Above 1200 Sq/FT Eastern Washington Workshop
- Thread starter slodat
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
I went with the 56” first for the mill tooling. I needed some deeper drawers for that stuff. This was a few months ago. When I went to get another box to get my tools off the walls, again I needed some deeper drawers than the 44 had. Once I had the second 56, I couldn’t find another. I got a 44, moved the mill tooling to it. I was wrong thinking I needed deeper drawers after all. Then that 56 went next to the other for my tools. The reason I didn’t get a 72 is no one has one on hand, and I like having the room on the right for the steamer.
The 44 is perfect for the mill tooling. I’m quite happy with the 5 drawer cart, 44 and 56’s. I actually like the drawer latches that most guys dislike. I have a 56 top chest and two 44 bottoms ordered. As I get things settled in, I may decide I don’t want the top chest. HF said they don’t care if I decide to not pick it up when it comes in. The 44’s will go under the long bench.
The 44’s will hold a lot of stuff that’s scattered around in different places. As I’ve organized and go back and revisit things the whole shop becomes more of an extension of myself each time. It’s a great way to unwind.. getting things dialed in.
At one time I had thought I’d buy two or three Vidmar cabinets for all this. I’m happy with the HF series 2 boxes. I’m in them for a lot less money and I like how it’s all working out.
All of these boxes, except for occasionally moving the mill tooling 44” box, are stationary in my shop. The 44’s under the bench will definitely have the wheels removed. I’m thinking I’ll take them off the 56’s, too to lower them. So, I’m not a good use case for the durability of these boxes in a shop environment where they are wheeled around all the time and getting that sort of workout. They are great for my needs and I don’t see anything out there that’s readily available and cost competitive.
The 44 is perfect for the mill tooling. I’m quite happy with the 5 drawer cart, 44 and 56’s. I actually like the drawer latches that most guys dislike. I have a 56 top chest and two 44 bottoms ordered. As I get things settled in, I may decide I don’t want the top chest. HF said they don’t care if I decide to not pick it up when it comes in. The 44’s will go under the long bench.
The 44’s will hold a lot of stuff that’s scattered around in different places. As I’ve organized and go back and revisit things the whole shop becomes more of an extension of myself each time. It’s a great way to unwind.. getting things dialed in.
At one time I had thought I’d buy two or three Vidmar cabinets for all this. I’m happy with the HF series 2 boxes. I’m in them for a lot less money and I like how it’s all working out.
All of these boxes, except for occasionally moving the mill tooling 44” box, are stationary in my shop. The 44’s under the bench will definitely have the wheels removed. I’m thinking I’ll take them off the 56’s, too to lower them. So, I’m not a good use case for the durability of these boxes in a shop environment where they are wheeled around all the time and getting that sort of workout. They are great for my needs and I don’t see anything out there that’s readily available and cost competitive.
Thank you. Great insight as always
Getting the drawers sorted out. Admittedly I enjoy organizing. It’s a great way to destress. I’m liking the Ernst socket rails. I labeled everything today. Their labels work well.
Pliers organizers. I like the Ernst here, too. I had the wire rack style previously. It’s wedged in the drawer tight, and that’s holding it in place nicely.
Needed a bin longer than Schaller’s longest (12”)..
In place.
Pliers organizers. I like the Ernst here, too. I had the wire rack style previously. It’s wedged in the drawer tight, and that’s holding it in place nicely.
Needed a bin longer than Schaller’s longest (12”)..
In place.
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Looks good. Can you take a socket off with one hand? That’s always bugged me. I’m thinking Ernst vs Westling machine.Getting the drawers sorted out. Admittedly I enjoy organizing. It’s a great way to destress. I’m liking the Ernst socket rails. I labeled everything today. Their labels work well.
Pliers organizers. I like the Ernst here, too. I had the wire rack style previously. It’s wedged in the drawer tight, and that’s holding it in place nicely.
Needed a bin longer than Schaller’s longest (12”)..
In place.
Attachments
Thank you!
The smaller size shallow sockets can be hard to rotate if you don’t get a good grip the first try. It’s happened a couple times. I don’t think it will be a problem. In general, they are easy to take off single handed. I went with these over the Westling for density and the modularity. I’m happy with the Ernst rails.
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Very nice job on the organizing Steven. I love the last picture of the drawer with your assorted bits and pieces.
Thanks guys! One of the revelations I had a few years ago with organization is that going vertical is how you get the density. Bins in the drawers allow things to go vertical.
Made this simple insert for the super deep drawer in the 52” cabinet to hold six drills/impact drivers. Worked out nicely. 3/4 PVC with mdf framework to hold it up.
Loaded up:
One more thing off the walls.
Made this simple insert for the super deep drawer in the 52” cabinet to hold six drills/impact drivers. Worked out nicely. 3/4 PVC with mdf framework to hold it up.
Loaded up:
One more thing off the walls.
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Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Steven, I really like your organizing, including those Ernst plier racks and Schaller boxes. Unfortunately I chose the Costco and 26" HF Chest and Boxes for my garage. The shallow HF drawers are less than two inches deep (no good for Schaller boxes) and the shallow drawers on the Costco box are less than three inches deep (no good for the Ernst plier racks).Getting the drawers sorted out. Admittedly I enjoy organizing.
A few years ago I moved my buckets of hex bits to these racks but the longer bits keep me from storing them in drawers.
Your post made me search for hex bit storage solutions and Ernst seems to have come to the rescue with this 90-bit organizer. Unlike the ones in the above photo, the Ernst organizer seems to have more space between the holes.
I ordered one from Amazon to try out. If it solves my problem, I'll order more.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MXZ6HIC/?tag=atomicindus08-20
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Bob- I use one of those organizers, too. It’s in my top drawer. Longer bits are in the Schaller bins.
I saw the Ernst bit organizer... I don’t want every tool laud out separately like some guys do. I like having like items together in a bin.
I use 2” Schaller bins in the shallowest drawers my Costco stainless box and the crinkle red finish HF series one box. The two inch bins are 1.825” deep. The bins are awesome for organizing tool box drawers.
The wire frame pliers rack works well in a 3” drawer. I’m using 4” drawers now for pliers. The depth really help with the pliers.
I saw the Ernst bit organizer... I don’t want every tool laud out separately like some guys do. I like having like items together in a bin.
I use 2” Schaller bins in the shallowest drawers my Costco stainless box and the crinkle red finish HF series one box. The two inch bins are 1.825” deep. The bins are awesome for organizing tool box drawers.
The wire frame pliers rack works well in a 3” drawer. I’m using 4” drawers now for pliers. The depth really help with the pliers.
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xtremek
Well-known member
I love those bit holders. I have one that sits on the side of one of my boxes.
Very nice rehab of your storage.
Bob - Schaller also makes a bunch of boxes that are 1 inch high.
https://www.schallercorporation.com/plastic-boxes/
Ron
Bob - Schaller also makes a bunch of boxes that are 1 inch high.
https://www.schallercorporation.com/plastic-boxes/
Ron
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Ron, thank you very much. I ordered the assortment of inch deep boxes.
Every time I look at the 52” cabinets I picture how they would look with the wheels removed. I ran to the steel yard and bought a stick of 1.5 x 0.095 square tubing. Taking the wheels off wasn’t too bad on the first one. It’s pretty easy to adjust on the tubing with the drawers out. Of course the floor has a big crown. Aluminum spacers to level things out. This is the norm in this building.
Lowered the top surface about 5.5” down to 36”. I can get the toe jack under if I ever want to put the wheels back on. I was surprised how heavy the cabinet case was with the drawers removed. I already love it and I still have one to go.
edit: End result:
I’m happy with it!!
Lowered the top surface about 5.5” down to 36”. I can get the toe jack under if I ever want to put the wheels back on. I was surprised how heavy the cabinet case was with the drawers removed. I already love it and I still have one to go.
edit: End result:
I’m happy with it!!
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rattle_snake
Well-known member
Excellent job on all the organization. Given where you started with the place and how far you have come, I think I know how far you're going to take it... jealous, keep it up
Sent from my SM-G973U using The Garage Journal mobile app
Sent from my SM-G973U using The Garage Journal mobile app
Thank you, Justin. I know you understand the esthetic stuff I'm going for. It makes for a much clearer head when at least part of the shop is tidy and dialed in.
It's crazy to think about what I started with in this building. I still have some painting to do outside and some trim painting inside. For the most part I'm down to little stuff. I'm excited to get the long bench completed with the HF 44" cabinets.
Lots of projects to work on in the shop, and thankfully the shop isn't one of them most days going forward!
It's time to move the '54 Chevy back in and get to work on it!
It's crazy to think about what I started with in this building. I still have some painting to do outside and some trim painting inside. For the most part I'm down to little stuff. I'm excited to get the long bench completed with the HF 44" cabinets.
Lots of projects to work on in the shop, and thankfully the shop isn't one of them most days going forward!
It's time to move the '54 Chevy back in and get to work on it!
Moved the digitizing tablet to the wall above the tool cabinets. Been wanting to for a while. Wasn’t sure it was feasible until I lowered the cabinets. No matter how much I ask people are always leaning on it. I’m happy it’s vertical.
I’ve been deliberating on what to do with the stand the tablet was on. I think I’m going to make a top out of 25mm Baltic birch with black laminate on top. I spent too much on the damn thing to not use it. It’s rather low, which can be really nice when working on seats.
I’ve had the final CAT40 tooling rack designed for a while. Managed to get it made today. The tool holders tend to get oil on them from the spindle. I put a layer of black laminate on a scrap of 25mm BB and cut the part on the cnc router. The numbers didn’t work out quite like I hoped, but it wasn’t worth scrapping the part. I glued the inserts with CA so they will stay in place. I’m happy with the end result.
The last two inserts are on the 3d printer. They will be ready in the morning.
I’ve been deliberating on what to do with the stand the tablet was on. I think I’m going to make a top out of 25mm Baltic birch with black laminate on top. I spent too much on the damn thing to not use it. It’s rather low, which can be really nice when working on seats.
I’ve had the final CAT40 tooling rack designed for a while. Managed to get it made today. The tool holders tend to get oil on them from the spindle. I put a layer of black laminate on a scrap of 25mm BB and cut the part on the cnc router. The numbers didn’t work out quite like I hoped, but it wasn’t worth scrapping the part. I glued the inserts with CA so they will stay in place. I’m happy with the end result.
The last two inserts are on the 3d printer. They will be ready in the morning.
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lilscorpion
Well-known member
I’ve had the final CAT40 tooling rack designed for a while. Managed to get it made today. ... I’m happy with the end result.
The last two inserts are on the 3d printer. They will be ready in the morning.
Looks fantastic!
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Finallygotit
ALLIANCE MEMBER
xtremek
Well-known member
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I wish I could get caught up enough to get that organized.
The remaining HF boxes came in. The 56” top box was twisted pretty bad. I did my best to straighten it out. In the end I decided to live with it. The store is 150 mile round trip and the hassle of returning, ordering another, going back in a few weeks to pick it up isn’t worth it.
All together:
Started in the long bench:
I’m having to remove some of the bench top framework from the bottom side. The flush cutting sawzall blades work great for this! I will make some sort of trim to clean up the reveal on the front of the bench.
I know guys enjoy the cool organization photos. The rest of the socket drawer coming together. I picked up some Astro Pneumatic very shallow and Tekton deep well impact sockets. I’m quite happy with both for the price.
All together:
Started in the long bench:
I’m having to remove some of the bench top framework from the bottom side. The flush cutting sawzall blades work great for this! I will make some sort of trim to clean up the reveal on the front of the bench.
I know guys enjoy the cool organization photos. The rest of the socket drawer coming together. I picked up some Astro Pneumatic very shallow and Tekton deep well impact sockets. I’m quite happy with both for the price.
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Looking great Steven.
Got the boxes in.
I really like how this is turning out. Clean lines, sanitary looking. I’ll trim out the exposed plywood on the top of the boxes under the bench. That span of benchtop is sitting on the boxes with plywood filling the gap. Considering I cut out the under structure of the bench and slid the boxes in, I’m really happy with the end result.
Haven’t decided what to do with the pegboard above the bench top. I’ll let it gel for a while and see what I come up with.
As far as the HF boxes... they are a great value for the price. They are also definitely HF items. I’m happy with them and I think this is a great facelift for the customer facing area of the shop.
I’m moving the table the tracing tablet was on to the other building. It will get casters from the HF tool boxes and I think it will be a great work surface for that shop.
More photos:
I really like how this is turning out. Clean lines, sanitary looking. I’ll trim out the exposed plywood on the top of the boxes under the bench. That span of benchtop is sitting on the boxes with plywood filling the gap. Considering I cut out the under structure of the bench and slid the boxes in, I’m really happy with the end result.
Haven’t decided what to do with the pegboard above the bench top. I’ll let it gel for a while and see what I come up with.
As far as the HF boxes... they are a great value for the price. They are also definitely HF items. I’m happy with them and I think this is a great facelift for the customer facing area of the shop.
I’m moving the table the tracing tablet was on to the other building. It will get casters from the HF tool boxes and I think it will be a great work surface for that shop.
More photos:
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You're right Steven, very clean and sanitary appearance. Looks great
harley jim
Well-known member
Man Steven
Every time I check in you have really got so much done. Your shop rocks dude. It has really come a long way.[emoji106]
Sent from my SM-A102U using The Garage Journal mobile app
Every time I check in you have really got so much done. Your shop rocks dude. It has really come a long way.[emoji106]
Sent from my SM-A102U using The Garage Journal mobile app
rattle_snake
Well-known member
Man, I thought I was hot stuff to have 3 ,44 HF boxes. You have raised the game with 5 56s in just one picture, plus the others.
The cleanliness and organization of the place is top notch. Well done. (aka I'm jealous)
The cleanliness and organization of the place is top notch. Well done. (aka I'm jealous)
Mike and Jim - Thank you! I’m really happy with how things are turning out.
Justin- the two boxes under the bench top are 44’s. Thanks for cheering me on!
Man, I thought I was hot stuff to have 3 ,44 HF boxes. You have raised the game with 5 56s in just one picture, plus the others.
The cleanliness and organization of the place is top notch. Well done. (aka I'm jealous)
Justin- the two boxes under the bench top are 44’s. Thanks for cheering me on!
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xtremek
Well-known member
Are you going to keep the pegboard? If so, what do you plan to hang on it? Have you filled all of those boxes up?
I am not keeping the pegboard. This project is about getting the clutter off the walls. At some point, the pegboard will come down. I haven't decided what I will do with the wall above the bench. I may just paint it white and be done with it. The HF cabinets are not full yet, I'm still moving into them.
xtremek
Well-known member
I agree with the clean look. Maybe a pic or two of completed cars, but keep the number on the low side. Just my opinion.
rixtrix1
Well-known member
Back in the shop.
Love this last pic of the hotrod and hoist!
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Jayman17
Well-known member
Slodat, your shop is really coming together! Very nice set up. I'm curious what those clips attached to your hot rod under the rear window are for. I've never seen those before.
Jay
Jay
Slodat, your shop is really coming together! Very nice set up. I'm curious what those clips attached to your hot rod under the rear window are for. I've never seen those before.
Jay
Thanks, Jay! I appreciate you checking the shop out and commenting. The clips attach the belt line trim. They are just sitting in place.