Help with disaster garage...

[TAftonomos]

Here it is, a 20x20 garage that I've tried to get clean, but cant seem to figure it out.

My plans/ideas:

Scrap/remove the "workbench", kitchen cabinets, pegboard,etc and start anew.

The small metal cabinets are sitting out as they were stored in the storage area here :

They don't belong, nor are they particularly useful in the garage. They belonged to my father and his medical practice. When he passed away 2 years ago, I couldn't just throw that stuff away, so I kept it. I've got to find something useful for it, just not sure what...

- Move weld table to the left of the welder.
-More engine hoist to a resting place in the back corner where the welding table sits now.
-Move tool box under far window
- build/buy cabinets/workbench to line the wall where the windows are
-Finally, install the VCT tile I bought to do the floor

Other strategies/ideas would be GREATLY appriciated. There is a lot of creativity on this forum, and I'd like to hear what you think.

 

[rickairmedic]

Well first thing I see is that side storage room needs shelves/cabinets floor to ceiling on every wall they can go on . That should get all the non essentials out of the garage and out of sight . I agree with cabinets and workbenches along the side walls as you garage is only 20 feet deep I figured this one out the hard way my garage is 25' wide by 21' deep and I put cabinets along the back wall I now have to move to the sides .


Rick

 

[Jay H 237]

I just want to point out that the VCT will not hold up to welding. If you have a certain area of the garage you weld in it would be best to leave it bare concrete.

 

[Finley]

i would say scrap the workbench, paint at least the top half of the walls a lighter color (ahem, maybe tricolore ducati??? eh?) a little more light goes a long way. other than that, i see little wrong with it! tons of bikes, got any more pics?

 

[TAftonomos]

I'm going to swing by sams tomorrow and pick up some more of those racking/shelving. The black cabinets will be relocated to the storage room above the existing shelving.

As far as welding goes, I don't even own a MIG, only a tig. 99% of the stuff I do is small pipe/tube work for headers/manifold/intercooler piping. I was thinking of putting a blanket down around where I weld, and I'm accepting the fact that I might have to replace the occasional tile that gets marred.

I could get maybe 2 more 4' ers, although it's decently brite in there as is. I suppose I wouldn't mind painting the top half back to white, although it would show dirt/grease a lot easier.....yeah I know, I'm not supposed to lean up against the walls

 

[Hatman52]

First off, nice taste in bikes! (That's me on my 749R in my avatar.)

I agree with the other poster regarding adding floor-to-ceiling shelves in the storage room. You might also consider building a tire/wheel rack up high on the short wall -- great way to get extra wheels, tires, etc. out of the way. I built a very simple one out of 2 x 4s and could take a pic if you'd like. Also might consider moving the compressor to the storage room (to reduce the noise) and installing permanent black iron or copper lines. Oh, and I'd hang the road bike in there as well.

Another thought -- I have my lift set up so it runs parallel to my workbench and my toolchest is at the head of the lift. That way, I can easily turn to take parts off or put parts on the bench, and the tool chest is always just a step away. Some heavy-duty padded rubber runners on either side makes things a lot easier on the feet, joints and back as well.

I'm with you, I'm not a big fan of closed cabinets. They look nice if your's is a "parking" garage and you want to keep the motor oil and antifreeze bottles out of view, but if it's a working garage, I do a lot better having stuff out where I can see it. Out of sight usually means I can't find it!

Pegboard somewhere in the main garage makes for a safe and convenient place to hang bodywork when you're working on bikes.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

 

[tatra]

look at the adjustable chrome racking at costco. nice thing is you can move it around to suit your purpose.as it comes with casters. you can also configure it to allow parking of othe objects under it.
put in a fold down bench at the front end of shop so when space permits you have the extra work surface and folds outta the way for parking. maybe consider this idea one step farther and have a fold down floor for weding?l
build overhead shelving at the front end also and in corporate ladder storge for quick access [ ladders stored inconviently lead to shortcuts].
oh and cool rides.

 

[toadjammer]

I would go uo with the storage b getting some racks in the "storage area that go up to the ceiling. And eliminate the bench like you stated maybe use a mobile work station or bench. Also purchase or make a tire/wheel rack to get the extras off the floor. then you could always store bikes you are'nt working on against one wall

 

[Sack]

This is just my take, but I see a ton of wasted wall space. Best thing I ever did in my garage was put in pallet racking with only two top shelves. No, you don't need that, but by putting a high shelf or two the whole way around you'll get a ton off the floor and benches. By putting them up, you'll be able to put in your tool chests, bikes, workbench etc under them. I have one wall that has all my toolboxes and parts cabinets under the racking and another with the lathe under, then another section with the mill, compressor and drill presses under.

 

[Chris J]

I like that idea! I think that would solve a lot of my storage vs. floor space concerns.

 

[TAftonomos]

Got some shelving installed in the storage room, and I've got a neat plan for the garage. Pics tomorrow I hope