My NorCal garage
- Thread starter zip95864
- Start date
elguappo
Well-known member
Great thread.
Your garage reminds me of my 1955 house in North Highlands a few years ago.
Long narrow garage, but you are making more of yours than I ever did with mine!
Your garage reminds me of my 1955 house in North Highlands a few years ago.
Long narrow garage, but you are making more of yours than I ever did with mine!
Thanks for the kind words ---- this garage was actually an add on at some point. Previous owners made the old garage part of the kitchen and did a really nice job doing it, it's not obvious like some of those conversions you've seen ---- then they built this 1.5 car garage on the side of the house.
Unfortunately, they couldnt go any bigger because of the property line.
Unfortunately, they couldnt go any bigger because of the property line.
So, next to the drill press, I decided to make a small buffer/grinder "station".
I'd seen something like this before, but not quite like this.
I mounted my buffer on one side of a board that I stained and polyurathaned and the grinder on the other side. I also have a belt sander that I mounted onto a different piece of plywood, so it can be swapped in/out as needed.
They are secured to the lateral filing cabinet via "500 lb" toggle clamps.
It works great and looks great:
Put some rubber feet on the bottom of the boards to try and help with noise from the vibration (and so it doesnt mess up my awesome table top):
I'd seen something like this before, but not quite like this.
I mounted my buffer on one side of a board that I stained and polyurathaned and the grinder on the other side. I also have a belt sander that I mounted onto a different piece of plywood, so it can be swapped in/out as needed.
They are secured to the lateral filing cabinet via "500 lb" toggle clamps.
It works great and looks great:
Put some rubber feet on the bottom of the boards to try and help with noise from the vibration (and so it doesnt mess up my awesome table top):
machine_punk
Well-known member
Your drill press/grinder station is coming together! I like the toggle clamp idea...never thought of using them like that.
M_P
M_P
Omphaloskeptic
Well-known member
Very slick and versatile bit of engineering! Both tools can generate a lot of dust and grit; how to you confine the mess and protect the finished wood from abrasion?
I'd want to fab up some kind of hooded sheet metal tray to shield the wood and confine the debris. Maybe even add some strong magnets and tabs to lock it to the motor bodies. The wood looks too good for the dirty work.
I'd want to fab up some kind of hooded sheet metal tray to shield the wood and confine the debris. Maybe even add some strong magnets and tabs to lock it to the motor bodies. The wood looks too good for the dirty work.
Got the larger two drawer cabinets painted and installed ----- counter top mounted as well. My staining regimen is currently 1/3rd complete though not shown in the photo below:
Here's a photo of the structure ----- those supports are screwed into the cabinets in multiple places = pretty darn sturdy:
Need to get labels on those drawers, finding what I need is starting to become like that game "memory". That garbage can holds my collection painting drop cloths.
Installed a white board on one wall near the drill press in order to write down measurements, sketch out ideas etc. I was getting annoyed with writing on the backs of scrap paper, plywood etc.
Also in this photo is my thrift store clock and $5 Craigslist Creeper:
Here's a photo of the structure ----- those supports are screwed into the cabinets in multiple places = pretty darn sturdy:
Need to get labels on those drawers, finding what I need is starting to become like that game "memory". That garbage can holds my collection painting drop cloths.
Installed a white board on one wall near the drill press in order to write down measurements, sketch out ideas etc. I was getting annoyed with writing on the backs of scrap paper, plywood etc.
Also in this photo is my thrift store clock and $5 Craigslist Creeper:
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BullyDawg
Member
Looking good! I can't wait to look at houses when I get back stateside!
Thanks J!
Picked up this old Bridgeport Boy Scout hatchet off of eBay. Got it yesterday and first dropped her in an oxalic bath. Neutralized the rust and got some of the rust stains out of the handle where the rivets are too.
The handles were slightly loose so I tapped them with a punch and they tightened up.
Took her to the wire wheel and buffed up the blade, primed and spray painted the handle gloss black.
The handles were very dry ---- so used some wood conditioner and some mineral oil ---- which it soaked right up.
Next, will probably make a new sheath as the old one is pretty far gone.
Picked up this old Bridgeport Boy Scout hatchet off of eBay. Got it yesterday and first dropped her in an oxalic bath. Neutralized the rust and got some of the rust stains out of the handle where the rivets are too.
The handles were slightly loose so I tapped them with a punch and they tightened up.
Took her to the wire wheel and buffed up the blade, primed and spray painted the handle gloss black.
The handles were very dry ---- so used some wood conditioner and some mineral oil ---- which it soaked right up.
Next, will probably make a new sheath as the old one is pretty far gone.
fergus
Well-known member
Man, your place is really coming along nicely! Nice restoration on the axe, vice and everything else!
don long
Well-known member
Wow Zip,
That is one nice work shop.
The projects are flying out looking great !
What all have you found to store in those 50
drawers under the work bench? what a find.
the vise turned out as nice as the hatchet
good job
keep the posts coming I'm interested along with every one else.
Don
That is one nice work shop.
The projects are flying out looking great !
What all have you found to store in those 50
drawers under the work bench? what a find.
the vise turned out as nice as the hatchet
good job
keep the posts coming I'm interested along with every one else.
Don
Thanks for the kind words everyone.
Regarding the 50 drawers (which still make me go wow) I've slowly been adding things. Each drawer has a separate category or sub category of stuff. I need to start making the labels and labeling though. I'm going to just keep designating drawers and see how long it takes me to run out of space.
It's kind of silly really, there's a drawer for drip irrigation fittings and parts. One for masking tape. One for my "collection" of electrical tape. One drawer has a box of latex gloves in it. One has electrical outlets and wall switches. Etc. Etc.
As Jack has mentioned before, when the garage is clean and organized, you can just go out there and do a project and get it done. Restoring that hatchet probably would have taken me weeks before because I'd have to drag out the wire wheel motor, find my metal polish, etc. It took me less than an hour after the wife and baby went to bed.
Another example is this Kubb set that I made the other night:
I've never played before, but it's a Swedish lawn game I recently learned about from this website Wood & Faulk: http://woodandfaulk.com/make/kubb-a-swedish-lawn-game
Wilbur
Well-known member
VERY cool! Love seeing the old tools restored as well. Even better when you use them in your shop (the vice)! 
As I mentioned above, thinking about making a sheath for the hatchet. That got me researching leather crafts. Was up til 1am last night reading and learning about how to make things out of leather.
Ordered a bunch of tools, copper rivets and some nice leather as well. Thinking will try making a few belts after the sheath.
Then I found this company that makes custom leather embossing dies. That led me to design this makers mark, really tempted to order it:
p.s. I just picked up another Bridgeport hatchet, thinking will restore it and might give to me Dad for his birthday in November, or maybe just because.
Ordered a bunch of tools, copper rivets and some nice leather as well. Thinking will try making a few belts after the sheath.
Then I found this company that makes custom leather embossing dies. That led me to design this makers mark, really tempted to order it:
p.s. I just picked up another Bridgeport hatchet, thinking will restore it and might give to me Dad for his birthday in November, or maybe just because.
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Got another vise off of eBay last night ---- mainly just to have fun restoring it. Looks like it needs a new jaw made ---- amazing to me how many old vises have a missing jaw or two.
Are people breaking them and then removing them altogether?
The seller called it a #321 but there is also a no. 92 on it. Haven't found either model number listed in google searches for a Rock Island yet.
Are people breaking them and then removing them altogether?
The seller called it a #321 but there is also a no. 92 on it. Haven't found either model number listed in google searches for a Rock Island yet.
The metal cabinets are Hammered Black by Rustoleum like this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00106C9CK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
At first I was using a gray primer cause it's what I had. But it took 2 coats of the final coat to cover. When I ran out of that gray I used a black primer first and it only took one coat of finish coat (which is good because the Hammered paint isn't too cheap).
Also a tip ---- the Rustoleum "2x cover" spray paint or primer is really the best. I had a can of Krylon primer and it didn't cover anywhere near as well as the Rustoleum 2x. It's a little more $ but you need less of it.
At first I was using a gray primer cause it's what I had. But it took 2 coats of the final coat to cover. When I ran out of that gray I used a black primer first and it only took one coat of finish coat (which is good because the Hammered paint isn't too cheap).
Also a tip ---- the Rustoleum "2x cover" spray paint or primer is really the best. I had a can of Krylon primer and it didn't cover anywhere near as well as the Rustoleum 2x. It's a little more $ but you need less of it.
So, when I painted those cabinets I sanded off the old Steelmaster decal ---- which pained me because I love the font.
So before I did, I snapped a few pictures of it. Then I took that photo and put it into Photoshop and spent 45 minutes altering it.
It's coming out pretty decent, might make a few up. If anyone wants one for a Steelmaster desk or otherwise let me know and I'll have more printed.
Obviously my photo on top and edited version on the bottom:
So before I did, I snapped a few pictures of it. Then I took that photo and put it into Photoshop and spent 45 minutes altering it.
It's coming out pretty decent, might make a few up. If anyone wants one for a Steelmaster desk or otherwise let me know and I'll have more printed.
Obviously my photo on top and edited version on the bottom:
So, ended up cleaning up that other rusted Boy Scout hatchet.
Before:
Also made a sheath for it. I looked at photos online and then drew up a pattern and went at it. First time I really made anything out of leather, and learned some tricks in the process. The next one I make wont have the copper rivets, ordered some nickel plated ones so that they match the snap. Also, that snap is off center ---- perhaps I wont make it at midnight next time.
Though I think it came out pretty good. Gave it to my dad just because.
No other progress in the garage lately, other than cleaning off one of the workbenches.
Before:
Also made a sheath for it. I looked at photos online and then drew up a pattern and went at it. First time I really made anything out of leather, and learned some tricks in the process. The next one I make wont have the copper rivets, ordered some nickel plated ones so that they match the snap. Also, that snap is off center ---- perhaps I wont make it at midnight next time.
Though I think it came out pretty good. Gave it to my dad just because.
No other progress in the garage lately, other than cleaning off one of the workbenches.
So I got the cabinets painted this weekend:
Inspired by the man, the myth, the legend: Jack Olsen. I chose a shade of green ---- this is Promenade from Behr. I also added the chrome retro-esque handles and knobs.
I also plan on adding sliding doors above the cabinets so that the upper storage area is concealed kind of like this:
Though blurry, this photo shows where my 70's receiver will go --- I ordered a sheet of aluminum that will enclose this, to give it a more built in look:
Thanks for reading
Inspired by the man, the myth, the legend: Jack Olsen. I chose a shade of green ---- this is Promenade from Behr. I also added the chrome retro-esque handles and knobs.
I also plan on adding sliding doors above the cabinets so that the upper storage area is concealed kind of like this:
Though blurry, this photo shows where my 70's receiver will go --- I ordered a sheet of aluminum that will enclose this, to give it a more built in look:
Thanks for reading
fergus
Well-known member
Sweet dude... you've definitely got that retro 50s - early 60s thing going on over there. I like it - all of it.
If I get enough time, I'm gonna make a kubb set for the back yard for the other Nor-Cal summer...fall.
If I get enough time, I'm gonna make a kubb set for the back yard for the other Nor-Cal summer...fall.
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elguappo
Well-known member
You are definitely inspring me to get off my *** and get some work done in my garage!
elguappo
Well-known member
That is the WORST part!
I want to do a simple project, and I cannot find the simplest things like a tape measure or a drill bit, or even get to my tools that I have spent all this money on to make these jobs 'easier'!
I want to do a simple project, and I cannot find the simplest things like a tape measure or a drill bit, or even get to my tools that I have spent all this money on to make these jobs 'easier'!
Thanks!
Yeah Kubb is a lot of fun, a heck of a lot more skill and strategy than bean bag toss/********. Plus you can play with 2 - 12 people.
Made a little screwdriver holder over the weekend for the Craftsman screwdriver set:
What you can barely see in this image is the power strip ---- I found these at Orchard Supply for $10 each. The great thing is that they have slots on each end to mount a screw through them. Most power strips have those slots in the back ---- never work for me --- come loose.
So I installed a pair of 8" in-ceiling speakers last night. Bought these off of Amazon for $53:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00069QMPC/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The fact that the wires are all hidden is pretty cool, they dont take up any shelf space and they sound very good.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00069QMPC/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The fact that the wires are all hidden is pretty cool, they dont take up any shelf space and they sound very good.
Picked up this vintage shop chair off of eBay for $70 with free shipping yesterday:
Looks a heck of a lot like this new version from Schoolhouse Electric and Supply Co. which sells some pretty cool stuff that's retro inspired.
I recently found boxes of old Star Wars toys in my parent's attic and have been selling them on eBay. People go crazy for this stuff, which helps me buy garage stuff and the wife can't say no!
Looks a heck of a lot like this new version from Schoolhouse Electric and Supply Co. which sells some pretty cool stuff that's retro inspired.
I recently found boxes of old Star Wars toys in my parent's attic and have been selling them on eBay. People go crazy for this stuff, which helps me buy garage stuff and the wife can't say no!
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redintex
Well-known member
1st: Congrats on the baby - she is beautiful!!!!!!!
2nd: Excellent job on the garage! Retro is definitely the direction I am going!
3rd: Very nice job on the restorations!!!
4th: You are right on the money with the organization. It makes things SO much easier to do (not that I can really speak from experience - my garage is a wreck!)
redintex
2nd: Excellent job on the garage! Retro is definitely the direction I am going!
3rd: Very nice job on the restorations!!!
4th: You are right on the money with the organization. It makes things SO much easier to do (not that I can really speak from experience - my garage is a wreck!)
redintex
Recently, I've gotten more work done out in the shop.
Removed the two pairs of 8 foot long vintage Fluorescent lights, and replaced them with external conduit and CFL's that are 23 watts each (100 watt equivalents) as well as adding metal cages over the lights so I don't whack them with a 2 x 4 one day.
The lighting makes it so much brighter out there. I was able to put bulbs in custom locations over the table saw area as well as the drill press (where currently there was very little light).
The job took my Dad and me about 5 hours and cost about $100 for the lighting, and another $50 or so for the 10 cages off of Amazon. The cages are very sturdy and have a rubber dipped black feel to them.
One wall of the shop was blank and unpainted and dirty sheet rock. I also decided that I need to make this a little more like a "man cave" with a nod to the men in my family that came before me. I made the wall cabinet with scrap wood I had laying around and added the chevrons for decoration. The photos are family photos that are connected with my grandpas, great grandpa and great great grandpa.
The top photo is my great great grandfather working in a bike shop circa 1908, the second photo is my great grandfather hunting probably in the 1930s/40s:
Sprinkler patent of my grandfather:
My other grandpa was a tail gunner in a B17G "The little *****". This isnt a photo of that plane, but a B17. He was shot down on a mission bombing Berlin and was taken POW. My first car was a 1964 International Scout, hence the Scout ad:
Still a lot of work planned, but it's nice to see it coming together...
Removed the two pairs of 8 foot long vintage Fluorescent lights, and replaced them with external conduit and CFL's that are 23 watts each (100 watt equivalents) as well as adding metal cages over the lights so I don't whack them with a 2 x 4 one day.
The lighting makes it so much brighter out there. I was able to put bulbs in custom locations over the table saw area as well as the drill press (where currently there was very little light).
The job took my Dad and me about 5 hours and cost about $100 for the lighting, and another $50 or so for the 10 cages off of Amazon. The cages are very sturdy and have a rubber dipped black feel to them.
One wall of the shop was blank and unpainted and dirty sheet rock. I also decided that I need to make this a little more like a "man cave" with a nod to the men in my family that came before me. I made the wall cabinet with scrap wood I had laying around and added the chevrons for decoration. The photos are family photos that are connected with my grandpas, great grandpa and great great grandpa.
The top photo is my great great grandfather working in a bike shop circa 1908, the second photo is my great grandfather hunting probably in the 1930s/40s:
Sprinkler patent of my grandfather:
My other grandpa was a tail gunner in a B17G "The little *****". This isnt a photo of that plane, but a B17. He was shot down on a mission bombing Berlin and was taken POW. My first car was a 1964 International Scout, hence the Scout ad:
Still a lot of work planned, but it's nice to see it coming together...
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Rockuf8
Well-known member
Looks like a fun project, I like the use of scrap material and the retro feel. Still looks kind of dim though considering how many bulbs you added. Could just be the photo?
HSpencer
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I want to make a lot more comments later, but for now your definitely getting the nod for restoration!
Best Regards
Herb Spencer
Best Regards
Herb Spencer