Between 485 & 705 SQ/FT A Garage Rehabbed

[drivesitfar]

BRENT: I'm getting ready for Thanksgiving so i'll check out all the structural stuff as soon as i can and good to hear you already addressed what i was concerned about.

those little nuts and bolt cabinets are getting harder to find so not surprised yours sold quick. i have a guy driving 2 hours today to pick one up from me as i move things into bigger cabinets.

how much do you leave your garage door open when firing up your kerosene heater? I've got a few of them and they work great, but i've always left the door open a few feet. not sure if i need to open more or at all so do tell if you know some facts.

i don't want to be one of those DARWIN AWARD winners that died trying to get a little warmer like the people do that fire up generators inside there house when the power goes out.

cheers and hope you have a great Thanksgiving.

also the garage/shop is looking great.

 

[bdbecker]

...But, back to the kerosene… I thought I was past using that stuff. I had planned on putting in a mini split but I blew this budget all to hell so that has to wait until next year...

Hey, do what works, right?

I bought a kerosene heater for my garage last winter (it also serves as backup heat for the house when the power goes out). I hadn't been around one in years, but as soon as I fired it up and got a wiff of that classic kerosene smell, so many memories of my childhood came flooding back. I suppose even when I do get a permanent heat source in the garage I'll have to fire it up every now and then for a functionality test/trip down memory lane.

 

[-Brent-]

BRENT:...

how much do you leave your garage door open when firing up your kerosene heater? I've got a few of them and they work great, but i've always left the door open a few feet. not sure if i need to open more or at all so do tell if you know some facts.

...

cheers and hope you have a great Thanksgiving.

also the garage/shop is looking great.

Thanks, Drives, and the same to you and yours!

I won't open the garage door but I will open the window.

Hey, do what works, right?

I bought a kerosene heater for my garage last winter (it also serves as backup heat for the house when the power goes out). I hadn't been around one in years, but as soon as I fired it up and got a wiff of that classic kerosene smell, so many memories of my childhood came flooding back. I suppose even when I do get a permanent heat source in the garage I'll have to fire it up every now and then for a functionality test/trip down memory lane.

Yep, you are completely right.

I supposed I had a little of that nostalgia, too. For me, the smell that really brings me back is two-stroke exhaust and the smell of metal work. Even the smell of sawdust is one that brings me back.

 

[-Brent-]

I was going through photos, this morning, and I came across this. A couple months ago I found this at a military surplus store for $3. What had me sold, instantly, is how thin this thing is when it's folded. Every folding chair should be this way, no?



It was the only one or I would have grabbed two. It hides away so well that I haven't even used it, yet. I keep forgetting.

 

[Redboy]

That chair's awesome...

 

[Napa Skip]

Chair, Folding, Steel, Class 1, Mk 1 Mod 0, standard gray finish, manufactured IAW GSA-FSS CID A-A-3083 (previously AA-C-291G), tested IAW ANSI/BIFMA X5.1-1993.

 

[mbryson]

Thanks, Bret. The more I get rid of, the more I find it easier to evaluate and move on the next thing. My buddy Bryson has reaped the benefit of a few items. One thing I have been on the fence getting rid of is my press. I hardly use it. I know it's one of those things, though, that when you need it, nothing else will do. I may see if one of my buddies wants to keep it in their larger shops or barns and that way it's still available, if need be.

I like where the shop is headed, too. Thanks for sticking with me and seeing my vision. I am really looking forward to a simple, workable space that has some soul.

I know a Bryson that's into Sami's.

That chair's awesome...

Chair is pretty slick. Like it!


When you're done with this garage project, you can head slightly north and help with a suburban garage.


Dig the Suga' Hood hot rod

 

[-Brent-]

When you're done with this garage project, you can head slightly north and help with a suburban garage.

Hey Marc! I'd have no problems helping but I have a feeling that your shop is probably already pretty cool seeing the projects you have.

That chair's awesome...

Seriously! They should all be this thin. It's not chintzy, either.

 

[-Brent-]

I've been at it all day but not a whole lot of pics to show what I've done.

On today's list was to finish the blocking (including blocking for the garage door rail mount), get the conduit and box up for the mini split, seal up around the attic door and a couple areas at the end of the beam above the garage door with spray foam, get some insulation up, and put labels on my hardware storage.

I managed to get most of that done. The moment after I finished the blocking I started taking real measurements in a couple areas I was thinking may be problem areas the way the sheets will lay out. After I did, it became immediately clear that I'm going to run it the way it the normal way, across the joists. :eye crazy: There's one area that the last sheet would have to be trimmed so narrow that it would probably look bad. I knew somewhere in the back of my head there could be a layout issue near the attic door and the tape confirmed it. Oh well, the blocking makes for one hell of a solid floor.

Since the joists are 12" OC I had to cut all the insulation. There's an easy, quick way to do it that I've been doing since I was 16. I don't know where I learned it but I sure didn't come up with it.




If you cut all the way around it makes it simple rather than trying to hold it and saw through just one side. Takes 30 seconds or less and it's a uniform cut.



The labels weren't as fast. Holy hell, I was planning on getting a manual label maker like they used back in the day. But, after making a thread and talking about it a bit I figured I would use a conventional printer label maker. My work actually had one so I borrowed it for the long weekend. Some of the drawers are used but not labeled because I feel like the stuff that's in them may be temporary if I don't use the contents. I don't want to warehouse random odds and ends anymore. Other non-labeled drawers are empty and it's nice to not have so much stuff that I'm overflowing. That's been the plan and so far, so good.



As far as the heat goes, I got a heater just in time. I went out there late this morning and it was in the mid-thirties. In 45 minutes it was about 60* and little after an hour it was nearly 70*. The fuel consumption will **** on days that it's got to stay on longer. I either need to find a kerosene dealer or I'm going to diesel. It can burn either but, from experience, I know it'll smell a bit more with diesel.


I had a visitor, today, which was great. He had enough of black Friday shopping with my wife and her family. His little sister stayed the course from store to store but he wasn't having it, he just wanted to chill. But, since dad was in the shop, that's where we hung out. He made labels, banged some wood, made some noise, you know - all the stuff that keeps a 4 year old's mind busy.

 

[rmmiller]

There are still items that can be potentially removed; my press, for one. I’ve only used it a few times in the last couple years. I could move it to storage, where it could sit and wait another year before being used or I could sell it and figure out how to get the need met when it arises. Or, I could keep it in the shop, outfit it to be able to bend steel and use it. It’s a tough choice, which is why it’s still in the shop. Still, I’m eyeing that space.

And, now, I should probably stop boring you, that is if you’re still with me. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Hell, I’d love for you walk around your own shop and calculate how much space you have that’s wasted. Hopefully you’re not above 20% like I was.

Challenge accepted! My garage space is just shy of 1,100 square feet. At the moment I have right about 140 square feet being taken up by my bench, compressor, welder, press, engines and of course household items like the HVAC, freezer, refrigerator and recycle bins (attached garage). It's a bit messy at the moment but easily navigated.

Currently the garage holds our daily drivers, a 67 Firebird, 71 Maverick Grabber, motorcycle and some of a 25 T Runabout. I also have attic space where I have most of the pieces pulled off the Maverick stored as well as a 12 x 12 shed where I keep my engine hoist and some of the other large, seldom used tools. I was considering adding casters to my press so I can roll it out there too.

So I have a question about the Model T if you're inclined to speculate. I mentioned having a 25, as best I can tell any way, what are the odds of marrying that to the 26/27 back half? I prefer the look better and since I just have the main body I was thinking I could try it. I picked it up to go with the flat head I grabbed in the spring. I always wanted a hot rod and at the moment I'm into the whole mess for $200 so worst case I have garage art!



Had a laugh when I stuck the body sides behind the doors for the Maverick, the passenger compartment for the T is shorter than the doors!



Had to edit, pictures didn't stick!

 

[bj383ss]

Good progress Brent. It's good that you have some empty drawers to grow into. The little one looks like he is in the moment. My 7 year old does the same thing. He loves hitting stuff with the hammer.

Bret

 

[drivesitfar]

Brent: i hear things like NOT WAREHOUSING stuff and I'm hoping to get there myself. no reason for me to pay storage on items i'll probably never use. that said more than once i've got rid of something and then needed it for some project so pick and choose and store some stuff for maybe a bit longer.

love seeing the kids in the garage and as i'm typing i see the scar i made on my index finger when cutting a board with a hand saw when i was 5. sure he might need a bandaid here and there, but it will help him not be afraid to try things out and just keep a good eye on him since you have a lot better tools than my dad had.

cheers and keep up the great work and progress.

i also loved the little boards you had to help put up the OSB on the upper wall.

 

[Luther Grimace]

Great garage build thread!

 

[-Brent-]

So I have a question about the Model T if you're inclined to speculate. I mentioned having a 25, as best I can tell any way, what are the odds of marrying that to the 26/27 back half? I prefer the look better and since I just have the main body I was thinking I could try it. I picked it up to go with the flat head I grabbed in the spring. I always wanted a hot rod and at the moment I'm into the whole mess for $200 so worst case I have garage art!



Had a laugh when I stuck the body sides behind the doors for the Maverick, the passenger compartment for the T is shorter than the doors!



Had to edit, pictures didn't stick!

First, it is pretty crazy how much the auto industry advanced in the time between the T and Maverick, isn't it?

AS far as putting a 26/27 deck lid behind an earlier T, I haven't ever seen it done that way. I have seen the reverse, though, of putting an earlier deck lid behind a 26/27 roadster. If you have the 26/27 stuff, I'd sell it and buy the earlier stuff which is A LOT cheaper. The 26/27 original deck lids, alone, go for a pretty penny. I've seen lids sell for nearly a thousand dollars. Hell, that's what I have in my aftermarket one, getting it to fit.

Great garage build thread!

Thanks for following along. I appreciate it.

 

[-Brent-]

Good progress Brent. It's good that you have some empty drawers to grow into. The little one looks like he is in the moment. My 7 year old does the same thing. He loves hitting stuff with the hammer.

Bret

Thanks, Bret. He's a good boy. This is really one of the first times I could have him in the shop to mess around. He and his sister have been in here only a few times, in total, which is really another reason why getting my act together was so important. I want this to be a space that's safe and open where they can do projects of their own. Just having the space for him to mess around was a big recharge to my batteries. I feel like this project is consuming me (at the moment) but there will be a huge payoff.

Brent: i hear things like NOT WAREHOUSING stuff and I'm hoping to get there myself. no reason for me to pay storage on items i'll probably never use. that said more than once i've got rid of something and then needed it for some project so pick and choose and store some stuff for maybe a bit longer.

love seeing the kids in the garage and as i'm typing i see the scar i made on my index finger when cutting a board with a hand saw when i was 5. sure he might need a bandaid here and there, but it will help him not be afraid to try things out and just keep a good eye on him since you have a lot better tools than my dad had.

cheers and keep up the great work and progress.

i also loved the little boards you had to help put up the OSB on the upper wall.

Thanks, Drives. Not warehousing parts, hardware, etc., is a milestone for this space and for my behavior. I used to buy, sell, and trade a lot of early Ford parts and if they stuck around a year without a use (or being used) they were sold. Unfortunately, as the landscape of the market changed things stuck around a bit more. It's hard to sell early T stuff when the people that were buying them were passing away (and your getting calls to buy their stuff, as well).

The buying and selling helped pay for most of what I have, along with some resourcefulness.

When the shop is done, I cannot get comfortable. Really, that's just step one. I HAVE to get these car projects done. When they're finished I'll really have some space and freedom.

AS far as my little guy, he's a pretty good combination of his parents. He, unlike his younger sister, needs a little more reassurance (at times) when it comes to the unknown. So, with our shop time I showed him all the stuff I was working with and he tried a bunch of the tools. He loved the cordless impact driver (who doesn't?) and would get frustrated when a screw wouldn't seat. Dealing with frustration and turning upset into experience and knowledge is where I excel as a dad, I can honestly say.

Having been a school teacher and all the education that comes with it, it really benefits my parenting and the kids, for sure. I let him get frustrated, we talk about it and come up with ideas. I don't follow through on his requests for me to do everything for him. This has made him a really capable 4-year-old. Brag moment but he can read AND write at 4. I don't let that blind the fact that he's still 4 in every other way. At the end of our time in the shop, he was looking forward to more, I'd consider that a success.

 

[-Brent-]

Judging by my aches, stiffness and tired brain as I sit in my office I’d say this was a productive 4-day weekend. I got shop time in every day, including Thanksgiving. I didn’t get everything done that I wanted to but I got some stuff checked off the list.





Every batt had to be cut in half. These are the 2nd and 3rd (final) batts. If you look in the background of the pic, you can see the conduit uprights are now plumb and fastened.





Then you end up with a pile like this.



I stuffed it up, without staples and such. I didn’t need batting with paper but it’s easier to manipulate and cut. And, because the batting was now 12ish inches and the space is 10ish inches it could get sloppy looking. It shouldn’t matter, especially soon when it’s covered. But, if you haven’t learned from me, already, you will, stuff like that bugs me. Hahaha.




So, I smoothed it out.


It was at this point that I started seeing some results in heat retention, but, not all that much. Even though the heat loss seemed to be a bit slower, judging by my thermometer and the time (only), I often wondered if spending all this money and time on insulation was worth it.





After I put in as many 48”ers as possible, this is now what’s left. Now It’s onto cutting pieces to fit. There's still a little bit left to install as I have to run my air lines, which I didn't get to this weekend. I will - this week.





I’m closer to regaining this space.





There are more outlets in this photo than were in the ENTIRE shop. Each wall’s outlets (except the south wall) are on their own circuits. That’s something recommended to me by a GJ member and I’m glad I did it, even in a small space.








I finally installed all the bushings at the tops of the conduit. You can see this stuff goes up into the ceiling.








In preparation for next summer’s mini split install, I put in this box and conduit.








Here it is, done. This is where the wire will exit the building and run down to the coil. The unit will mount to its left.




More, in a moment...

 

[klusenhusen]

I'd wish that I had been as patient with my boys as you are with your kids.
They would have been better mechanics, and probably have a better self-esteem. I know I am to blame, but time was never there when they grew up. But the time we have together in the shop now is good, and I feel that both they and I learn from each other now.

 

[-Brent-]

I'd wish that I had been as patient with my boys as you are with your kids.
They would have been better mechanics, and probably have a better self-esteem. I know I am to blame, but time was never there when they grew up. But the time we have together in the shop now is good, and I feel that both they and I learn from each other now.

No matter their age, there's ALWAYS time. Just as long as you're still on this side of the ground. I thank you for recognizing that. It's that reflection that makes this world a better place.

In all of my personal and professional development, there's one MAJOR truth that I am continually made aware of. The little child within all of us is still running the show. Something could have happened when you were a little kid that impacts how you think/behave to this day.

Don't believe it? Go and teach a night class (to adults) anywhere on the planet. You'll see they have the same worries as a 5th grade student. I taught a Brazilian college professor and a man (an incredible Italian artist) that helped restore the Sistine chapel and even a superbly talented Korean architect and they all had some of the same concerns as my 10-11 year-old students.

So, there's always time to be present. There's always time to be a good father. I feel like I was lucky enough to learn that before I had children as the man I was up to about 31/32 was vastly different than who I am now.

And, Jan, thank you for the compliment. I appreciate it.

AS well, sorry for the sidetrack. It's something I am really passionate about.

 

[-Brent-]

Where the bench grinders and drill press are positioned, there used to be kitchen cabinetry. Although most of that was gone before I took ownership. There was a sink, some basic plumbing and what I’d call a cabinet ledger mounted to the wall. When I moved in, I removed everything except the nails in the wall. I don’t know why I left them. When working in that area, and looking at the mess of stuff sticking out of the wall I thought, why didn’t I just cut these nails? I could have put whatever 3” closer to the wall. But after I tore pants and skin I realized it was because “Past Brent” was a damn dummy! Now the plan is to make life easier for “future Brent.” Hahaha.





Now the grinders can be put closer to the wall. It wasn’t much but it made a difference. Every little bit counts.

Still more coming...

 

[sublime68charger]

making good progress!

I like the every little bit counts!

and getting those nails removed is nice!

 

[-Brent-]

making good progress!

I like the every little bit counts!

and getting those nails removed is nice!

Thanks! I really do appreciate it.

 

[-Brent-]

I got sidetracked from the overall plan of what I wanted to do this weekend after I listed and sold my hydraulic press. With cash in hand I figured it would be a perfect time to insulate my door. I say the perfect time because I had been paying so much attention to the thermometer in the shop and how fast it would drop quickly after turning the heater off. I knew the door was a huge culprit to heat loss. I mean, look at it, other than being a heat sink in the summer, it doesn’t do much other than keep the elements out.


2 garage door insulation kits, which is what a door my size would've taken, came out to cost $170ish and the R value was a little less than using 1.5” poly-iso. This stuff is R9.6, which should help, and it was about $120 including a roll of tape.





What’s on the door is 1 sheet. I hate waste so the plan was to get the 48” parts on the end (that have 3 lips) done in pieces. It’s a lot like a puzzle. I found this project oddly satisfying.





I can cut a decently straight line with no guide but it’s a faster and neater with one. No doubt, though, that I couldn’t have had the seams as tight as I got them without a guide.








I couldn’t imagine cutting this stuff by hand. I had read a couple threads of guys that recommended hand saws. The mess had to be huge. With a circular saw it’s messy but it’s mostly dust.





Two full sheets in. The scrap is below. Seriously.








I got the insulation fully installed so it was a snug fit up and down and side-to-side. It took a little planning. For example, rather than try to push the workpiece into the self-tappers if you slide the piece in above them and then push the piece down, letting the screws cut into the piece it’s much easier. As well, each piece done like that felt really rigid. Fitting all these pieces in so snug was a lesson in how stored energy works. This door is no longer flimsy. You also cannot hear through it anymore. Being called into the house from the back steps no longer works, we’ll have to figure a new system.


I took a break from the door, sprayed the dust off with compressed air and we set up the tree. This was one of their highlights of a pretty good long weekend. They’ve had a countdown sheet, which they made a couple weeks ago, counting down to the day they could set up the tree.





It’s so funny to see how different their personalities are surrounding getting the tree up. The little one (I call her the Crumb Tornado) tried to get 5 or 6 baubles on one branch. When it wouldn’t work she’d grumble and it’d get progressively louder (that’s my wife in her, joking but no joke… haha) and her brother (who we call Bob Racecar) was all about getting as much on as possible, the glory of getting the tree decorated would be all his! He especially wanted them as high as possible.


That dang topper is exactly why there are movies where a father picks up the entire tree and hurls it into the street. Is there a movie like that? No? Not yet? There should be, and I could be the star of the show because it took a chopstick and 4 rubber bands and a dozen attempts to get the things situated. Perhaps I’ll remember to get something different next year? I’ve said that for the last 3 years.


After the tree, some laughs, some Christmas music and me adapting the lyrics is my juvenile way, the munchkins were put in bed and I made my way back out to the Zen of garage door insulation.


The tape took longer than I expected, for sure. It was long enough that I swear the country music station started their second rotation of the same songs. Still, even though there’s nothing attractive about an insulated garage door, I liked seeing it insulated, especially taped up.








I got to the point where I ran out of energy and called the weekend done. I didn’t even expend the time and energy to clean up. This was the first time this weekend I hadn’t done so. I thought I was a reformed man each and every time I noticed that all the tools were put away and the floor was clean but leaving it like this proves I'm not there, yet.


This is what ended up being left over, in total. The big piece is going to be perfect for insulating the hay-loft door in the front of the garage (the door in the gable end) that I'm going to rebuild, in the spring.

 

[Bob Heine]

Brent, I don't have to heat my garage so I can't tell you how big a difference you will see this winter. I can tell you it will be an amazing transformation in the summer. My three west-facing single garage doors are only insulated with 2-inch foam board (no foil) but in the summer I can cool the 700 sf garage with a 110v 12,500 btu window AC unit. It easily keeps a 20-degree (F) differential, turning a steam bath into a dehumidified 78-degree shop. I could probably keep it cooler but that temperature works for me.

 

[-Brent-]

Bob, I have a feeling you're going to be correct. My door faces west, too. The ceiling and east gable insulation made a big difference in the attic and overall shop temps, this summer. The work-space was much more tolerable and the attic, while hot, wasn't as hot. It still needs the west facing wall to be done. I dislike winter so I'd like to see how well the door fares in the summer as soon as possible.

The thing about this building is that it will never hold heat very well due to the concrete block. The 8" CMUs have an R-value of 1.11. All I want to do is slow it down as much as possible from all the other areas. It's frustrating but it is what it is (and it's not what it's not).

I went back and forth on framing the interior and insulating it but the loss of space ended up being the factor I didn't want to sacrifice.

 

[Bob Heine]

Brent, I completely understand the loss of space issue. When I was young and poor I put furring on a solid concrete wall and put plain foam boards between before paneling. Now that I'm old and poor, I would spring for 2x2 pressure treated and those foil-faced boards. I hate being hot but being cold feels more life-style threatening. I wouldn't go out in the shop if it wasn't comfortable.

If you have one of those Harbor Freight infrared temperature guns, test the theory with your leftover piece of insulation. On a cold day, heat the shop a bit and take a reading on the block and another on the board held against the block. Might help with the decision.

 

[-Brent-]

Bob, maybe I'll just spring for some thermal underwear? If I take on more upgrades to this shop I won't have a place to sleep anymore. Hahaha.

I think I know someone with one of those HF guns. I will check it out for the sake of this thread... I'm scared of the results, though.

 

[drivesitfar]

Brent: like Bob says insulated garage doors is a good investment and you'll love it in both hot and cold weather. You might get a couple walkie talkies if you don't already own some for you and your bride to talk to each other now if you are out in the garage. mine sometimes calls me on my cell phone.

your insulation jigsaw puzzle looks pretty symetrical so my OCD is pretty ok with the look of it too.

funny how a few little projects like pulling a few nails or moving a few things really makes us feel better.

 

[rmmiller]

First, it is pretty crazy how much the auto industry advanced in the time between the T and Maverick, isn't it?

AS far as putting a 26/27 deck lid behind an earlier T, I haven't ever seen it done that way. I have seen the reverse, though, of putting an earlier deck lid behind a 26/27 roadster. If you have the 26/27 stuff, I'd sell it and buy the earlier stuff which is A LOT cheaper. The 26/27 original deck lids, alone, go for a pretty penny. I've seen lids sell for nearly a thousand dollars. Hell, that's what I have in my aftermarket one, getting it to fit.

It is crazy, same can be said for the Maverick compared to a new Mustang! Thanks for the feedback on the T, I may just go without anything similar to Speedways Tribute T. I have plenty of time to think about it and change my mind several times!

 

[-Brent-]

It is crazy, same can be said for the Maverick compared to a new Mustang! Thanks for the feedback on the T, I may just go without anything similar to Speedways Tribute T. I have plenty of time to think about it and change my mind several times!

Finding a 20s T decklid isn't all that hard, nor expensive. I've seen plenty in decent shape, too. They are still around.

 

[-Brent-]

I didn't plan on doing any shop work, tonight, but I couldn't let that mess sit around. After the kids were in bed I went out, cleaned up and put a few tools away. It didn't take more than 15 minutes to get it all done and it felt good to know I can go back in and work in a clean shop.

 

[bj383ss]

Brent your door came out nice. My old garage had the door facing West and I used the bubble reflectex on it and it made a world of difference. I also put R31 batts in the attic. My walls weren't insulated and it stayed very cozy in the Winter. As for the summer it would still get up close to 90* but still not as bad as if it had no insulation.

The new house I snuck in before the garage was sheetrocked and insulated everything. I still need to do the ceiling. It has insulated garage doors and they make a world of difference. I plan to install a mini split like you as well. But so far with my big a$$ fan the past summer it wasn't that bad.

Don't worry about the mess. I do that sometimes too. If you don't plan out the little bit of extra time at the end to clean. It happens.

Bret

 

[sean Buick 76]

Nice work on the garage door insulation, it looks great!

 

[littleviking]

Your Garage door looks nicer then my front door.

Good work!

 

[-Brent-]

Brent your door came out nice. My old garage had the door facing West and I used the bubble reflectex on it and it made a world of difference. I also put R31 batts in the attic. My walls weren't insulated and it stayed very cozy in the Winter. As for the summer it would still get up close to 90* but still not as bad as if it had no insulation.

The new house I snuck in before the garage was sheetrocked and insulated everything. I still need to do the ceiling. It has insulated garage doors and they make a world of difference. I plan to install a mini split like you as well. But so far with my big a$$ fan the past summer it wasn't that bad.

Don't worry about the mess. I do that sometimes too. If you don't plan out the little bit of extra time at the end to clean. It happens.

Bret

Thanks, Bret. That's all good stuff to hear. I appreciate it. It's been in the 30s over the last few days and the shop was in the mid 40s when I checked in there this AM. That makes me hopeful. The low-side ceiling is not fully insulated and the same is true for the west facing gable. I think once it's all insulated it should be okay. At the very least it's a lot better than it was and I can tolerate that.

One of the most noticeable/improved characteristics of the shop is how much better it's sealed. From blocking up or replacing the windows, the ceiling and upper wall insulation and radiant barrier, spray foam, better man door, etc., has all lead to the garage being sealed pretty well.

I feel like if I can improve all the other heat-loss factors, the walls being the weakest link in the heat exchange process is okay with me.

 

[-Brent-]

Nice work on the garage door insulation, it looks great!

Thanks, Sean. I appreciate it. It was a fun little project. The next is getting the opener installed. I think the spring tension may have to be adjusted a bit, too.

Your Garage door looks nicer then my front door.

Good work!

Ha ha ha! You're too kind.

 

[-Brent-]

Here's something you don't see everyday, at least like this.




It's a sap or pitch pocket. I discovered it as I was cutting some blocking.



I haven't cut through too many this way.

 

[-Brent-]

Back at it, folks. I didn't do a thing to the garage this week because I worked a bunch of overtime.

Saturday morning was all about running around getting parts. The plan for this weekend was to get going on the air lines. I'll work on this until it's done. Air is pretty much the last thing I need to take care of before I can get going on the finish work. That excites me.

So, I'm running around the valley to my usual haunts, the industrial supply house, Home Depot, etc., when I ran came across this poor thing. Good grief, there wasn't much left on the thing but bad taste.










That horrific oddity aside, my priority in the air line project was to start at the compressor. I get a bunch of water with constant use, I don't know if it's a lot but it's more than I want. I've done a lot of research over the last few weeks and I figure that now is the time to put something together, rather than when the shop is "done."

The plan is to run a water trap and then a DIY dessicant air dryer like HAP's (a GJ member's design I'm pretty much copying).

I saw this design on a powder coating site and I liked the size and simplicity. Of course, I made a few changes to suite my set-up.



I don't have all the parts for the dryer, yet. I should have everything this week. 2" pipe isn't cheap so the plan is to find a plumber, locally, that can cut me a piece rather than buy a $50 section at one of the shops around.




It took longer than I'd like to admit to get this thing assembled.




I had one piece of strut left and I didn't want to buy any more. I spent a lot of time making measurements, going to the wall, and then remeasuring and such. See that little piece, that was the leftover scrap.



I'm the type of guy that clocks all my screws. I also try to get all my bracketry even. It happened to work out and no one will ever notice nor consider the time and attention paid. You know what, though, if it looked like ****, someone would certainly notice.

Part of all that measuring had to do with this section of wall where the trap and dryer will be mounted. I wanted everything accessible to the right of the compressor. I didn't want anything to be near the back of the compressor for maintenance or repair purposes. Especially that one ball valve on the left.

To make a little more space, I moved the 2-gang box over as far as possible.



I got about 8 extra inches of wall space.

From there I moved from floor mockup to the wall.



Just getting it up and square and level took some time. Tomorrow I'll grab some miscellanious items and put another order into McMaster Carr to get the rest.

Since I'll have to wait on that stuff, I'll continue on with getting the air line up in the ceiling. I'll be running Maxline Rapid Air 1/2 inch to a 50 ft Cox Reel in the attic, which will drop down through the ceiling. I also plan to have a drop above the workbench.

I have more line and fittings than I need but it's such a small shop it doesn't make much sense to use/waste it all. I'll, find a local that could make some use of what I have left, which will probably be able to outfit at least one or two more shops my size.

 

[klusenhusen]

Nice vertical lines on the water trap, I must say I admire the way you work.
An example to be followed, I have started to clear out my shop, but 6 degrees centigrade is a bit too cold for long sessions.
I will follow your progress instead.

 

[drivesitfar]

Brent: i can't give you any advice on your compressor cause i'm still using small ones, but i like what you are doing. keep up the great work.

interesting that old mustang almost looks like a PRO abandoned it with that caster under the front end. i know scrap prices are down, but the owner of that parking lot can't be happy.

i also may not get things done as quick as others, but i'm usually perfectly plumb and symetrical if at all possible. otherwise my OCD would kill me.

keep up the great work!!

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Nice use of the unistrut!