OP
Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT Grumblebums Corner
- Thread starter Grumblebum
- Start date
Workspaces sized between 265 and 485 squarefeet.
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
Mainly been busy with life and family as I'm sure most of us have over the last couple of weeks.
My wife and I purchased ourselves as our christmas present an outdoor dining setting, so I have been starting to sort out the entertainment area out the back that has been on the honey-do list for some time now. Might even feature a pizza oven - maybe...
Anyway to garage related matters I picked up these 8" F clamps on sale at my local small hardware the other day when I popped to pickup some 5" cutting discs. They were only cheapies at $8.99 each. This is a small hardware that will shortly close as they are building a large big box store across the road soon. A bit sad really.
Last week I was at work and had a couple of hours to start cleaning up one of our workshop areas that is full of clutter basically. We'd had a stack of old office partitions that have sat there for at least 3 years now so I pulled them apart to scrap the aluminium framing. The side panels turned out to be 6mm MDF, so they came home to be kept for projects as it's handy stuff. Just need to pull a stack of staples.
The garage has attracted a bit of clutter lately so tonight I hope to tidy this bit up. Most of it is the give away pile that has flowed down out of the house.
Damn trailer was clean and empty up until Saturday too!
I think I have planned in a day to myself on Wednesday (my turn for school holiday duties for the next couple of weeks) so I hope to make a dent in finishing off the twin benches.
Thanks for reading. Cheers Grumblebum.
My wife and I purchased ourselves as our christmas present an outdoor dining setting, so I have been starting to sort out the entertainment area out the back that has been on the honey-do list for some time now. Might even feature a pizza oven - maybe...
Anyway to garage related matters I picked up these 8" F clamps on sale at my local small hardware the other day when I popped to pickup some 5" cutting discs. They were only cheapies at $8.99 each. This is a small hardware that will shortly close as they are building a large big box store across the road soon. A bit sad really.
Last week I was at work and had a couple of hours to start cleaning up one of our workshop areas that is full of clutter basically. We'd had a stack of old office partitions that have sat there for at least 3 years now so I pulled them apart to scrap the aluminium framing. The side panels turned out to be 6mm MDF, so they came home to be kept for projects as it's handy stuff. Just need to pull a stack of staples.
The garage has attracted a bit of clutter lately so tonight I hope to tidy this bit up. Most of it is the give away pile that has flowed down out of the house.
Damn trailer was clean and empty up until Saturday too!
I think I have planned in a day to myself on Wednesday (my turn for school holiday duties for the next couple of weeks) so I hope to make a dent in finishing off the twin benches.
Thanks for reading. Cheers Grumblebum.
HSpencer
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Grumblebum
Lots going on at your shop it seems. The outdoor dining area sounds good as it is winter here. I am an outdoor cook as well and specialize in anything grilled and smoked.
Best Regards
Herb
Lots going on at your shop it seems. The outdoor dining area sounds good as it is winter here. I am an outdoor cook as well and specialize in anything grilled and smoked.
Best Regards
Herb
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Great stuff GB, time for some QST
(Quality Shed Time.)
(Quality Shed Time.)
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OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
Thanks for dropping in Herb, we've been giving the BBQ a bit of a workout over the last few weeks being summer over this side. With a cold one in hand you can't go wrong
Great stuff GB, time for some QST
(Quality Shed Time.)
Thanks 1/2 Cup, and I managed to get some QST today...see next post
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
GB, glad to say that even though I've skipped over your thread since you started it, I'm happy that I've taken some time to go through it. If that even sounds right. You have a very tidy shop there (even with the throw out pile). I can see why you and taumac get along so well. I would like say thanks for sharing this part of your life with us. I'll be following your thread. G'day and have a cold one for me at your next BBQ.........Dan
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
Welding/Woodwork benches part 5.
Today I was successfull in getting some QST in. Yay!
Worked at the front of the garage as outside it looked like this...
Where I had got to last time was starting the notch outs for the wood vise on one of the benches. The back of the vise has some gussets that of course as part of the casting are not nice and square so hence the notchouts are cut to match as close as possible.
I had some 10mm plate offcuts left over from my trailer rebuild, so had just enough to make up a base plate for the vise to bolt to the bench with. It really needed about 12mm but a few shims on the bolts will sort that out.
The vise mounting idea was borrowed from 1/2 Cup here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5328834&postcount=2506
Used a few bits to bring the bolt holes upto 12mm.
After a bit of fiddling and clamping I was able to get the plate welded onto the frame.
and test fit everything and I was happy
Where it sits tonight, pretty well shimmed up but likely need an adjustment after it's painted up. Also made up a shim for the front from some sheet metal as there are a few cast lumps that don't allow it to sit fully flush against the angle iron at the front and I'd filed away as much as I could already.
Thanks for reading. GB.
Today I was successfull in getting some QST in. Yay!
Worked at the front of the garage as outside it looked like this...
Where I had got to last time was starting the notch outs for the wood vise on one of the benches. The back of the vise has some gussets that of course as part of the casting are not nice and square so hence the notchouts are cut to match as close as possible.
I had some 10mm plate offcuts left over from my trailer rebuild, so had just enough to make up a base plate for the vise to bolt to the bench with. It really needed about 12mm but a few shims on the bolts will sort that out.
The vise mounting idea was borrowed from 1/2 Cup here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5328834&postcount=2506
Used a few bits to bring the bolt holes upto 12mm.
After a bit of fiddling and clamping I was able to get the plate welded onto the frame.
and test fit everything and I was happy
Where it sits tonight, pretty well shimmed up but likely need an adjustment after it's painted up. Also made up a shim for the front from some sheet metal as there are a few cast lumps that don't allow it to sit fully flush against the angle iron at the front and I'd filed away as much as I could already.
Thanks for reading. GB.
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OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
Thanks for stopping in Dan, there are so many threads with different tastes, I know sometimes it takes a while for a thread to evolve or to get into some (just like a good book occasionally), and there is something here for everyone as I'm sure you know
I did manage to get that pile of clutter sorted over the last day or so, now it's upto wifie to arrange the giving away bit.
Still lots to do.
Cheers GB
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
That's the go GB you have done well with the vise mount.
Regards
Regards
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
That's the go GB you have done well with the vise mount.
Regards
Thanks mate, I just edited that post to where I borrowed that mounting idea from you
Lyndon
Well-known member
Welding/Woodwork benches part 5.
Today I was successful in getting some QST in. Yay!
Worked at the front of the garage as outside it looked like this...
GB
(3rd time lucky on this post - I keep losing it -
)Yes, our weather here has been strange lately hasn't it, for summer....
A couple of questions:
1. Where do you host you pictures that you post on here
dunno - it is one of the biggest things holding me back from creating a thread....2. Are you going to restore that woodworkers vise that you have just installed - I'm halfway through restoring one that I found outside at my FIL's place (an old Woden from 1960 or so), and am looking forward to figuring how to mount it to my wooden bench once completed.
Lyndon
From a cold Sydney summer's day.
Kenfab
Well-known member
GB, just had a good read through from the start, im really liking the vice projects and the woodworking benches!
Great work on the storage areas too! Might have to steal a few of your ideas
Cheers
Ken
Great work on the storage areas too! Might have to steal a few of your ideas
Cheers
Ken
BBChevro
Well-known member
...
A couple of questions:
1. Where do you host you pictures that you post on here
.
Hey Lyndon, I just forwarded a PM to you that 1/2cup had sent to me when I asked the same question - it works for me.
Lyndon
Well-known member
Hey Lyndon, I just forwarded a PM to you that 1/2cup had sent to me when I asked the same question - it works for me.
BB
Have a great day.
Lyndon
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
GB
(3rd time lucky on this post - I keep losing it -
Yes, our weather here has been strange lately hasn't it, for summer....
A couple of questions:
1. Where do you host you pictures that you post on here
2. Are you going to restore that woodworkers vise that you have just installed - I'm halfway through restoring one that I found outside at my FIL's place (an old Woden from 1960 or so), and am looking forward to figuring how to mount it to my wooden bench once completed.
Lyndon
From a cold Sydney summer's day.
Hi mate, I upload the pictures straight in the "go advanced" bit when you create a post (then click the paper clip), although I found the instructions last night about loading them in to your photo album first then link to it to show a larger size which I'll nut out tomorrow. I see that BB has messaged you too. I prefer to keep all the photos on the GJ site rather than link to other sites.
Yep the vises will get an e-bath at some point as I have 5 to do now
Are you close to starting a thread yet ? Your vise resto would be good to post so I can see how you tackle it too 
I think it should be easer mounting to a timber bench than a steel one. Have a look at metalheads thread he mounted a wood vise to his bench, maybe he can pop some close up picks up for you?
PS, I must give you a buzz too to catch up, it does sound like you are doing well. Hint: my office was up the road from your old warehouse before you moved it to Fairy Meadow....
Cheers GB.
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
GB, just had a good read through from the start, im really liking the vice projects and the woodworking benches!
Great work on the storage areas too! Might have to steal a few of your ideas
Cheers
Ken
Thanks for dropping by and for the comments Ken, I enjoyed reading your thread too. Plenty going on.
I've been good for a bit and have been ignoring the vise emails from evilbay, need to get these ones fixed and used or sold first!
Cheers GB.
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
Hey Lyndon, I just forwarded a PM to you that 1/2cup had sent to me when I asked the same question - it works for me.
Thanks Mark, I only just found a better way to do it last night too so will try it out for one of the next updates.
Lyndon
Well-known member
GB
OK - now you've got me wondering???
Give me a call if you have my number still. If not pm me and I'll send it by reply. How odd is it to come across someone you know on an International blog site about garages.....
I moved the business to Kingsford St in about 2008 or something. I don't know if you've read my introduction on here, but I sold the business in early 2014 after being diagnosed as rather ill in Nov 2013. Don't frequent the 'Gong anymore.
Lyndon
(yep still the same one, but much, much lighter).
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
GB
OK - now you've got me wondering???
Give me a call if you have my number still. If not pm me and I'll send it by reply. How odd is it to come across someone you know on an International blog site about garages.....
I moved the business to Kingsford St in about 2008 or something. I don't know if you've read my introduction on here, but I sold the business in early 2014 after being diagnosed as rather ill in Nov 2013. Don't frequent the 'Gong anymore.
Lyndon
(yep still the same one, but much, much lighter).
Yeah it's a small world, I'll buzz you next week
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
Welding/Woodwork benches part 6.
Not huge progress but did sneak a bit of time yesterday afternoon and tonight to get the sub-tops done.
Used up some old structural pine lengths, nothing fancy just a cleat on the bottom to keep them together and a planed edge to let it sit right on the bottom of the angle iron. The notch outs on the first one are to clear the bolt heads and the gussets on the back of the vise.
View media item 56633
View media item 56636
And I have about the 8mm recess needed....
View media item 56634
to fit this... (sorry for the **** pic, it was getting dark)
View media item 56635
starting to come together, just used a couple of quick grip clamps to test.
View media item 56637
View media item 56638
Are the photos ok this way ? I just worked out the album-link thing...
Cheers GB.
Not huge progress but did sneak a bit of time yesterday afternoon and tonight to get the sub-tops done.
Used up some old structural pine lengths, nothing fancy just a cleat on the bottom to keep them together and a planed edge to let it sit right on the bottom of the angle iron. The notch outs on the first one are to clear the bolt heads and the gussets on the back of the vise.
View media item 56633
View media item 56636
And I have about the 8mm recess needed....
View media item 56634
to fit this... (sorry for the **** pic, it was getting dark)
View media item 56635
starting to come together, just used a couple of quick grip clamps to test.
View media item 56637
View media item 56638
Are the photos ok this way ? I just worked out the album-link thing...
Cheers GB.
BBChevro
Well-known member
The pics are good GB, as is the subject matter.
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
taumac
Well-known member
Nice job on those benches. Now I got to redo mine.
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
I thought I posted you this morning GB. I wanted to tell you the photos were okay. I guess I didn't follow through with it. Because I don't see it. Anyway, nice job on the benches as Gerard said.
Hey you guys, I was thinking about making a adjustable spanner wrench. Any thoughts or have either of you already done it. Maybe they're already out there and I just don't know where to look.
Hey you guys, I was thinking about making a adjustable spanner wrench. Any thoughts or have either of you already done it. Maybe they're already out there and I just don't know where to look.
rmalkow2
Well-known member
Photos look good and the wood tops look great!
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
The pics are good GB, as is the subject matter.
Great work GB
Thanks guys for the comments, much appreciated.
Dan I don't think Gerard or I could complete with the china/taiwan market for making adjustable spanners
BTW do you have a garage thread ?
Cheers GB.
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
Welding/Woodwork benches part 7.
Today I scored a bonus, unscheduled daddy day. The teachers at my sons daycare asked my daughter if she wanted to be a helper for the day (they miss her a bit) and she did So a quality garage day was to be had all be it for the hot 38C day (100F).
What better to do on a hot day than break out the grinder and welder!
So got the steel plate cut and fit onto the workbenches.
Took about 4 thin cutting discs to do the cuts (8mm thick plate). The plate was orignally across the front of my driveway as it has a deepish gutter in it. The rest of this plate has become a fire pit with a rotisserie on it that my brother has made.
View media item 56925
Had to use the Hilux to flatten a little woomfa out of it...
View media item 56928
Bit fiddly getting the edges nice and straight but got there in the end. I had not planned on welding them on but once they fitted up it looked like the obvious thing to do, I think I will weld the whole seam and it will come up pretty good.
View media item 56926
View media item 56927
View media item 56930
View media item 56929
Where it sits tonight in it's long form. I've temporary mounted the 4" Dawn vise on too. Just going to flip it up underneath when not in use and inverse the bolts.
View media item 56931
The thickness came up pretty good in the end, that sub top timber was about 35mm and with the steel plate 8mm now sits flush.
View media item 56932
Tomorrow both kids have either preschool or school holiday activities so I should have a few more garage hours. Do need to do the timing belt on my Hilux too so it's going to be a busy day.
The tables are now however pretty heavy with the tops on. One of the castor wheels has also blown out the bolt that I welded on the back - so that must have been one of the first ones I did with not enough weld on it, so will have to engineer up something to fix that up too.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers GB.
Today I scored a bonus, unscheduled daddy day. The teachers at my sons daycare asked my daughter if she wanted to be a helper for the day (they miss her a bit) and she did
So a quality garage day was to be had all be it for the hot 38C day (100F).What better to do on a hot day than break out the grinder and welder!
So got the steel plate cut and fit onto the workbenches.
Took about 4 thin cutting discs to do the cuts (8mm thick plate). The plate was orignally across the front of my driveway as it has a deepish gutter in it. The rest of this plate has become a fire pit with a rotisserie on it that my brother has made.
View media item 56925
Had to use the Hilux to flatten a little woomfa out of it...
View media item 56928
Bit fiddly getting the edges nice and straight but got there in the end. I had not planned on welding them on but once they fitted up it looked like the obvious thing to do, I think I will weld the whole seam and it will come up pretty good.
View media item 56926
View media item 56927
View media item 56930
View media item 56929
Where it sits tonight in it's long form. I've temporary mounted the 4" Dawn vise on too. Just going to flip it up underneath when not in use and inverse the bolts.
View media item 56931
The thickness came up pretty good in the end, that sub top timber was about 35mm and with the steel plate 8mm now sits flush.
View media item 56932
Tomorrow both kids have either preschool or school holiday activities so I should have a few more garage hours. Do need to do the timing belt on my Hilux too so it's going to be a busy day.
The tables are now however pretty heavy with the tops on. One of the castor wheels has also blown out the bolt that I welded on the back - so that must have been one of the first ones I did with not enough weld on it, so will have to engineer up something to fix that up too.
Thanks for reading.
Cheers GB.
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
GB, what do you mean that you are just going to flip it underneath when not in use (the 4" dawn vise). Is it for space saving?
Kenfab
Well-known member
Lookin good gb! The hilux plate flattening cracked me up
1953mercury
Well-known member
Should make for nice solid bench at a fraction of the cost of going to heavier plate. If your going to use it much for welding you might consider welding the seams around the edges completely shut. Could possibly get some hot slag smoldering down in there and have a chance of fire after you leave your shop. It also will help prevent air from getting to the wood, hard to support combustion without air. Great job of making do with what you have at hand. Cheers, Mike
xtremek
Well-known member
Nice tables. My bench is built out of steel with the same kind of history. Nice thing about it is that I don't worry about abusing it. Well done.
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Looking great GB.
HSpencer
ALLIANCE MEMBER
GB
Great job on the benches. Look like they would handle about anything. I want to make one that sturdy that would sit outside by my shed woodshop. I will need to fabricate a steel base and use treated wood for the top. I see you and I think a lot alike!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Best Regards
Herb
Great job on the benches. Look like they would handle about anything. I want to make one that sturdy that would sit outside by my shed woodshop. I will need to fabricate a steel base and use treated wood for the top. I see you and I think a lot alike!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Best Regards
Herb
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
Yes dlcwent, the benches slide under another shelf when not in use, so the vise will mount underneath to be stored.
BBChevro
Well-known member
The twin benches are looking great GB
rmalkow2
Well-known member
Really nice addition to have those heavy steel tops. They will be handy for fabrication and welding.
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
Lookin good gb! The hilux plate flattening cracked me up
Thanks Kenfab, the hilux does have it's uses!
Hi 1953mercury, thanks for dropping in. I did weld up the seams, it looks much better that way and like you say will keep the **** getting down in the sides.
I think they will be better for it with the steel being used, that steel plate did well for the last 13 odd years outside that I've owned it
Looking great GB.
Thanks 1/2 Cup, in my keen-ness to get the tops on I'd forgotten about welding or fixing the top of the internal bolts for the wood vise! Luckily they are just accessible if needed. The vise did go back on ok.
Thanks very much Herb. I haven't looked at your woodshop photos for a while, but if there is anyway you could build it with castors and maybe wheel it just inside the door when you finish for the day might be worth considering. I'll take some photos of the other mobile bench with the wood top if you like, it's nothing fancy (just angle iron frame) but might give you some ideas.
The twin benches are looking great GB
Thanks BB.
Thanks, they are heavy now literally too!
Cheers anth.
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
Welding/Woodwork benches part 8.
Some more shop time today!
Pretty much got stuck in and finished off the benches.
Lost a few hours fixing up the castors on the first one I put together as I hadn't put enough weld on the bolts on the inside of the legs that the castors screw into - silly me.
Anyway got all the seams on the tops welded up and cleaned, then hit them with a couple of coats of hammertone charcoal. On the top I got my Foose on and did a little bright yellow pin stripe detail. I've been thinking about adding a bit of the dewalt shade of yellow to the garage here and there so this is a test.
The middle I just wiped down with some WD40 and that will do for now.
View media item 56979
View media item 56981
View media item 56980
View media item 56982
Ignore the overspray, that will get tidied up later, mainly just wanted to get the paint on as with the humidity lately the surface rust doesn't take long to appear on the welds.
But like them so far, was using each bench whilst I worked on the other today. Just need to cut some timbers for the bottom shelves and I'll think about a draw options.
Thanks for reading. Cheers GB
Some more shop time today!
Pretty much got stuck in and finished off the benches.
Lost a few hours fixing up the castors on the first one I put together as I hadn't put enough weld on the bolts on the inside of the legs that the castors screw into - silly me.
Anyway got all the seams on the tops welded up and cleaned, then hit them with a couple of coats of hammertone charcoal. On the top I got my Foose on and did a little bright yellow pin stripe detail. I've been thinking about adding a bit of the dewalt shade of yellow to the garage here and there so this is a test.
The middle I just wiped down with some WD40 and that will do for now.
View media item 56979
View media item 56981
View media item 56980
View media item 56982
Ignore the overspray, that will get tidied up later, mainly just wanted to get the paint on as with the humidity lately the surface rust doesn't take long to appear on the welds.
But like them so far, was using each bench whilst I worked on the other today. Just need to cut some timbers for the bottom shelves and I'll think about a draw options.
Thanks for reading. Cheers GB
OP
Grumblebum
Well-known member
Garage lighting update.
Had to nip into the big box store this morning to grab a couple of things. So I used up a gift card voucher from my birthday towards updating some lighting for the garage.
The garage has 16 downlights in the form of 11W 240V GU10 Compact Fluorescent (CFL) and they ranged from 3000-4000K (some had died and been replaced with others). They were ok but I was always having to get out one of the floodlights to see anything when wanting to work on a project at night.
So after cleaning up the garage tonight I popped these in...
5.5W 240V GU10 LED 6500K.
View media item 56984
Before...
View media item 56983
After...
View media item 56985
So now I can see, and being led they are on instantly where with the CFL's they needed to warm up for a minute or so before being at full brightness.
And also theoretically use only %50 of the power than before
Cheers GB.
Had to nip into the big box store this morning to grab a couple of things. So I used up a gift card voucher from my birthday towards updating some lighting for the garage.
The garage has 16 downlights in the form of 11W 240V GU10 Compact Fluorescent (CFL) and they ranged from 3000-4000K (some had died and been replaced with others). They were ok but I was always having to get out one of the floodlights to see anything when wanting to work on a project at night.
So after cleaning up the garage tonight I popped these in...
5.5W 240V GU10 LED 6500K.
View media item 56984
Before...
View media item 56983
After...
View media item 56985
So now I can see, and being led they are on instantly where with the CFL's they needed to warm up for a minute or so before being at full brightness.
And also theoretically use only %50 of the power than before
Cheers GB.