Between 265 & 485 SQ/FT Grumblebums Corner

[Bears Fan]

It has been a while since I stopped by, Looks like you had a good time at your local festival, can't believe the local police are driving around in that Lexus Your tax dollars hard at work Your camper rack is looking really good too and I always stop by to check out your organizational skills and I was not disappointed. I really like those wall cleats for organizing your extension cords, great idea, seems like nobody ever knows what to do with them? As always great job in the ole' garage, I see all that beer and pondering is really paying off

 

[oldironfarmer]

Now this bit I think has gone over my head - or it could just be the lateness of the hour and it will make sense tomorrow. "Over here we would expect cleat hangers for zip ties after an appropriate period of time".

Yhe connection is a little obtuse. You had just commented you had "knocked up" some hangers, in American slang that would mean you had somehow been able to get them pregnant. I figured after long enough the cleat hangers could have produced zip ties But I think I didn't even use all the verbs necessary to describe that.

Well GB, I never thought that I'd be making a habit of saying this to blokes (maybe it's a GJ thing) - but "nice rack".

X2, NICE RACK

(apparently that means the same thing on both sides of the Pacific)

 

[rmalkow2]

Sorry to hear your mower problem was not simply the key breaking. That see a very high cost for mower ignition parts so maybe you are right and it's time for a replacement. Or maybe a used donor and make one good one from two.
The camper rack looks great all refinished and you will have peace of mind going down the road with it bolted on securely.

 

[Grumblebum]

GB, I get about 10 years out of a mower so you have done well. Think about it but IMHO...................its time..

Great work on the frame, it looks a treat..

Scotch O clock...

Thanks 1/2 - some more info on the mower front down below.

Well GB, I never thought that I'd be making a habit of saying this to blokes (maybe it's a GJ thing) - but "nice rack".

Lol, thanks Mark, even got it all bolted back on permanently today. Hopefully the last accessory for the rack will arrive tomorrow and it will be job done.

It has been a while since I stopped by, Looks like you had a good time at your local festival, can't believe the local police are driving around in that Lexus Your tax dollars hard at work Your camper rack is looking really good too and I always stop by to check out your organizational skills and I was not disappointed. I really like those wall cleats for organizing your extension cords, great idea, seems like nobody ever knows what to do with them? As always great job in the ole' garage, I see all that beer and pondering is really paying off

Thanks bears, always appreciate you dropping in. I must go back now do a little project review. I've got some that I've mentioned a while ago but haven't started yet such as the shop slide out trash bins.

It turned out that the Lexus is a promo car, but still makes you wonder how our tax dollars go to such things.

Yhe connection is a little obtuse. You had just commented you had "knocked up" some hangers, in American slang that would mean you had somehow been able to get them pregnant. I figured after long enough the cleat hangers could have produced zip ties But I think I didn't even use all the verbs necessary to describe that.



X2, NICE RACK

(apparently that means the same thing on both sides of the Pacific)

I was close I guess. I had the knocked up thing but just hadn't made the zip tie offspring link.

Sorry to hear your mower problem was not simply the key breaking. That see a very high cost for mower ignition parts so maybe you are right and it's time for a replacement. Or maybe a used donor and make one good one from two.
The camper rack looks great all refinished and you will have peace of mind going down the road with it bolted on securely.

Thanks RM. Well a new mower has been ordered this morning.

I spent several hours yesterday and last night looking into mowers, reviews and the models the local mower shop has. I had just figured I'd end up with one of the Honda 196 series 19" models but they are no longer the same as the older ones that the pro guys seem to rave about.

When looking for mowers now they are trying to cram in new features like engine brakes and blade brakes. I didn't want any of that. Basically for those who haven't looked into mowers for a while (and assuming I've got it right) a blade brake allows the motor to still run whilst you remove the catcher or obstacle in your way - it just stops the blades. An engine brake on the other hand cuts the motor after 3 seconds - so the mower completely stops as soon as you take your hand off the lever then you have to start it again to keep going. IMO just more things to fail.

Most models you see at the box stores have these features also. On the Hondas there are issues with clogging due to the space taken up for the brake systems so that turned me off. The husqvarna units look nice but apparently they are a press steel deck, so as soon as you hit something or fling a rock they are going to dent. Didn't really want that either.

My above comments are opinions formed from trolling review sites and some garden care/lawn forums that popped up when looking at various models, once you ignore the complaints caused by people not checking oil before use etc you get a general idea but still take the grain of salt approach.

So ended up chatting to my BIL this morning to get his thoughts as he is a horticulturist and has been running a lawn business for many years. He sent me off over to DMC mowers Australia http://www.dmcmowersaustralia.com.au/ as he reiterated my comments on the current Honda models.

Basically what the story is that the decks are a Chinese clone of the older Honda 196 bolted up with genuine Honda motors. All the parts are compatible with the 196 model Hondas. The 19" model I've ordered has the 5.5HP GXV 160 Honda motor, 4 blades, and 2 litre tank, so it's build for commercial setups I believe without all the brake systems. Anyway here is what will hopefully arrive in a few days.

(Pic is from the site above.)

View media item 63846
I hope it is what I am expecting - a nice reliable mower without all the fluff. So I'll report back on it once I've had a play. Only problem now is where to store it, can't really shove it under the house any more.

Cheers GB

 

[Lyndon]

Rod

Report back in on it in 25 years time - that's when you'll know if it's done alright!!!!!

Mine is a Briggs & Stratton based Victa, 27 years old, and going like a train......

Don't think I'll ever replace it, especially when I have it's clone in the shed for parts....... And by the time I wear it and it's donor sister out - I'll be living in an apartment somewhere near a Hospital (according to my Dad) without lawns. Maybe even in Florida, hey Bob!

Lyndon
Spending money on mowers - nope - not me!

 

[1/2 Cup]

GB, let us know how it goes, I will be replacing mine down the track.

Regards

 

[Bob Heine]

Rod

Report back in on it in 25 years time - that's when you'll know if it's done alright!!!!!

Mine is a Briggs & Stratton based Victa, 27 years old, and going like a train......

Don't think I'll ever replace it, especially when I have it's clone in the shed for parts....... And by the time I wear it and it's donor sister out - I'll be living in an apartment somewhere near a Hospital (according to my Dad) without lawns. Maybe even in Florida, hey Bob!

Lyndon
Spending money on mowers - nope - not me!

Lyndon, you don't have to live in an apartment in Florida to avoid the lawn and yard work. Us elderly find "reasonably priced" lawn maintenance service because there are so many people offering to do it. The grass has to be cut year-round (it slows down a little in winter but it still grows and has to be cut). If you feel too spoiled with that, you can go outside and supervise (point to the leaf they didn't pick up).

 

[Grumblebum]

Rod

Report back in on it in 25 years time - that's when you'll know if it's done alright!!!!!

Mine is a Briggs & Stratton based Victa, 27 years old, and going like a train......

Don't think I'll ever replace it, especially when I have it's clone in the shed for parts....... And by the time I wear it and it's donor sister out - I'll be living in an apartment somewhere near a Hospital (according to my Dad) without lawns. Maybe even in Florida, hey Bob!

Lyndon
Spending money on mowers - nope - not me!

You know I did consider going to that bloke near the bus depot near officeworks there and getting an oldie but a goodie for a minute. (You know the one I mean?)

GB, let us know how it goes, I will be replacing mine down the track.

Regards

Will do 1/2 cup, I think my BIL will be keen to try it for a day too as he is not happy with the current Honda lineup.

Lyndon, you don't have to live in an apartment in Florida to avoid the lawn and yard work. Us elderly find "reasonably priced" lawn maintenance service because there are so many people offering to do it. The grass has to be cut year-round (it slows down a little in winter but it still grows and has to be cut). If you feel too spoiled with that, you can go outside and supervise (point to the leaf they didn't pick up).

What happened with that 6 car place near Terricks ?

The alpacas can do the mowing

4 more days until the weekend again.

 

[TwoBytes]

I've got an old Victa with a Honda motor...

View media item 59513
I picked it up second hand from a guy who was selling it for his sister who's husband had passed away. I was so excited, and he was so happy that it was going to somebody who would appreciate it, he tried to give it to me for free. I paid the full asking price, and still felt like I was ripping him off.

That DMC looks really nice. Looking forward to hearing how it goes.

I had a look at the site, this looks nice too..
https://www.dmcmowersaustralia.com.au/power-equipment/dmc-4-stroke-5-in-1-multitool-gx35-honda-engine.html

 

[Lyndon]

Rod

I know the place you mean (- it's kinda hard to miss - I hope he owns the joint, otherwise I wouldn't want to be paying his rent). He must get 20,000 cars a day past his place. And yes - the only 2 things that ever prevented me from stopping there were : 1. I didn't need another mower (27 years on this one, remember), and 2. there's not much parking, unless you call that paddock behind him the "parking area", in which case you have to plan ahead to get in there....

Mat

That chassis looks suspiciously like mine!!!!

But you really can't beat an old Briggs & Stratton motor....

Lyndon
Only just recovering from.... Tuesday!

 

[Grumblebum]

I've got an old Victa with a Honda motor...

View media item 59513
I picked it up second hand from a guy who was selling it for his sister who's husband had passed away. I was so excited, and he was so happy that it was going to somebody who would appreciate it, he tried to give it to me for free. I paid the full asking price, and still felt like I was ripping him off.

That DMC looks really nice. Looking forward to hearing how it goes.

I had a look at the site, this looks nice too..
https://www.dmcmowersaustralia.com.au/power-equipment/dmc-4-stroke-5-in-1-multitool-gx35-honda-engine.html

That looks like a nice mower TB. Should last you a pretty long time that one.

I didn't actually see the 5-in-1 on the site until you mentioned it. It looks pretty cool.

Thanks for checking in.

Rod

I know the place you mean (- it's kinda hard to miss - I hope he owns the joint, otherwise I wouldn't want to be paying his rent). He must get 20,000 cars a day past his place. And yes - the only 2 things that ever prevented me from stopping there were : 1. I didn't need another mower (27 years on this one, remember), and 2. there's not much parking, unless you call that paddock behind him the "parking area", in which case you have to plan ahead to get in there....

Mat

That chassis looks suspiciously like mine!!!!

But you really can't beat an old Briggs & Stratton motor....

Lyndon
Only just recovering from.... Tuesday!

Probably why it never looks like anyone is in that shop, no parking like you say.

 

[Grumblebum]

The camper frame is now done (I still have to do the little feet and make a bracket to hold the spare wheel down - but I'm calling it done).

Drilled and bolted down now so it's not going anywhere in a hurry. I used some offcuts of conveyor belt mat to make some spacers that are siliconed down to prevent any water ingress into the bolt. They also separate the steel frame from the aluminium frame touching.

View media item 63854
Roof Top Bag is now installed and has all the awnings etc stored in there. They need refolding but at least they now have a home that they can go into easily if I'm ever stuck packing up in the rain. Room for other bits too so happy with that. Next thing on this is to get the gas struts re-gassed or replaced as they have been pretty much shot since we've had the camper.

View media item 63850
View media item 63851
Also today the mower arrived. Very quick shipping since I only ordered on Sunday afternoon.

It's a beast. The motor takes up pretty much the whole top of the deck. Couldn't wait to play so got it oiled up and some fuel in. It started on about 1/3 of the first pull of the cord. Never had that before.

Sounds awesome - more grunty, not the typical mower sound so much. Just ran it for a few minutes before time to go in. Will double check oil level and blade bolts before it gets it's first run probably on the weekend.

View media item 63852
And so you get an idea of the size compared to the old unit.

View media item 63853
Only thing I buggered up on was I ordered a mesh catcher bag for it also on BIL's advice, however I didn't realise I needed to get the frame kit separately so will have to sort that out tomorrow. First oil change is after 20 hours.

Cheers GB.

 

[1/2 Cup]

GB, top job on the frame it has come up a treat..

Your new mower looks the goods

I am keen to know what you think of the mesh catcher as opposed to standard unit.

Cheers

 

[Lyndon]

Rod

Mesh catcher????

I had one on another mower I had, and after every mow I was covered in dust and rubbish. Don't like them myself.....

Lyndon
Looking in at the office....

 

[taumac]

The topper came out great. [emoji482] I don't use a bag on my lawnmower. Well I should say 90% of the time. I usually only use it in the winter months when wife gets sick of looking at leaves.

 

[Grumblebum]

GB, top job on the frame it has come up a treat..

Your new mower looks the goods

I am keen to know what you think of the mesh catcher as opposed to standard unit.

Cheers

Thanks 1/2 Cup, I checked the calendar to see when we can get another camping trip in so I can test out the latest mods, but looks like we are all booked up until late November.

I should have the frame for the mesh bag tomorrow hopefully, so will report in after I give it a go.

Rod

Mesh catcher????

I had one on another mower I had, and after every mow I was covered in dust and rubbish. Don't like them myself.....

Lyndon
Looking in at the office....

Lyndon, I am purely going on BIL's recommendations. I've never used one before so if I don't like it I can pass it to him and it can be put to use on his mowers.

The topper came out great. [emoji482] I don't use a bag on my lawnmower. Well I should say 90% of the time. I usually only use it in the winter months when wife gets sick of looking at leaves.

Thanks Taumac, the new mower also has an attachment that mulches the clippings back into the lawn, so it can be used without a catcher. Will have to test it out also.

Almost the weekend - almost...

Saturday is kids sport then they get to hang out at their Aunts for the afternoon while wifie and I head up to catch up with Hewey and Lyndon and wifie's for lunch.

Sunday will maybe be lawn mower testing and hopefully some more work on the French cleat wall.

GB

 

[taumac]

Hey GB check this out and it's on the GJ.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=210300

 

[Grumblebum]

Hey GB check this out and it's on the GJ.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=210300

Cool, looks pretty handy...thanks for posting the link.

Tonight's pondering was about laying out the french cleat wall.

I started by moving the air compressor back where it normally lived. After removing the white shelf that was above them before, I had an issue putting twins back in that spot as the motor for the drill press sticks out past the back edge of the bench - so it does not sit flat against the wall and one bench stuck out a bit and looked crappy. Moving the DP forward only helps by about 1" so not quite enough.

So I've brought the twins back over to the back wall and took all the old hooks out that I'd been using before along that wall.

On the far RH side I can make a cleat hanger to take the saw stand and it can hang vertically without impacting the cupboard door opening.

Then I'll need to make some hangers for the saw horses, aluminium trestle stands, and mechanics creeper.

The 4' and 6' step ladders suddenly had a home appear on the far left.

Might take another session to work out the best solution for the trimmers. Ideally they need to be sitting horizontal so I don't get fuel & oil dripping.

View media item 63918
View media item 63919
But, I think a home has been created for the mower now so that is good.

Doesn't seem to look too cluttered and once all the cleats are installed there should be a bit of room to spare.

Cheers GB

 

[drivesitfar]

GB: storage is always an issue as tools and needs change, but looks like you built something stout and efficient so WELL DONE!!

if i were to buy a small engine tool like a lawn mower or weed eater/trimmer or pressure washer i'd buy another one with a Honda engine. since i started buying them 30 years ago they have yet to let me down. the B&S engines i hear are pretty good too so good luck with that and looks like you had good luck with the last one or you wouldn't be buying another.

my mower's new engine is getting a bit old, but it's good exercise if your lawn isn't too big and you decide to make a change in 20 years when your new mower starts acting up.

Have a great weekend

 

[Grumblebum]

GB: storage is always an issue as tools and needs change, but looks like you built something stout and efficient so WELL DONE!!

if i were to buy a small engine tool like a lawn mower or weed eater/trimmer or pressure washer i'd buy another one with a Honda engine. since i started buying them 30 years ago they have yet to let me down. the B&S engines i hear are pretty good too so good luck with that and looks like you had good luck with the last one or you wouldn't be buying another.

my mower's new engine is getting a bit old, but it's good exercise if your lawn isn't too big and you decide to make a change in 20 years when your new mower starts acting up.

Have a great weekend

Drives, thanks for popping back in. I was not far off sending out the hounds when you popped up with the new organising thread which I am yet to catch up on.

Yes the Hondas and B&S motors have always been good. The red line trimmer is a 4stroke Honda and it's a great bit of kit. If I do it again I'd get the bent shaft as I find the straight shaft slightly too long (that sounds a bit dodgy right ?)

Anyway I got home a bit earlier and finally got a chance to give the mower its first go. Very happy. Sounds great and didn't flinch cutting the sir Walter buffalo out the back. Plenty of power in the 5.5 Honda motor on it. Didn't try the mesh catcher yet - will leave that for a weekend when time permits more playing.

Cheers GB.

 

[Grumblebum]

Been chipping away at the cleat wall today. Have just finished all the cleats.

View media item 64123
View media item 64122
View media item 64121
Just happened to fluke the power point in the middle being exact middle of a cleat, so just drilled it straight through and installed a mounting block on it.

Still have some daylight, so going to try to get a couple of hangers made up.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Great work GB.

I am watching this with interest to see how it turns out, it could be an option for the Shed Downunder..

Regards

 

[Grumblebum]

Great work GB.

I am watching this with interest to see how it turns out, it could be an option for the Shed Downunder..

Regards

Thanks 1/2 Cup. It could work well for you. I'm going to replace the pegboard on my main bench with french cleat too I think in due course.

Well it's been a blowly gusty day all day here today. But it did blow all the sawdust down and away instead of up and in

After getting all the cleats on the wall I only had time to knock up a hanger for the saw horses. It still needs some refinement (and maybe a 2" correction on a depth measurement yet). Hopefully tomorrow I can just work on making up some hangers and see how we go...

View media item 64124
Also by accident I found my new favourite screws. Grabbed these this morning as I was low on 2" screws, but didn't realise they were "rib head" until I opened up the dish. Must say they are ****** great compared to the phillips head screws.

View media item 64125
Cheers GB.

 

[Bears Fan]

The cleat wall is looking awesome you have been a busy man in the garage! I like the square head screws too, you can put so much more torque on them vs a phillips head. I use them exclusively on decks around here...

 

[rmalkow2]

The cleat wall progress looks great. I really love how versatile your wall can be now. This is a great method for organization.

 

[1/2 Cup]

GB, those screws are ideal for what you are doing.

I find with a Phillips head unless you have a new bit, drill a pilot hole and put plenty of muscle behind the driver you chew out the slots. As I did in the West Wing installing the new front door using stainless screws.

Cheers

 

[Grumblebum]

The cleat wall is looking awesome you have been a busy man in the garage! I like the square head screws too, you can put so much more torque on them vs a phillips head. I use them exclusively on decks around here...

Thanks BF.

The cleat wall progress looks great. I really love how versatile your wall can be now. This is a great method for organization.

Cheers RM, it's already very handy just trying out different configurations, just pick the whole thing off the wall and move it somewhere else.

GB, those screws are ideal for what you are doing.

I find with a Phillips head unless you have a new bit, drill a pilot hole and put plenty of muscle behind the driver you chew out the slots. As I did in the West Wing installing the new front door using stainless screws.

Cheers

Thanks 1/2 Cup, yep I'm a pre-driller and also made good use of the counter sink bit. I've never had much luck with stainless door screws either.

GB.

 

[Grumblebum]

Made full use of that extra light today and got more cleat hangers made up which means all the bulky stuff is now off the floor.

It's a little fiddly and a bit of trial and error making up the hangers, but a great use for all those odd offcuts of ply that we all have kicking around.

View media item 64147
To keep the horse stands and aluminium trestles back against their hanger, I used some occy straps that I got for a pressie probably 20 years ago. Finally had a use for a couple. Just used a bolt with a flat nut tightened on each side of the ply to hook them onto.

View media item 64148
View media item 64149
Mitre saw stand is on it's own cleat, only mm off the floor.

View media item 64150
Last hours of daylight was cleaning up and packing away. Still need to work out the best way to store the trimmers, but that is for another pondering session.

Hopefully the vehicles get a turn tomorrow for some TLC.

Cheers GB.

 

[Terrick down Under]

That has come up really well, and has given me an idea for my place, thanks

 

[1/2 Cup]

That has come up really well, and has given me an idea for my place, thanks

Terrick I have to agree this sets the bench mark

Well done GB.

 

[Grumblebum]

That has come up really well, and has given me an idea for my place, thanks

Terrick I have to agree this sets the bench mark

Well done GB.

Thanks very much fellas. The whole lot now needs some putty work and paint, but at least that can be done during evenings once the rest of clan goes to bed since no power tools are needed.

I have enough lengths of pine left to replace the pegboard above the main bench with cleats also.

Cheers GB.

 

[jon72vega]

Grumblebum,
Nice work on the cleat wall!

 

[Denwood]

Been chipping away at the cleat wall today. Have just finished all the cleats.

View media item 64123
View media item 64122
View media item 64121
Just happened to fluke the power point in the middle being exact middle of a cleat, so just drilled it straight through and installed a mounting block on it.

Still have some daylight, so going to try to get a couple of hangers made up.

G, this is about as organized as it gets...doing full cleat walls makes 100% good sense in a garage. Very interested now to see how you populate the wall!

 

[hewey]

Cleat wall looks great!

 

[Grumblebum]

Grumblebum,
Nice work on the cleat wall!

Thanks Jon.

G, this is about as organized as it gets...doing full cleat walls makes 100% good sense in a garage. Very interested now to see how you populate the wall!

Dennis thanks. It was your slat wall install that gave me the idea for this originally. Did you see the later pics ? There is a little content hanging now. I'm thinking of making a cleat cupboard to house the cases of screws that I currently have stored low in one of the corner cupboards and not easily accessible.

Cleat wall looks great!

Cheers mate.

 

[Grumblebum]

A great little spring day to wrench on some spanners for a change. Wheeled the truck in and performed some arterial surgery. Replaced the leaking turbo oil pipe + regular service.

Cool to have everything at hand now. Just wheeled over one of the twins as the workbench. Tool chest at the ready. Much better than going back and forward trying to work outside on the drive.

Needed some extra light, but I like this pic.

View media item 64183
First 3 hours was drain oil, replace air filter, remove fuel filter, remove RH side wheel, remove inner fender rubber, remove one of the heat shields off the turbo exhaust. Damn PITA to get the oil pipe off - but it was a patience grasshopper day. Banjo bolt on the input side is 17mm and right up and behind the exhaust could barely see it, couldn't get a socket in there so big spanner it was at a funny angle, but finally got it off. Second 3 hours was installing the new pipe and gaskets and putting everything back together. Did a run to drop the kids at my parents this afternoon, no leaks after a couple of hours driving so

View media item 64184
Here is the hairline crack in the old pipe.

View media item 64185
Back to the grind tomorrow, but alas was a productive long weekend.

Cheers GB.

 

[dlcwent]

The wall looks great Rod. It'll be a well utilized space for sure. And it appears as though you were successful with the truck repair. That's always a good feeling when you don't have to go back in to do the job over for some reason. Enjoy the work week as best as you can.

 

[rmalkow2]

The shop looks clean and with plenty of work space around the truck now. And a job well done servicing the truck too. Sounds like a very productive day.

 

[1/2 Cup]

GB, as above, now that is what a garage should be, done well.

 

[anth]

Great work with the cleats. Ever since reading Jack Olsen's quote "the floor is not a shelf", I've been wanting to get absolutely everything off the floor!