Am I Getting Carried Away?

[ddawg16]

I could blame it on Jack Olson.....but then I would be guilty of displaced blame.....

Ok...I'll be honest....I just want a place I can place a cold beer and be able to find it in my garage.....hence, I figure that if I make a 'bar' with a granit top, I won't dare use it for junk storage, beating on things or drilling....I should be able to leave paperwork up there along with my beer and still be able to find it.

So....this is what I made....it looks like **** now but I was able to use some of the remaining wood left over from the garage framing....

Like all my other cabinets this one is supported by the wall. But due to the length and weight, I 'will' be installing a leg on the end to help support the weight.

And here it is with the granit installed (still need to glue it down)....the height is almost 40"....nice height to lean on...got a great deal on the granit....neighbor next door was having new counter tops installed...I asked the granit guy how much for what I wanted....$250...includes bull nose on 3 sides.....

Now I have to decide if I want to cover the front of the bar with AL or black diamond plate.....(wife's idea)

Gents....I really think I need to have a garage warming party soon....that bar is going to need some breaking in.

 

[markviii]

Seems like Jack Olsen is being blamed for some of our "creative" ideas in the garage realm! I should say he's an inspiration, though. He helps us think of elegant, usable solutions in our own spaces.

 

[nate379]

No way I'd spend $250 on a counter for a garage, but to each his own! I thought $38 for a sheet of MDO for my bench was $$

If you are like me and most of the guys on here we could have 15 benches and still have to push **** off the the side to have a small spot to work on something!

 

[Kevin54]

I think it looks great. I have had a counter or two in my garages to hold beer and to lean on just not Granite. But if I could of, I would of !!!!!!!

Oh....and put polished diamond plate on the front

 

[z28snksknr]

If you are like me and most of the guys on here we could have 15 benches and still have to push **** off the the side to have a small spot to work on something!

You know, I have an 8' x 3' workbench in my garage and last night, I was sanding a parking light bezel on my coffee table in the living room. WTF is wrong with me?

Anyway, looks like a nice little bar there. I wish I had the space to make my garage a multi-functional space. Maybe once I get that shed....

 

[lawfarm]

$20 says that by May 15, it has something stored on it.

 

[28HopUp]

To answer your question (ie thread title) -

Yes, you are getting carried away. But isn't that the point of this forum?

 

[bill9860]

Sure you are getting carried away.........but so what!! Cheers

 

[BioHazard]

Now where is the fridge/icemaker/microwave/sink?

 

[sirsloop]

looks good... Gonna be around 450 to build? I would skip the diamondplate. My wife tried to get me to install some too. I think its a little ricer. Try some regular paint, then cover the bottom 18-24" with some black rubber stuff.

 

[what have i done]

looks very nice! I wouldnt of paid $250 for the top but thats just me. I like the idea of the diamond plate up the sides.

What happens when you need the floor jack?

add a shelf or 2 on the backside, never know when you have to stashe the beer from the topside down to a shelf

 

[Zrexxer]

$20 says that by May 15, it has something stored on it.

May 15? Hell, I'd bet on TOMORROW!

 

[Tantara]

Not even close to carried away. My goal is that my shed be as comfortable and nice as a living room. I will let you know when I get there.


Brad

 

[rodnok1]

I would have found a granite scrap for 1/4 that cost, but hey if it makes you happy...

 

[sirsloop]

Getting carried away would have been running plumbing, electrical, installing a fridge, sink, faucet, dishwasher, and ******* machine.

 

[GarageEnvy]

I don't think this is the most objective place to determine if you're getting carried away. Sort of like asking the regulars at a bar if you've got a drinking problem.

 

[ddawg16]

looks very nice! I wouldnt of paid $250 for the top but thats just me. I like the idea of the diamond plate up the sides.

What happens when you need the floor jack?

add a shelf or 2 on the backside, never know when you have to stashe the beer from the topside down to a shelf

My wife thinks that AL diamond plate would be the least maint.....

Floor Jack? Oh yea, I guess I better do something about that....actually, it's just there to make sure it stays up until I get the 'leg' for the end....I want to use a length of SS pipe with a foot to hold up that end....it's anchord pretty good against the wall...but it won't be long before people are leaning on it.....I don't want to have to glue the granite back together.

The REAL reason for spending the money on granite was so we could have a place for the kids to do homework. As any parent of 3 elementary kids knows, if one has homework and the others don't, the other two are not going to give him or her peace. We have found that it's a lot easier to get homework done when we divide and conquer. And it's going to be nice to have a nice writing surface or spot for the computer.

Space has already been reserved for the mini fridge to hold beer and juice boxes.

The back side is already painted and has a shelf at the bottom....I used 2x6's to make the 'side' so that I would have a strond wall to hang stuff on....I'm thinking it will be a good place to hang things like the drop light and other related items. I might even cover it with peg board.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Granite's used by machinists as an exceptionally flat surface and reference plate. It never rusts, won't hold onto dust, and is non-magnetic.

I'd go with paint down below, and -- like sirsloop suggests -- some kind of kick plate. If there will ever be stools to sit on by it, then go higher with the kick plate. If the only approach will be to 'belly up,' then six inches would be plenty.

Aluminum would make a nice kick plate. Or paint something to match the color (and height) of the dark gray along the rest of the floor line.

For day to day use, you could also unroll a piece of rubber mat to keep it from chipping. I got some kind of floor runner stuff by the foot at the local hardware store.

I'm not sure what this expression 'carried away' even means.

 

[ironheadtom]

I think it's cool . And yes... I agree, you're getting carried away. That's what makes it cool. I see my neighbors garages full of boxes and toys and junk and it just gives me the willies! No offense to anyone named Willy.

 

[ironheadtom]

Dam Jack, I forgot how nice yours was.

 

[Herb]

SEAL IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, seal it, it WILL stain from oils and acids.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

The kids will be fighting for the garage space to do their homework in a few years....Kick back, grab a beer, do some homework, grab another beer.........

Edit: Make sure your garage fridge has a lock on it. This is coming from a parent with slightly older kids (late teens) who is a LOT wiser now.

 

[ddawg16]

Granite's used by machinists as an exceptionally flat surface and reference plate. It never rusts, won't hold onto dust, and is non-magnetic.

I'd go with paint down below, and -- like sirsloop suggests -- some kind of kick plate. If there will ever be stools to sit on by it, then go higher with the kick plate. If the only approach will be to 'belly up,' then six inches would be plenty.

Aluminum would make a nice kick plate. Or paint something to match the color (and height) of the dark gray along the rest of the floor line.

For day to day use, you could also unroll a piece of rubber mat to keep it from chipping. I got some kind of floor runner stuff by the foot at the local hardware store.

I'm not sure what this expression 'carried away' even means.

Jack....I just showed the pic of your garage to my wife....she had one word...


"Sweet" ...and she likes the 'Arroyo style' table (what ever that is)

Now do you see why I married her? Anyone who appreciates a good garage is a keeper.....

 

[BlindViper]

You dont have to get fancy with the glue some silicone will hold it in place.

 

[gorilla]

You got a smoking good deal on the granite. I've spent years measuring things and doing layout on large granite tables, wish I had one instead of the little 12"x12" plate I have on my bench now. If you can't spend money on your garage where can you spend it?

 

[nate379]

A machinist block and a granite countertop are 2 entirely different things. It would be like saying a Ford Pinto and Viper GT are the same because they are made of steel.

Granite's used by machinists as an exceptionally flat surface and reference plate. It never rusts, won't hold onto dust, and is non-magnetic.

I'd go with paint down below, and -- like sirsloop suggests -- some kind of kick plate. If there will ever be stools to sit on by it, then go higher with the kick plate. If the only approach will be to 'belly up,' then six inches would be plenty.

Aluminum would make a nice kick plate. Or paint something to match the color (and height) of the dark gray along the rest of the floor line.

For day to day use, you could also unroll a piece of rubber mat to keep it from chipping. I got some kind of floor runner stuff by the foot at the local hardware store.

I'm not sure what this expression 'carried away' even means.

 

[e-tek]

Not only do I like the usefullness of it as a writing/working surface - but what a BRILLIANT idea for all of us with kids - to have a space for them to do homework while we are working in out shop.... Absolutely BRILLIANT. Thanks!

 

[rsanter]

to answer your first question...
yes, you are getting carried away

what was the problem again??

bob

 

[Daniel Dudley]

Two would be getting carried away. One is modest. Granite is a nice touch.

 

[Tylerb43]

Awesome!! I think it looks great, and the reason behind it (justification to yourself) is just as good. I agree with Dudley, carry the theme around the shop? = too much. But one little area dedicated to the occasional beer with the boys? = perfect.

...and did Jack Olsen just suggest a paint color other than green??

Sorry Jack..had to take the shot

 

[Aberdale]

Nothing wrong with getting carried away if you will enjoy it. I think we all get carried away to some extent on the things that get us revved up.

Granite is nice stuff. We have it in the kitchen. Although I think it has limitations as a "workbench", it sounds like you will be using your garage for multi-purpose use, and the granite sounds appropriate, even luxurious, for that. Especially if you got it at a good price.

Dale

 

[Art From De Leon]

As long as you don't put vases, or other 'unmanly' knick-knacks on it, it is acceptable.

You do realize that you are just feeding the pre-conceived notions of Californians being 'different'? (Not that there is anything wrong with that)

 

[PassnThru]

I've been kicking around this same idea in my head for a few months now. A dedicated space in the garage for a few stools that isn't a workbench. A place to kick back with a few brews and the laptop. Now I can justify it by claiming it as homework space for the kids! I owe you one man.
One idea I have for the stools - I've been looking at drafting stools at the office supply places. I like the idea of the bar height chairs with casters. More expensive but I think it would be worth it

 

[ddawg16]

Guys....it's already paying off.....because it's granite I don't dare put anything on it that will damage it....it's a great surface to look at prints....and my laptop sits up there nicely out of the way.....AND....we had a 'major' issue last night trying to get the oldest to do homework....too many distractions in the house....siblings and the new cat.....

I plucked my 7 year olds *** up....took him to the garage.....**** got done....

I'll post more pics once I have the 'legs' on it....

 

[NUTTSGT]

I started to reply to this yesterday but a co-worker stopped by the house.


It does look good, I have to admit. The wife would probably kill me if I put granite in mygarage before I did it in the house.

I think it's a good idea, gives a place to do "detail work" and a place for the kids. It allows them to have a small place in the garage. Whether they are learning while doing homework, or watching you fix something, they are spending time with you and learning baout the "real" world at the same time.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Jack....I just showed the pic of your garage to my wife....she had one word...


"Sweet" ...and she likes the 'Arroyo style' table (what ever that is)

Now do you see why I married her? Anyone who appreciates a good garage is a keeper.....

Thank her for me. I had to Google "Arroyo style," and then realized I do like that style of furniture (and other stuff).

 

[ddawg16]

Thank her for me. I had to Google "Arroyo style," and then realized I do like that style of furniture (and other stuff).

She is an artist and interior designer (4 year degree in it)....she knows her stuff....only trouble is that she starts having me build things that get more complicated.....that's ok....it usually means I get another tool....

My wife suggest you check out the Arroyo Seco bridge in the Passadena...traditional art deco...

 

[Huyzel]

now if you ever sell the house you can say it has a custom bar with granite counter tops.

 

[D Force]

Didn't Jack fabricate that "Arroyo style" table? Tell your wife that!

 

[Printer Mike]

Nice touch. Bet you don't regret the effort later on...

There is a "L" shaped counter/cabinet in my print shop that was there when I bought the building in 1987. It became a place to set a microwave oven, coffee pot and similar stuff. The counter top was one ugly surface...don't know what it was made of... some sort a black, greasy, flaking, beat up, pre-Formica material with an ill fitting metal trim around the edge. I had a scrap piece of 3/4" plywood that, with a little trimming, made a perfect replacement top. I sanded the edges up real nice and put on about 5 coats of Rueteloeum Hammered Finish black paint over a several week period. It took about 6 months for the paint to cure completely! I would never do that again(the paint)! However, now that it's done, I get a good feeling every time I look at it.