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

shopnut · Jan 22, 2013

Omphaloskeptic - Sometimes I think you have our house bugged - We were just talking about screening in the porch! Of course the modification was not near as elaborate as your JAWIFO.

I think I may have mentioned in the past about extending the roof in front of the apartment to allow a much larger screened porch opening up from the French doors. This is still in the distant plans (along with a few of your other apartment "O-xpansion" ideas), but I discussed with Mrs. Shopnut what things might look like if I built the loft first and then later added a vaulted ceiling screen room beyond that. We both agreed it would be fine and in the near term I will simply screen in the 8x12 porch that now exists to gain a small enclosed area. The original intention was that the French doors could be wide open, affording a more spacious feel to a rather small apartment while keeping the critters out.

As always, your way of describing things is hilarious, yet spot on for helping me picture it in my head. The full A.A.A. sounds really nice (and functional), but also a lot of work to seal it up bugfree and motorize everything (gotta have automation!). It’s another one that I unfortunately will have to shelf for now until free time becomes available, and that is in short supply these days.

Incidentally, I changed my mind again with the order of the build. I got a little side-tracked (excited even :eyecrazy:

) with seeing some of the exterior siding in a finished state and wanted more. I’m back down to earth now. At this point, only a couple spots exist where 4-legged critters could claw their way in if they were curious, so I will take my chances. The last exterior loft will wait until I finish the interior. I will continue the door covers and I have an update coming soon.

Omphaloskeptic · Jan 22, 2013

"Omphaloskeptic - Sometimes I think you have our house bugged - We were just talking about screening in the porch! Of course the modification was not near as elaborate as your JAWIFO."

If you just happen to observe a very strange looking largish flying 'insect' with a USB stinger, DO NOT SWAT, SMASH, SPRAY, OR STOMP IT! I would not be able to get my 'inside snoops and scoops' otherwise! LOL

Sorry to hear that you're no longer excited (manic) and have returned back down to earth to arrive at a more pragmatic approach to the Asylum's Additions, Addendums, Activities, and Assignments; I realize my (couch) flights of fancy aren't always feasible or practical for that matter.

You and Mrs. Shopnut will definitely enjoy that 8x12 screened porch; will it be done prior to the arrival of the summer swelter season? Is there at least ONE ceiling fan slated to be installed for that porch? It would be both functional and aesthetically proper to have one there to go along with the wicker furniture, grass mat carpets, and of course the Southern icon - 'Iced Mint Juleps' served in the traditional manner - chilled Mason Caning Jars!

A drink most likely enjoyed now and then by Mississippi's own Faulkner....

shopnut · Jan 22, 2013

O - Okay, I'll go easy on the bugs if I notice them blinking or something

. And Faulkner looks pretty comfortable sitting there.

Keep those ideas coming. No matter how lofty they may be sometimes, there's always some good bits to be had. Plus, it keeps me dreaming as well - I need something to take my mind off the menial tasks I perform around here 99% of the time.

And yes, the porch will most definitely have a ceiling fan. I had the builder wire for it initially, complete with switches for the fan and light just inside the French doors. I also had the electrician add a few extra loops of wire, assuming the ceiling (and electrical box) would be lowered someday. It's not a big area, but we figure there's just enoungh room for two chairs and a little table to set our drinks - and that's all we really need. If I'm lucky, that extra loft will be built this summer with the screening following shortly. To tell the truth, summers get pretty hot here and we are usually seeking refuge in the water or air conditioning. The screen porch most likely will be used in the cooler months, like now with temps in the 70's.

One thing I will need to keep in mind while adding the screened walls is to have removable panels (or very large doors) on each side so I can continue to use those side stairs as a loading dock - remember this?

Vernmotor · Jan 22, 2013

O so now you got to build a new loading dock ! lol

shopnut · Jan 22, 2013

Vernmotor said:
O so now you got to build a new loading dock ! lol

shopnut · Jan 22, 2013

AN “AIR CURTAIN” TO TRY AS A HIDDEN CIRCULATING FAN…

It was killing me not planning to use that space between the door drums and the loft overhang so I just pulled the trigger on a 60” air curtain as a trial. Northern Tool had a sale going and together with a coupon, the unit set me back $210 with tax and free delivery to the store. Reviews seemed really good on it and the price was the best I could find for the size. Refer back to Reply #1826 to see how an air curtain works.

This is what mine will look like when it arrives. It’s basically 5 centrifugal blower wheels and three motors in a steel housing.

And its remote controlled

.

The simplest thing to do would be to hard mount it directly under the loft floor, but I don’t always take the easy way out, do I?. My ultimate installation would let it blow down and serve as an invisible air curtain when the doors are open and swivel up 90 degrees when needed to provide a cooling breeze by my main workbench at the rear of the shop.

I don’t know if there is enough room to allow swiveling inside the door drum covers so we will see. This picture shows roughly the space I have available to play with between the loft overhang and the door drum. I used a 9x9 square because that seemed to be the average size of air curtains I originally looked at.

Now all I need to do is figure out if all this is feasible before the sale ends so I can buy a second matching one for over the other door.

Bob Heine · Jan 23, 2013

I like the air curtains. If one on each door isn't effective, it looks like you could fit two over one doorway to block flying intruders. If the air curtain isn't adequate, a company on the west coast of Florida sells power screens for garage doors.

They don't show any doors as tall as yours and it appears they don't service very far inland but just in case the air curtains aren't enough, here's their link:
http://www.powerscreen.net/

Linz · Jan 23, 2013

Hi Shopnut, rather than trying to get the curtain unit to swivel, why not install a louver to redirect the airflow when the door is closed. Love your shop.

4takter · Jan 23, 2013

Great build Shopnut! It took me about 1,5 weeks to read through all/most of it, but it gave me some new ideas. I admire your precision and ingenuity.

Omphaloskeptic · Jan 23, 2013

Shopnut, not to overtax your plastic charge card, but one 60" unit may not do the job for even one of the shop doors. You may have to shell out for three more units to get the coverage you need. :dunno:

That powered garage opening screen may be the ticket, but I'll bet you could buy a dozen of those blowers for the price of a custom (long) auto screen install.

The loading dock/screened porch dilemma might be an overwhelming problem for a mere mortal, but we're talking 'Shopnut Skilz' with the backup of the GJ braintrust here! :bounce:

Glad to hear that my J.A.W.I.F.O.'s are welcome for their inspirational/humorous(?)/offbeat content; I'll keep pitching them if you keep swinging at them! lol

shopnut · Jan 23, 2013

Bob Heine - I’m really hoping I can make those curtains work somehow because it seems like the cleanest solution. I was really debating the other night between the 4 or 5 foot version when I ordered the first one. 4’ matches the light fixture length and 2 at each door would be perfect esthetically and from a performance standpoint as well. But I finally settled on the 5’ version (for the same price as the 4’) because I was thinking the four shorter ones would set me back over $800 and I wasn’t willing to invest that much on what might eventually end up being just circulating fans if the air curtain function doesn’t work out. I might still be able to squeeze two 5 footers on one side if I try, but my plan at this point is one centered over each door.

Thanks for the link. It’s a commercial version of the CRUDE *****! It’s really cool how the white screen version makes it appear as though the door is closed. I was hoping they would show a couple of interior views of the mechanism and tracks, but I couldn’t find any on the website. I guess I’m on my own if it comes to the DIY version.

Linz - Hey, a first poster, and in my thread - I’m honored. I see you’ve been a little quiet over the past year of membership, but that’s okay - there is so much to simply absorb on this forum, it leaves people speechless sometimes

.

Thanks for the suggestion and I’m glad you like the place. The air curtain comes with a louver in the plenum to allow slight angular adjustments to the flow direction, but there’s nothing saying I can’t build something extra to turn it a full 90. It might be easier than making this thing swivel in the long run, but I will need to see if there is adequate airflow to keep the speed up after making a sharp 90 degree bend. I think it would be cool to actuate the louver automatically when the door opens fully.

4takter - 1.5 weeks of spare time that you will never get back! Seriously, thanks for taking the time to read through it. It really makes me happy to know you picked up a few ideas and it's always my hope that people can take something useful from this thread. Thanks for stopping by and telling me what you think.

Omphaloskeptic - See my comments above to Bob concerning my purchase. Everything is a compromise and until I try one of those things, I won't know if the air curtain function is even feasible from the height I need to mount them (about 14'). The large ones at work cost thousands and if I had that, I'd be buying an A/C system instead. I'll keep you posted on the trials and tribulations (of course

).

Yeah, I bet those screens aren't cheap. I think I could build some for under $200 per door with a few spare parts thrown in from around the Asylum. Not saying it would work

, but I don't picture the parts being that expensive - some screen, a long drum, some side tracks maybe? And of course some of my surplus gearmotors to drive it. I'm definitely leaving a space up in the door drum cover for the future addition.

Since I very seldom can trust my own brain, I'm glad the GJ braintrust is ever present.

Lastly, I'll keep swinging. I'm sure there will be a couple homeruns before all this is over.

Linz · Jan 24, 2013

Thanks for the welcome Shopnut - you aren't kidding about taking a while to absorb it all!

That would be really cool if it actuated automatically when the door opened. I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

shopnut · Jan 24, 2013

Linz said:
I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

I'm kinda curious myself

. Normally I know exactly where I'm headed with a design, but this one - who knows? :dunno:

shopnut · Jan 24, 2013

A LITTLE MORE CEILING TREATMENT…

Despite spending a majority of my visit out to the Asylum cleaning up leaves that had finally dropped in December, mowing, and burning the brush/moss, I managed to squeeze in a little vinyl work. The small area between the loft grab rail and the front rafter got covered up. Here is a before and after picture.

And a shot from below.

I wish I would have snapped a “before” picture, but I hadn’t cleaned my sink since it was installed - and it needed it! I started with Bar Keepers Friend cleaner (which reminded me of Comet) and it worked great on the side compartments that don’t get used that much, but the rust stains in the middle just laughed at it. I resorted to some fine grit sandpaper to get them off. After I got home, Mrs. Shopnut suggested I try “The Works” on the rust next time since she has had good luck with it.

Bob Heine · Jan 24, 2013

shopnut said:
I wish I would have snapped a “before” picture, but I hadn’t cleaned my sink since it was installed - and it needed it! I started with Bar Keepers Friend cleaner (which reminded me of Comet) and it worked great on the side compartments that don’t get used that much, but the rust stains in the middle just laughed at it. I resorted to some fine grit sandpaper to get them off. After I got home, Mrs. Shopnut suggested I try “The Works” on the rust next time since she has had good luck with it.

I've had good luck with 400 and 600 grit Wet-r-Dry sandpaper but Gray Scotchbrite is my new favorite for stains on stainless. With a little Bar Keepers Friend or Cameo cleanser sprinkled on the Scotchbrite, the stainless looks like new in a few minutes. Works wonders on stainless exhaust systems.

shopnut · Jan 28, 2013

Bob Heine said:
I've had good luck with 400 and 600 grit Wet-r-Dry sandpaper but Gray Scotchbrite is my new favorite for stains on stainless. With a little Bar Keepers Friend or Cameo cleanser sprinkled on the Scotchbrite, the stainless looks like new in a few minutes. Works wonders on stainless exhaust systems.

Thanks for the tips Bob! Scotchbrite sounds like a better plan than sandpaper - wouldn't want to rub through the bottom eventually with something too aggressive

.

Seeing your reply reminds me I forgot to look in Lowe's for those yellow bulbs yesterday. I need four 2-footers for those small porch fixtures. Darn, now I need to make another trip - oh well. (Mrs. Shopnut is certain I forget things on purpose just so I can go back two or three times a week - she knows me all too well

).

shopnut · Feb 4, 2013

PORCH AND YARD LIGHTING…

I’m not ready to make the upgrades quite yet, but I had a few minutes to investigate the existing wiring, making sure what I had planned was possible. Eventually, I want a ceiling fan (with a light) out on the porch in front of the apartment controlled from a wall switch just inside the French doors. I also want a set of big yard lights shining out in front of the Asylum on a 3-way circuit, with switches by the two man-doors (apartment and shop).

Here’s a shot of the porch ceiling above the French doors. The arrows point to the existing light and also a junction box.

The light has a simple 12/2 cable running to it. I thought the builder was wiring this for 12/3 so I could control both the light and fan at this location. I guess I’m glad I looked despite not being what I had hoped for. The good news is, the J-box contains a 12/3 cable for the fan/light combo. It’s not located exactly where I would like it, but since all this will need to be rerouted anyway when the storage loft is built here, it’s no big deal. It least everything is routed to a switch inside and interior walls do not have to be touched.

Here’s a shot inside the J-box along with some reminders on the cover so I don’t have to do this all over again in 6 months.

The 12/3 cable coming from the apartment wall switches will control the future fan, whenever it gets installed. The existing cable running up to the light fixture will get redefined at the switched circuit for the new 3-way yard lights and a cable running across the front loft will connect it to fixtures along the way to the switch on the other side of the building. It will be wired like this.

I already have the yard lights and they were once used for lighting my Great-Uncle’s horseshoe pit. They are about 12” in diameter and of aluminum construction.

On the porch opposite the apartment end (under the lumber loft), 4 fluorescent fixtures will remain on a separate switch located inside the shop.

Now I just need time to do it all.

shopnut · Feb 7, 2013

MOVING THE DOOR HOIST TO THE OTHER SIDE (Part 1 of 3)…

The chain hoist for one of the main doors was standing in my way of building the drum covers and needed to be moved to the other side. Fortunately, the door and parts are made to allow fitment onto either side. The one trouble was, the large sprocket was “captured” between the support bracket and the drum.

To pull up on the shaft, I used a lifting eye whose collar fit perfectly inside the tube. Since clearance was limited, I assembled some short 5/8 threaded rods and coupling nuts to reach inside the tube and installed them one by one.

Here it is with the red hoist ready to lift. You can see here that a D-ring was mounted up above on the loft overhang for the upper anchor.

The sprocket was unbolted from the drum.

Then the support block was removed and the sprocket passed to the other side of the mount bracket. You see it here with the shaft hovering off the mount bracket.

With the main shaft mounted back on the bracket and the sprocket now on the outside, I was ready to start work on the other side.

(continued)

shopnut · Feb 7, 2013

MOVING THE DOOR HOIST TO THE OTHER SIDE (Part 2 of 3)…

Getting the sprocket back on the other side of the drum was more or less a repeat or Part 1 in reverse.

To mount the pull chain hoist in its new spot, I needed to cut off the bottom of the left bracket and mount it over on the right side.

And of course the hoist had to be configured to work on the other side.

(continued)

shopnut · Feb 7, 2013

MOVING THE DOOR HOIST TO THE OTHER SIDE (Part 3 of 3)…

One last thing to do was relocate the chain cleat so the door can be held open in any position (well, at least until I add my own brake).

Here are a couple shots with it all finished. Now I can build my cabinet to enclose and hide it all. I already like the central location for both door pull chains and I wish I would have had the foresight to ask the builder to do this 7 years ago.

A word about safety… After some discussion in this thread: Question about moving chain hoist on roll-up doors, I performed the work with the door open to relief the torsion springs of most of the preload.

With the door open, however, I needed a safety strap to guard against the door slamming shut once the lift chain was removed. My springs actually will hold the door up there with a bit of tension, so this was strictly a precautionary measure. Having the door rolled up completely did create more weight to deal with while lifting the drum shaft in Part 1, but these doors really don’t weigh all that much anyway.

For those that are interested, here are all the sprocket mounting parts.

Omphaloskeptic · Feb 8, 2013

The door mechanism swap seems like it might have had a 'high pucker factor' associated with it; possibly a W.E.E.P.S. event. Glad it turned out OK.

"I already have the yard lights and they were once used for lighting my Great-Uncle’s horseshoe pit. They are about 12” in diameter and of aluminum construction."

Okay Shopnut, it seems almost mandatory that when the lights go up, the A.H.S.P. (Asylum Horse Shoe Pit) needs to be installed at the same time. lol

akdiesel · Feb 8, 2013

shopnut

Lots of work accomplished lately. I was getting withdrawls. Glad the gear swapped went well for ya.
I like the recessed lighting you put in. Nice work.

shopnut · Feb 8, 2013

Omphalaskeptic - There was a pucker factor alright, especially when I unbolted that first shaft mount. I didn't know if only one was going to hold the springs or not. But it did, and the bracket (the one still attached) flexxed enough to allow lifting the opposite end of the drum enough to slip the sprocket out. I was expecting the door drum to weigh more than it did, especially with all the hurricane hooks on the door panel.

I'm not sure if the A.S.H.P. would actually get much use, but there's certainly not much effort or money involved in building one, considering there is sand everywhere you look out here

. (Actually, I think they mix clay in too :dunno:

)

BTW, the acronym list was updated a couple of weeks ago (along with the entire index) in case you missed it. It now looks like it's out of date again

akdiesel - Thanks. Things have slowed down a little around here. I'm kind of dragging my feet a bit on the rollup door cover waiting on that darn air curtain to show up. I like to have all the major pieces in hand before starting a project.

Omphaloskeptic · Feb 8, 2013

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-build-a-horseshoe-pit/page-3.html

For your casual edification, just in case you get bored at the Asylum and feel like throwing something. I'm told that the proper technique for throwing an accurate pitch is too insure you are balanced by holding a 12 oz. 'beverage' in your non-throwing hand; don't confuse the two! lol

As for the air curtain (A.T.A.C. - Asylum Tactical Air Curtain), I'm wondering if you could enhance its effectiveness by employing those heavy vinyl strips on either side of the A.T.A.C.? It would give you something to do besides "dragging your feet" while waiting for its' arrival. I'm thinking of an industrial version of those vertical curtains that they made to cover patio doors; the ones that could be drawn to the side by draw-cords or angled by a twist-rod. This could be designed to part of the ***** within the DDT. J.A.W.I.F.O.!

Please don't feel the need to update the acronym list incessantly, just do it for those that make 'The List'.

Vernmotor · Feb 8, 2013

Ok I sure it has been ask. But I have never seen it posted. What is the meaning of your Name (Omphaloskeptic) ?

shopnut · Feb 10, 2013

Omphaloskeptic - You mean there's beverage drinking involved with horseshoe throwing? I'm more interested already!

Thanks for the link.

Vinyl strips on the side - kind of a hybrid curtain I guess, joining air flow and solid surfaces to block the little buggers. Good thinking. I would still have an unobstructed place to walk through and also would not have to buy another set of expensive air curtains for full coverage. I suppose the vinyl strips could also be screen material to enhance circulation. As you say, some narrow side curtains could easily be pulled out of the way (such as for driving a car through). You could be on to something here. Thanks. Lots to ponder now.

BTW, "The List" or not, all that gets discussed here probably deserves a mention in the Index (just like some of my boring writeups

) - its all part of the Asylum story.

Vernmotor - I often wondered that myself, but didn't want to ask. I didn't want to scare O off by prying - too many good ideas come out of him! Plus he can be just so darn funny sometimes

. This place wouldn't be the same without him (the Asylum and the build thread)

So with that said --- Omphaloskeptic, Vernmotor wants to know what your name means.

Bob Heine · Feb 10, 2013

Omphalos is Greek for navel. An Omphaloskeptic is a person who contemplates their navel. It's frequently the best and least expensive use of my time. Requires no tools or equipment and done correctly, few things get broken. I am also less likely to hurt myself while engaged in navel contemplation...

shopnut · Feb 11, 2013

Bob Heine said:
Omphalos is Greek for navel. An Omphaloskeptic is a person who contemplates their navel. It's frequently the best and least expensive use of my time. Requires no tools or equipment and done correctly, few things get broken. I am also less likely to hurt myself while engaged in navel contemplation...

I presume one of his quotes that I've missed along the way?

shopnut · Feb 11, 2013

WIRING TO CENTER RAFTER…

I gave a little thought to what power needs I might have up on the center rafter after some ideas from Ompha. This was my last chance to run wiring to it while it was still fairly easy. This is the one I call the center rafter just in case it wasn’t obvious.

I ended up adding 2 more for a total of four cables with the capability of 5 unique circuits and here is my crude labeling so I will remember what they are a year from now (hopefully sooner).

- Center Light - 8 bulb fluorescent; switched between doors
- Main Bay Fan/Light - possibly two ceiling fans at the ends of the 8’ rafter gusset
- Main Bay Spare 1 - Entry Lights (3-Way with switches by man-doors)
- Main Bay Spare 1 - Asylum Sign spotlights (on “night light” circuit)

For now, they are all coiled up and tucked into the rafter (and mostly out of sight).

And the other ends terminate between the double doors where a whole wall of switches will eventually be (including controls for lights, fans, window/door openers)

I’m still trying to get use to both door chains in the middle - I think I walked over to the wrong side about 4 times this weekend

.

Vernmotor · Feb 11, 2013

Bob Heine said:
Omphalos is Greek for navel. An Omphaloskeptic is a person who contemplates their navel. It's frequently the best and least expensive use of my time. Requires no tools or equipment and done correctly, few things get broken. I am also less likely to hurt myself while engaged in navel contemplation...

OK lol maybe I did't want to know !!!! Yea don't want to chase him off.. I love reading his posts..

Amazzen · Feb 12, 2013

Okay... I've managed to get caught up on your thread (I thought I would tackle the most intense saga first) and I'm going to need to take a breather before I read the rest of my favourite threads.....sheesh!!!

Along with all your innovative craftsmanship, I especially enjoy the emotional roller coaster you take us on... I want to thank you for sharing your personal endeavours with us as would one of our closest friends. You truly inspire me to be proud of this great Community.

Of course the regular gang that participate here are also to be commended for their contributions... you guys make it real!

I've been around many hobbyists in my time and have to say "Car Guys are awesome but Garage Guys simply can't be beat"! :rocker:

Shopnut, congrats on the latest milestones, my condolences for the loss of Pekoe and by all means, carry on....!

PS... What's with the new bike, are you nuts???

shopnut · Feb 13, 2013

Vernmotor - I love reading them too.

Amazzen - Nice of you to pop in. I just try to keep people up to date on what is going on here, no matter if it's exciting or not - it's all progress (well, mostly). It is a great community here at the GJ, isn't it? I've been posting around since 2006 and I'm sure there's a few more stories to tell.

Thanks for mentioning Pekoe, we still miss him dearly. It's sad not having that happy guy greeting us at the door whenever we come home. I'm sure there will be a puppy taking his place soon.

"are you nuts???" - do I really need to answer that? And look who's talking anyway, mister Bat-Cycle guy! Ask yourself that same question and I bet you'll get the same answer I would give

shopnut · Feb 13, 2013

THE LAST OF THE CEILING GETS COVERED UP…

One little sliver of exposed insulation still needed to be covered up and with the last of the cables ran to the center rafter, it was time to wrap it up.

Here’s what I started with.

On went the J-channel trim.

And finally the panels.

A shot from below.

THE CEILING IS DONE! Woo-Hoo!
.
.
AND SO DOES THE FRONT HOIST TRACK…

While I was in the vinyl mood, I decided to install the cladding on the front hoist track beam. I had already painted the exposed bottom edge of the beam black when it was first built over a year ago.

Here it is with the vinyl installed.

And from another angle.

I’m not sure why I waited until now to do this since the material has been collecting dust for quite some time.

I might add that the ridge vent is still somewhat functional because the Unistrut hoist track has large slots in it and allows air to pass clear through to the roof metal.

Omphaloskeptic · Feb 13, 2013

Wow guys, I'm touched (or is it tetched?)! lol

Bob Heine - you nailed the meaning of my moniker! It is appropriate that I chose this name as I'm one of those unfortunate souls who needlessly spends a bodacious amount of time thinking some task through to the point of 'analysis paralysis'! :willy_nil

I have waiting for me what could be a terrific spacious shop except for the fact that it is currently filled with projects and ****; all of which are demanding my attention. Instead, due to limited funds and other distractions, I find myself vicariously enjoying the labors of others and their labors' fruits as well.

I'm gratified to hear that my contributions are well-received and will continue in my efforts to make my posts something worth reading by others here.

Shopnut - First off,

CONGRATULATIONS ON YET ANOTHER ASYLUM MILESTONE

; the ceiling is buttoned up and it really looks clean!

Other topics:

That vertical chase between the doors is one busy little area; DON'T EVER BACK THE TRUCK 'BETWEEN' THE DOORS! LOL
Are there any future plans to plant some concrete posts on the porch to prevent such a catastrophic occurrence?

Sorry, you are having trouble finding your chain to yank; I hope I never forget where my chain is and how to yank it! :headscrat

About that center rafter, I'm not sure when/if you're going to clad it in a vinyl shell, but don't forget to throw in some air system piping for future use. Why you ask? Well, you know how it goes - 'Shoulda, coulda, woulda'. You might just want to have a shop air leg to branch off for use in the loft area or maybe, just maybe, as 'actuation air' for those remotely controlled openers for the window units hung in 'The C.U.P.O.L.A.'! :bounce:

shopnut · Feb 15, 2013

Omphaloskeptic - “analysis paralysis” - I know those words all too well, unfortunately :sad:

. Thanks for the “congrats”, it’s good to have that ceiling behind me (or above me, as the case may be!)

For once, I may be one step ahead of you

...

Yes, there will be a ton of things happening in that little piece of wall between the doors and hitting that or either of the columns out front would mean BIG trouble for the Asylum. To properly protect it, I really need some big yellow bollards, but I will be taking a more subtle approach (albeit, more risky).

I purchased some old parking meters (very similar to the image below) about 7 years ago that will be the first line of defense to something hitting the columns. They will be positioned roughly as shown in red. The old gas pump will move back to the center between the doors and will act as the sacrificial item should someone go really off course. Of course neither of these will offer much crash protection, but I’m hoping they will give some type of warning before building damage occurs. Both were inexpensive items that can be replaced fairly easily. It might make good sense is to rig up an alarm to go off if any of them gets bumped/moved.

I’m also set with at least one air line running to that rafter. One is located above where the 4-post lift will reside in the bay adjacent to the apartment. The BendPak HD-9 has locks that require air to release so I was planning to drop a hose down from the center rafter as to not inhibit the library ladder from making its “rounds”. With a little drilling, I could continue this branch and get air anywhere on the rafter (or nearby CUPOLA) if needed.

If the loft ever needs air, there will be a hose reel directly below between the main doors that should reach anywhere up there for temporary air. If I need something a bit more permanent like actuators, I can tap into the main loop running close by.

Thanks for keeping me in check.

tinbender 66 · Feb 15, 2013

Parking meters? Is there no end to the stuff you have "squirreled away"? Really cool idea though.

You've gotten a lot accomplished lately. Better be careful or it might just get "finished" haha.

shopnut · Feb 16, 2013

tinbender_66 - It's going to be like Christmas when I go to clean out those side lofts. I went a little crazy buying trinkets when I first built this place - lots of ideas and not enough time to do something with them, unfortunately.

My near-term "finished" goal is to have all walls covered up and I'm getting real close with that one. Of course, the list of little things to properly finish up here is endless, but I'm sure you understand how that goes.

Thanks for stopping in and checking out the the latest progress.

shopnut · Feb 16, 2013

A LITTLE PAINTING UP IN THE FRONT LOFT…

Before I can start filling the front loft with junk (ah, I mean good stuff), I needed to paint the small side walls. I decided to just paint instead of do vinyl since it was smooth plywood being covered, and honestly, who’s going to see it once the loft is filled?

THE OTHER LOFT RAILING GETS SOME WHEELS…

I still need to build the fold-up stanchions for the loft railing (you still can see the short version hanging there), but I was able to squeeze in a little time to build the second roller foot to support the telescopic ladders.

shopnut · Feb 18, 2013

AN OUTLET UP IN THE FRONT LOFT…

No more extension cords running up to the loft, a dedicated outlet is now installed. After forgetting to turn off the fan a few times after working up there, I’m wondering if it would have been smarter to put the outlet on the same switched circuit as the light. Oh well, it’s a done deal now. Cables are looped up on the other side of the post for future wiring.

I also added the 2x2’s to protect the Romex wiring running up the post from the porch ceiling. The post will get covered with the aluminum tileboard someday.

I tucked the wiring up inside the rafter. It started out as just two cables so I drilled individual holes. Then I added another, and another, and so on. In retrospect, I should have drilled one big hole to pass all of them. Hindsight is truly 20/20.

Here’s the cluster of cables running above the door drum and dropping down between the main doors. I really hope my labels don’t fall off!

HOTFR8 · Feb 18, 2013

You could always add a remote switch. This would mean you have a switch that turns off the power away from the power point. problem is if you get up there and forget to turn it on you would have to go down again.

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