flybefree
Well-known member
You have been busy, great to see such progress. Back to the fire plan...are you thinking basic fire extinguishers and oily rag cans or something more "Shopnutty"?
Shaun
Shaun
Above 1200 Sq/FT The ASYLUM - Happy 40th Birthday to Me! (Est. 2005)
- Thread starter shopnut
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
FBF, my current fire plan is a little weak. Most of the flammables are kept down in my 12x20 shed until needed - not much lost there if it blew up I guess. And I have extinguishers at the man doors:
If there's a fire, my first reaction (I think) will be to run towards the door, unless I decide to throw myself on the fire to protect the Asylum! Once safely at the door, that's probably when the decision will be made to tackle the fire with the portable extinguisher or just kiss this place goodbye.
Before I refresh my skills with the oxy-acetylene torch and welders, I need to devise a better plan. I've worked on mobile fire suppresion systems before, so I need to blow the dust off those old designs and see if any of that can be applied here. We used Kidde systems before. There's plenty of prior threads (and I think even a current one) here on GJ to study up on as another resource.
More to come, eventually
.
If there's a fire, my first reaction (I think) will be to run towards the door, unless I decide to throw myself on the fire to protect the Asylum! Once safely at the door, that's probably when the decision will be made to tackle the fire with the portable extinguisher or just kiss this place goodbye.
Before I refresh my skills with the oxy-acetylene torch and welders, I need to devise a better plan. I've worked on mobile fire suppresion systems before, so I need to blow the dust off those old designs and see if any of that can be applied here. We used Kidde systems before. There's plenty of prior threads (and I think even a current one) here on GJ to study up on as another resource.
More to come, eventually
.Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
Shopnut, in regards to the 'new' laptop, does H.P. stand for 'Hal's Pal'? I like the beer fridge as its' pedestal because we all know that computers can drive you to drink, and since it's a bad idea to drink and drive, it's good to have the hootch at hand! As for painting the frig, I'd like to suggest this paint scheme. Use 'Shopnut Yellow' and gloss black in the traditional 'caution chevrons' pattern; that way, you'll always be able to spot your little oasis of cold beverages, 
and you won't be likely to have the Avalanche use it as a speed bump. lol
If you're serious about that wireless transmission distance, I'd say it's time to pop that puppy open and investigate. Perhaps there are firmware updates available from the manufacturers for all the computing toys you've inherited/acquired.
The panorama pic is definitely a keeper; has it been make your work computer's screensaver yet?
P.S. - I'm still ruminating on the Asylum-Worthy Fire-Unacceptable Layout (A.W.F.U.L.) system; I'm still leaning towards the lake, diesel-driven pump, and a fire hose spray nozzle mounted on top of your hoist swing-arm. Water pressure also supplying the sweep force for the swing-arm; think old style water sprinklers for lawns.
and you won't be likely to have the Avalanche use it as a speed bump. lolIf you're serious about that wireless transmission distance, I'd say it's time to pop that puppy open and investigate. Perhaps there are firmware updates available from the manufacturers for all the computing toys you've inherited/acquired.
The panorama pic is definitely a keeper; has it been make your work computer's screensaver yet?
P.S. - I'm still ruminating on the Asylum-Worthy Fire-Unacceptable Layout (A.W.F.U.L.) system; I'm still leaning towards the lake, diesel-driven pump, and a fire hose spray nozzle mounted on top of your hoist swing-arm. Water pressure also supplying the sweep force for the swing-arm; think old style water sprinklers for lawns.
***
***
***Ompha - Hal's Pal? That's a perfect name for it since it's not really up to Hal's full specs - probably a few gigs short, for sure.
Great logic on the beer fridge usage and I probably need to add "no drinking and climbing" to the list of cautions. The yellow/black stripes could be handy for both avoiding it with the Avy and finding it in a dimly lit room - always a plus
What I've been doing with those panos is printing them about 4 sheets wide (landscape orientation) and hanging them on the office wall - always a great conversation starter for new visitors.
I like the idea of mounting a high flow nozzle to the jib crane - it would propel itself through the 180 degree swing, get to the end and trip the nozzle the other way, and then propel back and forth until the fire was out I do need to start coming up with a strategy for explaining this one to the insurance agent, however - "Of course I deserve lower premiums, I have one of those AWFUL systems installed". Yep, I've got my work cut out for me!
BTW - Your and Wingnut's new acronyms are now on the list on page one!
Great logic on the beer fridge usage and I probably need to add "no drinking and climbing" to the list of cautions. The yellow/black stripes could be handy for both avoiding it with the Avy and finding it in a dimly lit room - always a plus
What I've been doing with those panos is printing them about 4 sheets wide (landscape orientation) and hanging them on the office wall - always a great conversation starter for new visitors.
I like the idea of mounting a high flow nozzle to the jib crane - it would propel itself through the 180 degree swing, get to the end and trip the nozzle the other way, and then propel back and forth until the fire was out
I do need to start coming up with a strategy for explaining this one to the insurance agent, however - "Of course I deserve lower premiums, I have one of those AWFUL systems installed". Yep, I've got my work cut out for me! BTW - Your and Wingnut's new acronyms are now on the list on page one!
I CAN’T SPEND ALL MY TIME IN THE ASYLUM…
The lake level is down to near record levels. This is an opportune time to clean up the beach and hit it with the tiller before the summer rains fill the lake back up again. Since this is the lowest it’s been since we’ve owned the place, the water has receded to a point exposing thousands of little clam shells.
Before I do any tilling, I'm trying to rake them all up because they can be a little rough on bare feet, especially if they’re broken into sharp pieces. Here’s just one of the many piles I raked up.
I now have bags of them looking for a home, 20 on last count. The first thought would be a natural splash guard for rain coming off the roof of the Asylum, but something tells me they will be spread all over the place where I don’t want them in no time at all, and then I’ll have an even bigger mess to deal with. I’ve seen them used for aggregate in concrete, so maybe I'll pour some interesting looking stepping stones someday. Any other ideas?
I’m not sure if clams are on this guy’s diet, but he may have contributed somewhat to all those empty shells. A pair of them call the lake home, and usually they hang out together. They're interesting to watch because one feeds while the other has lookout duties. This guy is pretty brave being out on his own. For those not familiar, it’s a sand hill crane, and not counting their neck and head, they stand about 30” tall.
ANOTHER DEAD TREE…
It always saddens me to see the big ones die. I have noticed this oak tree dropping branches for about a year now, but when it put on a fresh round of leaves in January, I thought all was okay for another year. Wrong!
I’m not sure if it has something to do with this drought or if it’s time was just up, but I now have another big outdoor job ahead of me someday. I think I will let it slowly drop it’s small branches naturally and then drop the trunk when it is much more manageable.
You can see it in the background, but it's not really a threat to the Asylum since its somewhat leaning away from it.
The lake level is down to near record levels. This is an opportune time to clean up the beach and hit it with the tiller before the summer rains fill the lake back up again. Since this is the lowest it’s been since we’ve owned the place, the water has receded to a point exposing thousands of little clam shells.
Before I do any tilling, I'm trying to rake them all up because they can be a little rough on bare feet, especially if they’re broken into sharp pieces. Here’s just one of the many piles I raked up.
I now have bags of them looking for a home, 20 on last count. The first thought would be a natural splash guard for rain coming off the roof of the Asylum, but something tells me they will be spread all over the place where I don’t want them in no time at all, and then I’ll have an even bigger mess to deal with. I’ve seen them used for aggregate in concrete, so maybe I'll pour some interesting looking stepping stones someday. Any other ideas?
I’m not sure if clams are on this guy’s diet, but he may have contributed somewhat to all those empty shells. A pair of them call the lake home, and usually they hang out together. They're interesting to watch because one feeds while the other has lookout duties. This guy is pretty brave being out on his own. For those not familiar, it’s a sand hill crane, and not counting their neck and head, they stand about 30” tall.
ANOTHER DEAD TREE…
It always saddens me to see the big ones die. I have noticed this oak tree dropping branches for about a year now, but when it put on a fresh round of leaves in January, I thought all was okay for another year. Wrong!
I’m not sure if it has something to do with this drought or if it’s time was just up, but I now have another big outdoor job ahead of me someday. I think I will let it slowly drop it’s small branches naturally and then drop the trunk when it is much more manageable. You can see it in the background, but it's not really a threat to the Asylum since its somewhat leaning away from it.
Last edited:
flybefree
Well-known member
It's hard to loose a good tree....best way to make lemon aide out of lemons is to take the tree down and put the lumber to work. That is a big job, be safe and do some research on how to do it safely. Chainsaws and falling trees are surely high risk for us non pros...
Shaun
Shaun
mdbeck1
Well-known member
Ompha ...I like the idea of mounting a high flow nozzle to the jib crane - it would propel itself through the 180 degree swing, get to the end and trip the nozzle the other way, and then propel back and forth until the fire was out
BTW - Your and Wingnut's new acronyms are now on the list on page one!
I vote for putting the nozzle on the library ladder rail. That way you can reach every nook and cranny and still have multiple passes....
Shootx/flybefree - Good suggestion. I would really love to make some furniture one day from the felled trees on this lot.
A high risk, but boy is it fun! Long ago, there was a dead standing-wood Hickory tree that spread out about 40ft in diameter. It was so dry that when it slammed to the ground, I swear the wreckage wasn't higher than 4 ft high. I never saw a tree flatten that much before upon impact. It did make for easy cleanup though.
A high risk, but boy is it fun! Long ago, there was a dead standing-wood Hickory tree that spread out about 40ft in diameter. It was so dry that when it slammed to the ground, I swear the wreckage wasn't higher than 4 ft high. I never saw a tree flatten that much before upon impact. It did make for easy cleanup though.
mdbeck1
Well-known member
I would have never thought to till the lake. Around here it would just make the mud easier to sink into.
I seem to remember seeing driveways and walkways with crushed shells instead of gravel. However if you embed them in stepping stones they would look real interesting.
mdbeck1 - Well, you have a good point there. I really need full coverage, don't I. That means I need to get going on that loft so the rail can loop around the front of the shop. 
I foresee a revision #1 coming to AWFUL system.
I foresee a revision #1 coming to AWFUL system.
We Floridians are really just living on a big sand dune! I'm just waiting for the ocean or the gulf to decide to wash it all away someday.
Wingnut65
Well-known member
I vote for ground cover with the shells. Thick enough and it should not wash away. Try a bag or two under the roof run-off area and maybe before the end of the year, it can be tested. (if we ever get rain) If it doesn't work, it's only a bag or two.
We are also very low this year. Our retention pond out back is almost dry. And we've heard threats on water restrictions back to one day a week. We've been back up to two for a couple years. We really could use a TS or two this year to refill the aquifer.
Those old oaks go down hard. Last year we had one die at church and we had to take it down before it hit a building. Good training for our disaster relief team. The trouble was that the trunk was 42" across and out largest saw is only 36". So it took some time.
I love the Sand Hill Cranes. And, they are tall. Had some walk by my car and looked down on me.
We are also very low this year. Our retention pond out back is almost dry. And we've heard threats on water restrictions back to one day a week. We've been back up to two for a couple years. We really could use a TS or two this year to refill the aquifer.
Those old oaks go down hard. Last year we had one die at church and we had to take it down before it hit a building. Good training for our disaster relief team. The trouble was that the trunk was 42" across and out largest saw is only 36". So it took some time.
I love the Sand Hill Cranes. And, they are tall. Had some walk by my car and looked down on me.
tinbender 66
Well-known member
I could send you some rain if you want. It's comin' down hard here. I was nice one day so I got my pressure washing done.
That beach looks mighty inviting! How big is that lake? It looks to be fairly large.
. I was nice one day so I got my pressure washing done.That beach looks mighty inviting! How big is that lake? It looks to be fairly large.
Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
Shopnut, great thing about throwing an idea out here to the Gj members; it's like the Borgs' 'Hive Mind' working out the best solution to interstellar **********! In this case, the idea goes from A.W.F.U.L. to W.O.R.S.E., (Water Over Rail Soaking Everything)! lol INDEX UPDATE ALERT!
Sorry to hear about the dead oak tree, it looks like it was a grand specimen in its prime. I vote for making lumber out of it, or at least rip chainsawed into timbers for use as supports for a screened getaway Gazebo for those hot, humid, bug-infested, Florida nights. "The Mighty Oak Shall Rise Again!"
As for those shells, you might consider renting a 'Mega-Mulcher' for cleanup of the oak tree debris; throw the shells down the maw as you mulch and you windup with a mix of wood chips and minced shells to use around your property to use as water-retaining mulch.
I'm just full of ideas to create more work/projects for you Shopnut; or as some people say "You're just full of (SH)it!"
Sorry to hear about the dead oak tree, it looks like it was a grand specimen in its prime. I vote for making lumber out of it, or at least rip chainsawed into timbers for use as supports for a screened getaway Gazebo for those hot, humid, bug-infested, Florida nights. "The Mighty Oak Shall Rise Again!"
As for those shells, you might consider renting a 'Mega-Mulcher' for cleanup of the oak tree debris; throw the shells down the maw as you mulch and you windup with a mix of wood chips and minced shells to use around your property to use as water-retaining mulch.
I'm just full of ideas to create more work/projects for you Shopnut; or as some people say "You're just full of (SH)it!"
Last edited:
Red Leader
Well-known member
There, I reworded Reply#1316 to maybe catch your attention this time.
Every now and then I get the itch to take some overall shots and I realized I was lacking a pano with all the new clerestory windows installed. I never overdo it with the overall pictures though, because I know it's not done yet and those unfinished things are all I can normally focus on
Hee hee
Okay, ya caught me!
Then again, if I can't remember things from last week, is it really fair to take it back a year?
I've love to see more 'zoomed out' pictures of your shop!
Wingnut65 - I’m also tempted to dump the bags of shells on the dirt entrance road in the low spots that become mud puddles (when it actually rains). I’m not sure if they would get caught in people’s tire treads though and get spread all over the place. Then I might have the whole community after me.
Yeah, the grass is getting brown even with 2 waterings a week. I hope we start getting some real rain. I hate to say it, but I agree a tropical storm could do us some good.
tinbender 66 - Send a few buckets of rain - we need it! That lake is getting smaller by the day - I can’t tell you the actual size, but I bet it’s 50 acres smaller than it was a few years ago. The only good thing about it is we actually own more land when it comes to these drought years because our deed states we own down to the water’s edge.
Omphaloskeptic - AWFUL to WORSE - just my luck! “Hive Mind” is a good analogy for what goes on here at GJ. It’s truly amazing the range of ideas that get suggested.
My chainsaws are basically the disposable type and I doubt they would survive ripping any log - they barely handle the crosscuts. Some outdoor log furniture would be cool though.
I just had the chipper/shedder out this past weekend - didn’t think to shoot some shells through it though. Don’t they use shells for media blasting? (I know they use walnut shells).
Red Leader - Okay, I’ll give you a break. It’s the loft I was prepared to build right before my little accident. Plans really haven’t changed, but I reconsidered the actual procedure I’m going to use a little bit - to sway a bit more towards the safe side.
The materials that I stocked up on for the loft are really what is keeping me from taking more overall photos - stuff is everywhere! I’ll snap some when I get a chance.
Yeah, the grass is getting brown even with 2 waterings a week. I hope we start getting some real rain. I hate to say it, but I agree a tropical storm could do us some good.
tinbender 66 - Send a few buckets of rain - we need it! That lake is getting smaller by the day - I can’t tell you the actual size, but I bet it’s 50 acres smaller than it was a few years ago. The only good thing about it is we actually own more land when it comes to these drought years because our deed states we own down to the water’s edge.
Omphaloskeptic - AWFUL to WORSE - just my luck!
“Hive Mind” is a good analogy for what goes on here at GJ. It’s truly amazing the range of ideas that get suggested. My chainsaws are basically the disposable type and I doubt they would survive ripping any log - they barely handle the crosscuts. Some outdoor log furniture would be cool though.
I just had the chipper/shedder out this past weekend - didn’t think to shoot some shells through it though. Don’t they use shells for media blasting? (I know they use walnut shells).
Red Leader - Okay, I’ll give you a break. It’s the loft I was prepared to build right before my little accident. Plans really haven’t changed, but I reconsidered the actual procedure I’m going to use a little bit - to sway a bit more towards the safe side.
The materials that I stocked up on for the loft are really what is keeping me from taking more overall photos - stuff is everywhere! I’ll snap some when I get a chance.
I NEED YOUR OPINION ON THE LOOKS OF AN EXTERIOR AWNING…
I started a thread in the General Garage section to get the GJ member's opinions about a front awning.
Here it is: Will this front awning look okay on my barn?
Any thoughts would be appreciated - I'm not real good at these types things.
THE OTHER DOOR HEADER IS REINFORCED…
Despite unexpected yard chores taking a majority of my time, I managed to get the header over the other main door reinforced for the loft. It was more or less a repeat of the last one.
FIRST DEAD TREES STANDING, NOW LIVE TREES FALLING…
I had a little surprise upon checking in on the Asylum this last trip out. Another one of the tall skinny hickory trees uprooted. This one doesn’t surprise me much, however, since it was bent over so far to reach the sunlight.
Here’s the tree de-limbed. All the chainsaw action should have taken about an hour but it was a struggle due to fuel line problems. One stopped running and I noticed the pickup hose in the tank just totally crumbling. The saw is only about 2 years old and I’m blaming it on the new fuels. I bought some low permeation hose so we will see if that handles the ethanol better. So I pulled out my backup saw, but it kept dying too. I suspect some kind of vapor lock thing was going on there, because it would restart okay once it cooled down a bit.
I pulled the chipper/shredder out for the first time in maybe two years and much to my amazement, it started on the first pull. I needed something to go right that day. I had a large amount of old brush that was just waiting for the chipper to finally come out of storage, so that took a good portion of the day. It’s nice to finally have all those piles cleaned up.
This is a shot of the tree still standing next to the one that fell. I drew in a dashed line following the trunk of the tree. The one that fell was even worse than this one and I’m not surprised the roots snapped.
I started a thread in the General Garage section to get the GJ member's opinions about a front awning.
Here it is: Will this front awning look okay on my barn?
Any thoughts would be appreciated - I'm not real good at these types things.
THE OTHER DOOR HEADER IS REINFORCED…
Despite unexpected yard chores taking a majority of my time, I managed to get the header over the other main door reinforced for the loft. It was more or less a repeat of the last one.
FIRST DEAD TREES STANDING, NOW LIVE TREES FALLING…
I had a little surprise upon checking in on the Asylum this last trip out. Another one of the tall skinny hickory trees uprooted. This one doesn’t surprise me much, however, since it was bent over so far to reach the sunlight.
Here’s the tree de-limbed. All the chainsaw action should have taken about an hour but it was a struggle due to fuel line problems. One stopped running and I noticed the pickup hose in the tank just totally crumbling. The saw is only about 2 years old and I’m blaming it on the new fuels. I bought some low permeation hose so we will see if that handles the ethanol better. So I pulled out my backup saw, but it kept dying too. I suspect some kind of vapor lock thing was going on there, because it would restart okay once it cooled down a bit.
I pulled the chipper/shredder out for the first time in maybe two years and much to my amazement, it started on the first pull. I needed something to go right that day. I had a large amount of old brush that was just waiting for the chipper to finally come out of storage, so that took a good portion of the day. It’s nice to finally have all those piles cleaned up.
This is a shot of the tree still standing next to the one that fell. I drew in a dashed line following the trunk of the tree. The one that fell was even worse than this one and I’m not surprised the roots snapped.
Last edited:
Red Leader
Well-known member
I'm not a structural person so I cannot tell you how effective it might be. I think it could look okay. It might look better a little longer. I read the thread you linked to. If tan is your only color, I would skip it, if it won't mean a huge difference one way or another.
Heck...if you have time to get back up on a ladder (gasp!) and build an awning, come down to my place and build a workbench for me
Not sure what direction I'm going with that awning yet, but thanks for the input - it all helps.Heck...if you have time to get back up on a ladder (gasp!) and build an awning, come down to my place and build a workbench for me
I have one of those workbench things to build yet too! I'm pretty sure you're going to beat me to the finish, but I'll have fun watching you lead the way.
A FEW BITS AND PIECES FOR THE MAIN DOOR POWER OPENERS…
I found some nice aluminum 3-jaw couplers (Love-Joy brand, L-095 size) to replace the white plastic versions on the motor. They’re almost too pretty to hide up there.
I also found some cheap bicycle brake calipers ($10 for the set, delivered) that should work nicely at holding the wheel, and thus the door, at any opened height. Currently the pull chain is tied off to hold it and this is not the most convenient method.
I have two likely spots to mount the brake - on the pull chain wheel or on the roller chain sprocket. The chain sprocket is nearly the same width as a bike rim so the calipers should fit nicely there, but I think some spacers could be added to allow fitment to the narrower sprocket. From a safety standpoint, braking on the chain sprocket seems best as it’s the last component in the drive system.
Whichever one is chosen, a toggle clamp (or similar lever) on the wall will actuate the brake, so just a flip of the handle will lock it in.
I found some nice aluminum 3-jaw couplers (Love-Joy brand, L-095 size) to replace the white plastic versions on the motor. They’re almost too pretty to hide up there.
I also found some cheap bicycle brake calipers ($10 for the set, delivered) that should work nicely at holding the wheel, and thus the door, at any opened height. Currently the pull chain is tied off to hold it and this is not the most convenient method.
I have two likely spots to mount the brake - on the pull chain wheel or on the roller chain sprocket. The chain sprocket is nearly the same width as a bike rim so the calipers should fit nicely there, but I think some spacers could be added to allow fitment to the narrower sprocket. From a safety standpoint, braking on the chain sprocket seems best as it’s the last component in the drive system.
Whichever one is chosen, a toggle clamp (or similar lever) on the wall will actuate the brake, so just a flip of the handle will lock it in.
Last edited:
Wingnut65
Well-known member
I would say No on the awning. That concept looks more like decorative trim and would not add very much shade coverage. Looks like a lot of high work for little impact. The look of the place is fine without it. Now a curved one, or even extend the roof line from the lower roof up toward the middle... Creativity could work, but not the Concept #1.
For the brake, I'm not convinced that a bike brake will be able to maintain the pressure needed on the sprocket to hold the door up indefinitely. You will be moving some beautiful cars through the door and want to make sure the door stays up. If you do use the brake to slow it down, please, still put a nail in the wall, or machine some cool holder sized to fit one link of a chain, to lock the chain in place to keep the door from moving anywhere. Two 2" pieces of rubber might not do what you want.
Not to make this a downer, I like the loft progress.
For the brake, I'm not convinced that a bike brake will be able to maintain the pressure needed on the sprocket to hold the door up indefinitely. You will be moving some beautiful cars through the door and want to make sure the door stays up. If you do use the brake to slow it down, please, still put a nail in the wall, or machine some cool holder sized to fit one link of a chain, to lock the chain in place to keep the door from moving anywhere. Two 2" pieces of rubber might not do what you want.
Not to make this a downer, I like the loft progress.
Red Leader
Well-known member
Although you are using dual pivot brakes (thousands of times better than single pivot), I might echo Jeff's concerns.
I wrench on bicycles - you can get a decent brake or a not so decent brake, and the cables get pretty thin, too. If it is what is used to hold up the main door, maybe something like a sailing rope clutch:
Might work better. Then again, that might necessitate having to reinvent your entire system.
Lots of options out there! If you absolutely go with the bicycle brakes, I would invest in some higher quality brake pads and inspect the surface of that sprocket - to make sure the pads can get a good 'bite' and also to make sure that absolutely no grease ever gets on the surface (and by grease I'm talking about a good wax-based lubricant). If you get grease on it - that holding power is done. Be really careful when you lube that chain to make sure it doesn't drip down to where the pads grab the side.
I wrench on bicycles - you can get a decent brake or a not so decent brake, and the cables get pretty thin, too. If it is what is used to hold up the main door, maybe something like a sailing rope clutch:
Might work better. Then again, that might necessitate having to reinvent your entire system.
Lots of options out there! If you absolutely go with the bicycle brakes, I would invest in some higher quality brake pads and inspect the surface of that sprocket - to make sure the pads can get a good 'bite' and also to make sure that absolutely no grease ever gets on the surface (and by grease I'm talking about a good wax-based lubricant). If you get grease on it - that holding power is done. Be really careful when you lube that chain to make sure it doesn't drip down to where the pads grab the side.
Last edited:
Wingnut65 - The awning is all but nixxed, but I will be showing another idea in the awning thread that I'm 95% convinced I'm going with (even have a from the Mrs.). Thanks for your feedback - it all came into play.
Red Leader/Wingnut65 - Thanks a lot guys for your concerns on the overhead door - it's great to have someone watching my back.
Just a little more food for thought on the door subject. The spring force has the doors almost perfectly balanced and the big doors stay put wherever I place them, even without securing the pull chains. In fact, the little 8x8 doors just have a pull strap similar to what you might see on U-haul truck rear roll-up door and are biased (spring-wise) to hold themselves open. They don't even have a lock chain. I guess I was looking at the brake to act only as a parking brake to ensure the door didn't wander after I get the door to the desired height. I was considering this situation similar to a sectional overhead door - you never see chains on them to hold them up. Now, if a spring breaks, that's a whole different story
There's a chance that the chain wheel may have a mfr's name embossed on the side so that could foul the idea of using it as a brake disk all together or make it a little more work - I need to take a closer look. Good warning about the chain lube too - I'm an avid chain luber when it comes to the cycle chains, so there is always lots of spray lubes handy. There are a lot of cool sailboat parts out there - I might have to steal a part or two off of Mrs. Shopnut's Hunter when she's not looking and repurpose them in the garage
Probably the safest thing might be a simple cable-actuated deadbolt engaging the drum chain sprocket - that would likely secure the door even if a spring snapped when the door was open. It would also remain functional after either the roller or pull chain broke.
TILLING THE BEACH...
Here are a few shots of the beach tilling for mdbeck1. I wanted to get this done before the water level starts coming up again with our rainy season. Normally I do the whole beach, but this 15 feet or so will buy me a little time. It all looked like that the first time I tilled it - eventually nice sand is the result.
from the Mrs.). Thanks for your feedback - it all came into play. Red Leader/Wingnut65 - Thanks a lot guys for your concerns on the overhead door - it's great to have someone watching my back.
Just a little more food for thought on the door subject. The spring force has the doors almost perfectly balanced and the big doors stay put wherever I place them, even without securing the pull chains. In fact, the little 8x8 doors just have a pull strap similar to what you might see on U-haul truck rear roll-up door and are biased (spring-wise) to hold themselves open. They don't even have a lock chain. I guess I was looking at the brake to act only as a parking brake to ensure the door didn't wander after I get the door to the desired height. I was considering this situation similar to a sectional overhead door - you never see chains on them to hold them up. Now, if a spring breaks, that's a whole different story
There's a chance that the chain wheel may have a mfr's name embossed on the side so that could foul the idea of using it as a brake disk all together or make it a little more work - I need to take a closer look. Good warning about the chain lube too - I'm an avid chain luber when it comes to the cycle chains, so there is always lots of spray lubes handy. There are a lot of cool sailboat parts out there - I might have to steal a part or two off of Mrs. Shopnut's Hunter when she's not looking and repurpose them in the garage
Probably the safest thing might be a simple cable-actuated deadbolt engaging the drum chain sprocket - that would likely secure the door even if a spring snapped when the door was open. It would also remain functional after either the roller or pull chain broke.
TILLING THE BEACH...
Here are a few shots of the beach tilling for mdbeck1. I wanted to get this done before the water level starts coming up again with our rainy season. Normally I do the whole beach, but this 15 feet or so will buy me a little time. It all looked like that the first time I tilled it - eventually nice sand is the result.
Last edited:
mdbeck1
Well-known member
...and I always thought those beaches looked that way on their own....
the things you learn here.
Foxxtrot
Well-known member
Stopped by again for the first time since February. Always a good read. I love some of the stuff you come up with!
I had to show my son that TV cabinet video (I'm sorry, VAUD) and he was pretty sure we needed one in my shop. Clearly, he doesn't spend enough time out there if he thinks I could figure out how to do it, or where to put it!
Glad to see you are back up and around and getting things done. Makes me think I don't do nearly enough! Hopefully I will find the time to get my shed built, wood shop built, and garage remodeled in the next year or two. This site did encourage me to add lights to the garage though. I had (1) 2 tube 4' fluorescent, and now I have (6) 4 tube 4' fluorescents! Thanks for all the ideas I may never use. Look forward to seeing what's next!
I had to show my son that TV cabinet video (I'm sorry, VAUD) and he was pretty sure we needed one in my shop. Clearly, he doesn't spend enough time out there if he thinks I could figure out how to do it, or where to put it!
Glad to see you are back up and around and getting things done. Makes me think I don't do nearly enough! Hopefully I will find the time to get my shed built, wood shop built, and garage remodeled in the next year or two. This site did encourage me to add lights to the garage though. I had (1) 2 tube 4' fluorescent, and now I have (6) 4 tube 4' fluorescents! Thanks for all the ideas I may never use. Look forward to seeing what's next!
mdbeck1 - I can't speak for everyone, but that beach will be overgrown in about a year or so if I didn't stay on top of it. Sooner or later, though, I'll grow tired of it and let Mother Nature claim back half of it.
Foxxtrot - I'm glad you take time to "stop in" occasionally - you are always welcome here.
Sounds like you have quite a work list there and possibly even a willing helper? There's no time like the present, right? Get a plan together, get your son interested in it, and break some ground together. The only way it is going to get done is to get started.
Wow, I bet that was quite a jump in light level! For me, a bright workspace encourages me to work/play in the shop. And it seems the older I get, the more lights I want to add. Luckily, there's always room to stuff another fixture.
Hopefully I'll have a couple more interesting things for you to check out next time - there's still a few ideas tumbling around in this crazy head
Foxxtrot - I'm glad you take time to "stop in" occasionally - you are always welcome here.
Sounds like you have quite a work list there and possibly even a willing helper? There's no time like the present, right? Get a plan together, get your son interested in it, and break some ground together. The only way it is going to get done is to get started.
Wow, I bet that was quite a jump in light level! For me, a bright workspace encourages me to work/play in the shop. And it seems the older I get, the more lights I want to add. Luckily, there's always room to stuff another fixture.
Hopefully I'll have a couple more interesting things for you to check out next time - there's still a few ideas tumbling around in this crazy head
THAT FRONT HOIST CAME IN HANDY…
For the first time in about 5 years, the top tier of the scaffold was removed. It’s designed to take apart piece by piece, but why bother when you can just lift it off as a complete assembly.
I used my Milwaukee chain sling and some straps to attach the hoist to the scaffold. The yellow hoist is about 20’ off the floor.
Here are a few in process shots - Initial liftoff, base scaffold moved out of the way, and dropped to about 6’ off the ground.
While it was still hanging, I popped the casters back on.
And safely down on the ground. The track and hoist laughed at the load, but I don’t consider it much of a test since the load was only around 100 pounds.
The 2-tier scaffold is ready for action and finally fits through the 12’ high doors. The side mounted extension ladder was collapsed down to its shortest length to fit perfectly on the stubby version, but can easily extend up if I need to reach something a bit higher. Of course if I do so, it will be properly leaning against a wall or something and not relying on the upper scaffold attachment for total support.
For the first time in about 5 years, the top tier of the scaffold was removed. It’s designed to take apart piece by piece, but why bother when you can just lift it off as a complete assembly.
I used my Milwaukee chain sling and some straps to attach the hoist to the scaffold. The yellow hoist is about 20’ off the floor.
Here are a few in process shots - Initial liftoff, base scaffold moved out of the way, and dropped to about 6’ off the ground.
While it was still hanging, I popped the casters back on.
And safely down on the ground. The track and hoist laughed at the load, but I don’t consider it much of a test since the load was only around 100 pounds.
The 2-tier scaffold is ready for action and finally fits through the 12’ high doors. The side mounted extension ladder was collapsed down to its shortest length to fit perfectly on the stubby version, but can easily extend up if I need to reach something a bit higher. Of course if I do so, it will be properly leaning against a wall or something and not relying on the upper scaffold attachment for total support.
Last edited:
Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
Shopnut, if you had just a 6' high scaffold, would you recommend the outrigger casters as necessary? I've been wondering if I should spring for a set from N.T. for my still unassembled scaffold with safety rails. Have you used your setup outside the shop? If so, did you need to take precautions on the sandy soil? You extension ladder attachment to the scaffold looks very trick; could you possibly post some detail pics of that assembly? Thanks.
Rototilling the beach sure sounds strange, but who are we to judge? lol I gather the tilling encourages the rocks to sink and the sands 'float' to the surface? Pretty neat trick to get a sandy beach! One silly question - have you found any pirate treasure yet?
Rototilling the beach sure sounds strange, but who are we to judge? lol I gather the tilling encourages the rocks to sink and the sands 'float' to the surface? Pretty neat trick to get a sandy beach! One silly question - have you found any pirate treasure yet?
Omphaloskeptic - Looking at the NT website, the Metaltech version looks very similar to mine. I remember mine saying that outriggers were required for stacks of 2 or more. I also remember there being a choice of 24” or 42” outriggers and I bought the 24” kit. I used a single tier scaffold with platform at full height to paint the interior of our city house and it never felt unstable without the outriggers installed. If you're going "offroad" with it, it could be a whole different story, however.
On the level floor inside the Asylum, I bet 99% of the time I just had 2 outriggers installed and to me this felt fine. Of course, most work was up against a wall so I never feared it tipping that way. When I was out in the middle of the room, I sometimes popped the extra 2 (opposite the ladder) back on. I’m sure there were several occasions when I had a wheel or two off the ground over the years, but it was when I was really prying on something.
I’m about to use it outside for the first time and since the front apron slopes for water drainage, all four outriggers went on. I have yet to use it off of the concrete, but when I do, plywood will certainly be used - this soil is pretty unstable. Here’s a shot showing it on the apron slope:
The safety rail on top is probably money well spent - I rigged up my own simple cable, but I live sort of dangerously sometimes and don’t recommend that.
Here are a couple of shots of the side-mounted ladder rig, but for details about it, I will refer you to Reply#720 just because I’m a slow typist. If you have further questions, I will be glad to answer them.
Regarding the beach - there are no rocks to speak of in our soil, but there is a fair amount of black silt mixed in that the vegetation likes to grow in. Tilling tears up any roots and once the water comes up, the loose silt washes away and sugar sand is all that’s left. The 6” of loose sand that remains is prone to wave erosion, but it has been pretty minor over the last 16 years. Weeds still grow in the sand somehow, but they are easier to yank out since the sand is so loose.
And no treasure yet unfortunately - still crossing my fingers on that one. I have found plenty of trash, however.
On the level floor inside the Asylum, I bet 99% of the time I just had 2 outriggers installed and to me this felt fine. Of course, most work was up against a wall so I never feared it tipping that way. When I was out in the middle of the room, I sometimes popped the extra 2 (opposite the ladder) back on. I’m sure there were several occasions when I had a wheel or two off the ground over the years, but it was when I was really prying on something.
I’m about to use it outside for the first time and since the front apron slopes for water drainage, all four outriggers went on. I have yet to use it off of the concrete, but when I do, plywood will certainly be used - this soil is pretty unstable. Here’s a shot showing it on the apron slope:
The safety rail on top is probably money well spent - I rigged up my own simple cable, but I live sort of dangerously sometimes and don’t recommend that.
Here are a couple of shots of the side-mounted ladder rig, but for details about it, I will refer you to Reply#720 just because I’m a slow typist. If you have further questions, I will be glad to answer them.
Regarding the beach - there are no rocks to speak of in our soil, but there is a fair amount of black silt mixed in that the vegetation likes to grow in. Tilling tears up any roots and once the water comes up, the loose silt washes away and sugar sand is all that’s left. The 6” of loose sand that remains is prone to wave erosion, but it has been pretty minor over the last 16 years. Weeds still grow in the sand somehow, but they are easier to yank out since the sand is so loose.
And no treasure yet unfortunately - still crossing my fingers on that one. I have found plenty of trash, however.
I forgot to mention some links in this main thread.
TOOLBOX ORGANIZATION…
I shared my toolbox drawers in the monster thread over in the Tool Section but I’m providing a link here for those that missed it. This link should drop you into the thread in the proper place at Reply#7064. This is one of the first things I did when I started building up my tool collection and have never regretted even a minute spent doing it.
Here are a couple of shots in case you don’t have time to check out the other thread.
THE ASYLUM STORY NOW HAS THE BEGINNING CHAPTERS…
This thread started with the ASYLUM already built and explains how I’m finishing the interior and equipping it. In case you didn't notice it when submitted earlier, I now have a new thread out there that explains the events that led up to the land purchase and initial construction of the ASYLUM. Here’s a link: The ASYLUM - Land Purchase and Initial Construction
Completing the story by adding the beginning has been something I've wanted to do for some time now. And as Cletus66 alluded to it in the other thread, it’s sort of like the Star Wars movies - the middle episodes were the released first, followed by the beginning episodes, and lastly the final episodes are yet to be released (if ever) in my slow moving story.
Thanks for following along!
TOOLBOX ORGANIZATION…
I shared my toolbox drawers in the monster thread over in the Tool Section but I’m providing a link here for those that missed it. This link should drop you into the thread in the proper place at Reply#7064. This is one of the first things I did when I started building up my tool collection and have never regretted even a minute spent doing it.
Here are a couple of shots in case you don’t have time to check out the other thread.
THE ASYLUM STORY NOW HAS THE BEGINNING CHAPTERS…
This thread started with the ASYLUM already built and explains how I’m finishing the interior and equipping it. In case you didn't notice it when submitted earlier, I now have a new thread out there that explains the events that led up to the land purchase and initial construction of the ASYLUM. Here’s a link: The ASYLUM - Land Purchase and Initial Construction
Completing the story by adding the beginning has been something I've wanted to do for some time now. And as Cletus66 alluded to it in the other thread, it’s sort of like the Star Wars movies - the middle episodes were the released first, followed by the beginning episodes, and lastly the final episodes are yet to be released (if ever) in my slow moving story.
Thanks for following along!
Last edited:
Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
Shopnut, thanks for the reply and pics; your indexing comes through once again!
Red Leader
Well-known member
So...organized...
IT’S HARD TO TELL I SPENT 12 HOURS WORKING ON THE FRONT LOFT…
I can hardly tell anything was done, but I had a bit of demolition and a lot of measuring to do before I could start the new construction on the outside wall. I also had to remove some sheet metal to explore in the walls to determine just how I was going to tie into the existing structure. And of course, everything takes 3 times as long when working at heights.
Here is the plan for this outside wall. I will be dropping the front facade down about 34” with a build-in-place truss beam. The first stage of adding the truss beam is shown in green and the loft floor and wall shown in purple. I feel pretty confident it can hang from the roof rafter until it is self-supporting. The red line in the photo shows where it will end up.
The first boards to go in will be the vertical 2x6’s that extend down to the lower cap of the truss beam. After measuring/marking everything per the plan, small steel angle brackets were installed to hold them in place temporarily (see red arrows). Each 2x6 will extend up into the double rafter where they will be lag-bolted in place.
This shows where the lower cap of the truss beam will tie into the front column. That little short 2x6 signifies where the long ones will eventually go.
The 10 longer vertical 2x6’s (shown in green above) were cut and the exposed 34” lower ends were pre-painted to temporarily protect them from the weather until the siding is added. Here's a shot showing some of them ready to go up.
Here’s a shot showing how I can use my scaffold/ladder to reach the high points.
I can hardly tell anything was done, but I had a bit of demolition and a lot of measuring to do before I could start the new construction on the outside wall. I also had to remove some sheet metal to explore in the walls to determine just how I was going to tie into the existing structure. And of course, everything takes 3 times as long when working at heights.
Here is the plan for this outside wall. I will be dropping the front facade down about 34” with a build-in-place truss beam. The first stage of adding the truss beam is shown in green and the loft floor and wall shown in purple. I feel pretty confident it can hang from the roof rafter until it is self-supporting. The red line in the photo shows where it will end up.
The first boards to go in will be the vertical 2x6’s that extend down to the lower cap of the truss beam. After measuring/marking everything per the plan, small steel angle brackets were installed to hold them in place temporarily (see red arrows). Each 2x6 will extend up into the double rafter where they will be lag-bolted in place.
This shows where the lower cap of the truss beam will tie into the front column. That little short 2x6 signifies where the long ones will eventually go.
The 10 longer vertical 2x6’s (shown in green above) were cut and the exposed 34” lower ends were pre-painted to temporarily protect them from the weather until the siding is added. Here's a shot showing some of them ready to go up.
Here’s a shot showing how I can use my scaffold/ladder to reach the high points.
Last edited:
Mikea57
Well-known member
Could we talk about a lease to allow me to use part of your brain???? You've got more ideas than well, I don't know, clamshells from the lake!!!
I love coming back again and again to see this place. It's phenomenal!!!
I love coming back again and again to see this place. It's phenomenal!!!
ARbuilder223
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 12, 2011
- Messages
- 357
Shopnut..great ideas, love the place!
Mikea57 - Brain lease? I might be open to that since some say we only use about 10% of our brain anyway. That other 90% is up for grabs. But be aware that unused portion is completely untested and I cannot guarantee it good for anything, much less, any worthwhile garage ideas
Thanks for stopping by again and embarrassing me. I'll have the lease terms ready in time for your next visit
ARbuilder223 - Thanks for the kinds words.
It's funny, but I was just admiring your toolbox draw organization the other night and was planning to chime in on your thread and reassure you the effort being put into it now will pay dividends for years (probably decades) to come. It has for me, anyway, and you've gone to a higher degree than I did.
Thanks for stopping by again and embarrassing me. I'll have the lease terms ready in time for your next visit
ARbuilder223 - Thanks for the kinds words.
It's funny, but I was just admiring your toolbox draw organization the other night and was planning to chime in on your thread and reassure you the effort being put into it now will pay dividends for years (probably decades) to come. It has for me, anyway, and you've gone to a higher degree than I did.
SpeedinLemon
Well-known member
Looking great Shopnut! Glad to see you back in the saddle (or up on the scaffold, as the case may be)!! I posted over on your separate awning thread before I realized you were well on your way to another cool mod on the shop. I like the hinged concept and look forward to seeing it come together....be safe!
SpeedinLemon - I swear, half my time is spent up on that scaffold lately and I'm ready for that to done!
I got some great ideas out of that other thread - we have a creative bunch of folks here, for sure. We'll see how soon I can work in some kind of hinged powered awning - I certainly love the concept. That mod will probably have to wait until the rainy season is over (AND I'm done with the front loft!).
Yes, safety seems to be high on my list theses days for some reason But thanks for reminding me - never can be reminded too often about that!
I got some great ideas out of that other thread - we have a creative bunch of folks here, for sure. We'll see how soon I can work in some kind of hinged powered awning - I certainly love the concept. That mod will probably have to wait until the rainy season is over (AND I'm done with the front loft!).
Yes, safety seems to be high on my list theses days for some reason
But thanks for reminding me - never can be reminded too often about that!THE FRONT FACADE IS LOWERED TO START THE TRUSS BEAM…
I had planned on getting the truss beam completely built and temporary siding installed to seal it up during this visit, but my real job and the weather had other plans. I didn't get the extra day off that I needed and Mother Nature threw some rainy weather at me forcing me to pack it up early. I did manage to get stage two done, however.
It started with adding the four center 2x6's that extend downward.
And then the lower cap. I used some straps to hold it in place while fastening securely.
Next, three additional verticals went in on each side.
And the remaining lower cap boards were installed. Proper splices will be added when it is boxed in.
Here is where it stands right now. I guess I'm glad all exposed wood is painted since this delay in the siding will possibly allow it to get rained on before the next visit.
Next, will be adding the major structural pieces to form the truss beam (remaining green diagonal pieces shown in earlier CAD plans) and siding to keep the weather out. I think I have a good two days remaining to completely wrap up this stage of the loft project. It's definitely taking longer than expected, but I keep taking bites out of it.
I had planned on getting the truss beam completely built and temporary siding installed to seal it up during this visit, but my real job and the weather had other plans. I didn't get the extra day off that I needed and Mother Nature threw some rainy weather at me forcing me to pack it up early. I did manage to get stage two done, however.
It started with adding the four center 2x6's that extend downward.
And then the lower cap. I used some straps to hold it in place while fastening securely.
Next, three additional verticals went in on each side.
And the remaining lower cap boards were installed. Proper splices will be added when it is boxed in.
Here is where it stands right now. I guess I'm glad all exposed wood is painted since this delay in the siding will possibly allow it to get rained on before the next visit.
Next, will be adding the major structural pieces to form the truss beam (remaining green diagonal pieces shown in earlier CAD plans) and siding to keep the weather out. I think I have a good two days remaining to completely wrap up this stage of the loft project. It's definitely taking longer than expected, but I keep taking bites out of it.
Last edited: