1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Bob, they do look neat.
What are you cutting the foam with?
What are you cutting the foam with?
2 Sluggo's Garage
- Thread starter rmalkow2
- Start date
Bob, they do look neat.
What are you cutting the foam with?
I'm using a little all around utility knife that my dad made many years ago. Not sure what he used for the steel but it could be either an old hand file or some other tool steel he brought home from the shop he worked at. He was into wood carving of birds, animals and some other objects and made many of his own knives, gouges and other carving tools.
It works well but I do have to run it across a stone periodically as this foam is flexible but really tough stuff and will dull the blade.
I trace the shape with a sharpie marker then cut the outline of the tool along the inside of the sharpie line for a tight fit. Then start at one end of the cut outline and sort of filet the piece out of the foam block a little cut at a time.
Attachments
jon72vega
Well-known member
Bob,More toolbox organization…
I'm starting to really like the whole foam drawer liner idea. Previously I did this for some drawers in my house garage too box. Now I'm realizing that my main box in the barn also needs organization badly. While working on my buddy's car a couple weeks ago we were digging all around for the right sockets and ratchets etc. Simply because my tool drawers were a mess in there. So I have lots of foam left and am really starting to enjoy this neat look and layout.
This weekends project was layout and cutting foam for one drawer that will hold ratchets, breaker bars, and various extensions. After many years of just tossing tools loose in a drawer I'm a bit surprised this is so attractive to me but maybe old dogs can learn a new trick or two.
Given the winter like weather I'm still "enjoying" here it's a nice job to do at the kitchen table too.
That looks GREAT!
xtremek
Well-known member
Don't you just love how those unexpected "plans" get in the way of our lives.
Electrical work with a snow shovel….
Well to be more accurate, electrical work preparation with a snow shovel. If we ever have Spring come to Michigan I'm anxious to get the final electrical work done on my new barn. I had to put that off last fall when winter came and we ran out of time. And we've got lots of snow lately with cold temps around the freezing mark hanging on. Maybe daytime it gets into the 30's F and left over snow gets soft then at night it goes down to 20F and freezes solid.
So I had 2 foot of frozen snow/ice piled up along the barn side and right where I need the electrical service to enter the building. And I need to move that gas pump so the electricians can work there.
Finally today we got high temp at 47F and tomorrow predicted in the 50's so todays task was to chop and shovel out the most of the snow and ice to let some warm air get to the last couple inches and melt it quicker. Unfortunately that side of the building does not get late afternoon direct sun but hopefully this will get it melted faster and maybe I can schedule the electricians soon.
I'm pretty tired of just running minimal power from a long extension cord and eager for full power in the barn.
Well to be more accurate, electrical work preparation with a snow shovel. If we ever have Spring come to Michigan I'm anxious to get the final electrical work done on my new barn. I had to put that off last fall when winter came and we ran out of time. And we've got lots of snow lately with cold temps around the freezing mark hanging on. Maybe daytime it gets into the 30's F and left over snow gets soft then at night it goes down to 20F and freezes solid.
So I had 2 foot of frozen snow/ice piled up along the barn side and right where I need the electrical service to enter the building. And I need to move that gas pump so the electricians can work there.
Finally today we got high temp at 47F and tomorrow predicted in the 50's so todays task was to chop and shovel out the most of the snow and ice to let some warm air get to the last couple inches and melt it quicker. Unfortunately that side of the building does not get late afternoon direct sun but hopefully this will get it melted faster and maybe I can schedule the electricians soon.
I'm pretty tired of just running minimal power from a long extension cord and eager for full power in the barn.
Attachments
jon72vega
Well-known member
Bob,Electrical work with a snow shovel….
Well to be more accurate, electrical work preparation with a snow shovel. If we ever have Spring come to Michigan I'm anxious to get the final electrical work done on my new barn. I had to put that off last fall when winter came and we ran out of time. And we've got lots of snow lately with cold temps around the freezing mark hanging on. Maybe daytime it gets into the 30's F and left over snow gets soft then at night it goes down to 20F and freezes solid.
So I had 2 foot of frozen snow/ice piled up along the barn side and right where I need the electrical service to enter the building. And I need to move that gas pump so the electricians can work there.
Finally today we got high temp at 47F and tomorrow predicted in the 50's so todays task was to chop and shovel out the most of the snow and ice to let some warm air get to the last couple inches and melt it quicker. Unfortunately that side of the building does not get late afternoon direct sun but hopefully this will get it melted faster and maybe I can schedule the electricians soon.
I'm pretty tired of just running minimal power from a long extension cord and eager for full power in the barn.
Thats a nice gas pump!
Wow..... you still have that much snow?
xtremek
Well-known member
They got quite a bit more snow the last couple of times, than I did.
xtremek
Well-known member
It made the commute in FUN. Warren, where I work, only saw about 4" and St Johns only got about an 1", but driving through Livingston was a PAIN. Better you than I.
Robey5
Well-known member
Up here in Ortonville, the snow will not go away. ... I would say that "I feel your pain" but, I enjoy winter sports --- those transitional seasons are the brutal ones for me.
xtremek
Well-known member
Holy Cow!
You make the drive from St.Johns to Warren every day for work? I thought going from Brighton to Dearborn was bad. I definitely do not envy you that commute.
But it is an easy commute. Something like 5 turns and I'm on the GM campus. And I leave early enough that traffic is usually light. It's just the boring drive through the middle of nowhere that's bad. It could be worse, we could live in DC, Atlanta, or LA where it takes 2 hours to drive 20 miles.
Roughly where do you live in Hooterville? My wife and I grew up there, and we both still have family there. Her brother lives on Groveland and my parents live on Thayer.
The only winter sports I get involved in are driving in it, shoveling it or snow blower olympics.
Melt snow melt!
Preach that brother. Though I think if I get my **** in gear this year, I may try to mow a X-country trail around the property
But it is an easy commute. Something like 5 turns and I'm on the GM campus. And I leave early enough that traffic is usually light. It's just the boring drive through the middle of nowhere that's bad. It could be worse, we could live in DC, Atlanta, or LA where it takes 2 hours to drive 20 miles.
Sometimes it takes me 1.5 or 2 hours to get back home from Dearborn. But I'm always traveling during the evening rush.
Roughly where do you live in Hooterville? My wife and I grew up there, and we both still have family there. Her brother lives on Groveland and my parents live on Thayer.
I live near Kensington Park, I-96 at Kensington Rd area.
Preach that brother. Though I think if I get my **** in gear this year, I may try to mow a X-country trail around the property
That's sounds pretty cool. I wish I had enough land to create a trail to ride the ATV or dirt bike on.
Saturday's project was to get my house garage cleaned out and back in better order as well as get my Mustang road ready. It barely gets above 40 degrees here for the last few weeks but most days have been sunny so that helps a little. Still lots of remnants of snow and ice in the shady parts of the yard that have not melted.
So the Mustang got another battery charge, all the tires checked for correct pressure and pulled out of the garage. Much to my surprise I discovered that my garden hose was actually thawed out so I was able to hook up the pressure washer and give five different vehicles a rinse. Yes it's been cold here but also very dry lately and living on a gravel road means that passing cars have just kicked up a lot of dust. My cars get covered in it and all look brown. So I froze in the process but was able to wash off everything and also clean up a surplus steel storage rack I had bought at auction. Nice to be able to run the outside water and accomplish something. Garage is swept out and I can start driving the Mustang daily as weather permits to get a little earlier start on the season.
GEE, I think I need another car in the driveway!
Other good news is that I'm scheduled for my electrical service install on April 11th. Probably take 2-3 days total but I'm just relieved to have a date on the calendar finally. Got Miss Dig scheduled for this week to mark off the utilities around the area we will be trenching. It will be nice to have full power in the barn finally to actually run a compressor or welder.
So the Mustang got another battery charge, all the tires checked for correct pressure and pulled out of the garage. Much to my surprise I discovered that my garden hose was actually thawed out so I was able to hook up the pressure washer and give five different vehicles a rinse. Yes it's been cold here but also very dry lately and living on a gravel road means that passing cars have just kicked up a lot of dust. My cars get covered in it and all look brown. So I froze in the process but was able to wash off everything and also clean up a surplus steel storage rack I had bought at auction. Nice to be able to run the outside water and accomplish something. Garage is swept out and I can start driving the Mustang daily as weather permits to get a little earlier start on the season.
GEE, I think I need another car in the driveway!
Other good news is that I'm scheduled for my electrical service install on April 11th. Probably take 2-3 days total but I'm just relieved to have a date on the calendar finally. Got Miss Dig scheduled for this week to mark off the utilities around the area we will be trenching. It will be nice to have full power in the barn finally to actually run a compressor or welder.
Attachments
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Bob, it looks like you do need another shed.
All the best with your electricals
Regards
All the best with your electricals
Regards
Pretty good and productive holiday weekend so far around my place. Luckily I had Friday off and today (Monday) as well so I'm enjoying a nice long break from the usual at work.
I got a great surprise early last week when my electrician wrote and let me know they could start may barn wiring job 2 weeks early.
They came Friday and got the trench dug, ran all the pipe with pull string, installed the 100 amp sub panel in the barn and made the conduit connections through both the house walls and the barn. I also had then run a second pipe with CAT 5 cable in it for future communications use. Better to do it now than have to dig all over a gain someday.
They will be back today to try and finish the wiring and interior circuits inside the barn itself. I'm hoping to have power by the end of the day today.
While they were busy on Friday I got some work done as well. I had recently bought a set of take off wheels and tires for my Expedition to use for the summer. The original tires are good but have a very blocky tread that was great in the snow but too noisy on the dry roads. I wanted something with more of a car type tread pattern to ride smooth and quiet. Got all those changed over and checked out the condition of brake pads on all four corners while the wheels were off.
Old Original Wheels:
New Summer Wheels/Tires:
I also assembled an engine cradle that recently was delivered. Yet another step in my quest to have almost everything in the shop on caster wheels so it can be easily moved when necessary. This kit fits small block Ford and I also ordered one that fits a Flathead Ford that I will have to add my one casters to.
It was good to check off some projects during the day. Also some other minor vehicle maintenance got accomplished so I could look back and call the day productive.
After a couple weekend days off doing family and Easter stuff I hope to check off multiples from the To-Do list today as well.
I got a great surprise early last week when my electrician wrote and let me know they could start may barn wiring job 2 weeks early.
They came Friday and got the trench dug, ran all the pipe with pull string, installed the 100 amp sub panel in the barn and made the conduit connections through both the house walls and the barn. I also had then run a second pipe with CAT 5 cable in it for future communications use. Better to do it now than have to dig all over a gain someday.
They will be back today to try and finish the wiring and interior circuits inside the barn itself. I'm hoping to have power by the end of the day today.
While they were busy on Friday I got some work done as well. I had recently bought a set of take off wheels and tires for my Expedition to use for the summer. The original tires are good but have a very blocky tread that was great in the snow but too noisy on the dry roads. I wanted something with more of a car type tread pattern to ride smooth and quiet. Got all those changed over and checked out the condition of brake pads on all four corners while the wheels were off.
Old Original Wheels:
New Summer Wheels/Tires:
I also assembled an engine cradle that recently was delivered. Yet another step in my quest to have almost everything in the shop on caster wheels so it can be easily moved when necessary. This kit fits small block Ford and I also ordered one that fits a Flathead Ford that I will have to add my one casters to.
It was good to check off some projects during the day. Also some other minor vehicle maintenance got accomplished so I could look back and call the day productive.
After a couple weekend days off doing family and Easter stuff I hope to check off multiples from the To-Do list today as well.
Attachments
jon72vega
Well-known member
Bob,Pretty good and productive holiday weekend so far around my place. Luckily I had Friday off and today (Monday) as well so I'm enjoying a nice long break from the usual at work.
I got a great surprise early last week when my electrician wrote and let me know they could start may barn wiring job 2 weeks early.
They came Friday and got the trench dug, ran all the pipe with pull string, installed the 100 amp sub panel in the barn and made the conduit connections through both the house walls and the barn. I also had then run a second pipe with CAT 5 cable in it for future communications use. Better to do it now than have to dig all over a gain someday.
They will be back today to try and finish the wiring and interior circuits inside the barn itself. I'm hoping to have power by the end of the day today.
While they were busy on Friday I got some work done as well. I had recently bought a set of take off wheels and tires for my Expedition to use for the summer. The original tires are good but have a very blocky tread that was great in the snow but too noisy on the dry roads. I wanted something with more of a car type tread pattern to ride smooth and quiet. Got all those changed over and checked out the condition of brake pads on all four corners while the wheels were off.
Old Original Wheels:
New Summer Wheels/Tires:
I also assembled an engine cradle that recently was delivered. Yet another step in my quest to have almost everything in the shop on caster wheels so it can be easily moved when necessary. This kit fits small block Ford and I also ordered one that fits a Flathead Ford that I will have to add my one casters to.
It was good to check off some projects during the day. Also some other minor vehicle maintenance got accomplished so I could look back and call the day productive.
After a couple weekend days off doing family and Easter stuff I hope to check off multiples from the To-Do list today as well.
Good progress!
I had the same days off myself, but I didn't get near as much accomplished.
Thanks Jon. Today as another good day for the electricians. I now have all my lights working and real power to the barn. Took down all my rinky dink extension cord setup and it feels good to do a simple thing like flipping the light switch. Tomorrow they finish running the 220V circuit for my welder and it will be done.
Bob
Bob
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Bob, well done in ticking off the To Do List.
Smart move running the extra conduit..
Smart move running the extra conduit..
xtremek
Well-known member
So can we blame this statement for the white stuff we got/are going to get? I think so.
So can we blame this statement for the white stuff we got/are going to get? I think so.
Sure why not. I’m so disgusted with this weather I’ll take the blame. I put all snow removal equipment away too. If I can’t get out the driveway using 4wd then I’m staying home.
I just want it to warm up a little. Is that too much to ask?
xtremek
Well-known member
You sound just like my wife. She's got her sprouts ready to set out in the garden
So nice to have permanent power, an actual breaker panel, light switch at the door for all the lights and finally getting all 6 overhead LED lights hung and working. I have a few more to gradually add for certain areas but these six lights do a great job of lighting up the whole space and pretty evenly.
Now some organization of the space can start in earnest. Today I spent some time cleaning up after the electricians, basically sweeping up the floor and arranging a few tool items for better access and future use. More to come.
Now some organization of the space can start in earnest. Today I spent some time cleaning up after the electricians, basically sweeping up the floor and arranging a few tool items for better access and future use. More to come.
Attachments
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Bob, well done, it sure beats running an extension lead..
taumac
Well-known member
That’s great. One step closer.
xtremek
Well-known member
I'm ready to drop off some stuff for storage, since you have so much room now. It's coming together, congrats.
It's coming together, congrats.I'm ready to drop off some stuff for storage, since you have so much room now.
I appreciate the offer of gifts for my barn but don't bring them over just yet. It's getting pretty full already and I'm still out there spending money.
You know the law of nature that says, "Stuff accumulates to fill the available space".
Strouty
Well-known member
The LEDs look great, I bet you can see so much better. I can’t remember a time when an electrician or plumber has ever told me they could start or finish anything early or cheaper than originally planned, so I would consider that a win!
I'm really happy with my latest Craigslist find. I've been looking for a deal on one of these old SUN test stations for quite awhile and this one popped up a few weeks ago near me. Actually I only had to go 5 miles to pick it up tonight. It was just part of an estate that was being sold and it was listed as a separate item. Surprisingly no one else ever bought it and I was able to make a reduced offer and get it. Even though I'll likely never use the gauges again I'm sure they could work. The bottom cabinet will serve as usable storage for garage supplies but mostly this will just be a cool vintage display piece.
The goal will be to clean, polish and try to save as much of the original paint as possible.
The goal will be to clean, polish and try to save as much of the original paint as possible.
Attachments
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Bob, that's one real nice score.
Looking forward to seeing how it comes up..
Looking forward to seeing how it comes up..
jon72vega
Well-known member
Bob,I'm really happy with my latest Craigslist find. I've been looking for a deal on one of these old SUN test stations for quite awhile and this one popped up a few weeks ago near me. Actually I only had to go 5 miles to pick it up tonight. It was just part of an estate that was being sold and it was listed as a separate item. Surprisingly no one else ever bought it and I was able to make a reduced offer and get it. Even though I'll likely never use the gauges again I'm sure they could work. The bottom cabinet will serve as usable storage for garage supplies but mostly this will just be a cool vintage display piece.
The goal will be to clean, polish and try to save as much of the original paint as possible.
Nice find!
xtremek
Well-known member
Nice score on the old Sun tester. I've used a couple of them back in the day. Very cool. And since you took the blame for the snow the last time, I guess I have to take the blame this time
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Bob, great score on the Sun tester. Nice to see you filling up the available space with worthwhile "Stuff."You know the law of nature that says, "Stuff accumulates to fill the available space".