Reorganization, it's like a renovation.

[GirlnAgarage]

So...now that you have a place to work - what kind of cool projects are you going to tackle?

I'd like to do a couple items for my truck. I want a custom center console to replace the center jump seat. It's half seat half console and doesn't do either job very well. An ambitious project I hope to get to is a new rear bumper. I'll need to spend a little time with Sketchup to get my design right. Another welding project I need is a firewood rack. The addition of my new miter saw gives me good metal cutting capability now. I've been promising a new flag pole mount to DH for a while now so I want to get to that to. So, I've got a variety to choose from.

The next piece of the garage that needs doing is the lighting. I'm going to recoup my stamina from the outlets before going on that.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Pushed a few things around after the inspector left. This is the original intent on layout for the two workbenches.

The 10' doesn't look so big until I put the 4' along side

The cardboard box under there is my temporary scrap metal bin. It is the leftover box I just received my wine corker in

Got some batches of mead to bottle

 

[Jack Olsen]

Those pictures make me want to get to work.

That garage has turned into a very nice shop.

 

[98TJ]

Lovin' the updates since I last visited this thread.

Great work. I'm amazed at your tenacity.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Thanks

When you gotta get it done you gotta get it done.

 

[machine_punk]

Reorganization really is like renovation! Great job. You have a wonderful space to work in now.

Time for me to head out to the garage too, and get working on my next project.

 

[ckadams00]

Haven't been able to put in much time in the garage. November was crazy but now I have a little time.

I got one of the last two drawers welded up and ready for paint prep. I meant to do both but it's 43*, rainy and my toes couldn't handle it anymore. So I called it a day and came in for a hot bowl of Caldo. The upside is the cold helps the metal stay relatively cool to help prevent burn through.

Took pics but they're boring. But here's one of the top drawer mocked into place. The 10th and final will go in the red down there.

WOW! There are so many great threads on here (and I'm new) that I am just coming across this now, and of course being completely A.D.D. I always go to the last posts first so I can see the progress and work backwards to find out how it was put together. Made a note to myself to find "those cool drawers in the workbench" on the internet . . .only to discover you WELDED THEM! (note to self, don't bother looking them up). On one hand that's really cool and they are fabulous. On the other hand, since I don't weld, I'm really bummed I can't buy them online.

 

[nw2571]

A whole week without an update?! I feel cheated!

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Been working on my sheet metal brake, modifying it a little bit. On the top plate I've cut the ends and rewelded them (so they're standing up like a '7'). I plan to fit a compression spring under there so I only need to operate the bolt from the top. Also I'm grinding the radius flat on the bend lip. This will give me sharp 90* bends rather than the radiused round of the stock angle iron lip.

I'm winging it so I'm running into a few of those 'now how do I fix/get around that'. But no pressure. I've got two more pieces of 4' angle iron I can turn into top plates too.


And, I need a bigger welder. Want to switch my stick for a Mig.

 

[Nighttrain]

The garage is really taking shape.

 

[Outlawmws]

SNIP


And, I need a bigger welder. Want to switch my stick for a Mig.

I thought you have a mini MIG? (isn't that one in your pics?)

If you are struggling on heavier materials with a small MIG, try a bit of preheat. Even if only with a Bernz-O-/Matic. You would be amazed at the difference it makes.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I thought you have a mini MIG? (isn't that one in your pics?)

If you are struggling on heavier materials with a small MIG, try a bit of preheat. Even if only with a Bernz-O-/Matic. You would be amazed at the difference it makes.

Yeah, I have a small 110V. I have used it on 3/16" & 1/4" stuff with a decent bevel. I've definitely pushed it. When I did the triangulation straps on the top plate of the brake I flat wore it out in regards to the duty cycle. I could literally see the heat drop out as I was welding as I started to get to the duty cycle limit. It's a good welder but I'm needing to put together to bigger projects though. Yes, I do have the stick, but I'm taking the easy way out. I'm not that good with it So I want to keep my process as FCAW for everything. Plus I can use the big spools of FC. They won't run on my small machine. Already tried. The drive just can't regulate it

 

[flybefree]

Looks great...hey do you really need and excuse to get a bigger welder? I think a plasma cutter would be great too!

Shaun

 

[GirlnAgarage]

^^ lol flybefree...I told DH I needed a new welder. He asked "What's wrong with the one you have?"

"Nothing's wrong, I just need a bigger welder".






Made a little more room today. I listed and sold the stationary bike on CL.

Also what I'm working on now

Grinding down the front lip to a flat profile for a harder 90*. This is just the first pass.

Couple shots of the front joints welded. It's not anything spectacular. I know people just like pics.

 

[machine_punk]

Now that you have your electrician's license (hee hee), are you going to put in a 220 volt outlet for a bigger welder?

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Now that you have your electrician's license (hee hee), are you going to put in a 220 volt outlet for a bigger welder?

lol

No. I'll keep running the 35' power cord to the dryer outlet just inside the door. Trying to run the supply from the subpanel all the way around to the garage would be a nightmare. If I go in ground I deal with the sprinkler system. I can't begin to imagine how I'd go through the walls . There is an available supply from a hot tub hookup that is unused. so I've considered it before.

 

[Outlawmws]

So you don't have a sub panel in the garage with 220 in it? Maybe near the dryer?

 

[GirlnAgarage]

So you don't have a sub panel in the garage with 220 in it? Maybe near the dryer?

No

On my diagram there I drew a little red on the south garage wall where I would anticipate coming in if I were to try to run a line around the backside of the house.

 

[JimVonBaden]

Your welds are far better than any I have done! Nice!

Jim

 

[pontifex4]

Do you have a design yet for the firewood rack? I'm contemplating the same thing, and I'm thinking of putting it on casters so that I can load it at the door (in my case, from the bucket of a tractor) then roll it into place.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Your welds are far better than any I have done! Nice!

Jim

Thanks Jim

Do you have a design yet for the firewood rack? I'm contemplating the same thing, and I'm thinking of putting it on casters so that I can load it at the door (in my case, from the bucket of a tractor) then roll it into place.

I'll be using 2x2 square tubing (haven't selected thickness yet). Tentatively planning on 8'wx4'hx16"d. The rack will set in place on cement blocks to keep it off the ground and level.

If you go with casters let us know how it goes. Though I wouldn't look forward to rolling that around after it's loaded. I've debated building several smaller racks so I can sort my woods by use and age.

 

[Kenwc]

I read through this thread for the first time tonight. Someone above said you're tenacious....quite an understatement...you have everything looking good so if you get bored and just can't make it another day without installing more electical outlets just come on by...I'll have the walls in my garage marked....we're neigbors anyway.

Great thread...congrats on all you've done...

 

[pontifex4]

I'll be using 2x2 square tubing (haven't selected thickness yet). Tentatively planning on 8'wx4'hx16"d. The rack will set in place on cement blocks to keep it off the ground and level.

If you go with casters let us know how it goes. Though I wouldn't look forward to rolling that around after it's loaded. I've debated building several smaller racks so I can sort my woods by use and age.

I'm still in the planning stages, and I had been thinking of using this and a few simpler jobs (like speaker wall mounting brackets) as projects for me to learn to weld. I'm great at burning things, but so far welding just seems to happen at the edges of areas of concentrated heat and smoke.

Do you plan any kind of front to the rack? How about side material?

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I read through this thread for the first time tonight. Someone above said you're tenacious....quite an understatement...you have everything looking good so if you get bored and just can't make it another day without installing more electical outlets just come on by...I'll have the walls in my garage marked....we're neigbors anyway.

Great thread...congrats on all you've done...

Thanks Ken. BTW, love your sig. Have a feeling you and I see things along similar lines. Take care

I'm still in the planning stages, and I had been thinking of using this and a few simpler jobs (like speaker wall mounting brackets) as projects for me to learn to weld. I'm great at burning things, but so far welding just seems to happen at the edges of areas of concentrated heat and smoke.

Do you plan any kind of front to the rack? How about side material?

Nothing fancy about the rack, just a standard build. If I go with 1/4" sq tubing it'll be plenty hefty.







Tonight I watched some of my riding videos. I haven't ridden in a couple years since my get off where I busted up my shoulder pretty good. Riding in this area just isn't fun like it was in the mountains of Japan. Anyway, I miss it. I miss my motorcycle. My heart was racing as I watched. Those rides gave me a high. Stretches of roads where you know you just nailed it. Felt GOOD. Diggin' in those hard switch backs. Throttling out. The growl of the Vtwin as you downshifted after a spirited jaunt. The bike was hot and out of breath. <sigh> I knew how fun it was then. And I didn't take it for granted. But I still wish I was doing it again. I still have a bike I want to build on my list. Maybe soon.

Oh no...DH would't approve. Him seeing me get tossed that last time hurt him worse than it hurt me.

Anyway, got the thump of that big Ducati in my head again. Would LOVE to have one singing tunes again. Off to bed. Yeah, right, as if I'll sleep now.

 

[Bob275]

Where did you find these pictures?

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Google. It was either a handyman or woodwork type site.

 

[psychobillycadillac]

Anyway, got the thump of that big Ducati in my head again. Would LOVE to have one singing tunes again. Off to bed. Yeah, right, as if I'll sleep now.

I thought I was the only one lying awake at night thinking of the sound of a Ducati.

 

[Shoottx]

I read through this thread for the first time tonight. Someone above said you're tenacious....quite an understatement...you have everything looking good so if you get bored and just can't make it another day without installing more electical outlets just come on by...I'll have the walls in my garage marked....we're neigbors anyway.

Great thread...congrats on all you've done...

Girl

If you need to find anything, and I mean anything on Craig's List, just call Ken. He is Craig's best friend and gets an inside scoop.

And when you are ready to rebuild that drill press, Ken is the man. I think he has rebuilt or is currently rebuilding his fifth or sixth drill press including a big Clausing Drill press, not counting the plethora of other tools he has rebuilt. DAMHIK.


A pm to follow.

Shoottx

Another North Texan

 

[Kenwc]

Girl

If you need to find anything, and I mean anything on Craig's List, just call Ken. He is Craig's best friend and gets an inside scoop.

And when you are ready to rebuild that drill press, Ken is the man. I think he has rebuilt or is currently rebuilding his fifth or sixth drill press including a big Clausing Drill press, not counting the plethora of other tools he has rebuilt. DAMHIK.


A pm to follow.

Shoottx

Another North Texan

And Shoottx "can fix anything" on a PT cruiser with only a piece of twine and a butter knife

I see you found me not being faithfull to OWWM. I changed my avitar so I'm not so easily recognized.

Ken

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I thought I was the only one lying awake at night thinking of the sound of a Ducati.

hehe Great minds...

From the first time I cranked the Duc in the garage I was hooked. It was such an addicting sound. I could feel it inside.

Girl

If you need to find anything, and I mean anything on Craig's List, just call Ken. He is Craig's best friend and gets an inside scoop.

And when you are ready to rebuild that drill press, Ken is the man. I think he has rebuilt or is currently rebuilding his fifth or sixth drill press including a big Clausing Drill press, not counting the plethora of other tools he has rebuilt. DAMHIK.


A pm to follow.

Shoottx

Another North Texan

Thanks Shoottx. Sounds like Ken is a good man to know. And no wonder I don't see too many stray pieces of old iron on CL. They are watched closely.

Yes I hope to redo my DP. She works like a charm but would love to spruce her up a little.

Good to meet you

 

[machine_punk]

Anything new going on in your garage? Your workshop looks so fabulous now, that I'll bet you cannot wait to build a few things in it.

I've got a new project underway, but not much to show for it yet, except a small pile of rough cut metal and wood and the beginnings of a couple of jigs. Spent my last few hours of 'hobby' time at the drafting table...getting designs together for this project.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Actually - yes I was bummed GJ was down last night but hopefully its got the site running super smooth.


I finally got the sprinkler box wires put away. They have been one of those little projects that isn't hard, just needs to get done.

If you remember the sprinkler box use to be on the front wall of the garage when I started this entire reorganization. It was one of the very first things to get moved.

A long while back I cut down the wire to length. Of course it was just short enough with the pvc installed that I had to splice in about 6" again But I did.

Punch out the 3/4" knock out as I had a lot of 3/4" pvc.

Painted the pvc hammered gray. Seeing white pvc on my wall now makes me sick to my stomach. It reminds me of how disgusting it was before. Not going back to that!

Wait for paint to dry and put it all together (no I did not wait 48hrs like I should have. Yes I dd rub paint off the ends I stuck in each other). And the sprinkler finally has an outlet of its own. Don't have to run the extension cord to water the grass. Nice how that worked out.

 

[tinbender 66]

Nice. The little things make big differences.

 

[Weekend_warrior]

Looking good so far! Great job on the drawers.

I do have one question though. Why didn't you just move the box over to the left so you only had an strait run up the wall to the box? less PVC and less noticable, or just move the entrance up on wall so that the cables enter the box from behind and run the PVC the outside to where the box is and paint to conduit match the brick or siding. Just depends on the outside wall though.

Please do take that wrong..... Just throwing out an observation. I need a ton of clean up like this on my small 2 car, so I can't complain about anyone elses. Yours looks way better than mine. Mine is 70's brown and had sheetrock that is covered with paper that just looks like walnut paneling. How weird is that! Its very dark. I have wanted to do a little taping on the seams and texture it. Then paint over that brown.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Looking good so far! Great job on the drawers.

I do have one question though. Why didn't you just move the box over to the left so you only had an strait run up the wall to the box? less PVC and less noticable, or just move the entrance up on wall so that the cables enter the box from behind and run the PVC the outside to where the box is and paint to conduit match the brick or siding. Just depends on the outside wall though.

Please do take that wrong..... Just throwing out an observation. I need a ton of clean up like this on my small 2 car, so I can't complain about anyone elses. Yours looks way better than mine. Mine is 70's brown and had sheetrock that is covered with paper that just looks like walnut paneling. How weird is that! Its very dark. I have wanted to do a little taping on the seams and texture it. Then paint over that brown.

Really done to hide an ugly part of the wall, both drywall and paint (that got screwed up when I pulled tape). That section of wall had a cat door that I had to patch up and it was really uneven. So I patched as evened out as much as I could, then stuck the box on top I did not redo any drywall, which would take care of it. When the time comes to replace drywall, that will get taken care of exactly as I wish

 

[Weekend_warrior]

Ah.... I get it. Not a bad solution if it hides an ungly spot. It does look clean and the painted PVC is a nice touch.

Actually, now that I look at the orignal picture you posted and the amount of PVC the had originally. Your solution makes much more since. I don't know why they put it where they originally did!

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Ah.... I get it. Not a bad solution then. It does look clean and the painted PVC is a nice touch.

Thanks

I should have mentioned where the wires come in the wall are where they POs originally had them run in. The pvc all across the front wall was all their doing. I know, it's ridiculous. Those people didn't do anything with neatness in mind or with any forethought to the placement of items all over the house and yard. It irritates me. There is a lot of 'just put it here' or 'that's good enough' to their repairs. Their fixes had no long term consideration. I would like to beat the POs with a stick

 

[BeachBum2012]

Where did you find these pictures?

Family Handyman Magazine.

I was thinking about building that modular workbench pictured before I found this website. Now garages like the one in this thread have made me realize that I can do better.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Family Handyman Magazine.

I was thinking about building that modular workbench pictured before I found this website. Now garages like the one in this thread have made me realize that I can do better.

Yup.


I'm also looking around for miter saw bench ideas which is how I ran across that site too. I've got a saw that needs somewhere to be besides the floor. These woodworking sites have some pretty good ideas I can kill a couple birds with one stone.

 

[Bob Heine]

Next day I took on wiring the ceiling outlet. Here's my GFCI connection. I temporarily secured the outlet to the box via zip ties. Working overhead with one hand means dropping things, a lot. Wasn't going to 1) chance breaking the outlet and 2) hassle with it. You'll notice the tape and zip ties holding the wires together for twisting.

Girl,
I was out in the garage this evening and was zip tying a rat's nest of wires. It reminded me of you post. Zip ties seem pretty easy to use with two hands and at ground level they aren't too bad to use one-handed. You did those overhead and one-handed. Any tricks or special techniques? When I use them, it's like making an invisible meatball with one hand until the end engages in the gripper. By the time I did six zip ties overhead, there would be no blood in my hand and I'd have to take a break. Then again my exercise is moving a mouse or turning a wrench.