Above 1200 Sq/FT LilScorpion’s Fab Space

[fartymarty]

Oddly enough, I kinda already know where most things are so I’m not sure how important labels are right now. I am, however, maybe only a few moments away from memory but serving me well…as in I have my moments. If I have more, I will.

If you ever get around to it (labeling drawers) just put a number or number letter combo on the drawer and take photos of what is in the drawers (update as needed) and arrange those photos by some sort of logical system (powder coating, welding, wrenching, etc) in a dedicated shop tablet and you can then just swipe search to find what you are looking for. It'll make both the initial labeling and then later the searching easier and you'll never have to relabel the drawers when you reorganize, just take new photos.

Hey looky looky, the guy that can't get even his new paper towel roll onto the dispenser is attempting to tell the organized guy how to get organized.

 

[lilscorpion]

If you ever get around to it (labeling drawers) just put a number or number letter combo on the drawer and take photos of what is in the drawers (update as needed) and arrange those photos by some sort of logical system (powder coating, welding, wrenching, etc) in a dedicated shop tablet and you can then just swipe search to find what you are looking for. It'll make both the initial labeling and then later the searching easier and you'll never have to relabel the drawers when you reorganize, just take new photos.

Hey looky looky, the guy that can't get even his new paper towel roll onto the dispenser is attempting to tell the organized guy how to get organized.

Good idea. I do plan on it but how will largely depend on what what I do for the handles. I plan to fabricate the drawer pulls out of sheet metal and, if I can figure it out, leave a way to add a label to them which could be like you recommended - like category or the like. i do like the idea of having inventory on a computer and a picture of a tools location within the drawer. It does kinda seem like I may not be organized to get to that level of accuracy tho. Have to think about it more

 

[lilscorpion]

The wrench drawer did nest nicely. Think it’s close enough to be the first drawer I’ll call done. Could make a nicer organizer for the nut drivers but since I’ve been living with it this way for as log as I can remember, I’ll leave it be.

 

[loganb]

Looks great!

 

[Bessy]

Looks great!

But not as great as a matching black organizer for the nut drivers!

Just kidding, Scorpion! I have to stir the pot!

 

[SilverJimmy]

I like the camo’d Snap-On screwdrivers!

 

[slodat]

Matt - you really need to take a look at gridfinity and a 3d printer..

 

[XJSuperman]

I almost suggested a 3d printer solution as well, but I didn't want to be the guy to introduce him to that time-****! lol.
Theres great pleasure in creating your own holders/organizers custom-fit for your application, but man is it time-consuming. Fabbed holders work just as well, and foam inserts too.

The drawers and benches are looking great!

 

[lilscorpion]

Matt - you really need to take a look at gridfinity and a 3d printer..

I almost suggested a 3d printer solution as well, but I didn't want to be the guy to introduce him to that time-****! lol.
Theres great pleasure in creating your own holders/organizers custom-fit for your application, but man is it time-consuming. Fabbed holders work just as well, and foam inserts too.

The drawers and benches are looking great!

I know you guys, damn. I’ve been kicking around the idea of buying one so I can make organizers for the kitchen (that’s the justification) and then the garage is icing. The reason I don’t have one yet is time. Need to maintain focus on getting the shop up and running. It’s been a year. I’m close.

 

[Prometheus]

I know you guys, damn. I’ve been kicking around the idea of buying one so I can make organizers for the kitchen (that’s the justification) and then the garage is icing. The reason I don’t have one yet is time. Need to maintain focus on getting the shop up and running. It’s been a year. I’m close.

Honestly, I think the learning curve for you would be pretty shallow. I hemmed and hawed for a while before getting one a little over a year ago but it's been fantastic. There is SO MUCH that is readily available on Printables/Thingiverse/other places that there is a lot of playing and learning you can do without ever having to do your own designs. In the last year or two the printers have become much more appliance like with less tinkering necessary. The Bambu Labs printers seem to be the current favorite in that realm. My biggest fear was I didn't want ANOTHER hobby, I wanted to use it in SUPPORT of a hobby. I think I've achieved that. Yeah, it still takes some messing around to figure out what settings to use, best way to lay out your prints, etc., but given your skillset and background I think you'd pick it up fast. Realistically, I'd say budget 40-80 hours for a learning curve and I think you'd be capable for printing usable, functional things that you don't look back at later and go "why did I do THAT?!?"

The biggest reason I bought it was custom dust collection adaptors, fittings, etc. It's been an absolute boon for that. Unexpected benefit was the ease that I can make templates, jigs, and other workshop assistance devices. Need a jig to drill holes for a bajillion sets of drawer pulls? Draw two boxes in Fusion, stick a couple holes in it, hit print and an hour or two later it's done. I recently downloaded a model that is a jig for drilling 35mm holes for door hardware. Took most of a day to print, but cost maybe $4 in filament and it's perfect. My next adventure is going to be workshop organization. Sandpaper storage, drawer systems like Gridfinity, custom little bins for my hardware storage, etc. Is it cheaper? Maybe. But it's fully custom, which I know appeals to your sense of organization.

Not that you need another pile on, but if you are thinking about it I'd say do it (at some point, maybe not RIGHT now, but before your shop is "done"). I am by no means an expert, but if you've got questions ask away, I don't think this is a journey you'd regret.

 

[loganb]

3d printer will be an easy add to the capabilities here. The printing part has gotten so reliable with the current generation of printers from Prusa or Bambu that the limitation here is going to be making the time to do the CAD work for the custom tool holders etc. Most 3d scanners I'm aware of with the type of accuracy desired here are still a 4 figure bill to start (if I'm wrong someone PLEASE link cheaper ones with solid performance!) so it's a lot of measuring/modeling or taking pictures and tracing over the image in your CAD program. It's not hard work, just time consuming but once you get your process down it goes quickly. The CAD side is where most new users I talk with have the biggest learning curve...what program to use, how to do it etc....that's not a problem here.

A video from Clough42 on what he's done with some of his measuring stuff for a fully printed organization solution:

I'm also in the Bambu fanboy camp. Had a Prusa, solid machine, but I think the Bambu with the AMS/Filament changer is the better value right now as long as the working envelope is large enough which for most of us it is. They're rumored to have a larger one coming out in the next year or so....but we'll see

It also gives a nice new option for the family for christmas/birthday/fathers day gifts....so they can get gift cards to the favorite online filament supplier to the existing "standby gift card store list" that probably currently includes a plywood vendor, mill/lathe/router consumable tooling and powder coat supplies

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

Thank you, thank you! I sometimes feel like putting a barcode on each tool that helps me find its place would be incredibly helpful. It’s occurred to me anyway, and use something like the dewey decimal system for addresses. Having mentioned it, my kinds probably have never heard of the dewey decimal system….


IN, yes, can’t wait! I have a backlog of sorts and it kills me every time I stumble across something that I’ve let go or not gotten around too. Soon enough. Think the final step is this weekend when I get the pressure washer working again. So excited!!! (I’m a lame old man)

Maybe a little. Oddly enough, I kinda already know where most things are so I’m not sure how important labels are right now. I am, however, maybe only a few moments away from memory but serving me well…as in I have my moments. If I have more, I will.

Thank you. Yes, all of the organizers are home made and probably documented in one of my older threads. I do intend to revisit drawer organization on this thread hopefully sooner than later where I’ll make more like these and some newer designs that I’ve been thinking thru over the last year.


The ones you see in the socket drawers are 6061 aluminum purchased from online metals in 5’ lengths and cut to rough dimensions on a cold saw




Machined on my milling machine to get the spacing right



In most cases custom to the dimension of the sockets in each socket set



Powder coated to red for SAE and Blue for metric.





And, sizes to work like Tetris in the destination drawer. This was the drawer in my old shop/garage before I moved. Will take some work to get the new drawer to be this tightly nested.



Wrenches are the same. Custom to my sets and nested in their respective drawers. Again, the old drawer at the old shop/garage.



I’m kinda into shelving organization as well. Here’s a setup I had at the old house for automotive stuff.



This kind of organization to me is much more enjoyable and requires more creativity than building the drawers and cabinets themselves so I’m looking forward to it.

Those are fantastic. Thanks for the pictures. I will have to look up your old threads to see more.

I struggle the most with wrenches honestly cause the generic ones are never the ride size for whatever piece count the sets I have are and I had having wasted empty slots.

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

3d printer will be an easy add to the capabilities here. The printing part has gotten so reliable with the current generation of printers from Prusa or Bambu that the limitation here is going to be making the time to do the CAD work for the custom tool holders etc. Most 3d scanners I'm aware of with the type of accuracy desired here are still a 4 figure bill to start (if I'm wrong someone PLEASE link cheaper ones with solid performance!) so it's a lot of measuring/modeling or taking pictures and tracing over the image in your CAD program. It's not hard work, just time consuming but once you get your process down it goes quickly. The CAD side is where most new users I talk with have the biggest learning curve...what program to use, how to do it etc....that's not a problem here.

A video from Clough42 on what he's done with some of his measuring stuff for a fully printed organization solution:

I'm also in the Bambu fanboy camp. Had a Prusa, solid machine, but I think the Bambu with the AMS/Filament changer is the better value right now as long as the working envelope is large enough which for most of us it is. They're rumored to have a larger one coming out in the next year or so....but we'll see

It also gives a nice new option for the family for christmas/birthday/fathers day gifts....so they can get gift cards to the favorite online filament supplier to the existing "standby gift card store list" that probably currently includes a plywood vendor, mill/lathe/router consumable tooling and powder coat supplies

I have resisted 3d printers for so long since to me it seems like another rabbit hole I just don't currently have the time for. That said this is the one use that keeps me considering it more than all of the others right now. If I could find out there was a database of models already printed for most of my tools it might push me over the edge.

In full transparency, I have been considering the Tool Grid system or pieces of it. It may cost about the same money but be way less labor intensive as what I build…

Yeah it seems to be a tossup between that and getting started 3d printing my own solution.

 

[lilscorpion]

Honestly, I think the learning curve for you would be pretty shallow. I hemmed and hawed for a while before getting one a little over a year ago but it's been fantastic. There is SO MUCH that is readily available on Printables/Thingiverse/other places that there is a lot of playing and learning you can do without ever having to do your own designs. In the last year or two the printers have become much more appliance like with less tinkering necessary. The Bambu Labs printers seem to be the current favorite in that realm. My biggest fear was I didn't want ANOTHER hobby, I wanted to use it in SUPPORT of a hobby. I think I've achieved that. Yeah, it still takes some messing around to figure out what settings to use, best way to lay out your prints, etc., but given your skillset and background I think you'd pick it up fast. Realistically, I'd say budget 40-80 hours for a learning curve and I think you'd be capable for printing usable, functional things that you don't look back at later and go "why did I do THAT?!?"

The biggest reason I bought it was custom dust collection adaptors, fittings, etc. It's been an absolute boon for that. Unexpected benefit was the ease that I can make templates, jigs, and other workshop assistance devices. Need a jig to drill holes for a bajillion sets of drawer pulls? Draw two boxes in Fusion, stick a couple holes in it, hit print and an hour or two later it's done. I recently downloaded a model that is a jig for drilling 35mm holes for door hardware. Took most of a day to print, but cost maybe $4 in filament and it's perfect. My next adventure is going to be workshop organization. Sandpaper storage, drawer systems like Gridfinity, custom little bins for my hardware storage, etc. Is it cheaper? Maybe. But it's fully custom, which I know appeals to your sense of organization.

Not that you need another pile on, but if you are thinking about it I'd say do it (at some point, maybe not RIGHT now, but before your shop is "done"). I am by no means an expert, but if you've got questions ask away, I don't think this is a journey you'd regret.

I know I won’t regret getting one and the decision is made. It’s more about when and timing. I don’t want to buy it and have it sit in the box. The CNC router was delivered more than 2 months ago and hasn’t been powdered up yet…I‘be been an airline away for a month and I’m fully aware I could just plug in the one I have right next to it for powder tools. Yes, it’s that bad.

I plan to have two (3D) printers down in my office ultimately. I envision a counter top along the long wall that’s about 8’ long to support cabinetry designed to organize all of the stuff that I’ll like but to feed that now intentionally undiscovered addiction. The nice thing about the space is it’s right behind the utilities room AND there’s two 2.5” vent tubes originally used by the PO’s tankless heater that I can repurpose for ventilation to the printer cabinet.

I agree with your observations. I do think I can pick up printing fairly quickly. I’m practicing using CAD tools but am proficient (read stubborn) enough to get an idea into a model.

 

[lilscorpion]

I’ll p

3d printer will be an easy add to the capabilities here. The printing part has gotten so reliable with the current generation of printers from Prusa or Bambu that the limitation here is going to be making the time to do the CAD work for the custom tool holders etc. Most 3d scanners I'm aware of with the type of accuracy desired here are still a 4 figure bill to start (if I'm wrong someone PLEASE link cheaper ones with solid performance!) so it's a lot of measuring/modeling or taking pictures and tracing over the image in your CAD program. It's not hard work, just time consuming but once you get your process down it goes quickly. The CAD side is where most new users I talk with have the biggest learning curve...what program to use, how to do it etc....that's not a problem here.

A video from Clough42 on what he's done with some of his measuring stuff for a fully printed organization solution:

I'm also in the Bambu fanboy camp. Had a Prusa, solid machine, but I think the Bambu with the AMS/Filament changer is the better value right now as long as the working envelope is large enough which for most of us it is. They're rumored to have a larger one coming out in the next year or so....but we'll see

It also gives a nice new option for the family for christmas/birthday/fathers day gifts....so they can get gift cards to the favorite online filament supplier to the existing "standby gift card store list" that probably currently includes a plywood vendor, mill/lathe/router consumable tooling and powder coat supplies

I’ll likely get a Bamboo Labs printer…if the bigger one is out when I’m ready, that would be awesome. I’m certain the existing size is smaller than I’d want ultimately. It’s a character pattern of mine.

There is one big reason why I’ve not pulled the trigger that I’ve not been taking about. I’m 69699 on the wait list for the Langmuir’s new press brake and they’re presently at about 69400-ish which means I’ll like be getting a final invoice to settle in about a month. A printer is peanuts in contrast but, based on the posts about the press brake, it will take about 40-80 hrs to get rolling (assembly and working thru early release issues). I’m mentally preparing…

 

[Prometheus]

The nice thing about the space is it’s right behind the utilities room AND there’s two 2.5” vent tubes originally used by the PO’s tankless heater that I can repurpose for ventilation to the printer cabinet.

THIS is actually pretty awesome/huge. I don't print any of the really stinky/potentially hazardous stuff like ASA and ABS, but having that venting is a great idea. I'm currently working on an enclosure for my printer that will create a negative pressure inside the enclosure have a couple layers of filtration. If I could just vent outside it would be MUCH simpler though.

I think your two printer idea is a good one, and you may already be thinking this way, but a smaller envelope but FAST machine (like a Bambu X1 Carbon or P1) for probably 80% of the prints and then a larger one for BIG stuff is a great combo. I went middle of the road and got a "Plus" sized printer that will do 350x350x400. It will basically do everything I want with a few exceptions but it is certainly a compromise. Not the fastest, not the most feature rich, but does everything pretty well. If I was starting over and had a couple grand budget I would probably get an X1 carbon and then an even bigger machine that would do 450x450. There are several affordable ones and if it would be a secondary machine that's where I would try and save a few bucks.

 

[madison069]

I know I won’t regret getting one and the decision is made. It’s more about when and timing. I don’t want to buy it and have it sit in the box. The CNC router was delivered more than 2 months ago and hasn’t been powdered up yet…I‘be been an airline away for a month and I’m fully aware I could just plug in the one I have right next to it for powder tools. Yes, it’s that bad.

I plan to have two (3D) printers down in my office ultimately. I envision a counter top along the long wall that’s about 8’ long to support cabinetry designed to organize all of the stuff that I’ll like but to feed that now intentionally undiscovered addiction. The nice thing about the space is it’s right behind the utilities room AND there’s two 2.5” vent tubes originally used by the PO’s tankless heater that I can repurpose for ventilation to the printer cabinet.

I agree with your observations. I do think I can pick up printing fairly quickly. I’m practicing using CAD tools but am proficient (read stubborn) enough to get an idea into a model.

We all suffer from that, just one more step and I can be done with it!! Two months later and it's still bugging us in the back of our head as we go over things to do.

 

[kaymccampbell]

We all suffer from that, just one more step and I can be done with it!! Two months later and it's still bugging us in the back of our head as we go over things to do.

I have a tendency to just unwrap it and fire it up. Then get some use/experience out of it while I'm thinking about the 'perfect' setup. It also gives me a chance to improve on my first ideas, and get the better deal, instead of having to redo the redo of the redo of the first 'great' idea.

 

[lilscorpion]

…but a smaller envelope but FAST machine (like a Bambu X1 Carbon or P1) for probably 80% of the prints and then a larger one for BIG stuff is a great combo.

I agree (but hadn’t really thought about it yet). I more or less have the Bamboo X1 Carbon sitting in a shopping cart ready to order one tab over and have for the last few months. I’d like to follow @slodat and get a really big printer as the second machine. Can’t remember what he got but it was big. It wasn’t cheap tho. Think it was like $10k IIRC

We all suffer from that, just one more step and I can be done with it!! Two months later and it's still bugging us in the back of our head as we go over things to do.

Kinda my life’s story. One step away and missing one final part. The shop (re)build after moving in was killer. Having to redo everything is nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It was exhilarating in that I had a clean slate but SO much work.

I have a tendency to just unwrap it and fire it up. Then get some use/experience out of it while I'm thinking about the 'perfect' setup. It also gives me a chance to improve on my first ideas, and get the better deal, instead of having to redo the redo of the redo of the first 'great' idea.

It’s tempting. It is. I probably should…but I have ADD and OCD in the shop. The thing I work on for any given weekend is whatever captures my attention as I get out there BUT I have to do things in a very specific order. For example - I need to charge the AC in my daughter’s car but I know I need to inject the dye. The pressure washer isn’t up and running yet so I also know if I use the dye, I don’t have a good way to clean up when it gets everywhere. So I just finish the pressure washer first. Can’t do the pressure washer until I wire the panels and I need water plumbed to the washer itself. Move the compressor, cut the water lines, realize I missing a few fittings and a 24v power supply so I order them. 2 days…no water in the apartment and the compressor is disconnected so no air. Parts arrive today so I can resume.

Applying that logic to the shop itself - I could have taken the easy route and started with what I had (like use old benches and storage and such) and incrementally improve (rebuild/replace one at a time) but I knew if I did it that way I’d probably be in a persistent rebuild process for the next 10 years.

 

[Bessy]

Applying that logic to the shop itself - I could have taken the easy route and started with what I had (like use old benches and storage and such) and incrementally improve (rebuild/replace one at a time) but I knew if I did it that way I’d probably be in a persistent rebuild process for the next 10 years.

Almost a personal attack right there! (Kidding, of course). This is precisely why I still haven't actually built my shop cabinets after 26 months in our place. I took the easy route, several times over, while accumulating better (more accurate and repeatable) tools, opting to struggle through working with the one bench I build when I was 17 and the one that was in the shop when we moved in. I justified it by telling myself that it's a rental and not our forever place. Since then though, I really do need to improve my storage so it's now unavoidable.

Now I feel like I've finally nailed down a (much improved and more modular) design - inspired by your past posts on cabinet building - and now I just need to start the (expensive) process of acquiring materials for my cabinets, and you know, actually building them.

 

[Madc]

Shaving the Yak..... Might actually be my toxic trait, as well as the hesitancy to start something because I know what will happen!
LOVE the thread, thank you again for letting us follow along.

MADC

 

[Prometheus]

I agree (but hadn’t really thought about it yet). I more or less have the Bamboo X1 Carbon sitting in a shopping cart ready to order one tab over and have for the last few months. I’d like to follow @slodat and get a really big printer as the second machine. Can’t remember what he got but it was big. It wasn’t cheap tho. Think it was like $10k IIRC

I think it really depends what you want to do. I THOUGHT I'd really want to print big stuff frequently. What I've discovered is I'm MUCH more likely to print smaller, intricate parts and then combine them with something easier to work with - plywood, lumber, aluminum, etc. Mix the media as it were. The 3d printer is FANTASTIC, but using it to print giant, relatively flat panels is kind of a waste. Are there use cases for a LARGE printer? Sure. I've just discovered for myself there are very few things that I can't do with a 320x320x400 envelope. And, if I ever REALLY need to, I have a friend with one of these: https://www.elegoo.com/products/orangestorm-giga

 

[kaymccampbell]

It’s tempting. It is. I probably should…but I have ADD and OCD in the shop. The thing I work on for any given weekend is whatever captures my attention as I get out there BUT I have to do things in a very specific order. For example - I need to charge the AC in my daughter’s car but I know I need to inject the dye. The pressure washer isn’t up and running yet so I also know if I use the dye, I don’t have a good way to clean up when it gets everywhere. So I just finish the pressure washer first. Can’t do the pressure washer until I wire the panels and I need water plumbed to the washer itself. Move the compressor, cut the water lines, realize I missing a few fittings and a 24v power supply so I order them. 2 days…no water in the apartment and the compressor is disconnected so no air. Parts arrive today so I can resume.

Applying that logic to the shop itself - I could have taken the easy route and started with what I had (like use old benches and storage and such) and incrementally improve (rebuild/replace one at a time) but I knew if I did it that way I’d probably be in a persistent rebuild process for the next 10 years.

You're still going to be effing with it for the next 10 years, you'll just be doing/redoing in a different order.

 

[lilscorpion]

Almost a personal attack right there! (Kidding, of course). This is precisely why I still haven't actually built my shop cabinets after 26 months in our place. I took the easy route, several times over, while accumulating better (more accurate and repeatable) tools, opting to struggle through working with the one bench I build when I was 17 and the one that was in the shop when we moved in. I justified it by telling myself that it's a rental and not our forever place. Since then though, I really do need to improve my storage so it's now unavoidable. Now I feel like I've finally nailed down a (much improved and more modular) design - inspired by your past posts on cabinet building - and now I just need to start the (expensive) process of acquiring materials for my cabinets, and you know, actually building them.

Nah, nothing personal. It resonates with me. I almost always prefer to get up and running fast, I’ve only changed my approach in this new shop.

It’s always expensive. I hate that part.

I think it really depends what you want to do. I THOUGHT I'd really want to print big stuff frequently. What I've discovered is I'm MUCH more likely to print smaller, intricate parts and then combine them with something easier to work with - plywood, lumber, aluminum, etc. Mix the media as it were. The 3d printer is FANTASTIC, but using it to print giant, relatively flat panels is kind of a waste. Are there use cases for a LARGE printer? Sure. I've just discovered for myself there are very few things that I can't do with a 320x320x400 envelope. And, if I ever REALLY need to, I have a friend with one of these: https://www.elegoo.com/products/orangestorm-giga

That’s a big printer. I do t yet know what my preferences will be but I’m usually the type that figures out the sweet spot is for me in what I use it for, and then repeat…though I’m trying hard to evolve!

You're still going to be effing with it for the next 10 years, you'll just be doing/redoing in a different order.

Oh there’s no doubt about that. It’s the only way to improve and grow.

 

[lilscorpion]

You're still going to be effing with it for the next 10 years, you'll just be doing/redoing in a different order.

I recalled something when I woke up - effing with the setup isn’t always good. I think I’m making improvements but on my last garage setup, the last 2 times I thought I was making improvements kinda made my space less efficient and harder to work in. I need to know when to stop and I’m not entirely sure I do.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I recalled something when I woke up - effing with the setup isn’t always good. I think I’m making improvements but on my last garage setup, the last 2 times I thought I was making improvements kinda made my space less efficient and harder to work in. I need to know when to stop and I’m not entirely sure I do.

IME, thrash isn't good for anybody. I have a very compact space, and enjoy a bunch of activities, so arrangement is paramount.

When I decide to adopt a new anything, I measure, draw, think, several cycles before I jump in. Then after all that, it gets set in its planned spot for several months, if not a year. After that, if I think I like it there, then I go on to making it a permanent home. Then that all gets used for at least a year before I decide if I want to make changes.

There's also good enough. A perfect space is impossible, and you'll always find yourself fiddling around the edges, but sometimes just accepting a relatively useful setup is the best route. It's a fight against myself to not just jump in and cycle through a dozen that'd-be-cools, but I find that a slower process gives me a better result.

 

[LeonardY]

Finally caught up this morning. Beautiful work.

The product is super easy to install but it isn’t leak free like I thought it would be.

I had one of the younger guys decide that ducting was going to be easier to install. What he didn't think about was it was for transporting liquid nitrogen generated fog to locations in the show. They leaked everywhere, Dripping water on guests.
I wasn't lead on the show and was called in after the fact. My first reaction was WTF. My second reaction was tear it all out and replace with PVC ducting and strategically located drains. The project sent me home because they didn't like the solutions. They ended up duct taping all the joints. Which worked for a time until the ducting started rusting out. Yup, he didn't use stainless either.
For dust collection that stuff is awesome.

It's not the size or capabilities of the shop. Not the brand or quantity of our tools. Not the scale of the projects we do. It's that we make our best effort to do what we can with what we have.

That's what my girlfriend used to say to me. I was never sure what she was referring too...

 

[lilscorpion]

IME, thrash isn't good for anybody. I have a very compact space, and enjoy a bunch of activities, so arrangement is paramount.

When I decide to adopt a new anything, I measure, draw, think, several cycles before I jump in. Then after all that, it gets set in its planned spot for several months, if not a year. After that, if I think I like it there, then I go on to making it a permanent home. Then that all gets used for at least a year before I decide if I want to make changes.

There's also good enough. A perfect space is impossible, and you'll always find yourself fiddling around the edges, but sometimes just accepting a relatively useful setup is the best route. It's a fight against myself to not just jump in and cycle through a dozen that'd-be-cools, but I find that a slower process gives me a better result.

Agree. Think smaller the space, the more important it is to really think thru a change before and, if possible, do like you do - figure out how to try before it’s permanent.

What I did, probably the biggest mistake, was trying to wedge a powder coating booth into a space that had nearly perfected. I knew doing so would be a compromise, I just didn’t realize that the compromise was going to be so detrimental to working in the space. By the time I’d figured it out, there wasn’t much of a way back without getting rid of the powder coating capability. I just had too much stuff in my space.

I agree. Need to leave good enough alone

 

[loganb]

There is one big reason why I’ve not pulled the trigger that I’ve not been taking about. I’m 69699 on the wait list for the Langmuir’s new press brake and they’re presently at about 69400-ish which means I’ll like be getting a final invoice to settle in about a month. A printer is peanuts in contrast but, based on the posts about the press brake, it will take about 40-80 hrs to get rolling (assembly and working thru early release issues). I’m mentally preparing…

Exciting add! I think you posted a while about about 3 of 5 machines in or something like that but didn't dig into what was still coming so we could enjoy the suspense...congrats!

I agree (but hadn’t really thought about it yet). I more or less have the Bamboo X1 Carbon sitting in a shopping cart ready to order one tab over and have for the last few months. I’d like to follow @slodat and get a really big printer as the second machine. Can’t remember what he got but it was big. It wasn’t cheap tho. Think it was like $10k IIRC

His big one(unless he added another) is a Prusa XL

Original Prusa 3D printers directly from Josef Prusa

Eshop by Prusa Research a.s., company founded by Josef Prusa, one of the RepRap core developers. We're selling Original Prusa 3D printers (incl. Prusa MK4, Prusa XL), filaments (especially our in-house made Prusament), resins, and other accessories for 3D printing.

www.prusa3d.com

In good news fully kitted out, with all the tool heads it's $4k, so still not free but not 10k

If you ended up with a need for something even bigger, Modix is one of the more common names for oversized industrial level machines:

Modix Large 3D Printers

 

[lilscorpion]

Finally caught up this morning. Beautiful work.


I had one of the younger guys decide that ducting was going to be easier to install. What he didn't think about was it was for transporting liquid nitrogen generated fog to locations in the show. They leaked everywhere, Dripping water on guests.
I wasn't lead on the show and was called in after the fact. My first reaction was WTF. My second reaction was tear it all out and replace with PVC ducting and strategically located drains. The project sent me home because they didn't like the solutions. They ended up duct taping all the joints. Which worked for a time until the ducting started rusting out. Yup, he didn't use stainless either.
For dust collection that stuff is awesome.

oh man, that *****. There’s a few problems I’ve noted - first, the long tubs, the way they’re rolled, aren’t very round so there’s rarely a good fit up when clamped together. Second, the clamps have gasket like material that’s designed to fill in the gap between two tubes but I think the material isn’t jelly-like enough to fill in the void. There were multiple kinds, maybe we’re using the wrong ones.

I do like it now that it’s all up but I do t like knowing it probably isn’t sealed correctly in a lot of places. I can move on tho

 

[slodat]

Like Logan said, my larger printer is the Prusa XL. I went with the two tool head and factory assembled options. I added an aftermarket enclosure as well. All in I have about $4k in it. I’ve been happy with it for the bigger capacity. That’s about the only time I choose it over the X1C’s though.

 

[lilscorpion]

Need to charge the AC in my daughter’s Jeep but I had a leak so I need to inject the dye…which means I need to be able to clean the mess I’m going to create. Time to finish the pressure washer install.

After looking back, this project is scattered, maybe even littered, throughout this thread and barely any progress was made. So I gotta do one of those “last time on…” catch up summaries -

Last house I had an electric pressure washer that I had hard wired and plumbed into the house. It was mounted to simple stand I made out of unistrut.



I eventually upgraded it to have switch controlled electric valves to make it easier to use as well as deionization tanks for spot free rinsing.



With having such a system it made it so easy and fast to wash a car, I washed all of the cars at least weekly. The system was also incredibly useful for other things around the shop. Cleaning the lawn care machines and tools of course. I also used the system regularly for rinsing off parts that I had chemically stripped powder coat or paint off of.

When I moved to the new shop, I probably should have just installed the system as is but I instead decided to up the my game a bit when I realized there was a spot where I could mount it up and out of the way between the garage doors. I installed a larger panel above to house the electrics.



A dedicated circuit was run from the basement when I wired the garage.



With a small box to feed the valves under the stairs where I decided to put the DI tanks.



The pressure washer was plumbed and I added 2 more valves: one for a faucet and one for a hose bib. The faucet I used is a pot filled that people usually install over a stove but I removed one of the arms so it’s only a single swing out.



It was coming together nicely.



I had planned on using rotary switches to control all the valves, all 8 of them. I ran the wire from the electrical box down to the switch boxes.



And then installed a bit. I realized that the rotary switches were going to be kinda complicated to wire and I’d need to run wires all over the place. I drew up plans a few times but ultimately I didn’t like the plan and the project moved to the back burner.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Need to charge the AC in my daughter’s Jeep but I had a leak so I need to inject the dye…which means I need to be able to clean the mess I’m going to create. Time to finish the pressure washer install.

After looking back, this project is scattered, maybe even littered, throughout this thread and barely any progress was made. So I gotta do one of those “last time on…” catch up summaries -

Last house I had an electric pressure washer that I had hard wired and plumbed into the house. It was mounted to simple stand I made out of unistrut.



I eventually upgraded it to have switch controlled electric valves to make it easier to use as well as deionization tanks for spot free rinsing.



With having such a system it made it so easy and fast to wash a car, I washed all of the cars at least weekly. The system was also incredibly useful for other things around the shop. Cleaning the lawn care machines and tools of course. I also used the system regularly for rinsing off parts that I had chemically stripped powder coat or paint off of.

When I moved to the new shop, I probably should have just installed the system as is but I instead decided to up the my game a bit when I realized there was a spot where I could mount it up and out of the way between the garage doors. I installed a larger panel above to house the electrics.



A dedicated circuit was run from the basement when I wired the garage.



With a small box to feed the valves under the stairs where I decided to put the DI tanks.



The pressure washer was plumbed and I added 2 more valves: one for a faucet and one for a hose bib. The faucet I used is a pot filled that people usually install over a stove but I removed one of the arms so it’s only a single swing out.



It was coming together nicely.



I had planned on using rotary switches to control all the valves, all 8 of them. I ran the wire from the electrical box down to the switch boxes.



And then installed a bit. I realized that the rotary switches were going to be kinda complicated to wire and I’d need to run wires all over the place. I drew up plans a few times but ultimately I didn’t like the plan and the project moved to the back burner.

You know what they say? Git yer *** in gear puppy.

 

[lilscorpion]

Fast forward to a week and a half ago…

I needed a way to simplify the wiring of the system. With valves that needed to be turned on or off in sequence, and with so many, it just hit me that home automation would be a much simpler and WAY faster way to get this done. I sourced these Zooz automation relays from Amazon that allegedly work extremely well with Hubitat (the home automation controller that I use).



Theses are more or less wireless relays someone need to run wires between all of the valves, I only need to powder them and connect them to the home automation controller.

Each of the multi-relays are powered with a mean well 24v power supply. The relays in this box control the contactor and the 3 valves. I’ll make a custom mount for them later.



Each of the relays can be configured into programs that the Hubitat controller runs. Here’s an example of a rule that turns on the faucet when a button is pressed. Once all the little programs are set up, i can now program the switches.



For switches I’ll use wireless Lutron pico switches which will also eliminate the need for wiring. I was turned on to these guys by the PO of the new house who used them in just about every room.



They come in many different configurations and I’m able to program each button to a custom automation function. In this case, 5 buttons.



The switches mount to any surface behind a snap on cover plate. Don’t even need JBoxes. Slick



Programming is easy once you learn the steps. The picos have to first get added to the Lutron controller.



Then there’s an integration step to let Hubitat controller to listen to the button press events.



Then you need need to program the button events to run the rules I created previously which in turn enable or disable the relays. This particular pico is a 5 button pico. Buttons 3 and 5 perform the same functions and turn all the valves off.



With the electronics now handled, I need to wrap up the water lines and wire the actual valves

 

[lilscorpion]

There’s are hot and cold water lines that I can tap into that feed the apartment over the garage. Downside is I need to move the compressor to get at them.



This will be the first time I’ve been able to see how well the moisture draining automation is keeping the tank. I was half expecting to remove the drain line and have about a cup of water drain since the check valve is on the distal end of the 24” long drain hose. Turned out to be very little. Good deal.



I ordered to disconnect the electrical and air lines so I could slide out the compressor itself. Went quick.



A little zip zip of the drywall, push the insulation out of the way, and I have access.



A better look.



After a little creativity, the hoses are tapped into and routed out if the cavity and tied into the valves and hard line.



the shop side is already connected, no work to do there.



Next I need to get the water into the garage where I had it stubbed thru the wall. Three lines need to go down to where the DI tanks and switching valves are.



And then I added in the switching electrics for the valves.



Water then has to run under this beam to get to the wash station.

 

[lilscorpion]

From there all that’s left is to connect the water up into the wash station itself which was just stubbed. Of course I had to remove the pressure washer and switch panel. LOL



Other than being tough to get my hands in there, connecting to was fairly quick.



Next was finalizing the wiring. Just a little solder and some shrink tubing and they’re good to go.



Same down under the stairs by the DI setup.



Made some gun holders for the small guns out of some PVC I had lying around and installed a hook for the hoses.



Getting there. Have a few more tweaks but it’s now usable.

 

[manwithtools]

Nice work, I'd suggest an access panel over those manifolds so if ever needed in the future it 's easily removed.

 

[Bessy]

What's the story with the fuel(?) nozzle here between the doors?

 

[Jgaz]

Damn! Just damn!

 

[lilscorpion]

Nice work, I'd suggest an access panel over those manifolds so if ever needed in the future it 's easily removed.

Very good idea.

What's the story with the fuel(?) nozzle here between the doors?

don’t like hose nozzles and sprayers and hose bib-valves for filling buckets, radiators, etc. saw this automatic fuel shutoff nozzle on Amazon for $28 and thought I’d give it a try. Got blue…for water.

It’s pretty cool for filling buckets and buckets. As soon as water gets up to the nozzle it shits off just like it’s supposed to (like at the gas station). The trigger isn’t as smooth and controllable as I’d hoped, probably because of the water pressure. I might put a pressure regulator on it and see if that helps. If the trigger were a little easier to feather, it would be freakin awesome.