wow, just wow. I bet pucker factor went through the roof when hitch went. Amazing you made it home.

I like the new bobcat attachment.[emoji1303] looks like that system will work out well. Make sure your wearing a hard hat. LOL.

 

[MacTexas]

I just found this thread. Looks like a good one to follow. I'll add another Mac to the thread.

 

[rmack898]

Mack a little evaporust and a couple of weld tacks you’ll have the hitch back in order.

Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

A little Evaporust and there would be nothing left to weld.

Wow, just wow. I bet pucker factor went through the roof when hitch went.

I'm pretty sure it was way beyond pucker and damn near **** your drawers territory. Making it home was pure luck.

I just found this thread. Looks like a good one to follow. I'll add another Mac to the thread.

Welcome aboard Mac

 

[rmack898]

I decided to take some time off from work while things were slow so I could make some real progress on the shop.

I keep finding better ways to get the insulation hung and put the tin up. I now have two walls complete and I'm almost certain that I'll have the third wall up before the end of the day tomorrow.

I'm most likely going back to work on Thursday and Friday but I should be putting the roof on the shop this coming weekend.

I have a bunch of trim that has to go up on the partition wall but the prints either don't show the details very well or I just can't read the prints very well. It may be a combination of both but I'll get it sorted out

 

[cbacres]

I decided to take some time off from work while things were slow so I could make some real progress on the shop.

I keep finding better ways to get the insulation hung and put the tin up. I now have two walls complete and I'm almost certain that I'll have the third wall up before the end of the day tomorrow.

I'm most likely going back to work on Thursday and Friday but I should be putting the roof on the shop this coming weekend.

I have a bunch of trim that has to go up on the partition wall but the prints either don't show the details very well or I just can't read the prints very well. It may be a combination of both but I'll get it sorted out

Mac, I sent you a text. Give me a call on the trim.

 

[Kev442]

Using the bobcat to make the smaller lift haul the mail is genius.

You have an unusual method for washing your motorcycle. I tried it once but the cowboy boots I was wearing ended up with 2" of water in them. Not a fan of the method after that.

 

[Bob Heine]

Mac, I feel for you doing that alone and I'm impressed with the progress. My back sends its regards and sympathy.

 

[Jayman17]

It's starting to look like a shop building Nice work, isn't it fun doing 2 person work by yourself?

Jay

 

[rmack898]

Mac, I sent you a text. Give me a call on the trim.

Craig, I emailed you a copy of the drawings, I'll call you in the morning

Using the bobcat to make the smaller lift haul the mail is genius.

You have an unusual method for washing your motorcycle. I tried it once but the cowboy boots I was wearing ended up with 2" of water in them. Not a fan of the method after that.

Kev, I'm just trying to stretch my rental dollars and I hate waking my bike like that too.

Mac, I feel for you doing that alone and I'm impressed with the progress. My back sends its regards and sympathy.

Bob, you are the inspiration for all of us on being able to do more with less. My back and knees say thanks for thinking about them

It's starting to look like a shop building Nice work, isn't it fun doing 2 person work by yourself?

Jay

It is starting to look like a shop. Jay I've been working solo for so many years I tend to not give it much thought anymore but I sure do appreciate help when I can get it.

 

[rmack898]

I had another productive day even though the wind picked up in the afternoon and made it a little more challenging.

I got the third wall almost complete, 2 panels shy of being done.

So here's the process of how it goes. I screw the drip edge to the angle bolted to the floor down the length of the wall on 24" centers. A foam seal gets taped to the drip edge to seal the bottom of the panel. The insulation is 6' wide and comes on 60' rolls, roll it out and cut a piece 15' long. Roll it up , put it in the man lift and take it up to the top, let it unroll down the side of the building and clamp it in place with spring clamps. Lay a wall panel on the horses and pre-drill all the holes for the screws. Pre-stage the drill and impact gun on the ladder and then move the panel in place and screw it up and check for level.

Heres a link for a video

Rinse and repeat 14 times and I get a wall complete. By the time the day ends I feel like I've had my *** kicked many times over. I need to go back to the day job tomorrow to recover.

 

[shortykorte]

That’s great progress.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Toolfool]

Great progress, boss. If you were closer ….
YouTube won't let me see the video.

 

[Finallygotit]

........YouTube won't let me see the video.

Same here.


Great progress Mac.

 

[zippyslug31]

Same thing for me; can't see the video.
RMack, it looks like you copied the link from your edit interface. Instead, try going to your video and clicking the "share" link thingy, which will popup a dialog with another web address that you can copy/paste here... that should work for us.

 

[rmack898]

I think I got the YouTube link fixed.

I finished the third wall siding today before lunch. I spent about an hour re-shuffling materials to give me room to work on the front of the building. There was still a bunch of "Field cut to fit" angle that needed to be cut and installed and I think I only have 3 or 4 more pieces to install.

I started installing the drip edge and trim around the roll up doors.

Laura wanted me to hire some day labor to help me on the weekends and I told her I don't need help, I need time. So I decided to take some time off from work to see how much I could get done. I think the loss of a few days pay is the better value because if I had to spend a bunch of time explaining how to do things to a hired hand I wouldn't have been as productive as I was working alone.

Even with no roof, its starting to feel like a shop.

I need to go back to the day job tomorrow so I can get a little rest before I hit it hard again on Sunday and Monday.

 

[mybigwarwagon]

Always bad when you have to go back to work to rest.

 

[Vbwiley92]

It's looking good. Aftering watching the video, I would suggest thinking about getting a screw gun holster. Pretty cheap and may save you some time and hassle. I bought one for when I put up my fence and damn was it helpful.

DEWALT DG5120 Heavy-duty Drill Holster https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P30BW8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

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[Toolfool]

Moving right along.
Two holsters.

 

[shortykorte]

Yep, good progress Mack.


Shorty Korte
Always remember quality in QST

Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[54earl]

I have had one of those hitch predicament before. You just throw those underwear away. Keep on keeping on and you will be there soon enough.

 

[rixtrix1]

Just watched your video, Mac and I need a nap. Shop is looking good and I commend you for wanting to do it yourself.