Eric- I realize I am coming at this a bit late. If you move the Snappy cabinet up ( assuming you are tall enough to still reach things you want in it) you could put the drill press in the corner underneath it and move the box down a few feet.Since the new 56" box was in place, I could move the Cman 20" drill press to it's new home along the wall. I almost wish I had a corner I could put this thing in. Being a larger model, it sits a little farther away from the wall than I planned. In the end, doesn't matter, it is what it is.
Then I hung up some garage art of old street signs. I've had these sitting around for several years and just never hung them up.
Above 1200 Sq/FT Garage Refurb®
- Thread starter NUTTSGT
- Start date
Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.
OP
Thanks for the thoughts. As of right now, everything seems to work out. I can set stuff on the 56" toolbox top when I'm doing "drilling" work and the band saw easily rolls out away from the wall when needed.
I have thought of turning the Snappy cabinet 90° and mounting on the other wall. However, it fits in the small wall area beside the O/H door quite nicely.
OP
A couple of additions to the garage after a bidding war on Govdeals. I carried the high bid for the last 3-4 days and a couple others dropped by.
Jet 5" practically unused but must not have lived a sheltered life.
I wasn't sure what this vise was, looking at the pictures but it was a collateral purchase in the lot.
Jet 5" practically unused but must not have lived a sheltered life.
I wasn't sure what this vise was, looking at the pictures but it was a collateral purchase in the lot.
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OP
This is the one I wanted, still in the box new
Out of the box
Package mailing label showed a date of 6/13/2022. So it sat in it's box for 3 years before it got "paroled" from ManCI.
Out of the box
Package mailing label showed a date of 6/13/2022. So it sat in it's box for 3 years before it got "paroled" from ManCI.
OP
I was going to sell the Jet depending on what it actually was upon picking them up. Now, I believe I will keep it, clean, paint and replace the small (older) Wilton I have in the enclosed trailer. 
Might just be a simple project for today.
Might just be a simple project for today.
OP
About an hour of my time wire brushing and scotchbrite and it's looking promising.
Making progress...
Making progress...
OP
A bit later, everything in primer and awaiting paint.
The chrome stop lock knobs were what most concerned me. They were rusty but cleaned up well enough. Then rubbed down with some oil.
The chrome stop lock knobs were what most concerned me. They were rusty but cleaned up well enough. Then rubbed down with some oil.
OP
In paint, drying for the next day and a half while I am at work.
Once everything is dry I will clean up the surfaces that shouldn't have paint as I just reassembly it.
Once everything is dry I will clean up the surfaces that shouldn't have paint as I just reassembly it.
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zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Nice job on the vise restoration Eric.
FYI, I despise those sliding style "T" handles used on vises to tighten the rotating nuts on the baseplate, so I removed mine and welded a 1/2" nut to the top, then when/if I need to rotate the vise I only need to grab a 3/4" wrench and don't have to have them in the way the other 99.7% of the time. Just a thought since yours are bent already. I removed mine and welded the nuts within the first couple of years I had the vise.
FYI, I despise those sliding style "T" handles used on vises to tighten the rotating nuts on the baseplate, so I removed mine and welded a 1/2" nut to the top, then when/if I need to rotate the vise I only need to grab a 3/4" wrench and don't have to have them in the way the other 99.7% of the time. Just a thought since yours are bent already. I removed mine and welded the nuts within the first couple of years I had the vise.
OP
Good thought Mike...I know they are 3/8".
I need to see how it mounts up, on the bench top of the enclosed trailer. That should be a project for the weekend...if I can get in it to do so.
I need to see how it mounts up, on the bench top of the enclosed trailer. That should be a project for the weekend...if I can get in it to do so.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Eric, while working at the workbench last night, I thought of your vise and snapped a few pictures to show what I did on mine probably 25+ years ago now.
Just welded a 1/2" grade 8 nut to the top of the locking nut and removed those short sliding "T" handles that I despise. Now if I ever need to rotate the vise, simply grab a 3/4" wrench. I can also lock it down much tighter with a wrench vs. those short sliding T-bars and what I usually see people do is grab a wrench and lock the boxed end onto those T-bars and tighten them anyways to the T-bars turn into a U-bar. This looks much cleaner than having those bent bars that seem to do nothing but get in the way and look hideous. Just thought I'd share a couple pics if that is something you are contemplating.
Just welded a 1/2" grade 8 nut to the top of the locking nut and removed those short sliding "T" handles that I despise. Now if I ever need to rotate the vise, simply grab a 3/4" wrench. I can also lock it down much tighter with a wrench vs. those short sliding T-bars and what I usually see people do is grab a wrench and lock the boxed end onto those T-bars and tighten them anyways to the T-bars turn into a U-bar. This looks much cleaner than having those bent bars that seem to do nothing but get in the way and look hideous. Just thought I'd share a couple pics if that is something you are contemplating.
OP
Absolutely appreciate it Mike....why don't the manufacturers do this at the factory?
I believe I will be doing that.
I believe I will be doing that.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Absolutely appreciate it Mike....why don't the manufacturers do this at the factory?
I believe I will be doing that.
You're welcome Eric. I don't know why they don't either. The T-bar seems like a complete wasted effort.
Although, now thinking about it, maybe, just maybe they use the sliding T-bar as a means to control the force applied to the fastener. Seems like I've seen some break the internal ears off when overtightened and with this method that "could" be a potential issue if one doesn't use their head when tightening with a wrench.
XJSuperman
Well-known member
"Tool-less" use is usually a benefit, not a hindrance. However, its certainly annoying on a vise, especially when the Ts get bent, smashed, and hammered into and out of position. The flat tab that some use is even worse. I think the real winning combo here would be a hex up top with a T-bar still on it so it can be used without hunting for a wrench but if needed to snug it or loosen it, you have something to grip on. Heck, I've even seen mini ratchets put on by guys, which is pretty slick.
OP
Leaving the small T-handles along with the nuts is an option. However, if I can mount this in the trailer, I think I will delete them.
I don't use the vise often so I think just having the nuts will be fine with.
I'll just have to figure out how to strip the chrome off them.. scotchbrite/roloc or sanding disc maybe blast cabinet.
Hopefully I can get time to work on it tomorrow. I have a feeling I will be working an OT shift on Sunday and my regular shift Monday.
I don't use the vise often so I think just having the nuts will be fine with.
I'll just have to figure out how to strip the chrome off them.. scotchbrite/roloc or sanding disc maybe blast cabinet.
Hopefully I can get time to work on it tomorrow. I have a feeling I will be working an OT shift on Sunday and my regular shift Monday.
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Tommo3
Well-known member
You could keep a length of bar stock handy? Heaven forbid you nip it up with a screwdriver shaft!
OP
I don't believe I follow you.
OP
Paint dry and ready for assembly.
Taking the screws out of the jaws so I could clean them....those little 4" Vise-Grips come in handy in times like this.
Taking the screws out of the jaws so I could clean them....those little 4" Vise-Grips come in handy in times like this.
OP
Sometimes you get that wild hair up your **** and say why not. Put a little shine on the anvil.
Reflection of my hand
Reflection of my hand
OP
Assembled and ready to go...to bad it's raining like a pig outside. I wanted to see how this would set up in the trailer... Maybe another day. I'll be at work tomorrow and Monday.
I'm going to check TSC and the hardware store to see what they have for coupler nuts to replace the T-handles.
Stay tuned. . .
I'm going to check TSC and the hardware store to see what they have for coupler nuts to replace the T-handles.
Stay tuned. . .
OP
Picked up these coupling nuts at FFH yesterday.
Replaced the T-handles...
They just need something else....
Replaced the T-handles...
They just need something else....
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Maybe something to just plug up the open threads Eric, maybe even something like a plastic plug or even a socket head capscrew would change the look of the open threads. Just a thought.
larry4406
Well-known member
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Maybe a button head cap screw?
Even better. I think that would look great. The reason I mentioned a socket head was because a hex wrench or socket would still easily fit over it to grab the hex of the coupling nut. A button head would still allow that and I like that it would be even more low profile than a SHCS.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
@zanyad posted a nice looking option. Or better yet Eric, this would be an excuse to purchase a lathe and mill for the shop. 
It's easier than one thinks to justify $20k on equipment and another $20k in tooling to make a few nice-looking nuts. Hell, this is Garage Journal after all, you can't expect to get off too cheap. 
It's easier than one thinks to justify $20k on equipment and another $20k in tooling to make a few nice-looking nuts. Hell, this is Garage Journal after all, you can't expect to get off too cheap.
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OP
I tried that option this morning...not bad.Maybe a button head cap screw?
I wanted to try something else as well. I was looking for some SS set screws. A trip to Menards yielded this pile of stock.
OP
I found no SS set screws but I did grab some regular black oxide set screws. They didn't make it out of the package. I chose these instead.
Chrome plugs for a 3/8" hole. They're staying.
Chrome plugs for a 3/8" hole. They're staying.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Good choice Eric, that looks really nice.
Although truth be told, I really thought you were going to go with the lathe and mill option......
Although truth be told, I really thought you were going to go with the lathe and mill option......
OP
I grabbed a set of them as well. They are somewhere in the pile near the top of the picture.
Don't give me reasons Mike. I was watching a Jet JMD-18 on GovDeals last week. It sat at $370 for several days and went up to almost $900 overnight.@zanyad posted a nice looking option. Or better yet Eric, this would be an excuse to purchase a lathe and mill for the shop.
One of the wife's Uncles has a nice set up of older stuff in his one car garage. His wife passed, as did his only kids, 2 daughters, now he's let wife some grandkids who I don't know. At one time, a fellow nephew (married into family like me) was supposed to get the equipment. He's no longer part of the family so I have no idea where the stuff will go.
I told the wife, I'd like to talk to Jack and ask but I don't want to sound like a gold digger or such. I would just like the stuff to go somewhere it will get used or appreciated and not scrapped or sold for pennies. I just don't really have room for the mill and lathe right now.
OP
See above Mike.Good choice Eric, that looks really nice.
Although truth be told, I really thought you were going to go with the lathe and mill option......
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Therein lies Garage Journal's second rule. You always need a bigger shop.
I'm sure there are fellow forum members that can help you design a larger one, which will come with needing more property, then bigger toolbox (which you are on the right track there), then more tools to fill said larger toolbox, then you'll need an even larger shop, then more tools..................... Are you seeing a pattern?
OP
Without a doubt Mike. You don't have to tell me.Therein lies Garage Journal's second rule. You always need a bigger shop.
I'm sure there are fellow forum members that can help you design a larger one, which will come with needing more property, then bigger toolbox (which you are on the right track there), then more tools to fill said larger toolbox, then you'll need an even larger shop, then more tools..................... Are you seeing a pattern?
However, we are at a cross road with my parents. Mom will be 87 this year and step dad will be 78 and he's in the beginning stages of dementia we believe. Our plan, which they know, is to buy their home from the estate.
If that happens, I will build a large shop. I have a basic floor plan already drawn up for a 40x80. However as time goes on, I think it'll need a shed off the one end for the JD TLB and attachments. Wife knows and understands. . . she get a kitchen remodel too.
Just biding my time.
zmotorsports
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Hell, I was just jabbing at ya Eric, but you're a step ahead of me with a plan already in place. You take the Garage Journal rules to a whole other level.
OP
Mike, I'm a Mod, I HAVE to uphold the rules.Hell, I was just jabbing at ya Eric, but you're a step ahead of me with a plan already in place. You take the Garage Journal rules to a whole other level.
Eric,
I'd suggest just telling him casually that if he'd ever be interested in selling it, you'd like to know and leave it at that.
Hopefully, and I'm sure it would go down this way, he'd understand that you have a sincere want for them and you're not asking for a handout as you're offering to buy them.
SilverJimmy
Well-known member
I wanted to buy a mill. Started looking on FBMarketplace, Craigslist, etc. Found a couple that were interesting but I didn’t know much about. My friend had a Ex-Cell-O mill he had bought new in 1975 and he had a CNC shop setup in his garage. So I started showing him the mills I was finding and asking him his opinion about them. After the third one he tells me that if I’m really set on buying a mill, why don’t I just buy his! I didn’t know that he had decided to shut down his shop after almost 50 years. So I guess I’m agreeing with what the others have said. Ask him, from what I’ve seen on here, your character is sincere and like my friend was with me, he will happily know his stuff is going to a great home.
OP
Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments and compliments.
Honestly, I need to get over there and see him. PERIOD.
I've just worked so much OT again this year, it's making getting stuff done hard at times. . . . we have another Lt off for the month after a surgery and I've picked up his shifts. I'll probably be the one picking up his shifts for the rest of the month except for one.
I get a hair cut tomorrow morning and if things go to plan
I'll swing by and just inquire with him.
Honestly, I need to get over there and see him. PERIOD.
I've just worked so much OT again this year, it's making getting stuff done hard at times. . . . we have another Lt off for the month after a surgery and I've picked up his shifts. I'll probably be the one picking up his shifts for the rest of the month except for one.
I get a hair cut tomorrow morning and if things go to plan
I'll swing by and just inquire with him.
OP
Some nice weather and a few hours before I have to go to work allowed me to get a thing or two done.
The woodruff keys ao square key stock have a home with room for growth.
Then I turned my attention to car trailer and the view replacement. The little Wilton is coming out.
The woodruff keys ao square key stock have a home with room for growth.
Then I turned my attention to car trailer and the view replacement. The little Wilton is coming out.