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

The ASYLUM - Turning a Crazy Vision into a Lakefront Gearhead Getaway (EST. 2005)

I read somewhere on this forum that we should name our garages for easy searching later on. An "asylum" is defined as either an institution or place of refuge. In both aspects, I believe it is appropriate. They call me a crazy fool for being so obsessed with this place. On the other hand, I love to come here to get away from it all.

So, welcome to my “ASYLUM”. Suggestions and questions are always welcome.

And lastly - If you like what you see, don't forget to rate this thread. Just use the "Rating" pulldown menu at the top of the thread box. It serves as fuel for the fire. Thanks.

Take a minute to thank the people who maintain this wonderful website free of SPAM - we wouldn't have all this if it wasn't for them: Thanks to Garage Journal Staff link

















NOTES:
See Reply #2 for links to Videos and other pertinent threads
See Reply #3 for a list of acronyms used in this thread
See Replies 5 and 6 for links to thread page numbers

ASYLUM Thread Index (Reply #’s)
Updated through post #2254

General
About the Owners (Mr. & Mrs. Shopnut) - 65,171,231,237,268,352,357,361,367,387,404,544,835,837,898,931,946,961,989,1074,1103,1140,1588,1780,
Apartment - 1,3,54,429,544,661
CAD Plans - 2,72,98,199,299,324,497,513,566,590,724,904,1355,1459,1462,1469,
Cars/Bikes/Toys - 1,6,7,57,294,343,349,363,365,388,429,430,432,433,434,438,441,442,443,547,586,643,745,801,810,1042,1059,1061,1096,1103,1116,1119,1140,1442,1712,1924,2015,2024,2040,2214,2218,2254,
General Building Info - 1,2,11,41
Intro/Planning - 1,2,3,5,205,588,643,1352
Task List - 256,315,473,545,686,912,1366,1792,2033,2241,
Views, General Exterior - 1,95,176,284,348,424,454,528,548,558,810,811,1126,1326,1339,1345,1416,1434,1462,1529,1775,1779,2206,2223,
Views, General Interior -1,51,57,159,243,266,271,290,294,316,321,325,334,388,483,549,828,862,869,13131392,1514,1660,

Storage
Between-Floor Storage (long stock) - 87,89,262,453,1011,1924,
Garden Shed - 811
Jack Nook -167,168,461,464,465,470
Kayak (or Canoe) Storage - 811
Loft, Exterior (Lumber) - 85,1924,
Loft, Exterior (Misc) - 1839
Loft, Interior Front - 513,533,566,878,926,1226,1229,1316,1339,1355,1361,1386,1398,1399,1400,14051414,1456,1463,1484,1489,1520,1528,1529,1565,1578,1582,1610,1616,1620,1648,1653,1656,1660,1671,1686,1706,1736,1741,1742,1750,1760,1770,1774,1775,1779,1832,1833.1854,1873,1878,1879,1894,1954,1955,1972,1981,1986,1987,1994,2131,2148,2165,2168,2190,2195*,
Loft, Interior Side Bay - 3,21,46
Office Attic - 113,143,181,191,1924,
Over-Cabinet Storage - 60,252,272,273,1642,
Over-Window Storage - 670
Over-Stairs Storage - 123
Plywood Storage Pocket - 72,167,168,280
PVC Doors - 29,60,272,273,283
Stanley Cabinets - 5,37,133,139,174,215,217,373
Under-Stairs Storage - 460

Equipment/Systems/Special Features
Arbor Press, Post-Mounted - 665
Banners - 29,46,51,60,67,252,555,858,862,1389
Borescope - 1905,
Brake Fluid Tester - 1554
Chargers, Cordless Drill - 254,258,260,824,977,995,1126
Chargers, Vehicle - 363-365,811
Ceiling Flag - 1,5,67
Clock - 126,239,243,2040
Compressor, Air - 590,616,659
Computer - 1313
Control Panel, Lighting/Doors - 1963,1969,1971,1975,2023,2051,2065,2091,2095,2104,2151,2155,2172,
Countersinks - 1641
Crane - 72,73,80-82,136,142,146,185,220,316,320,396,481,482,493,500,1380,2233,2236,2237,2240,
Cuckoo’s Nest (Upstairs Office) - 94,96,101-106,113,123,134,136,142-144,147,148,157-168,170,176-181,184-187,191,194-199,200,220,242,243,284,310,480,483,
Decorations - 1875
Dispensers (towel,soap,tissue,gloves) - 271,385,397,499
Door Drum Covers - 513,1817,1839,1846,1858-1860,1891,1899,1902,1906,1916,1919,1932,1937,1944,1945,1948,1949,
Doors, Rollup - 76,98,100,1274,1285,1342,1860,
Drawing Board (Office, Professional) - 185,199,223,225,227,229,235,245,246,247,250
Drawing Board (Shop, Whiteboard) - 280,284
Drill Press - 51,370,659,803,809,1264,1297,1554,1898,1954,
Electrical - 144,175,191,194,195,197,239,254,255,258,260,266,280,385,590,712,738,757,1143,1562,1742,1823,1826,1843,1869,1879,2015,2055,2100,2131,2158,
Electrical Panel Labels (downloadable) – 757,1143
Fan, 36” Shop Exhaust - 116,118,253,260,325,329,334
Fans, Ceiling/Wall - 51,52,194,201,220,284,289,665,824
Fans, Door Air Curtains - 1846,1899,1932,1937
Fire Extinguishers - 824
Floor Coatings - 3,20,194,661
Hoist, Front Loft - 904,907,908,910,926,1349,1642,1873,1972,1974
Jack, Floor (4T Walker) - 131,167,208,251
Ladders/Scaffold - 720,852,921,922,1349,1351,1562
Library Ladder - 298,299,302,308,309,316,317,324,340,499,506,557,571,573,598, 602,604,712,759,769,775,789-795,800,802,971,1620,1642,1717,1723,2210,
Lighting, Task - 51,52,242,254,260,264,266,271,331,384,385,665,670,1857,
Lighting, Main - 134,570,590,635,637,712,724,828,1653,1742,1869,1906,2000,2015,2071,2100,2112,2125,2177,
Loading Dock - 745
Main Work Bay - 252,253,254,260,264,266,269,271,283,302,307,316,325,340,497,500,506,510,524,549,556,558,570,590,591,595,616,621,635,637,638,691,717,816,828,843,850,862,890,904,1751,
Manlift - 1539,1547,1574,1626,1630,1634,1638,1677,1685,1690,1770,2022,
Pull Rings - 283,320
Rack, Paint - 1317
Rafters - 2040,2048,2051,2055,2071,2077,2100,2112,2118,2131,2158,2233,2236,2237,2240,
Reels, Hose/Cord - 51,85,108,175,220,228,239,243,296,355,390,469,811,1502,1505,1686,1823,
Refrigerator - 1434
Saws - 370
Siding, Metal Exterior - 1811,1812*,1833
Siding, Tileboard Interior - 28,183,193,266,453,1207
Siding, Vinyl Interior - 3,21,29,38,243,321,353,446,447,448,449,452,455,621,635,637,711,717,816,822,843,850,862,1014*,1873,1948,1949,1994,2131,2148
Sign/Logo (ASYLUM) - 764,778,856,873,874,900,995,999,1003,1015,1026,1027,1028,1034,1253,2125,
Signs, Lighted - 46,112,159,194,858
Sink Nook - 155,369,378,379,382,384,385,389,391,393,394,397,454,483,1854
Stairway - 72,93,167,168,170,179,181,187,188,191,194,384,389,421,451,457,460
Stereos - 191,220,334,384,385,389,621,635,816,2158,2186,
Stool, Office/Shop - 310-314,977
Toolbox - 1352
TV, Retractable Shop – 1033,1038,1039,1051,1053,1064,1082,1086,1088,1092,1095,1114,1116,1130,1144,1145,1154,1161,1165,1184,1185,1199,1200,1218,1232,1236
Vacuum, Dirt Dog - 214,222,226,1425
Vise, Post-Mounted - 665
Water Works (Pump House) - 2005,
Window Nooks - 28,50
Windows - 147,148,157,159,302,307,332,334,343,497,500,524,556-558,
Window, Power Openers - 567,574,575,578,579,585,591,593-595,605-611,615,627,643,691,697,778,784,828,1301
Workbench, Black Widow (Outdoor) - 218
Workbench, Docking - 185,186,187,252

NOTES:
See Reply #2 for links to Videos and other pertinent threads
See Reply #3 for a list of acronyms used in this thread
See Replies 5 and 6 for links to thread page numbers

(End of Index)

Links to ASYLUM Videos
Shop TV System
Shop TV Inner Workings
Power Window System
Jib Crane Demonstration
Swing Up Storage Doors
Front Hoist Demonstration
Library Ladder Demonstration (Camera on carriage)
Library Ladder Demonstration (Viewed from below)

Videos Coming Soon:
- Hidden shop washing machine
- Fan/Spotlight arms and step
- Docking workbench system and locking casters
- Kayak storage
- Jack stand storage nook
- Access to main electrical panel
- Workbench task light (old dental light)
- Exhaust fan control and homemade louvers
- Double-faced Shop Clock (and method of adjustment)
- Wall-mounted drawing board in office
- General views into shop from upstairs office
- Docking Stanley Base Cabinets (also used as temporary work platform)
- Misc equipment around the shop (post mounted vise/drill press)

Links to other related Garage Journal threads:
The ASYLUM - Land Purchase and Initial Construction
When Not Committed to the ASYLUM, You Will Find Me Here (My 2-car city garage)
Inspiration for the ASYLUM - My parents, the DIY maniacs (My parents’ garages)
Low-budget trick for measuring long boards during rough framing
The JIB CRANE is finally up!
Have I done some damage to the wiring?
Aluminum Diamond Plate for Stairway Treads?
Triple High Auto Lift ???
Question for the PLUMBERS out there - Shop Sink/Washer Install
LATHE Owners - Where can I find some inexpensive PARTING TOOL bits?
FOUNDATION WASHOUT - Looking for sheet material to prevent it
Preserving Vinyl Banners – Any suggestions?
DRILL PRESS or LATHE as Temporary MILL? - Your opinions please.
Any suggestions for keeping a hoist chain from rusting badly?
Does anyone want a FREE template for CIRCUIT BREAKER LABELS?
Cheap Battery Charger or Inverter (from parts of a computer UPS unit)
Can certain fluorescent fixtures trip a GFCI circuit?
Buddy gave me something free but now I'm selling it - Split the cash?
You might want to read this if you have a KARCHER pressure washer
Will this front awning look okay on my barn?
Ideas for converting a 12VDC Hydraulic Power Pack to 110VAC?
Question about moving chain hoist on roll-up doors



A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON THE ASYLUM...
Ever since we purchased some lakefront property over 10 years ago, we have wanted to build a large shop/apartment on it to use as a weekend getaway spot. Well, as of 2004, our dreams came true and we signed on the dotted line. In 2005, initial construct was completed and I was able to start my work. This was one month prior to my 40th birthday and I could not think of a better gift. This property is about an hour away from our residence and we are not willing to move that far away from our workplace just yet. Someday, this spot will be the site for our dream home, most likely a log cabin, for us to retire in. The apartment will then become a guest house, meeting place for the car/bike buddies, etc.

Link to the whole story: The ASYLUM - Land Purchase and Initial Construction

THE BASIC STRUCTURE...
A plan view is shown below. The vital statistics are 2200 sq ft under roof, with about 1250 sq ft of shop and 550 sq ft of living space. It is wood post frame construction with metal siding built on a monoslab foundation. Construction took about 6 months and cost about $100K. Initial construction included the finished living space and a drain field septic system. The workshop area, however, was left unfinished. The apartment faces a large lake. It is located far enough from the lake to build the "real" house near the waterfront when the time comes.

EXTRAS INCLUDED DURING CONSTRUCTION...
I had the concrete thickened in the appropriate locations for a future two post lift in the center bay. An exhaust fan and laundry sink were added in the shop. Insulation was added for sound deadening. Plenty of windows were included in the plan, as well as clerestory panels at the roof transition. Four industrial rollup doors were planned with two 10'wide x 12’high doors in the main work area. The other two doors are 8'x8'. I had quite a few electrical circuits added for the large power users in the shop such as the air compressor, vehicle lift, and welder. I had some other circuits added for basic lighting and outlets but I knew I was going to expand on this before the interior walls were finished off. The living area has a full bath, hookups for washer and dryer, and full kitchen cabinetry. A 50gal water heater was included. The apartment is heated and cooled with an in-wall air conditioner. A septic system was also installed but we already had a water well and electric service on the lot for our old travel trailer.

THE PLANNING PROCESS...
I first listed everything that was to be used and stored in this building. This broke down into categories such as woodworking, metalworking, auto repair, painting, etc. For each category, I listed the individual items. For instance, auto repair requires lifts, jack stands, drain pans, and the like. It also requires storage for supplies like motor oil (both new and drain), spare parts, etc. In a spreadsheet, I included more information about each item. Things like whether the tool will be used frequently or not, where it would be stored when not in use, approximate size, bench or floor mounted. I also considered whether or not the item created a lot of mess while in use. I wanted these "messy" tools located close to the doors so I could easily move them outside for operation. The general idea is that everything will be off the floor for easy cleanup. If this isn’t possible, then it must be on wheels. When possible, everything will be enclosed. Ducts with easy access were planned to route electrical wiring and air lines for easy future upgrades. Everything that can be stored in cabinets will be stored in cabinets. Most of the garage reference books suggest keeping workbench area to a minimum since things have a tendency to collect there, items that should be stored after use. They say to build in as much enclosed storage as possible. I am a believer in this theory because it happens to me all the time and I intend this place to be different than my past garages.

Acronyms used in this thread: (w/ reply number)
Some newly defined ones by GJ Members:
LSD - Lakeside Service Dock (#580)
OVLCM - Overhead Ventilation Linear Control Motors (#580)
CPOAFRR - Cow ******* On A Flat Rock Rainstorm (#580)
HIS - Human Interface Subsystem (#782)
ODB2M - On-Demand-Beer-2-Me (#785)
APES - Audio Positioning Electronic Subsystem (#785)
ICBM - Ice Cold Beer Machine (#785)
SWEAT - Shop Window Evolution Activation Test (#833)
OBCS - On-Board Crutch System (#989)
SLSS - Spare Lumber Storage System (#1072)
VAUD - Video Audio Uber Display (#1073)
PEEVED - Portable Extruded Extensible Vertical Excursion Device (#1073)
STUNT - Stumble Towards Unplanned New Trauma (#1073)
WEEPs - Wounded Emergency Extraction Procedures (#1073)
CANDO - Control Automation Nested Device Operators (#1221)
WAM-BAM - Wives And Mothers Berating All Men (#1246)
APADO - Automated Power Assist Door Opener (#1286)
KISS - Keep It Simple Shopnut (#1293)
HP - Hal's Pal (#1324)
AWFUL - Asylum Worthy Fire-Unacceptable Layout (#1324)
WORSE - Water Over Rail Soaking Everything (#1336)
OCD - Overflowingly Creative Details (#1448)
ASIDE - Asylum Snake Interdiction and Deterrent Effort (#1507)
ASCEND - Asylum Storage Cargo Elevating Nice Device (#1508)
PHALLIC - Perched High Asylums Lovely Looney Insane Cupola (#1549)
WHIMSICAL - Wife Hopes I Make Sense In Cupola’s Additional Labor (#1549)
CUPOLA - Cupola’s Ultimate Purpose Overhead Lounge Area (#1552)
JAWIFO - Just Another Wacky Idea From Omphaloskeptic (#1710)
FARTS - Florida Asylum Rapid Transit System (#1726)
WMD - Weapons of Minute Destruction (#1726)
CCCC - Combat Command Control Center (#1726)
ALFIE - Asylum Loft Fence Ingress/Egress (#1761)
DDT - Door Drum Transformation (#1818)
***** - Bug Invasion Thwarting Curtain Housing (#1818)
CRUDE ***** - Controlled Roll-Up Door Electronics (for the) ***** (#1818)
ISBZ - Industrial Strength Bug Zapper (#1825)
AAA - Asylum Atrium Annex (#1840)
AHSP - Asylum Horse Shoe Pit (#1861)
ATAC - Asylum Tactical Air Curtain (#1864)
GJG - Gigundous Juice Generator (#1922)
PAPA - Poke And Prod Attack (#2149)
**** - Always Needing A List (#2246)

Others that some of you may not be familiar with:
PLC - Programmable Logic Controller
SPDT -Single Throw Double Pole (switch)
QCTP - Quick Change Tool Post (for the lathe)

Some interesting names/terms discussed here (I’m sure I missed a bunch):
ArachnAin't (#1428)
Technobvious Pneumamechanielectro (#1428)
Railba (#1498)
Gizmosity (#1517)


COMPLETED PROJECTS (2-28-2006)…
-Floor Coating. You have to finish that floor before you start filling it up. I used Rustoleum Industrial EpoxyShield, which is a solvent-based product.
-Storage Lofts in Side Bay. I left the center section of this bay high for the addition of a 4-post storage lift in the near future. Cord/Hose reels are hidden in the lofts.
-Finishing the Side Bay Ceiling. I used vinyl ceiling material. It has a low cost, simple installation by one person, lifetime warranty, and good looks. Note the recessed fluorescent lighting.
-The Apartment (the weekend getaway). All we had to do was acid stain the floor, install appliances, and move the furniture in.

Looks great. How large is the lake?

I’ve included some links to work in conjunction with the INDEX above making it easy to jump to different thread reply numbers rather than figuring out what page number they are on:
.......21,..41,.61,..81,101,121,141,161,181,
201,221,241,261,281,301,321,341,361,381,
401,421,441,461,481,501,521,541,561,581.
601,621,641,661,681,701,721,741,761,781,
801,821,841,861,881,901,921,941,961,981,
1001,1021,1041,1061,1081,1101,1121,1141,1161,1181,
1201,1221,1241,1261,1281,1301,1321,1341,1361,1381,
1401,1421,1441,1461,1481,1501,1521,1541,1561,1581,
1601,1621,1641,1661,1681,1701,1721,1741,1761,1781,
1801,1821,1841,1861,1881,1901,1921,1941,1961,1981,

(continued in next reply)

CURRENTLY IN THE WORKS…
-Cabinet Installation (12 done, 18 more to go). These are Stanley units. Base cabinets can roll out for easy cleanup. The lathe still needs a permanent base but at least I can move it easy.
-Main Area Ceiling Flag. I made a giant checkered flag with 5’ square blocks. They called me Betsy Ross for months after making it. That pic was taken during the trial fit up. There will be 6 strips covering the entire ceiling. Beams will be painted white and lights will be hung before these banners are installed.
-Scaffolding. I bought a scaffold to reach that 20’ high peak (beats standing on a ladder).

I’ve included some links to work in conjunction with the INDEX above making it easy to jump to different thread reply numbers rather than figuring out what page number they are on:

2001,2021,

(end of page links)

FUTURE SHOP PROJECTS (2-28-2006)…
-Build 30 X 60” rolling workbench that “docks” under main workbench (for projects that require 360 degree access)
-Install jib crane
-Install perimeter hoist system (system salvaged from our old barn; it will have about a 500# capacity and my ladder will normally hang on it serving as a "library ladder" system to reach the high stuff)
-Add asphalt driveway
-Add second story clean room/office/spare bedroom (in main work area above bath/ laundry room)
-Exhaust hood for those smelly jobs (ducted from existing room exhaust fan)
-Install vehicle lifts (4-post in side bay for storage; 2-post in main bay for project cars)

AND WHEN THE SHOP IS FINISHED…
Rebuild my high school (and first) car – the ole ’70 Chevelle! I’m so glad I hung on to it all these years. I had it stored up in Wisconsin for the last 15 years while I was off doing my “career” thing. In Oct ’05 I blew the dust off of it, changed the fluids, and made the trek down to Florida. She didn’t miss a beat! I was proud of her. She now has a new home.

I’LL KEEP YOU POSTED ON THE PROGRESS! Any suggestions?

Mayor said:

Looks great. How large is the lake?

Click to expand...

Large enough to sail on.

Here's an old pic of the lake - that's the wife in her sailboat.

shopnut said:

FUTURE SHOP PROJECTS…
I’LL KEEP YOU POSTED ON THE PROGRESS! Any suggestions?

Click to expand...

Start playing the lottery and hopefully you’ll win so that you can retire and enjoy your magnificent asylum full time rather than just on weekends!

Fantastic Garage Shopnut!!!

What're the dimensions of the slab?

How high is the ceiling in various sections of the garage?

Thanks,
Mike

Those shelves look VERY good. I like the color combination. Great look'n place.

d110pickup said:

Fantastic Garage Shopnut!!!

What're the dimensions of the slab?

How high is the ceiling in various sections of the garage?

Thanks,
Mike

Click to expand...

Slab is 44x50'. The main bay ceiling is 20', side bay is 13' at highest point.

Wow, that's a beautiful garage! Happy 40th also.

WOW! Great looking garage. Almost exactly what I'd like to build

You did a good job on that asylum....keep us posted

I'll give you my standard greeting....


I HATE YOU. <----jealousy showing thru!

That giant flag ideal looks incredible. Very nice work!!!

BEAUTIFUL!!

I'd kill just to be your NEIGHBOR!!

great looking place! I'd like to lease that apartment. It looks like a great getaway.

What kind of finish is on the floor in the apartment, too hard to tell with the sun. Is that stained concrete with a sealer? Thanks!!

Great post/thread. Pics and info are very good. You have done an excelent job with th e place so far, I can only hope that mine will look half as good as that when I get it finished up.
Quick question, do you have more info on the vinal ceiling? What product is it, where did you get it from, and how was it cost wise in comparison to drywall?

sjsfire said:

What kind of finish is on the floor in the apartment, too hard to tell with the sun. Is that stained concrete with a sealer? Thanks!!

Click to expand...

It's acid stained with a clear sealer. Go to www.decosup.com for more details. We did it ourselves and 550sf cost about $200 in materials. Prep is the key just like any floor finish. It actually soaks into the top layer of concrete and changes the gray color. Different mixes of acid will achieve different colors. I might consider it for a shop floor with a durable clear epoxy finish. Neat stuff!

Edit - 08/24/09:

To answer someone's question, I'm giving a bit more detail about the apartment acid staining process. To finish our 550 sq ft, we purchased 3 gallons of stain and 2 kits of clear epoxy (also 3 gallons total). Cost in 2005 was $135 for the stain and $90 for the clear epoxy. Shipping was a reasonable $28 for the heavy package. If I had been buying more, I probably would have tried to find it locally, but we simply called their headquarters in Miami and the products arrived in a couple days.

The exact stain we used was their ChemTone product in Saddle color and we applied it with a weed sprayer. Once dry, we mopped/neutralized the floor 3 times and it seemed to completely wipe the concrete clean so we thought we were ready for clear coat. We then used their DecoPoxy to clear coat the raw stained concrete. It looked awesome and the shine was mirror-like. Unfortunately, we found out the hard way that "residue" from the acid-staining process referred to on all the concrete staining forums is actually a quite thick crusty layer and takes some effort to remove, more than simply mopping. The clear coat had not bonded to the concrete but actually the residue layer. We ended up scraping it all off and starting over with the clear coat (luckily the acid stain was durable enough to survive the scraping). Rather than mail-ordering more DecoPoxy, we decided to find something local, and HC #23 (found at the home improvement stores) worked out nicely, though not quite as smooth as the DecoSup product. Our big mistake in this learning process was not using a floor machine with an abrasive pad and we paid the price in time and materials.

The Bottom Line:
After four years, the floor is holding up very well and looks the same as the day we finished it. I recommend it to anyone, following the correct procedures, of course. It seems the acid staining process has grown in popularity and if you do a google search on "concrete acid stain", you will find alternate suppliers and tons of information.

Some Additional Info:

Here is a link to the spec sheets:
http://www.decosup.com/techdata.html
PLEASE NOTE: The ChemTone date sheet will show that coverage is 150-200sq ft per gallon and that 2 coats are required. Well, the coverage stated is assuming 2 coats are being applied so don't buy too much acid. 3 gallons coated our 550sq ft with about a cup to spare.

And a link to their distributors:
http://www.decosup.com/distributors/distributors.html

ddjjeep said:

Quick question, do you have more info on the vinal ceiling? What product is it, where did you get it from, and how was it cost wise in comparison to drywall?

Click to expand...

The vinyl is actually roofing soffit material made by Georgia Pacific and it is available from Lowes or Home Depot in single 1'x12' sections ($9) or a box of 16 sections for $130. I chose the solid (non-vented) type that has a smooth surface (not woodgrain). They call it T4 (Triple 4") since each panel looks like 3 boards. The J-channel trim pieces go for $5 each. It was extremely easy to install by myself. With trim, a 12x12 area runs about $164 or $1.14/sf (assuming no waste). I don't know the cost of drywall, but I knew I didn't want to deal with the mess.

Go here to learn more (Bluelinx bought out Georgia Pacific lately)
Vinyl Siding Info

great idea, I like the looks. thanks.

Looks GREAT! I like the acid stain, I'm thinking about that for use in my house and I will check out your link! Looks like now all you need is another H1.. or maby an H2?? I had 3 (h1) of them at one time and now I'm down to one. Soon to be none :-( too many projects....

William....

I like the ceiling treatment. Very original!

Ever thought of backlighting the fabric?

Hamptons said:

I like the ceiling treatment. Very original!

Ever thought of backlighting the fabric?

Click to expand...

I have a bunch of ropelight to highlight the main beams and shine on the front face of the fabric, but I didn't think about backlighting it. That's worth a try. Thanks!

That's just to cool a shop

Now that's an asylum I'd like to be commited to any day!

Nice work, and happy 40th!

HERE'S AN IDEA FOR YOU...

Lowes has masonite pegboard (like the old brown stuff) and tile board that's coated to look like brushed aluminum. Certainly, it's not exactly like aluminum but it's not bad.

The 4x8 sheets of pegboard are 3/16" thick and cost $26.93 (Lowe's p/n 211606)
The 4x8 sheets of simulated 4" tile are 1/8" and cost $21.47 (Lowe's p/n 211662)

I used the tile board around the lower 2' perimeter of my shop. First, I tested a piece in a bucket of water for a week and noticed very little distortion and when it dried out, it looked almost like new again. It will certainly stand up to an occasional splash of water on the coated surface side.

I know guys that use replaceable masonite on top of their metal workbenches. Perhaps this tile board would give it a "classy" look and still be inexpensive to replace every so often.

The attached pictures show the tile board. Window blinds are brushed aluminum and workbench is stainless. I bought some of the pegboard too but have not used it anywhere, so sorry - no pics yet.

I got some more of the vinyl installed today. The storage lofts are essentially done with the exception of building the sliding doors. I hung some banners up in front to cover the openings.

[Edit]
One added benefit of this vinyl material is that the spiders don't seem to like it. After 2 years, I can't remember seeing any cobwebs. The webs are everywhere else but the vinyl seems to be deterring them!

you certainly get the "Frank LLoyd Wright" award for shop architecture!

I'll repeat myself, just beautiful!

Some Thoughts

ShopKing

I have looked at this thread at least five times.
After careful scrutiny of all your photos and comments about your future plans, these are my comments:

Floor Plan: I would have .. .. .. no, - you did that.

Concrete Pour: it is a great concept. To make it better, I think that … ah, let me see … … um, you already did that, too.

Lift: it would have been a perfect job if only, er … … ya, I see now. That’s in the future plans section.

Lighting: when you plan your lighting coverage, you can trip yourself up unless


..............................................................................................Yeah. Natural light, too.

Electrical: with a shop of your dimensions, you really can't have enough -- that's in the Future Plans section already.

Ventilation: You see, ShopKing, when putting up a structure like yours in Florida a prudent plan would have considered ,,,,,,, planning something on this scale, you gotta be sure to ,,,,,,,,, OK, well, nice job there.

Storage: since this is going to be a retirement retreat, your projects are gonna be involved and you’ll need more storage space for -- -- 30 you say. OK, that should do it.

Mobile Workbench: I will bet that if you built a nice mobile workben…… Never Mind.

Decoration: Some nice posters - - - - ooooooh, that big, uh? Five by Five foot squares – gees.

Ease of Cleaning: When working on your 70’s muscle car nothing beats coming in first thing in the morning to a nice clean shop. ……………………….. slash shields already installed …………………… on an epoxy floor, I see. Ah, yup.

Changing Light Bulbs: AH HAAaaa!!! A ladder is so dangerous aaaah oooooooh -- -- a 20 footer you say. I’ll be dipped.

Naming: something cleaver but not to celestial. Hasta have two meanings. The Asylum!! There – that’s perfect. I knew I'd come up with something.














In all seriousness, about the only two things I can think of is cooling during the summer and – since you are an hour away – some consideration to security. Not that an alarm would do you any good, but it sure would scare the begeesus outa any sh!thead trying to get your place.

Magnificent, ShopKing, simply M-A-G-N-I-F-I-C-E-N-T.

Craig

Magnificent, ShopKing, simply M-A-G-N-I-F-I-C-E-N-T.

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I think you mean "shopnut".

Spencer Was Here said:

I think you mean "shopnut".

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After all Craig's comments, I'll let it slide.

WOW!



Dan (who is too speechless to say more)

Where did you get the stanley cabinets from?

Would that vinyl be able to support blown in insulation in the ceiling ?

Shark49 said:

Where did you get the stanley cabinets from?

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The cabinets were purchased through ebay from Stanley. It think it was some kind of liquidation and they auctioned them for at least 6 months. On the average, I probably paid around $40 each and shipping was extremely reasonable at about $5/cabinet. They must have sold out because I haven't seen any auctions lately. I guess I'm glad I bought as many as I initially did.

Home Depot still sells them online and the new version is on display at my local stores. Silver color is the only color I've seen at HD, however.

Why did I choose these? Price. Corrosion resistance. Modularity. Looks. Easy assembly. So far, they are working out great. They even have built in pegboard on the sides and back face of the doors. And if I want a facelift someday, I only have to take off the doors and paint them. I searched the alternatives for months, and for the value, I couldn't beat it.

Stanley Cabinet Website
Home Depot Page

cork said:

Would that vinyl be able to support blown in insulation in the ceiling ?

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I would be a bit leary about this. I had 24" spacing on my rafters (purlins) and that was the mfrs max recommended distance for spacing on the vinyl. Perhaps if you have less, the extra weight of the insulation would be okay. Keep in mind this is very thin plastic material that wasn't designed to do much more than support itself. My insulation was in sheet form and it was sandwiched between the framing and the outer metal skin.

Beautiful garage! I'm currently in the planning stage for my garage. You have a lot of great ideas. What is the spacing of the support posts?

cork said:

Would that vinyl be able to support blown in insulation in the ceiling ?

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is the vinyl up to fire code ???? for a ceiling

. I would of used metal on it ,and be very careful of the flag looks great but a couple of sparks ......

garage does look great nice job