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

Red Leader · Apr 10, 2012

shopnut said:
TRIM IS ADDED AND THE TV SYSTEM IS FINISHED… I also turned the TV on for a brief moment just to prove to some of you (not to name names) that this thing still works.

Good call.

shopnut said:
Wingnut65 - Yes - "DONE". One of the few lately. There's a couple more projects in the works, but I'm still not sure what I will focus on next - so many things revolve around that darn front loft being completed.

Wait, what? D...o...n................e? What does that spell? What does that mean? Are you bilingual? You are speaking a foreign dialect, sir! Please use language we fellow garage nerds can understand!!!!!!

Thank you.

shopnut · Apr 11, 2012

Funny R-L. "DONE" is something few of us will ever achieve. But that's OK, I guess.

The TV system isn't truly done because I'm waiting on some special wall plates to show up. They will allow me to cleanly pass the computer cables through the wall from the laptop up to the TV.

Kevin54 · Apr 11, 2012

Daammmnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!! I just now saw that video of the TV setup. That is just too cool!!!! :bowdown:

shopnut · Apr 11, 2012

Thanks Kevin54. It just took a few minutes to whip that contraption up

hehehe

Hopefully you found the info you were looking for on the tileboard. If you find another source for it, let us know.

Omphaloskeptic · Apr 11, 2012

"I think she has a master plan, and I'm afraid I am not going to like it! "

Shopnut,

Well of course there is a master plan! You may not be aware of the super secret organization called W.A.M.B.A.M. (Wives And Mothers Berating All Men) whose mission statement is -

"The Ultimate ********** And Domestication Of All Mankind".

This exclusive club's mantra is -

"If Mama ain't happy.... Ain't Nobody Happy!"

and their ongoing, never-ending mission is too insure the mantra is enforced by any and all means. It's a pretty secretive group we men are dealing with; I mean, we guys don't even know where or when they hold their meetings! Their methods are dark, devious, and machiavellian; for example, their famous diversionary statement "If you don't know why I'm upset (with you), I'm certainly not going to tell you!" - textbook psychological torture technique. Tread carefully Shopnut, you are not dealing simply with your wife, but an entire organization bent on your total and thorough submission. We men are so completely at their mercy; we leap through hoops to answer to their 'beck and call'. In point of fact, we men have been so befuddled by their machinations that we confusedly utter a phrase that means one thing to us, but an entirely different 'code' to their members ---

"WAM-BAM - THANK YOU MA'AM!"

Shopnut, 'Caution is the keyword'; don't drop your guard for a moment. That "devious laugh" is indeed a portent of things to come!

BEWARE!

And, by the by, the reason your wifey does not like the 'Mission Impossible Theme' is that it is a musical ripoff of W.A.M.B.A.M.'s own anthem. Of course, I'm referring to the following classic TV show which was actually the earliest form of training films for members of W.A.M.B.A.M., it is -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=B2Gb_sOX9Io

Yes, Shopnut, you are in deep doo-doo! To paraphrase Alex Karas's famous line as Mongo in the movie 'Blazing Saddles' -

"AWW, Mongo just pawn in game of life!"

whereas, your line should be -

"AWW, Shopnut just pawn in games of Wife!"

:lol_hitti

Kevin54 · Apr 11, 2012

shopnut said:
Thanks Kevin54. It just took a few minutes to whip that contraption up hehehe

Hopefully you found the info you were looking for on the tileboard. If you find another source for it, let us know.

I found the maker http://www.decpanels.com/consumer/products/aquatile but evidently they don't make what you have anymore :dunno:

I like the looks of the silver or metal look. About all they carry is the stone looking panels or white panels. All of the box stores carry it though. Oh well!!!

shopnut · Apr 11, 2012

Omphaloskeptic - HOLY COW! Have you been hitting the hooch a bit early today??? :beer:

Actually, I've been suspecting this underground conspiracy for a long time now, but have been telling myself it just can't be true. I guess it's time to face the truth. :sad:

ANOTHER acronym for the list! Rats, I just updated it yesterday.

Kevin54 - Thanks for looking. That's bad news, though. I guess I'm now REALLY glad that I stocked up with enough to finish the place. But it worries me some that there isn't a source out there for more, should I need it. And with the termites liking it as much as I do, that's a distinct possibility!

Wingnut65 · Apr 11, 2012

Wow, Omphaloskeptic. I am really impressed. Samantha's theme song, a Mongo quote and the philosophies on the mission statement of W.A.M.B.A.M., all in one post. Wow! :bow:

Now I will have to wonder what is really behind the To-Do list that Mrs Wingnut is thinking about for work around the house. :headscrat

And, Supreme Geek, I mean, shopnut, nothing to fear, just keep chugging away at the Asylum. But have you ever thought about using these awesome engineering contraptions for something for Mrs. Shopnut at home? Like an automatic coffee maker that comes out of the cabinet and loads a filter and coffee grounds before turning on the water? Can you just imagine the pneumatics needed to eject the grounds out of the filter basket and into the waste receptacle. I'm sure there would be an acronym for that, but I was going to leave the alphabet soup at the Asylum. Or in the laundry.... oh, never mind. You probably hadn't thought about it. Sorry to distract you from the Mission Possible...

shopnut · Apr 11, 2012

Yes, Ompha probably impressed himself (along with the rest of us) with that reply!

Don't worry Wingnut65, I've been called much worse than that - I've grown a thick skin living with Mrs. S all these years. But one thing I've learned is this - do NOT mess with her coffee. If I built something such as you suggest, and something failed one morning, I would never hear the end of it (assuming I'm still alive). Luckily she has one of those SAECO coffee contraptions that nearly does all the things you describe, so I've never been even tempted to rig something up for her. That thing has probably saved my life, come to think of it. :lol:

Our house interior is pretty normal in terms of furnishing and what not - no real homemade whiz-bang gadgets to speak of. The music room is kind of begging me for something, however. And if done tastefully, Mrs. Shopnut might just go for it. Maybe a cool storage system for the guitars - one that you can press a button for the one you want to play and to delivers it to you. I know she hates to dust them, so putting them under cover could be a positive thing in her eyes if it saves her work. I'll have to give it some thought.

Red Leader · Apr 12, 2012

shopnut said:
The TV system isn't truly done because I'm waiting on some special wall plates to show up.

What truly ever is?

shopnut said:
\But one thing I've learned is this - do NOT mess with her coffee.

This was really, really funny when I read it. I was first expecting some life-altering revelation, but then coffee haha :lol:

It is the little things like that that keep life beautiful

shopnut · Apr 12, 2012

Red Leader said:
This was really, really funny when I read it. I was first expecting some life-altering revelation, but then coffee haha

It is the little things like that that keep life beautiful

Now that statement is a revelation! :thumbup:

shopnut · Apr 12, 2012

I ALMOST FORGOT ABOUT THAT “ASYLUM” SIGN…

With the TV system installation taking most of my free time at the shop, the Asylum sign has been sitting patiently up in the office, waiting for its big debut.

The following picture shows the scaffold moved into position for the job. This was actually the first time I had climbed it since the accident and the small diameter rungs of the ladder were a little rough on my right foot.

Before the white vinyl was installed up on that wall last October, and in anticipation of building and hanging this sign there, I measured and documented where the existing bolt heads and other obstructions were located back there on the main column. I needed to avoid these while drilling pilot holes for the sign hanger bolts.

With two bolts screwed into the wall, the sign was securely hung in place.

I then mounted the spotlights to illuminate it so I never forget it’s up there, day or night.

Here are the two little LED spotlights (“pin-spots” as the manufacturer, Chauvet, calls them) temporarily mounted above the main garage doors about 24’ away from the sign. These will be moved eventually, but will remain somewhere within easy reach of the library ladder for servicing. I also need to devise some type of “blinders” so the beam of light emitting from them is not seen from the office bay window. I played with a paper tube as a trial (from a bathroom tissue roll) and that seemed to work okay.

So, I now have another reminder hanging around showing that the broken heel wasn’t such a terrible life experience after all. It simply makes me smile when I look up there.

I actually caught a little hell for being up on the scaffold without first alerting Mrs. Shopnut (she’s a bit protective lately for some reason :dunno:

). After that grilling, I have no idea how I’m going to broach the idea of building a front loft in May. The last time we talked about, she suggested hiring someone to rough it out, but it would be nearly impossible to bring myself to do that.

I’m a few months behind on making my 2012 collage picture for the first post of this thread. This sign and the TV, along with pictures of the clerestory windows and finished ceiling should make nice additions. Come to think of it, I’m due for a new high-res panoramic picture as well.

machine_punk · Apr 12, 2012

Looking great, Shopnut! Glad to see you 'back in the saddle again.'

M_P

Omphaloskeptic · Apr 13, 2012

Shopnut, first of all let me say that the shop sign looks terrific and the spotlights are just icing on the cake; really impressive piece of work! :thumbup:

Wingnut65 and Shopnut, thanks for the shoutouts on my feeble attempts at late night humor. I assure you that no hootch was involved, my unstable mind goes off the deep end of fiction quite readily in the wee hours! I'm glad my literary efforts are mostly well received in these posts, but after the W.A.M.B.A.M. reveal, I'm afraid that I'm on their 'hit list'. If you read about some poor soul washed up on the beaches of Western Washington, whose body has been mutilated by the cuts of a thousand fingernails, you'll know that they caught up with me and punished my indiscretion.
:scared:

"I actually caught a little hell for being up on the scaffold without first alerting Mrs. Shopnut (she’s a bit protective lately for some reason )."

Supreme Geek (aka Shopnut), your quote above shows a 'somewhat limited' awareness of the situation in regard to Mrs. Shopnut. LOL I'm quite sure she has a certain fondness for you, but the real reason for her protectiveness has to do with W.A.M.B.A.M.'s Mission Statement -

"The Ultimate ********** And Domestication Of All Mankind".

Just think of the time you two have been together over the years; literally hundreds of thousands of hours! She has an immense investment of time spent on 'training' you; if you off yourself by scaffold, she loses all her many, many hours molding you to the form specified by the W.A.M.B.A.M. precepts. Don't mess up all her hard work by 'falling victim to GRAVITY'! (PUN INTENDED, HEH-HEH)

And so, S.N. (Shop Nut or Supreme Nerd; works for both), please don't get on the scaffold for loft work just yet. Do something nice for the Mrs. to show some appreciation for all her hard work and diligence in making you who you are today; carrying on the work begun so-o-o-o many years ago by your Mom. Build Mrs. Shopnut some elegant windowed, wall-hung, internally-illuminated shadowbox display cases to showcase all her beautiful instruments. Make them dust-proof, termite-proof, humidity-controlled, lockable, and for Pete's Sake, don't add any servos, pneumatics, bells, or whistles. If you do them well, she may even let you climb a step-stool to hang them on the wall!

:lol_hitti

P.S. - Don't let her read this; I'll be washing ashore fa'sure! W.A.M.B.A.M. is watching; ALWAYS!
:eek2:

flybefree · Apr 13, 2012

The sign looks great....Ompha, you sure you are not a staff writer for MAD magazine? You are doing this gig without the aid of libation....my goodness!

Shaun

shopnut · Apr 13, 2012

machine_punk - Thanks. Yeah, it's really great to be back in both "saddles" again by working in/on the shop and riding the bikes once more.

Can't wait to see what gets cranked out of that the big Baileigh. Good luck getting through the installation process.

Omphaloskeptic - Thanks for the sign comment. And thanks for always giving me a good laugh - I can always use more of that.

You are most certainly on WAM-BAM's list now after trying to clue the rest of the GJ clan in to their mere existence. But I tell ya, you do not want to get on Mrs. Shopnuts bad side - she own guns (and knows how to use them!) She use to be an avid duck hunter and I have a feeling you (and the rest of us) are probably a larger and easier target! She might make that WAM-BAM group look like a little brownie troop in comparison. Fear not, my friend - I put in a good word for you!

All kidding aside, I really do need to do something extra special for her. I couldn't have asked for a better caretaker when I needed it most. Thanks for pointing that out.

flybefree - Thanks. A former MAD magazine writer - that could explain a lot of Ompha's tendencies!?!

I haven't seen any updates lately - you haven't sold that place already, have ya?

tinbender 66 · Apr 13, 2012

That sign looks fantastic :thumbup:

.

That Ompha guy, he's nuts eh?

Omphaloskeptic · Apr 13, 2012

"The sign looks great....Ompha, you sure you are not a staff writer for MAD magazine? You are doing this gig without the aid of libation....my goodness!"

"Thanks for the sign comment. And thanks for always giving me a good laugh - I can always use more of that."

"That Ompha guy, he's nuts eh?"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shopnut, Flybefree, Tinbender 66 - Aww shucks guys, tweren't nothin! :badteeth:

MAD magazine? - High praise indeed!
Making people laugh and being called nuts; can I use you guys as references on my resume? :lol:

Really guys, I get so much enjoyment reading about your respective projects, I would feel bad if I couldn't give back something; even if it is just to make someone smile!

Wingnut65 · Apr 13, 2012

Awesome! And another one marked "mostly DONE". :beer:

The MAD writer angle really clears up a lot. Keep it up O!

Vernmotor · Apr 14, 2012

Well.. Now I sure sure if I will ever ask what the wife said again !!! LMAO..never thought it would go off the deep end !
The sign looks great ! really like the lights

shopnut · Apr 15, 2012

I think you're a real troublemaker Vernmotor! (keep it up, btw

)

Thanks for your comments.

shopnut · Apr 15, 2012

Thanks Wingnut65. I guess "mostly done" is all I can hope for these days.

shopnut · Apr 15, 2012

IT'S NO BRIDGEPORT, BUT IT'LL HAVE TO DO…

I finally got around to rigging up my drill press as a temporary mill. It took a few modifications, but it worked reasonably well. All the details of my solution can be found here: DRILL PRESS or LATHE as Temporary MILL? - Your opinions please.

Wingnut65 · Apr 16, 2012

That cross-slide with rotary motion is so cool. I can see how usefull it can be. Great idea to improvise with your tools to make them do what you need. Much better then just the standard vice-grip screwdriver!

shopnut · Apr 16, 2012

Wingnut65 - Thanks. The whole drill/mill setup will be a compromise, but one I'm certain I can live with, being the patient person I am.

I only have a handful of different end mills, but now that the concept is proved out, its time to search feebay for some extra sizes/shapes. I might even pick up another MT end mill adapter for 1/2" bits since I found some of those as well in my grandpa's old toolbox.

The Craftsman table really needs a good disassembly and cleaning since I found the rotary function very hard to turn - it's been collecting dust (and rust) now for probably 30 years, at least. This table is techincally still my uncle's, so I hope he doesn't decide that he wants it back, now that I'm actually using it.

Vernmotor · Apr 16, 2012

I have a drill press and some end mill bits.. I use them to do some stuff all the time.

jtuds · Apr 16, 2012

.
.
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All it needs is one of these for the lake!

http://insidethesneakerbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/*****-Dropper-e1296526556944.jpg

Shopnut has the dream shop of all dream shops....seriously....just amazing.
.
.
.
.

shopnut · Apr 17, 2012

Vernmotor - That's great to hear. Maybe I don't need to worry about replacing that lower quill bearing due to the added side load after all :dunno:

. Thanks for the feedback. BTW, I bought a few more end mills last night to expand my capability.

jtuds - I really hope you are talking about the ski!

It always amazes me how big those things have gotten compared to my old Kawasaki X-2, which was about the size of a stand-up ski.

Yes, this is one dream of mine that finally is coming true. Thanks for your comments and welcome to the forum (and Asylum thread).

jabin · Apr 17, 2012

Shopnut,
Thank you very much for such an inspirational build. You've sparked my interested in my garage again. I was pretty burnt out on it but i'm back on the horse!

shopnut · Apr 17, 2012

jabin - Take the inspiration you may have received from this build, double it, and that equals the amount someone such as yourself gives back to me by replying with a comment on here or rating this thread. It really keeps me on a focused path to finishing this place. So a big thank you goes out right back at ya for "stopping by" the Asylum.

Good luck with your garage project!

nkachur · Apr 17, 2012

shopnut said:
jabin - Take the inspiration you may have received from this build, double it, and that equals the amount someone such as yourself gives back to me by replying with a comment on here or rating this thread. It really keeps me on a focused path to finishing this place. So a big thank you goes out right back at ya for "stopping by" the Asylum.

Good luck with your garage project!

It is truly amazing how the comments spark even more life into our projects.

I don't think I told you... "The Sign is Incredible" it looks amazing installed. Yet another home run for the incredible SHOPNUT :beer:

shopnut · Apr 17, 2012

nkachur said:
It is truly amazing how the comments spark even more life into our projects.

So so true nkachur! You are a testiment to that statement for sure, with your (practically) one-man-show going on up there. And through the bitter cold of winter, no less. I have to imagine the comments from this forum helped you get through some of those tough times.

Thanks for the comments on the sign. (Hopefully it doesn't fall on my head or the cars someday :wtf:

)

EDIT: BTW, you might want to stay tuned to my next project as your door operator looks very similar to mine.

shopnut · Apr 17, 2012

POWER ASSIST FOR THE MAIN BAY DOORS (PART 1)…

I like the small space the drums of my front 12' rollup doors take up and plan to fully enclose them once the front loft is built. One eyesore that will be left are the pull chains that hang down to nearly ground level to open and close them. Since the Asylum was built, I've been toying with ideas for simple/inexpensive ways to clean this area up and keep the chains from dangling in front of light switches and such that will be located on that front wall.

Sure, a jackshaft operator (like LiftMaster) would be nice for these two doors but they will set me back about $400/unit and I figure I really don't need the full remote operation anyway. Actually, I'm perfectly happy with a manual system, but some type of power assistance would be a bonus so I don’t have to set down my beer when I’m opening the door :beer:

The main objective, however, is to tidy up the pull chains by tucking them out of the way and come up with a way to lock the chains to keep the door from falling.

Here are some very early shots of the doors with their chain operators. Note that the jackshaft does not protrude past the hoist housing so it did not lend itself well to adding a motor drive out one end.

I have about 20 of these blue brackets sitting around so I love to use them when I get a chance. The shiny shaft is the longer replacement to allow motor coupling attachment to the hoist. Snap ring grooves were added as well as cross holes for securing the chain wheel and sprocket.

Here is a shot of the motor and 3-piece coupling that would now drive the hoist.

So I unbolted the chain hoist and did what I normally do - drill holes. And then drill mating holes. And then drill some more holes. I swear, it seems the DP is the most commonly used tool in the shop when it comes to these custom projects - I don’t know what I would do without it. I was glad to see it worked fine after partial disassembly for the milling machine trial.

Here is the assembly with the motor mount bracket and new shaft installed.

Here is a sample of what the wall controls will look like. These 2" switches are backlit and I will tie them into my "nightlight" circuit running around the shop.

Continued...

Dan in Pasadena · Apr 17, 2012

You're a talented and ingenious man, 'Nut. A talented man!

shopnut · Apr 17, 2012

Dan in Pasadena - Thanks a lot! I'm really flattered.

Now I need you to send that same message to my boss since I'm coming up on my annual performance review and I need a pay raise! :lol:

Thanks for visiting.

SpeedinLemon · Apr 18, 2012

shopnut said:
Dan in Pasadena - Thanks a lot! I'm really flattered.

Now I need you to send that same message to my boss since I'm coming up on my annual performance review and I need a pay raise!

Thanks for visiting.

You seem like the kind of person who would put as much or more effort into your job as you do your shop. I bet you don't have to do much arm twisting to max out your raise! Only raise I can give you is to raise a mug :beer:

You deserve much more for your efforts here at the Journal though.

The sign looks great, I'm looking forward to another cool adventure with the door opener and it's really great to see you fully back in action. Not that the injury kept you from making one of the coolest contraptions ever with that TV system! Keep up the great work sir....

flybefree · Apr 18, 2012

Shopnut, I agree with you about the drill press...seems to be at the center of ever project. I like the milling set up you have, looking forward to seeing that work.

Shaun

tinbender 66 · Apr 18, 2012

Yet another ingenious invention from the fertile mind of the Shopnut :bowdown:

.

shopnut · Apr 18, 2012

SpeedinLemon - Thanks so much! I don’t do this expecting anything in return, so a toast of beer is more than enough :beer:

I guess I just enjoy sharing my continuing story with the fine folks here that choose to listen.

Truth be told, as of April 1st I was promoted to R&D Manager at my company, so someone is noticing thankfully. (Maybe my boss reads this thread too :dunno:

). So my comment to Dan above was really just a dated joke because my recent review was on my mind. I've been doing this job for quite some time already, but now I finally have the compensation to go along with it. Of course, I’m still hoping it wasn’t all just an elaborate April Fool’s Day joke since I haven’t received my April paycheck yet :wtf:

).

flybefree - I’m actually thinking a second DP could come in handy sometimes

At the very least, I need to get a keyless chuck on there to save time on the bit changes. The milling set-up is like many things around here – I’m trying to build up my capabilities before the need becomes critical.

tinbender 66 - Geez, you guys are going to give me a big head! But thanks. I haven't seen an update from you lately and was wondering if the Mrs. had you locked up in her soon-to-be-remodeled hobby shop until it was finished. We need an update!

Bob Heine · Apr 18, 2012

Congratulations on the promotion. I'm absolutely certain you earned it!

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