Mopar / Wood Shop Cave
- Thread starter moparfreak
- Start date
vonhef
Well-known member
Keep up the good work... Looks great
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Bill, it's a 80k BTU Mr. Heater unit from northern tool. I piped in natural gas. It's all hooked up but I still need to wire in the thermostat so I haven't fired it up yet. That should be within a week or so since it's getting cold. Nice thing is with the insulation my garage really doesn't get below 50 so it won't take much to get it up to a comfortable 60-65 or so.
Thanks
Adam
Thanks
Adam
sublime68charger
Well-known member
Can you get a projector and then trace it out on the wall where you want to have the emblems at?
I don't have any other idea for how to get this done sorry
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Well, I've been making more progress slowly and steady. Spent about 2 weeks just trying to get things in the shop to decent working order, getting rid of the mess in the middle, putting stuff generally where I want it against the wall. I'd say at this point it's really taking shape as a working SHOP now.
Got the 80K BTU Mr. Heater wired in with the thermostat and I have to say it works great! Takes about 15 minutes and I need to start peeling layers off. There was a lot of dirt/dust that had accumulated on the heat exchanger tubes so it's still smelling a bit as it breaks in so to speak, but I'm very pleased. I flip it on when I start working and it works with the thermostat to keep things comfortable, then I flip it off when I'm done. Very pleased with that decision so far, albeit it did come with a cost.
S-FIL brought over a sweet base he made up for me for the air compressor, so now that is mobile when I need to move it. Design of the base keeps it low also.
Here's a few general shop pics. This is where the '73 Charger will live:
Was originally going to put a big metalworking / welding bench here, but decided I'd rather have the space around the car. For now I'll keep the welding equipment here and maybe put a fold down workbench a-l-a Jack Olsen's design:
This was a nice gift from the S-FIL a few years ago. To think he actually found this in a heap to be thrown out at his work! Grabbed it, restored it and put it on a thick 1/4" plate steel table w/ casters:
Some more general pics. Going to build a whole wall of workbenches from the door on over towards the left ending by the bandsaw. Lots of ideas in teh works for that:
A view from the back looking forward:
Thanks,
Adam
Got the 80K BTU Mr. Heater wired in with the thermostat and I have to say it works great! Takes about 15 minutes and I need to start peeling layers off. There was a lot of dirt/dust that had accumulated on the heat exchanger tubes so it's still smelling a bit as it breaks in so to speak, but I'm very pleased. I flip it on when I start working and it works with the thermostat to keep things comfortable, then I flip it off when I'm done. Very pleased with that decision so far, albeit it did come with a cost.
S-FIL brought over a sweet base he made up for me for the air compressor, so now that is mobile when I need to move it. Design of the base keeps it low also.
Here's a few general shop pics. This is where the '73 Charger will live:
Was originally going to put a big metalworking / welding bench here, but decided I'd rather have the space around the car. For now I'll keep the welding equipment here and maybe put a fold down workbench a-l-a Jack Olsen's design:
This was a nice gift from the S-FIL a few years ago. To think he actually found this in a heap to be thrown out at his work! Grabbed it, restored it and put it on a thick 1/4" plate steel table w/ casters:
Some more general pics. Going to build a whole wall of workbenches from the door on over towards the left ending by the bandsaw. Lots of ideas in teh works for that:
A view from the back looking forward:
Thanks,
Adam
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OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
And with the shop in good shape, I can really start using it for projects! Taking a break from shop setup for a little while to finish up the mudroom built-in wall that will make our lives much more convenient...
Picked up 10 sheets of 1/2" birch ply from the local Menards. I love this carrier I built for the van. Makes handling sheets pretty dang easy. Almost easier than the trailer I used to lug around...
Built a ladder frame from ripped 2x6 that I trued up. This will be the toekick for the mudroom cabinets. Total 10' wall of space that I'm filling up with lockers and bench and overhead cabinet:
I LOVE having all this space, makes working with the sheets a lot easier than ever before! Real easy to rip down big sheets using the hardboard guide I had made a few projects ago. One side is sized for my 7-1/4" Skilsaw and the other side is sized for my 3-1/2" Craftsman trim saw. With careful measurement and clamping it can get a nice even straight cut. Ultimately in the grand plan for the shop is to build a better dedicated equipment to cut sheet goods:
Got the big pieces for the locker cases cut last night, so next up is to prime and spray the exposed edges, so that I can cut the joinery and assemble / install before weekend is over.
Thanks,
Adam
Picked up 10 sheets of 1/2" birch ply from the local Menards. I love this carrier I built for the van. Makes handling sheets pretty dang easy. Almost easier than the trailer I used to lug around...
Built a ladder frame from ripped 2x6 that I trued up. This will be the toekick for the mudroom cabinets. Total 10' wall of space that I'm filling up with lockers and bench and overhead cabinet:
I LOVE having all this space, makes working with the sheets a lot easier than ever before! Real easy to rip down big sheets using the hardboard guide I had made a few projects ago. One side is sized for my 7-1/4" Skilsaw and the other side is sized for my 3-1/2" Craftsman trim saw. With careful measurement and clamping it can get a nice even straight cut. Ultimately in the grand plan for the shop is to build a better dedicated equipment to cut sheet goods:
Got the big pieces for the locker cases cut last night, so next up is to prime and spray the exposed edges, so that I can cut the joinery and assemble / install before weekend is over.
Thanks,
Adam
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sublime68charger
Well-known member
Looking good
Where have you been storing the charger at?
Be nice to have it at the house that is for sure
Where have you been storing the charger at?
Be nice to have it at the house that is for sure
This is looking great!
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
For the time being, I put it at my sister's place a few blocks away, they have a pull-ahead spot of gravel along the side of their garage. I plan to bring it over in the spring time, give myself some time and space to get the shop humming along in good order and get some stuff off the floor and into drawers / shelves / walls. That car is not small, so once I bring it in, it's gonna feel quite a bit more cozy. I already am nervous that I didn't make it big enough (not like I really could afford to make it any bigger...).
Thanks,
Adam
jesse72
Well-known member
The garage is looking good!
sublime68charger
Well-known member
Having a 68 charger myself i relate to the not small car part
Sublime out
Sublime out
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Another weekend and more progress!
Spent some time with my S-FIL on the air compressor & mudroom today, trying to get it up and running. Unfortunately I didn't have crimp terminals, so couldn't put power to the IR unit, but got a lot of other things done...
Installed the power box, with a latching relay.
Put a nice drain on it, just need to pick up some 1/4" clear hose.
Ultimately I'll put in a full air system, but in the meantime installed a nice manifold w/ a low flow and high flow quick connect. The low flow will go to the blue hose for regular stuff, the high flow will eventually feed the air lines. Muffler w/ valve is for relieving pressure in the lines w/o a blast to my face.
Got all the bad ballasts finally replaced in all those reclaimed light fixtures and shop is up to full light.
Got the two biggest cases for the mudroom cut, assembled and installed. This week I'll make the top box and bottom bench. Then it's onto doors, hardware, trim, and finishing.
Thanks,
Adam
Spent some time with my S-FIL on the air compressor & mudroom today, trying to get it up and running. Unfortunately I didn't have crimp terminals, so couldn't put power to the IR unit, but got a lot of other things done...
Installed the power box, with a latching relay.
Put a nice drain on it, just need to pick up some 1/4" clear hose.
Ultimately I'll put in a full air system, but in the meantime installed a nice manifold w/ a low flow and high flow quick connect. The low flow will go to the blue hose for regular stuff, the high flow will eventually feed the air lines. Muffler w/ valve is for relieving pressure in the lines w/o a blast to my face.
Got all the bad ballasts finally replaced in all those reclaimed light fixtures and shop is up to full light.
Got the two biggest cases for the mudroom cut, assembled and installed. This week I'll make the top box and bottom bench. Then it's onto doors, hardware, trim, and finishing.
Thanks,
Adam
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OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Also picked this up over the weekend. I wanted a HD jack that could handle all the cars from the Charger on up to the Durango, and this fits the bill. Although it has only a 2-ton rating compared to some 3 and 4 ton unit it still looks like the beefiest of all the jacks that HF offers when you look at them all side by side in person. I believe it is because the webbing across the lift arm is the shortest due to the low profile feature which I'll gladly take. I have one of the aluminum "racing" jacks from HF that run on sale for $69.99 or so, and I've lifted the charger a few times with it but never felt comfortable. It's narrow and shifted and swayed around too much for me to be happy with it. So, that'll go on CL and now I've got a more capable shop jack. This thing is NOT portable though. Weighs a freakin' ton!
Thanks,
Adam
Thanks,
Adam
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I've been looking at this jack too. HF says it weighs 93 lbs....does that sound about right? Doesn't look like it would weigh that much.
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
I would say they are about right!
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
As I'm putting some final touches on the mudroom / bathroom, I've got the go ahead to take a break from the kitchen and get some things in order with the shop, so decided to start bringing some stuff upstairs from storage in the basement. Rearranged a couple tool carts and a workbench to make a bit of an "L" and better use floor space:
Next I started with my fasteners. From my old shop, after searching long for the cheapest easy to find "bin" to put fastener types in, I settled on a somewhat unorthodox method of using the plastic electrical boxes, the blue ones. They come in many sizes (1-gang thru 4, maybe more), and are relatively sturdy. Also very cheap. If you buy the bulk box of 50 for contractors I believe they come in at $0.27/pc or so. That's cheaper than anything I could find "meant" for hardware. These also can be taken to a workbench easily for the job, and just about fill a typical 1 lb or single pack of fasteners that you would buy.
My old shop I built custom racks and trays for them and put them in a big metal shelving unit. Over time my design proved cumbersome and I was looking for a new way to store these. THen I had a thought. I have these two card carrier units with excellent slides. In my old basement shop I used them for tools and they are pretty much bulletproof.
I figured out that if I cut the ears off the blue boxes, they fit perfect two side by side. Almost like it was meant to be. And the good thing is these slides can really handle the weight. So I got to filling them up...
As an example, wood screws towards the top:
Bolts, nuts & machine screws towards the middle:
Nails toward the bottom:
You get the idea, and that's only a fraction of one of them. I've got a lot more fasteners in all sorts of places to sort out so they'll get filled but also have room to grow. Also plan to build a plano-box tower just between the cabinet and workbench as I've got about 15 of those around with different assortments as well. I think I saw a build of something like that on the forum here and will probably use that idea.
GOing to sketch out a workbench hopefully later today as I'd like to get going on that as well.
Thanks,
Adam
Next I started with my fasteners. From my old shop, after searching long for the cheapest easy to find "bin" to put fastener types in, I settled on a somewhat unorthodox method of using the plastic electrical boxes, the blue ones. They come in many sizes (1-gang thru 4, maybe more), and are relatively sturdy. Also very cheap. If you buy the bulk box of 50 for contractors I believe they come in at $0.27/pc or so. That's cheaper than anything I could find "meant" for hardware. These also can be taken to a workbench easily for the job, and just about fill a typical 1 lb or single pack of fasteners that you would buy.
My old shop I built custom racks and trays for them and put them in a big metal shelving unit. Over time my design proved cumbersome and I was looking for a new way to store these. THen I had a thought. I have these two card carrier units with excellent slides. In my old basement shop I used them for tools and they are pretty much bulletproof.
I figured out that if I cut the ears off the blue boxes, they fit perfect two side by side. Almost like it was meant to be. And the good thing is these slides can really handle the weight. So I got to filling them up...
As an example, wood screws towards the top:
Bolts, nuts & machine screws towards the middle:
Nails toward the bottom:
You get the idea, and that's only a fraction of one of them. I've got a lot more fasteners in all sorts of places to sort out so they'll get filled but also have room to grow. Also plan to build a plano-box tower just between the cabinet and workbench as I've got about 15 of those around with different assortments as well. I think I saw a build of something like that on the forum here and will probably use that idea.
GOing to sketch out a workbench hopefully later today as I'd like to get going on that as well.
Thanks,
Adam
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OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Starting to plan for a workbench, was wondering if there's any good feedback out there. Going to model it after what I've seen here as well as Family Handyman article for some ideas:
http://www.familyhandyman.com/workshop/workbench/modular-workbench/step-by-step
Main features:
- "L" shape, Approximately 12' each side
- Diagonal cut along corner to make a desk area
- I drew the height to be 40" for standing work but will have to doublecheck the window height, might end up adjusting that to 36" or so.
- 24" high hutch, I'll be putting either pegboard or french cleats inside for putting stuff on the back wall under the hutch.
- Thinking of routing slot across front beam to accept a T-track, which can then be used with assorted clamps and hold downs for workholding
- Will take FH's idea of the roll-out trays on the bottom
- Top will be 3/4" plywood w/ 1/4" tempered masonite screwed down on top. I find the masonite to be an incredibly durable worksurface, and becomes replacable. It would be inset into the Two-By support structure.
Here's the basic sketch:
It's going to go right here into this corner, starting from the tall cabinet and going left:
It'll be built mostly of 2x4 material I scrapped from the pallet that my metal ceiling came in. Ends up being about 200'. Just need to get the plywood and pegboard. For speed reasons I'll use the framing nailer.
Any thoughts / suggestions?
http://www.familyhandyman.com/workshop/workbench/modular-workbench/step-by-step
Main features:
- "L" shape, Approximately 12' each side
- Diagonal cut along corner to make a desk area
- I drew the height to be 40" for standing work but will have to doublecheck the window height, might end up adjusting that to 36" or so.
- 24" high hutch, I'll be putting either pegboard or french cleats inside for putting stuff on the back wall under the hutch.
- Thinking of routing slot across front beam to accept a T-track, which can then be used with assorted clamps and hold downs for workholding
- Will take FH's idea of the roll-out trays on the bottom
- Top will be 3/4" plywood w/ 1/4" tempered masonite screwed down on top. I find the masonite to be an incredibly durable worksurface, and becomes replacable. It would be inset into the Two-By support structure.
Here's the basic sketch:
It's going to go right here into this corner, starting from the tall cabinet and going left:
It'll be built mostly of 2x4 material I scrapped from the pallet that my metal ceiling came in. Ends up being about 200'. Just need to get the plywood and pegboard. For speed reasons I'll use the framing nailer.
Any thoughts / suggestions?
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Your bench plans sound good. Only advice I will give is once you figure out a height make all your work surfaces the same height. That way if you are cutting a long board it can flow from one machine to a bench and be level if need be.
PM sent
PM sent
KCarGuy
Well-known member
Nice Layout on the Garage.
I really, really wish that I had a Bumpout for an area to do do woodwork or other projects.
Great Job so far. thanks for sharing and keep the progress pics comming!
I really, really wish that I had a Bumpout for an area to do do woodwork or other projects.
Great Job so far. thanks for sharing and keep the progress pics comming!
Gingrbredman
Member
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2013
- Messages
- 19
Really diggin the detail of the red stripes. Looks like a lot of work and patience, especially when the shop isn't all the way organized yet, but worth it in the end!
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Thanks for the comments. In my old house I had a rather large WW shop I set up in my unfinished basement, so I probably had about 1200 sqft, which was nice, but I also have a significant car hobby and set up a shop in the 2-car garage for restoration work as well. It was always very frustrating to have to split up tools and supplies and run up and down for various projects. This time around, I "sacrificed" (if that's what you want to call it
) on square footage in order to cram it all into one room. Now the end result is about 1350 sqft for a combined wood shop and auto shop, and also to include 2 daily drivers. Not having the room to spread out in the basement like I used to takes some getting used to, but after spending time here on this forum I can clearly see how much utility can be crammed into a small space. I feel fortunate to have this space all together, as I see some pretty amazing GJers make a lot more than me with a 1-car stall!Thanks,
Adam
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Got the doors up in the mudroom, so I'll be starting up on the big workbench project this week. At the end of the day, started clearing out the corner where the bench will go:
I also have a Rockwell BenchJaw to install on the left hand side, and will install the ShopNotes clamping system from Issue 136.
http://www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/bench-rail/
Stay tuned....hopfeully I finally make some progress on this next week...
Thanks,
Adam
I also have a Rockwell BenchJaw to install on the left hand side, and will install the ShopNotes clamping system from Issue 136.
http://www.woodsmithplans.com/plan/bench-rail/
Stay tuned....hopfeully I finally make some progress on this next week...
Thanks,
Adam
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OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Bret it won't even be close to your level of craftsmanship, but I will give it a good try.
Last night had a choice to caulk molding in the mudroom or work in the shop....so yeah...easy choice.
Started out clearing the space. Disassembled the old rickety workbench that was there. I had salvaged it from the last house I came from, it served its purpose. Spent the evening disassembling it and I'll use most of that wood in the new bench system. Took a lot longer than I thought tho....
Next I've got to pick up the 3/4" ply and 1/4" tempered hardboard from Menards. I believe I'll build it up in 3 modules. Start w/ the center corner section and the work the 2 8' legs out from there. Final height will be 40".
Thanks,
Adam
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OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Darn,
It seems like my picture links don't last very long, they end up failing after a week or so. I use Bitcasa to host my files and pics and I guess that won't work with the forums. Will move them to Google albums this week. Got the corner module finished up today....looking good!
It seems like my picture links don't last very long, they end up failing after a week or so. I use Bitcasa to host my files and pics and I guess that won't work with the forums. Will move them to Google albums this week. Got the corner module finished up today....looking good!
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Alright, started switching pics over to Flickr, hopefully those links stay consistent...
Anyways so made good progress on the shop workbench on Sunday...
For the front rails, took my better boards and planed them to 1-3/8" thickness to get some decent clean edges on them:
Then took a 1" x 5/8" rabbet off the rails to be able to set the worktop into. This type of cut really takes my saw to its limits, only a 1-3/4hp motor. Next saw will be a 3hp:
Here are the rails laid out for the corner bench:
Squaring and assembling the frame:
I used these steel brackets from some perforated angle. My SFIL had a bunch that was scrapped from his air force days. Also had a nice shear to cut it quick and easy:
Putting the 3/4" ply underlayment:
Then cutting the hardboard to size for the final top:
B/c hardboard tends to pucker up when you drive screws through it, need a good bit to countersink:
Then throw some brackets for supporting the lower shelf (which I haven't cut yet):
Turn it rightside up, and go have a beer:
and of course, start to clutter it up...
Next I'll start working on the two 8' legs the go out from the center section, got the rails for them planed and rabbets cut before the end of the night:
Anyways so made good progress on the shop workbench on Sunday...
For the front rails, took my better boards and planed them to 1-3/8" thickness to get some decent clean edges on them:
Then took a 1" x 5/8" rabbet off the rails to be able to set the worktop into. This type of cut really takes my saw to its limits, only a 1-3/4hp motor. Next saw will be a 3hp:
Here are the rails laid out for the corner bench:
Squaring and assembling the frame:
I used these steel brackets from some perforated angle. My SFIL had a bunch that was scrapped from his air force days. Also had a nice shear to cut it quick and easy:
Putting the 3/4" ply underlayment:
Then cutting the hardboard to size for the final top:
B/c hardboard tends to pucker up when you drive screws through it, need a good bit to countersink:
Then throw some brackets for supporting the lower shelf (which I haven't cut yet):
Turn it rightside up, and go have a beer:
and of course, start to clutter it up...
Next I'll start working on the two 8' legs the go out from the center section, got the rails for them planed and rabbets cut before the end of the night:
sean Buick 76
Well-known member
Very nice job on the bench! RIGHT ON!
Great job on the bench. I second your choice on planing the wood. I joint and plane mine down to 1 1/4". It makes it easier to build cabinets with square wood. The stuff from the home centers is junk otherwise!
Was the floor level enough your legs all set correctly?
Look forward to your next installment.
I have been using Flickr for about 3 months and love it. If you are using your phone to take pics you can put the Flickr app on your phone and it will automatically upload all your pictures you take to your photostream. Makes it super easy to post into the forum too using the BBcode.
Was the floor level enough your legs all set correctly?
Look forward to your next installment.
I have been using Flickr for about 3 months and love it. If you are using your phone to take pics you can put the Flickr app on your phone and it will automatically upload all your pictures you take to your photostream. Makes it super easy to post into the forum too using the BBcode.
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OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
I haven't secured it to the wall yet but when I do, I'll have to shim the back legs up, as they sit on the footings which are about 1/4" lower than the floor. Other than that the floor is freshly poured and pretty level. No slope like in the garage portion for drainage.
I am definitely happy with my decision for a bit taller worksurface. The 40" height really feels right, and shortening the lower shelf will make it easy to pull a stool up to and not bash my knees (which happens to me at the kitchen table all the time).
Once the hutch is added, it's going to be a crazy amount of extra storage space. Have some plans for incorporated pegboard sides and french cleats on the wall. Just gotta make the time....
Nodak7mm
Member
Keep us in loop, Adam... Great story/project... I want to blow out end of 3rd stall just like you did... Great idea for Urban Garage Logicians.....
Rod
Rod
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Thanks Rod. The story unfolds slowly but I plan to keep putting the updates on here. I've gotten so many fantastic ideas from GJ that I think it's important to contribute as well.
Anyways, was a busy week but I took a few weeknights to get a few lingering things in the mudroom completed, trying to get it truly finished off. Caulking, trim painting, etc. And also finally to install the door hardware. Picked two sizes and made up a jig, cause I had 11 of them to install (9 on the built-in and 2 closet doors). I know they make jigs for this kind of thing that cost $25 or $50 or more but y'know, use the scraps right?
Clamp it to the door, line up the measurements and drill:
Thought it turned out pretty nice. Have some guests coming over tonight so it really makes a difference in how the room looks:
Now that I've got that behind me, I can focus Sunday again on the workbench.
I can't even begin to explain how much this project has made a difference. It used to be we had our junk and kids stuff just freakin' everywhere and it spread out around the house. Now we've got 10 wall feet of clean usable space, floor to ceiling. Holds all our gear, cleaning supplies, kids craft supplies, blankets/pillows, shoes, and still looks good. From design to build to finish it's been about 2-1/2 months (started a week or two b/f thanksgiving), but well worth the time to build a nice entryway/mudroom if you have the opportunity. It's the details that make the difference.
Anyways, was a busy week but I took a few weeknights to get a few lingering things in the mudroom completed, trying to get it truly finished off. Caulking, trim painting, etc. And also finally to install the door hardware. Picked two sizes and made up a jig, cause I had 11 of them to install (9 on the built-in and 2 closet doors). I know they make jigs for this kind of thing that cost $25 or $50 or more but y'know, use the scraps right?
Clamp it to the door, line up the measurements and drill:
Thought it turned out pretty nice. Have some guests coming over tonight so it really makes a difference in how the room looks:
Now that I've got that behind me, I can focus Sunday again on the workbench.
I can't even begin to explain how much this project has made a difference. It used to be we had our junk and kids stuff just freakin' everywhere and it spread out around the house. Now we've got 10 wall feet of clean usable space, floor to ceiling. Holds all our gear, cleaning supplies, kids craft supplies, blankets/pillows, shoes, and still looks good. From design to build to finish it's been about 2-1/2 months (started a week or two b/f thanksgiving), but well worth the time to build a nice entryway/mudroom if you have the opportunity. It's the details that make the difference.
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Hoped to get a bit more done this weekend than I did, but it was a rough day w/ the kids and also had to dig a few people out of the snow with the blizzard....
Got a bit of progress on the benches though...
Building the frames for the long 8' pieces:
Reinforcing them w/ stretchers ripped to proper width:
Got the two frames done, and also cut the 3/4" ply underlayment panels for the tops. Next up is to install the underlayment, and cut the hardboard top to perfect (or close to perfect
) fit.
Got a bit of progress on the benches though...
Building the frames for the long 8' pieces:
Reinforcing them w/ stretchers ripped to proper width:
Got the two frames done, and also cut the 3/4" ply underlayment panels for the tops. Next up is to install the underlayment, and cut the hardboard top to perfect (or close to perfect
) fit.
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Took another step last night with the workbench build. Completed the tops. Got the ply underlayment and hardboard top installed on both wings. Maybe tonight I'll get some legs on?
The tops are Heavy! But they look good!
Can't wait to get them standing up and bolted down, so I can start working on all of the storage and accessories. Still plan to build and install the ShopNotes clamping bar on the right hand bench.
Trying to decide on hutch height. Not sure if I want it the hutch to stop below or above the red stripe. If it's below, I'd be able to get 2 rows of french cleat, above would mean 3 rows of french cleat. Not sure yet....
The tops are Heavy! But they look good!
Can't wait to get them standing up and bolted down, so I can start working on all of the storage and accessories. Still plan to build and install the ShopNotes clamping bar on the right hand bench.
Trying to decide on hutch height. Not sure if I want it the hutch to stop below or above the red stripe. If it's below, I'd be able to get 2 rows of french cleat, above would mean 3 rows of french cleat. Not sure yet....
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Got the legs and bottom tray brackets installed on the RH bench and got it turned over and put it in place. Installed it to the middle bench. Starting to put legs on the LH bench. It looks like the 250 linear feet of 2x4 I had won't quite be enough, so I'll have to swing by the depot and pick up another few studs. I have to say that I am quite excited!!
Decided the hutch will go up to the bottom of the red stripe, to give more room for possible tool holders I might want to mount on the wall above the hutch. Next step is to complete the base on the RH bench, get it fastened to the middle one and then work on getting them secured to the wall rock solid. Then I can move forward with the lower shelf and upper hutch.
Decided the hutch will go up to the bottom of the red stripe, to give more room for possible tool holders I might want to mount on the wall above the hutch. Next step is to complete the base on the RH bench, get it fastened to the middle one and then work on getting them secured to the wall rock solid. Then I can move forward with the lower shelf and upper hutch.
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Had b'day parties for my 7yr old son all day yesterday but managed to steal some time late in the evening and found the energy to get the legs and lower brackets all done, and at least stand it up. Feels good to have it all up and standing. Need to get more lumber as I'm finally out of all the 2-by I had. Also decided to add another leg which I'll do on the RH bench as well tonight.
Next task is to get all of the benches securely lagged into the wall studs as well as bolted to each other and also shimmed properly to make this a rock solid installation. Then I can finish up the bracing at the bottom and start cutting OSB to install the lower shelf.
Next task is to get all of the benches securely lagged into the wall studs as well as bolted to each other and also shimmed properly to make this a rock solid installation. Then I can finish up the bracing at the bottom and start cutting OSB to install the lower shelf.
OP
moparfreak
Well-known member
Well after a few days of feeling ill, finally got back into the shop last night. Finished installing the benches to the wall and they are rock solid, shimmed the feet and good to go.
I wanted to use something a little easier than a big lag screw. I can't quite remember what these are called, maybe Timber-Lok? Either way, these are really nice, drive right in, no pre-drill needed and they have a long unthreaded shank to prevent separating the pieces and help them pull together real nice and tight. I recommend the added expense for stuff you want to bolt down and not go anywhere.
Then I was able to start working on the lower shelf. I have a lot of OSB sheathing left over from the addition project, so that's my choice of material. Decided to try and get it to fit real nice and tight so jigsawed out the notches for the feet. Takes a bit more time but a nicer looking end product.
Here the LH bench shelf is done. Next is the middle and RH. Also plan to edge the sides with pegboard for some added utility / storage.
I wanted to use something a little easier than a big lag screw. I can't quite remember what these are called, maybe Timber-Lok? Either way, these are really nice, drive right in, no pre-drill needed and they have a long unthreaded shank to prevent separating the pieces and help them pull together real nice and tight. I recommend the added expense for stuff you want to bolt down and not go anywhere.
Then I was able to start working on the lower shelf. I have a lot of OSB sheathing left over from the addition project, so that's my choice of material. Decided to try and get it to fit real nice and tight so jigsawed out the notches for the feet. Takes a bit more time but a nicer looking end product.
Here the LH bench shelf is done. Next is the middle and RH. Also plan to edge the sides with pegboard for some added utility / storage.
shortykorte
Well-known member
Quality over quantity. Look forward to seeing the finished project.