Above 1200 Sq/FT OldCarGuy’s New Toy Shop

[OldCarGuy]

I just had to flash back to the start of this thread; I have just one question how big was the last house.

My old home was 6,000 square feet, 7 bedroom 5 bath along with 2,000’ finished basement, with 3,000’ of attached garages. My garage to house ratio is now where it ought to be.

 

[bluesman2a]

My garage to house ratio is now where it ought to be.

From the looks of that photo, it looks like it's about 1.5:1 infavor of the garages...

BTW, great thread, it's the one that pulled me in too!!!

 

[storts]

You’re not the first to ask me that. I have raised 10 children already and really don’t want to take on any more. Anyhow I’m living for me now.

WOW,Im speecless,you should be SUPER proad of that project,,and the concret man must love you!!!!,Jack--There are no words to describe what you have built!!!

 

[Canadian Charlie]

The guy who dies with the most tools wins



Dead or alive you won, congrats on a dream come true

 

[OldCarGuy]

From the looks of that photo, it looks like it's about 1.5:1 infavor of the garages...

BTW, great thread, it's the one that pulled me in too!!!

Including the second floor of my main workshop I have about 7,000 square feet of garage space. The house is about 3,600 feet,, that’s about a 2:1 favor of garage. To tip the scales more,,, I also own a 1600 square foot "garage condominium" with a 14 foot ceiling five miles from my main complex that I store my car hauler, car parts, and more OldCarGuy‘s Gold.

I cannot begin to say how much pleasure I receive from my retirement complex. It’s just like I’m in Heaven… And I didn’t even have to die!

 

[arkracing]

Wow!

you seem to have played your cards well in life.

If you don't mind sharing - what did/do you do for a living? (that collection of toys, tools, and garages doesn't come cheap)

 

[bluesman2a]

I cannot begin to say how much pleasure I receive from my retirement complex. It’s just like I’m in Heaven… And I didn’t even have to die!

You know one of my favorite authors proposes that shared joy is multiplied while shared pain is diminished. If that is in fact true, I think it's safe to say that we have enjoyed your compound and the posts also. Thanks for sharing the joy!!!

 

[OldCarGuy]

Wow!

you seem to have played your cards well in life.

If you don't mind sharing - what did/do you do for a living? (that collection of toys, tools, and garages doesn't come cheap)

After foolishly dropping out of college after two years, I became an Apprentice Toolmaker. Then received a machine and mold design Certificates through a work study programs. I went from Toolmaker to designing then onto Executive Management. I’ll be officially retired later this year at 62. And will be enjoying the fruits of holding down two jobs with 60 or more hour work weeks for so many years.

The cost of my tools and machinery was divided over the past 50 years. I still have the Craftsman tool box filled with tools I stared collecting each week when I was 12 from my paper route money. Plus my Victor acetylene torch set that I purchased when I was 16.

 

[OldCarGuy]

You know one of my favorite authors proposes that shared joy is multiplied while shared pain is diminished. If that is in fact true, I think it's safe to say that we have enjoyed your compound and the posts also. Thanks for sharing the joy!!!

Thank you and everyone for taking your time to read! And may it encourage and inspire others. I know I have implemented a lot of information from this board.

bmwpower,, thanks for your genuine comment about my Uncle’s modifications to his drill press. If you knew him, you would appreciate his ability.

 

[cdrewferd]

Simply an amazing garage. Words can't explain the amazingness of your build.

 

[jeepgod]

I have found the holy grail!!!!

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

your operation is bigger than most of the car dealers service departments I have worked at . enjoy everyday of your retirement .

 

[94Vette]

Wow. Very nice.

I've been in prototype tool shops that don't have the equipment that you have.

do you use a CAM package to create programs for your CNC?

 

[BreBar21]

I'm speechless.

As is Mr. T ---->

 

[OldCarGuy]

do you use a CAM package to create programs for your CNC?

I actually have a “MasterCad” And “MasterCam” set up on my computer,, however I have never taken the time to learn to run them. Most of the time I use the internal “canned” programs on the EZ-Trak, or I just manually edit in the “G-Code” into the controller. A couple times a friend made a program file using Pro/E that I down loaded…

 

[OldCarGuy]

To add to my machine capabilities I purchased a used K.O. Lee Cutter Grinder that included the centers, power work head, and air bearing end mill sharpening attachment.

At the same time I purchased a Bridgeport Cherrying head. The spindle travels in an oscillating motion to make either a convex or concave radius up to 2 inches. Though a prize attachment to have years ago. Today’s CNC’s make it obsolete. I temporarily mounted it on the back of my CNC EZ Trak.

Another nice addition is a Deckel SO Cutter Grinder along with seven collets from 1/8 to 5/8. I mounted it on a shelf on the wall between the K.O. Lee and my surface grinder.

I finally got around making room to put my second Bridgeport between my smaller lathe and EDM machine. The L&W dividing head with a 6” chuck was also a new purchase.

I purchased a Delta 20” drill press. I replaced the three-phase motor with a Baldor 120 Volt 1 HP 1750 RPM motor and added a cast iron five-step pulley. Making the spindle RPM’s of 410, 720, 1100, 1650, 2100

I made up a down feed handle that was missing. I bored a hole in a piece of 3” Dia. CRS, faced off and turned a 20 degree angle on one end and drilled and tapped four ½-13 holes for the hand levers. Then added a 3/8 SHCS to fasten the hub to the pinion shaft. I turned the hex off and threaded to fit phenolic balls of four ½” hex bolts for the levers.

Purchased a new Jacobs 5/8” ball bearing chuck and arbor.



Another recent toy to compliment my welding arsenal of Victor gas torches, Airco 200 Amp stick welder, and Lincoln 250 Amp TIG Welder... A Lincoln Power MIG 215.

 

[DynoDave]

Nice stuff, OldCarGuy.

 

[dyson74]

Firstly, i would like to reiterate the comments of others, exceptional!

Looking over this whole forum has been a pleasure.

if possible could you show us some your favorites. From large tools to small. But particularly the tools you just cannot do with out?

Thanks for images

 

[enginerd]

Very cool.

It is pretty amazing the kinds of machines made in the last 50 years compared to the machines made in the last 5 years. While they have come along way, there has always been great innovation in their designs.

Personally, I'd rather just have one brand spanking new machine center that can do it all But i'm a new engineer and am into all the doodads that we have today.

Are you happy with everything all spread out across multiple buildings, or would you have rather had everything under one roof/facility?

We decided to make one large facility thats internally "divided" (although its completely open, no poles, very large wood spans) with a second floor "lounge" that has a 120* look out onto two of the main areas (shop & showroom, 2nd floor sits above dialy driving garage spots). We're limited by the town how big we can go, so we had to limit the garage to 5ksf and 900sf 2nf flr. but we managed to fit in farm equipment room, two bathrooms, and a good sized utility closet for the boilers and compressor.

 

[OldCarGuy]

if possible could you show us some your favorites. From large tools to small. But particularly the tools you just cannot do with out?

Thanks for images

Dyson74: There are many tools that I find hard living without. Even when I may only use it once in three years. Though I have more tools packed away in my trailer and motor home than most people own. To fix anything expediently on the road, I sure miss my collection that I have at home.

One cannot live without a few good screwdrivers, pliers, pipe wrenches, and adjustable wrenches (Crescent). But I find myself reaching for the combination flex socket & open end wrench set most the time. I know that some members feel that they are useless. I was given a set when I was 20 years old, and have become quite fond of them since. In fact I have five sets in different tool boxes.

Another drawer of wrenches, you cannot have too many variety.


Sockets anyone,,:


Most of my wrenching is either on old cars or machinery. Therefore most of my tools are SAE. This is one drawer dedicated to metric.


My favorite power tool is my Milwaukee ½” cordless drill. I purchased it seven or so years ago. And the two batteries are still going strong. I use it as a power screwdriver, hole saw up to 4” diameter, and plain drilling. Countless times it has gotten almost too hot to handle, several times even spouting smoke from the brushes. And she still performs. I love that drill!


The older one gets, the more you’ll appreciate a car lift… the up’s and downs get to be mighty tough…


Then again a crane comes in handy. Since I find myself working by myself so often.


You cannot do without a good strong bench, preferably with a solid maple top and a strong 6” vise mounted on it.



My first drill press purchased at a garage sale for $10.00 when I was 18. It’s a Craftsman cast iron bench top model. I don’t know how anyone can do without one?




I have since added two more Drill presses.



I lathe may seem a luxury to most. I don’t know what I’d do without at least one?



A Bridgeport milling machine is another nice luxury to own.

 

[OldCarGuy]

Are you happy with everything all spread out across multiple buildings, or would you have rather had everything under one roof/facility?

I first thought having my equipment spread over six garages would be awful. However I have learned to like it quite a bit. I have one garage with four lifts just for storing old cars. A Second one for sanding and painting and storage of lawn and garden equipment. A Third one for my woodworking, storage of 40’ motor home, and more misc. storage. Fourth one for my machine shop where I do all my machining and welding. Along with most mechanical work on my old and new cars. A Fifth one for storage of car hauler, old cars and more of OldCarGuy‘s Gold. Finally a Sixth one for my daily drivers.

It is pretty amazing the kinds of machines made in the last 50 years compared to the machines made in the last 5 years. While they have come along way, there has always been great innovation in their designs.

Personally, I'd rather just have one brand spanking new machine center that can do it all But i'm a new engineer and am into all the doodads that we have today.

Now about that single machining center that you feel will do everything. I don’t know of any such piece of equipment that does it all! Besides a machining center, you’ll need a cut-off saw, turning center, surface and cylindrical grinders, and wire and plunge EDM‘s.

I may be old,, and old-fashioned at that. But I can reproduce most “one-off” parts in less time than someone that owns a “super machining center” that you speak. And all my equipment cost me a fraction of what the machining center would cost! Most likely less than the cost to tool up the machine center.

 

[bluesman2a]

Then again a crane comes in handy. Since I find myself working by myself so often.

I'm STILL trying to figure out how to work a crane like that into my shop... that's an AWESOME implementation!!! Very clean setup, as always...

 

[73super]

It’s a way of life to keep a shop looking good. First off it takes organization. Making a place for everything and seeing that it is returned soon after using it. It takes little more effort when working on something to spend a little more time to clean up after yourself. Rather than letting things pile up and getting out of hand. By the way I see a lot of other wonderful and clean garages and shops here that look better kept than mine.


I appreciate all your thoughtful comments. Indeed I do set aside time to sleep; but I lost tract of how many hours have been spent on this transformation. Though it has been a labor of love…

House moving day has now passed. Three 26’ van loads, Five young movers nonstop for 18 hours on Saturday,, and it looks like the aftermath of a storm in my house. It’s going to take me weeks to put everything in its’ place.

Geezzzz... Boy, this is something I need to get better at. I just spent the better part of the day yesterday trying to clean up some of the clutter in my shop. I love reading this kind of stuff. It shows me that it's not only possible, but it's a great motivation for me as well.. thanks much.. LOVE your attitude!

 

[tuned10]

WOW! Nice stuff! I am speechless

 

[dyson74]

Thanks for the reply.

It was reassuring to find out that I actually own some of the tools that you selected.

Also good to hear was that you purchased some items at garage sales. That is where i've come across some of my best finds and most useful. Garage sales are a bit of a ritual every saturday.

Thanks again for the privilege of letting us into your world.

 

[vwgtivw]

Nice garage, and I hope you live to be a healthy 100+ years old so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.

 

[cyclopsblown34]

Keeping organized makes it easier all the way around. You know where your tools are and what is missing and can more than likely remember what you were just using the tool for and find it. It makes working on stuff much quicker too since you don't have to search for tools.

 

[5wndwcpe]

Most of my cars that I purchased were not basket cases. And I do all the upgrading and upkeep myself. Indeed I do drive all my cars. The best view of any antique car is from behind the wheel! Presently the green 1914 Cadillac is my main and favorite touring car and put as much as 3,000 miles a year.

What do you guys think of this car (another 1914 Cadillac)? I found it buried in the woods of the Carolinas since the mid 50’s. I spent a full day clearing a path to it, cutting down a huge tree that grew between the gas tank & read axle, lifting it off the stump with a backhoe, and dragging it back to my trailer.

It's going to take a lot of work to bring her back to life.

That'll buff out.

 

[mhoffm911]

As an Ohio auctioneer, I have been in my fair of garages over the years looking to clear out estates. Yours is by far the best I have ever seen. I teach at Reppert's auction school and have been around many of the cars sold at Kruse International, so can appreciate your labor of love.

Thanks for sharing and giving all of us inspiration. I'm going to go try and do something profitable today so that I can afford a place like yours someday.

 

[jeep534]

as for your posting, all of us Guys are speechless..... I am hoping to break ground on my first shop building. My shop is currently 20 miles one way from my home. The one thing that has taken quite a bit of my feeble brain power has been what type of (sky hook as the wife calls it ) Bridge, Gantry, or jib crane or just plan to use a forklift. The type of top running bridge crane you have built for your shop seems to be the ticket. Now 2 questions....... the second one you built doesn't have any power in the bridge to move it ( is it hard to move with a liad on it ) also how did you motorize the trucks on the first one.

Happy Hunting
archie =) =) =)

P.S. I really like the welding bench

 

[Sanctifier]

CONGRATULATIONS!... and thank you.
Absolutely fantastic Toy Shop. That's the reason I registered here.
Your achievements will serve as an inspiration when things seem to "stick."

When moderating The MadMen Forum, I think all 2nrs could use similar
motivation... I know I could.

Soooo... OldCarGuy, this one's for you (Pg. 3, 2nd post)...
Link--> THE ASYLUM!... Workshops & Tools for DIY MadMen.

For those interested in tools, equipment and other classic garages, the thread starts here... Link--> Page #1

 

[OldCarGuy]

as for your posting, all of us Guys are speechless..... I am hoping to break ground on my first shop building. My shop is currently 20 miles one way from my home. The one thing that has taken quite a bit of my feeble brain power has been what type of (sky hook as the wife calls it ) Bridge, Gantry, or jib crane or just plan to use a forklift. The type of top running bridge crane you have built for your shop seems to be the ticket. Now 2 questions....... the second one you built doesn't have any power in the bridge to move it ( is it hard to move with a liad on it ) also how did you motorize the trucks on the first one.

Happy Hunting
archie =) =) =)

P.S. I really like the welding bench

Neither my old bridge crane or my new one has power to the trucks or trolley. It’s all manual. Even under heavy load, there’s no problem moving the hoist in the trolley direction. However with the added bridge beam and truck weight of 1,500 pounds, it takes more effort to move. Loads under 2,000 pounds on the hook I can easily manage by myself. But when I unloaded my Kearny Trecker mill, that weighs in at 4,500 pounds, an extra person sure helped. Though I could still manage 4,000 pound loads alone with some difficulty.

I thought about adding a low RPM worm drive gear motor and a series of cables and pulleys to power the trucks and trolley. But thought that was far more involved than the extra effort needed to use the crane manually.

A bridge crane is the best of all worlds for shop lifting requirements. The disadvantages are the ceiling height will limit the amount of lift attained from the floor to the hook. And any utility runs (electricity, water, air lines) have to be made in advance and placed under the floor.

The advantage over a lift truck are numerous. The lift truck needs far more maintenance, more shop space to maneuver around and a place to park. I can easily operate my bridge crane by myself, where a lift truck usually requires two men.

A cheery picker has the same disadvantages as a lift truck, plus the wheels need to be forward of the object being lifted. It doesn’t need as large a place for storage. The one I own folds up into a small footprint when not in use. It also can easily be transported and used in the driveway for unloading.

A gantry crane needs open aisles for it’s legs. And always seems to be in the way, in use or just parking.

A jib crane can only provide lift in a limited circular area the column. It has to be constructed with a lot of iron and strongly anchored to the floor in order to have any heavy lifting capacity.

 

[OldCarGuy]

That'll buff out.

I wish!

 

[Nightshift]

I've read this thread from front to back 3 times now ... still drooling all over my keyboard. I'm gonna hire you OldCarGuy to design my next shop!

 

[shopking68]

Why would you take a pic of every tool and piece of equipment you have and post it on the internet... I would be afraid of the thieves...

 

[pl_silverado]

I'd just like to let you know that i missed class because i started reading this thread and couldn't stop until i reached the end.

Your setup is amazing.

 

[Nightshift]

Why would you take a pic of every tool and piece of equipment you have and post it on the internet... I would be afraid of the thieves...

a) he's retired ... so he's home every day "playing" in his shops
b) his bridge crane has a key lock-out ... without it, a thief couldn't lift & load anything
c) you haven't seen his collection of loaded guns ... yet

 

[Woffski]

Very nic!!! Plenty of room.

 

[OldCarGuy]

Why would you take a pic of every tool and piece of equipment you have and post it on the internet... I would be afraid of the thieves...

Thievery has to be a major concern for everyone here. In spite of this I‘m not going to loose any sleep worrying about any loss. Nor is it stopping me from owning the things I love and worked so hard and long to acquire. I would imagine others here, who have more invested than I, feel the same. But I do take precautions. For security reason I will not mention my first three lines of defenses against thieves. However a good up-to-date insurance policy offers the best peace of mind.

 

[OldCarGuy]

Look what showed up in my retirement shop yesterday,, And it's not even Christmas!

A 1970ish Deckel KF3S three dimensional die sinking Duplicator Pantograph. With most all optional tooling and accessories. I always wanted to own one of these babies. Although I have seen similar Deckels in operation, I never ran one myself. And never seen one as advanced as this one. It had to cost in the six figures when it was new…

It wasn’t quite that easy to move,, weighing in over 6,000 pounds. It took some planning, preparation, muscle, smidgen of ingenuity, and my bridge crane. Though I designed my crane to handle 4,000 pounds, she was able to pick up the beast and move it into its’ final resting place.

Now you may ask what the heck am I going to do with this machine. And what can it do my other machine cannot do. This Deckel is designed to very accurately duplicate parts,, in steel, aluminum, Wood, or plastic. Tracing from a master model or from an actual sample piece.