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Above 1200 Sq/FT The ASYLUM - Happy 40th Birthday to Me! (Est. 2005)

Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
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flybefree

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May 18, 2008
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I knew it! You DID have a wonderful creation to avoid the pain and sufferning of spending that much time on a ladder. I was picking pears and apples this weekend so once again I have been reminded just how uncomfortable ladders are to work from when you are 1) Over 40 and 2) Not conditioned for working on ladders. Well done.
 
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shopnut

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Feb 22, 2006
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Florida
Wingnut65 said:
And, thanks for the detail work your doing on my place as well. :beer:
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I would try to help everyone that asks for it here on GJ, if only I could type faster. I'm afraid most of my advice would get them in trouble, however. Now let's see - how can we squeeze a jib crane into that Tampa 3-car...

flybefree said:
I knew it! You DID have a wonderful creation to avoid the pain and suffering of spending that much time on a ladder. I was picking pears and apples this weekend so once again I have been reminded just how uncomfortable ladders are to work from when you are 1) Over 40 and 2) Not conditioned for working on ladders. Well done.
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Well, I fit both of those descriptions, unfortunately. I will say it's nice to have all my tools spread around on that upper deck within easy reach. Glad you like it.

DZL JIM said:
Thanks for the response on the vinyl, your input is much appreciated!
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You are welcome Jim. Good luck with your wall covering decision.
 
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shopnut

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Feb 22, 2006
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Florida
FINAL LIGHTING LAYOUT…

Now that the main bay is nearing completion and the permanent lights are being installed, it’s time to put the finishing touches on the lighting plan and how the area will be zoned off. It was also a good time to go back and document all the small task lighting that I’ve added along the way.

The original lighting circuit had two 3-way zones, one for the main bay and one for the side bay, running on one 20A breaker. Switches were located at the man-doors. I will have three 20A circuits dedicated to lights when all this is finished. They will be identified in the main panel as MAIN LTS#1, MAIN LTS#2, and AUX LIGHTS. Here’s a link back to a discussion about where the lights are being installed: Reply 637

The plan is attached in both color and black/white for your reference. I’ve added some color in the actual CAD file to help differentiate the separate switched zones. The following is a brief explanation of what I’ll have when it’s all done. Luckily about 90% is done at this point.

Main Bay (front)
One 3-way zone in center of bay switched at each man-door (dark blue).
Three switched zones around perimeter (gray/green/purple)

Main Bay (rear)
One switched zone over main work bench (green)

Side Bay
One 3-way zone switched at man doors for front and rear (dark blue).
One switched zone in middle (green)

Task Lighting
Three switched groups of can lights at windows (purple)
Two switched groups of accent lights by the columns (purple)
Three switched spotlights at the wall-mounted fans (purple)
One switched spotlight on crane (not shown)
One switched group of lights at shop sink (purple)

Lofts
One switched zone in side lofts (light blue)
One switched zone in front loft (light blue)

Outdoor
One switched light at side roll-up door (purple)
One switched group of lights on front porch (dark green)

One topic that came up in Wingnut65’s lighting update (Link to thread) reminded me of what I didn’t like about my city garage lighting now that all the hand-me-down fixtures were installed - it’s a waste of energy to flick all those lights on when you are just running out in the shop to grab a screwdriver or something. The center lights (dark blue) will be the ones that get turned on for quick run out there. Thanks Wingnut65!

850-Lighting Plan-01.JPG 851-Lighting Plan-02.JPG
 
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Wingnut65

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Apr 21, 2010
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Tampa Bay, FL
Your engineering skills and ideas sure are helping me. Glad I could offer an idea back to the Master.

Just curious, how many laps around the shop to get all the switches turned off??
 
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mdbeck1

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Mar 7, 2010
Messages
2,297
Location
Norman, OK
Wingnut65 said:
Your engineering skills and ideas sure are helping me. Glad I could offer an idea back to the Master.

Just curious, how many laps around the shop to get all the switches turned off??
Click to expand...

I think it was several....

....didn't you see the path lines on the diagram at the bottom of post 724?:)
 
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shopnut

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Feb 22, 2006
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Wingnut65 said:
Just curious, how many laps around the shop to get all the switches turned off??
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All those little dashed lines are my travel path for switching the lights, of course. What did you think they were? It's my morning and evening exercise plan! :)

Actually the idea is the main light switches would more or less be grouped in easy to reach spots adjacent to their zones. The ones that are hooked up seem to work good where they are. I haven't installed any between the big doors yet so we will see how those work out. They're not exact along the flow path as I use the room now, but I think that will change once vehicles are parked in their normal spots.

The task light switches are right next to the light where I'm temporarily working. The sink task light probably gets used the most so far because its dark back in that nook at night. Switch it on to wash the hands, switch it off when done. That one is easy, but I need to train myself to be as disciplined with the other ones.
 
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shopnut

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You gotta have a thick skin on this forum - ouch.

I have to admit, the diagram reminds me of one of those old Family Circus comic strips. At least the kids always seemed like they were having fun so maybe I will too :)

Family-Circus.jpg
 
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mdbeck1

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Norman, OK
shopnut said:
You gotta have a thick skin on this forum - ouch.

I have to admit, the diagram reminds me of one of those old Family Circus comic strips. At least the kids always seemed like they were having fun so maybe I will too :)

Family-Circus.jpg
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Sorry about the previous post but I just couldn't resist.. I've read way too many wiring diagrams and yours just reminded me of the family circus comic you quoted.

...again... no offense intended. Just having some fun. You'll probably catch me next week.

:bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce:
 
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Omphaloskeptic

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Oct 11, 2008
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Ultima Ratio, Wa.
Gee Whiz Shopnut, I was half expecting to see some air servos in the lighting plan. I know the circuitous walking to switch on/off lights is good cardio exercise, but maybe HAL could be convinced to save you some steps; or, if HAL won't cycle the lighting, you could always just install 'THE CLAPPER'. You know, Clap-On, Clap-Off! :lol_hitti
 
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shopnut

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Feb 22, 2006
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Florida
Omphaloskeptic said:
Gee Whiz Shopnut, I was half expecting to see some air servos in the lighting plan. I know the circuitous walking to switch on/off lights is good cardio exercise, but maybe HAL could be convinced to save you some steps; or, if HAL won't cycle the lighting, you could always just install 'THE CLAPPER'. You know, Clap-On, Clap-Off! :lol_hitti
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Sorry to let you down Omphaloskepic :(

If it's any consolation, I do have a whole box of x10 home automation modules and controllers that I originally planned to use for the different lighting zones rather than a bunch of wall switches. I even have the phone control base that allowed calling in to remotely turn stuff on and off. They work best on incandescent lights and fluorescents sometimes can give them fits. There is a work-around (so I read) but I just decided not to mess with it. Probably would have been cool though.
 
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Red Leader

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May 15, 2011
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Denver, CO
Man, I wish I could add something of value to this thread and its current topic...about cool lighting modules, wiring schematics, and other really neat stuff.

Nope, nada, nothing. Mind is drawing a blank. Can't quite figure out if it is the 'going over my head' part of it, or just the 'too in awe to speak' part of it.

So I'll just leave it for now at "cool garage!"





:lol_hitti
-RL
 
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shopnut

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Feb 22, 2006
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Florida
Red Leader said:
Man, I wish I could add something of value to this thread and its current topic...about cool lighting modules, wiring schematics, and other really neat stuff.

Nope, nada, nothing. Mind is drawing a blank. Can't quite figure out if it is the 'going over my head' part of it, or just the 'too in awe to speak' part of it.

So I'll just leave it for now at "cool garage!"





:lol_hitti
-RL
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Add something? You just did! At least for me anyway. Compliments play a huge part in keeping me motivated and pushing forward with the build, and sharing it with the online community here over the years.

Thanks RL.
 
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schwalby

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Feb 25, 2011
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242
Location
New Hampshire
I like your setup. I am also one of those guys that won't turn a light on in a room till I turn the light off in the room I am leaving. I like lots of circuits and switches.
 
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shopnut

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Feb 22, 2006
Messages
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Florida
schwalby said:
I like your setup. I am also one of those guys that won't turn a light on in a room till I turn the light off in the room I am leaving. I like lots of circuits and switches.
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Thanks schwalby.

With the main lights in the bays, I figure it's as easy to flick on all the lights at once with ganged switches as hitting just one, if I need them all. If not, I can save some juice. Parts are relatively inexpensive and I somewhat enjoy doing electrical, so why not. Someday if I don't like the zoning, it is easy to combine them - it's not so easy to go the other way if they originally were all one big zone.

Besides, it's kind of like all the different switched zones in a house, just without the walls! :)
 
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shopnut

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After all that razzing about my “twisted” lighting schematic from some of you, I hesitate to even post this, but the show must go on... (...just kidding guys, I know your heckling is just a sign that you really DO care - sniffle, sniffle :))

NEW LABELS FOR THE MAIN ELECTRICAL PANEL…

Two new breakers will soon be added in the main panel and I intend to juggle the others around slightly to better organize them. The existing breaker arrangement is shown along with the proposed layout. Light circuits are at positions 9A, 13B, and 15A. Also worth noting is that breaker 14A is being added for the West Wall (front) receptacles.

852-266-Back Wall.JPG 853-Electrical-Labels-01.JPG
 
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Vernmotor

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Jan 12, 2008
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Mt.vernon oh
Ok How in the hell did you make them labels..I need something like that for my fuse box..all I got is a magic marker !!! and some tape..
 
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shopnut

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Feb 22, 2006
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Florida
schwalby said:
Can you send me the template you used to make those lables?
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flybefree said:
Mein Gott! That is some serious attention to detail...germanic style. I laugh!
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Vernmotor said:
Ok How in the hell did you make them labels..I need something like that for my fuse box..all I got is a magic marker !!! and some tape..
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The breaker labels were created in an MS-Excel spreadsheet. I print them out, apply some clear packing tape to give it some longevity, and let the tape hang over a 1/2" on top and bottom so it will stick in place. It makes changes pretty easy too until everything is finalized. The trick is matching the printout to the breaker size so it all lines up.
 
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Red Leader

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May 15, 2011
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Denver, CO
shopnut said:
After all that razzing about my “twisted” lighting schematic from some of you, I hesitate to even post this, but the show must go on... (...just kidding guys, I know your heckling is just a sign that you really DO care - sniffle, sniffle :))

NEW LABELS FOR THE MAIN ELECTRICAL PANEL…

Two new breakers will soon be added in the main panel and I intend to juggle the others around slightly to better organize them. The existing breaker arrangement is shown along with the proposed layout. Light circuits are at positions 9A, 13B, and 15A. Also worth noting is that breaker 14A is being added for the West Wall (front) receptacles.

852-266-Back Wall.JPG 853-Electrical-Labels-01.JPG
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Now thats just showing off.

haha j/k.

Reminds me I need to get a few labels on some breakers that right now I'm just guessing turns off the right thing when I flip the switch. Probably not smart.:lol_hitti
 
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shopnut

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Florida
Red Leader said:
Now thats just showing off.
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Just following the GJ rules, RL... :)

GJ Rules.JPG

Actually, the labels have come in handy MANY times and I encourage everyone to get labelling of some kind up there from a safety standpoint.
 
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shopnut

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Feb 22, 2006
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Florida
I DISCOVERED THE ASYLUM HAS A BUILT-IN LOADING DOCK…

I took a quick trip up to Charlotte to help the S-I-L get ready for a move a few states over. She bought a house with a smaller yard and there was no need for her to keep the lawn tractor so I brought it home with me. The Craftsman will send the John Deere 110 into a temporary retirement and become primary greens-keeper at the Asylum for a few years to come.

I used my trusty old homemade ramps to load it up north but getting it off the truck was even easier when I arrived back home. I backed the truck up to the 8’ wide stairway on the apartment side of the Asylum. With the use of some short planks to bridge the gap, I was able to drive it right off. Lucky I built that stairs extra tough! I may have to re-design the stairs slightly in the future, however, to allow backing the tailgate all the way up to the concrete porch slab.

854-Craftsman-Tractor-05.JPG 855-Craftsman-Tractor-03.JPG

For 11 years old, the tractor is in really decent shape and I know it received the proper maintenance over the years. Two years ago during a visit, I was the one that gave it a full service including belt changes. And when I say “full” service, I mean fresh lube on every moving joint. A quick coat of black paint on the deck should have her looking like brand new. I don’t have any doubt that it will suffice for many years to come and it will give me a chance to “freshen-up” the old ’74 Deere. The Craftsman certainly turns much sharper than the Deere and that will really come in handy around the 100+ trees on the lot. And it nearly matches the green door/roof color on the Asylum.

856-Craftsman-Tractor-08.JPG 857-Craftsman-Tractor-22.JPG
858-Craftsman-Tractor-10.JPG 859-Craftsman-Tractor-12.JPG
 
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Wingnut65

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Apr 21, 2010
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Tampa Bay, FL
Nice score! And nice discovery. A little TLC and the Deere and C-Man will last a long time!

But you do realize that now others are going to want a loading dock as well? :beer:
 
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mpire

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Florida
shopnut said:
The breaker labels were created in an MS-Excel spreadsheet. I print them out, apply some clear packing tape to give it some longevity, and let the tape hang over a 1/2" on top and bottom so it will stick in place. It makes changes pretty easy too until everything is finalized. The trick is matching the printout to the breaker size so it all lines up.
Click to expand...
That's not going to stop us from asking for the excel file!
 
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shopnut

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Florida
flybefree said:
Loading dock aside...all I heard was mowing around 100 trees...dude, that sounds like a part-time job.

Shaun
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I know farmboys (even part-time ones) aren't real fond of trees as they just get in the way of the tractor, but this displaced Mid-western boy would bake in FL if I didn't have all this shade :)

It takes me about 3-4 hours to mow/trim this 1.5 acres with a lot of left and right turns. But luckily it's mostly just weeds and I only need to do it once a month or so. And it does go dormant for a few of the winter months. I still am keeping an eye out for a reasonably priced zero-turn Dixie Chopper, however - only been looking for 10 years now!
 
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flybefree

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May 18, 2008
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Ohio/Kentucky
A Dixie Chopper and resonably priced are two words I don't often use in the same sentence. I do use Dixe Chopper and awesome together all the time!

I completely undertand about the trees...we have a woods behind our house that we love. I have a little orchard, about 15 trees, in front of the house and it really slows down my grass cutting operations.

I dream of a ZTR mower...a reasonably priced professional grade machine with only 103 hours on it...owned by a little old lady who had the dealer take it in every winter for service and kept it in a heated shop. I have never seen such a beast...it's like a unicorn.

Shaun
 
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shopnut

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Florida
Hey mpire - who gave you permission to post that link?!?!?











Oh yeah, it was me. :) :) :)

Thanks to mpire, you now can DOWNLOAD THE LABEL FILE. It was certainly timely with R1chy asking for it.
(EDIT: It appears mpire's link is broken - try to download the zip file HERE instead)

This is how they will print out:
853-Electrical-Labels-01.JPG

This is how they are intended to go on:
852-266-Back Wall.JPG

Just a few notes...
This is a MicroSoft Excel 2007 spreadsheet file and you will need to edit the cells to match your main panel layout.

Spots for double pole breakers for the 220V devices (Water Heater, Range, Welder, etc.) are "merged" cells. Unmerge them and merge others as needed.

Use the "Fill Cell" menu to change colors and group things together.

When the label is cut down the middle, each side is 2" wide so standard packing tape can be used to stick over the top of it. Allowing a 1/2" of tape to overhang on the top and bottom makes it easy to stick it to the panel.

I have a GE Power Mark Gold Load Center with 1/2" high breakers. If yours is different, you may have to adjust row heights to match.

The line 1 and line 2 (red and blue "HOT") slots alternate on my load center - yours may be different.

Ask questions if you are having trouble.

Maybe if enough people use this, the next place I buy will finally have good labels on the breakers! :) Good luck.

One last thing - if you find these labels or anything else in this thread useful, feel free to use the "tip jar" (thread Rating menu on the upper right) - it serves as FUEL for the FIRE!
BETTER YET... Post up pictures here of your own labels installed on your panel. I would love to see people actually using them.
 
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shopnut

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BUILDING THE ATTACHMENT HANGER FOR THE LIBRARY LADDER…

It was time to rough something out for hanging the ladder onto the rolling carriage of the library ladder. The hinges I settled on are from a Jeep Wrangler tailgate. Last year, Mrs. Shopnut sold her ’95 YJ, but I remembered the hinges on it were pretty stout, so it was off to the auction site. I found a pair for under $20 (delivered) and once received, they were appeared to strong enough for the job and had nice bronze bushings.

860-Library-Ladder-189.JPG

So it was on to the structure. Here are some shots after the parts were rough cut and shaped. The side members are made from a recycled 4’ carpenter’s level and have an I-beam profile. The cross piece was a special extrusion for mounting hurricane panels. I slotted the side members to allow the cross piece to slide in.

861-Library-Ladder-186.JPG 862-Library-Ladder-190.JPG
863-Library-Ladder-191.JPG 864-Library-Ladder-192.JPG

Here it is with the hinges laid in place. Their width allows them to nest nicely inside the I-beams.

865-Library-Ladder-193.JPG 866-Library-Ladder-194.JPG

The next step will be fitting it to the carriage.
 
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Red Leader

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Lookin' good!:thumbup:

I'm excited for what it is going to look like when it is done. I keep trying to envision it in my head, but whatever is up there in my brain will probably be overshadowed by your awesomeness.

Keep up the excellent work.

-RL
 
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