Small Two Car Operation

[Mat Mobile]

Very nice garage. If I would have to describe it, I would call it a "tinker-er" garage. Very homey. The choice of colour is great.

I like slow-pokes idea about the small bench top tools. They take up so much space. A rack would give you more floor space.

P.S. Until I saw your garage, I had a bad impression of you because of your avatar... The urban legend I read about that VW is that it was some idiot from my province who bought all that construction material in Florida (because it used to be cheaper 10 years ago) and wanted to bring it back home (1,600 miles). The story says that the store had them sign a paper indicating that they weren't responsible for any damage that could occur.

Now that I see you are organized... We're good!

 

[HSpencer]

Very nice garage. If I would have to describe it, I would call it a "tinker-er" garage. Very homey. The choice of colour is great.

I like slow-pokes idea about the small bench top tools. They take up so much space. A rack would give you more floor space.

P.S. Until I saw your garage, I had a bad impression of you because of your avatar... The urban legend I read about that VW is that it was some idiot from my province who bought all that construction material in Florida (because it used to be cheaper 10 years ago) and wanted to bring it back home (1,600 miles). The story says that the store had them sign a paper indicating that they weren't responsible for any damage that could occur.

Now that I see you are organized... We're good!

Hey Mat thanks for your comments. I chose the avatar because of two reasons. 1. I thought it was funny and folks might enjoy seeing it. and 2. Because if you will heat up and boil down a few people, you will actually in some extreme cases see folks trying to do stuff like the avatar photo shows.
The garage has served me well over the years, and I keep refining and adding stuff to it. My number one greatest enjoyment is finding some kind of an old thing and restoring it and giving it new life. That is probably what I will spend most of my time working on in the shop. I do like woodworking, but as I get older the muss and bother of it and the mess is something I like less dealing with. I keep my WW tools on casters as I like rolling outside to do woodworking, and I live in a nice warm climate where that is nearly always possible.

I like doing stuff like taking this old table that someone was just going to throw away in a dumpster, and give it new life. This table was originally made of solid oak and to throw stuff like that away is beyond me!! I had to do a lot of work on it, including making a new top, but it was worth the trouble at least I thought so!!
One thing I did that really made it enjoyable as a desk was to get a 1/4" smoked glass top cut for it. I like glass on top of a desk.
Cheers

 

[1/2 Cup]

Looking good, keep up the good work.

 

[HSpencer]

Looking good, keep up the good work.

Thank you sir. I appreciate your comment and your visit!!

 

[HSpencer]

Finally finished redoing the blowtorch that I started in this thread:http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=188295&highlight=blowtorch

Also redid my parts cabinet since I got a new drawer unit and a label maker.

Next I started restoring the 1960's craftsman 7 1/2" circular saw that was left me by my dad. The cord on the saw was bad, and since there are no parts available through Sears anymore, I am going to have to splice a standard cord into it using electrical sleeves. After I have it repaired and a new blade for it, I am going to try and polish/clean the metal, and have a restored, well working, 1960's craftsman saw. I hope it all works out!!

As soon as I get some "white gas/Coleman fuel/naptha or whatever I will need, I plan to have a firing up of the blowtorch. I will also need my next door neighbor here who is old enough to be familiar with these, since he is a retired plumber and used them in his work.

 

[HSpencer]

Recently did some upgrades on the shop. Wall mount shop vac, more Wall Control panels, and few feel good signs, and some reorganization of clamps, chests, and tools. Made an effort to organize small parts in an open shelf using plastic bins. Also organized auto detailing equipment. Over the course of doing so many projects, a place gets to looking the pits. I like to give it a spring cleaning at least. Seems more organized now.

 

[dubber]

Great job ramming all that stuff in there in an organized and well thought out design. Looks like a great place to work on a project. My dad would love your shop as he is one to use all those tools i know nothing about haha.

 

[HSpencer]

Great job ramming all that stuff in there in an organized and well thought out design. Looks like a great place to work on a project. My dad would love your shop as he is one to use all those tools i know nothing about haha.

Thanks dubber. A few of the new items are here because I saw them in other shops (cough), like YOURS. (Can you make me a small loan until payday)? Things like a new "diamond plate" cord reel, and a "wall mount" vac that I didn't seem to have or need until I started following a few "threads" on here!

I have decided now that I am retired, I want my shop to gain a 1940s or 50s look, hence the vintage gas station signs. Thanks to Red Leader, I am designing some art deco trim and sign holders for my shop. Hey, why not? I am tired of doing work-work in there. Why not do some fun work? LOL

 

[dubber]

Thanks dubber. A few of the new items are here because I saw them in other shops (cough), like YOURS. (Can you make me a small loan until payday)? Things like a new "diamond plate" cord reel, and a "wall mount" vac that I didn't seem to have or need until I started following a few "threads" on here!

I have decided now that I am retired, I want my shop to gain a 1940s or 50s look, hence the vintage gas station signs. Thanks to Red Leader, I am designing some art deco trim and sign holders for my shop. Hey, why not? I am tired of doing work-work in there. Why not do some fun work? LOL

Hahaha, oh yea i just spotted the cord reel in the top of one of your pics.

 

[cgutierrez22]

Love the look and feel of your shop. I too get major sticker shock on these new tools and such. I love to reuse, rebuild, and re-purpose and love obtanium (free stuff). I am getting back into woodworking and have been buying tools from the 40's and 50's. I will definitely be using ideas from here to help me reorganize.

Chris

 

[HSpencer]

Love the look and feel of your shop. I too get major sticker shock on these new tools and such. I love to reuse, rebuild, and re-purpose and love obtanium (free stuff). I am getting back into woodworking and have been buying tools from the 40's and 50's. I will definitely be using ideas from here to help me reorganize.

Chris

Thanks Chris. In fact most of my stuff is 1970 or earlier. I have bought most of my new stuff since joining GJ. My table saw and router for instance is pre 1970, and my Craftsman Tool Cabinet is 1965. On the tool cabinet, I was working for Sears at that time, 1960's. They had repo'd the tools and cabinet and I found it sitting in the warehouse. I took off running to the assistant store manager and asked about it. "Do you want it"? he says. "Sure do", I say. He says "How about $150.00"? I clawed together the money immediately and took it home.
It contained the mid level Craftsman Tool Set plus lots of extras in special automotive tools!!! I have had it a long long time.

 

[HSpencer]

Hahaha, oh yea i just spotted the cord reel in the top of one of your pics.

Yep, and here is a better pic!

Also, received a new paper towel holder/glass cleaner holder. Not diamond plate but I like it!

 

[taumac]

I like the shop..... I like the small shops myself good job
!!!!

 

[HSpencer]

I like the shop..... I like the small shops myself good job
!!!!

Thanks taumac, and thanks for visiting! I looked through your shop photos and really like your set up!! Nice job!!!!

 

[HSpencer]

Posted to Red Leader to get his approval on my "little bit of art deco". Realizing it is nothing to his akin, but it is my first attempt. I put it around my Texaco Motor Oil sign.
Also the nearly free hanging light fixture is simply plywood, and roof edging sprayed silver. In doing art deco stuff, you just remember what you saw as a kid in those old service stations.
I think anything 1930's goes fine.

 

[taumac]

Thanks taumac, and thanks for visiting! I looked through your shop photos and really like your set up!! Nice job!!!!

I made some changes from those picture but thank you

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

Posted to Red Leader to get his approval on my "little bit of art deco". Realizing it is nothing to his akin, but it is my first attempt. I put it around my Texaco Motor Oil sign.
Also the nearly free hanging light fixture is simply plywood, and roof edging sprayed silver. In doing art deco stuff, you just remember what you saw as a kid in those old service stations.
I think anything 1930's goes fine.

I like the valence deco treatment; now, you know you're expected to do another similar treatment to the window next to it.

 

[HSpencer]

I like the valence deco treatment; now, you know you're expected to do another similar treatment to the window next to it.

So right you are!! I am awaiting more signs (Brakes and Tune Ups) to go with my Tires and WashNWax ones already up. The Art Deco was an experiment inspired by Red Leader. I am going to also come up with Art Deco on the pair of doors in this photo. I can already see this as a never ending process. In doing art deco, you have to be sort of precise or at least "close" or it just looks wrong.
Anyway, I really like the look of old 1930-40 gas stations. Also, I have four (4) equidistant windows on that wall so there will be a sign over each in between window section,and a "deco shield" over each window so I got to build two more deco shields (or at least I think that is how it will go down!) (The first window nearest the garage doors on that side houses my woodworking clamps so I don't do one there). And if I am to stay on page with this I will have to build at least three more of the old looking light fixtures! Good thing they are cheap!!!

Thanks for looking!!!

 

[HSpencer]

This little 1962 7 inch table saw is perfect for cutting small signs and trinkets to go in the garage update. It runs smooth as silk and cuts extremely precise. It has never failed me.
I have it mounted on one of those old mid century typewriter stands. They are really heavy duty and have a one lever caster raise.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I love your shop. Very organized and all the little details...just great!

 

[jdeck]

Nice shop! I love all the signs, everything has a very personal touch.

 

[HSpencer]

Thanks for the comment jdeck. I have enjoyed looking at your thread as well. I am still envious of your nice drive way.

 

[HSpencer]

I love your shop. Very organized and all the little details...just great!

Thanks for stopping by Jeff, And thanks for your very nice comments. I have always enjoyed looking through your threads. I am now currently working on the 10'X20' shop office and tool room/electronics/etc area that is the back portion of my garage. In 1974, I built a two car carport, with a 10'X20' shop at the back. That did not last long as it was too small, so I enclosed the carport, and added windows and doors. The overall garage size is 20'X30'. Were I to rebuild today, I would do a 26'X36', but I would still want a separate office/etc area.

Thanks!

 

[HSpencer]

I had shop time today and wanted a First Aid Kit from out the ones I already had. I found a metal one, cleaned it up and painted it. I also had some other canidates (army ones) but they are plastic and not what I wanted where I wanted it. The white one in the photo already mounted in my back shop. There is nothing of much use in an army first aid kit, or as they say it "Kit, First Aid, Vehicular", so I kept some gauze pads and put in a new box of bandaids.

 

[WarrenJ]

Enjoyed the read. Great organization for a small space. Gave me some ideas.

 

[HSpencer]

Thanks WarrenJ. I appreciate the nice comments. Thanks for visiting!!

 

[HSpencer]

Wild Woodpecker. I finally tracked him down on the internet and framed him for my shop.
When I went to high school (1959-1963) we had him on the back window of our cars. I had him (a big decal) on the back window of my 51' Ford flathead V8.

Since I am getting old and respite with nostalgia, I had to have Wild Woodpecker overlooking my daily work!!

 

[HSpencer]

Last post for today. Started working on "art deco" Texaco sign over shop doors. It is to match the one over my window over my workbench. It will get the same styling and colors as the window one.

 

[HSpencer]

Sort of finished up for a while with my overhaul of shop. Taking a few days and going up to my trailer on Grand Lake in OK. Ready for some get away and vacation. All in all not a bad week's work and I am happy with the current results.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

You should enjoy the 'fruits of your labor'; its looking very neat and tidy!

 

[HSpencer]

You should enjoy the 'fruits of your labor'; its looking very neat and tidy!

Thanks Omphaloskeptic, your kind comments mean a lot to me. Today it's grand daughter's high school graduation and then tomorrow if possible, off to the lake.
(Might as well just forget making a garden around here this year)

Thanks again,

Herb Spencer

 

[HSpencer]

Started reworking my 1955 Ideal Mfg Coca Cola Machine to go in the shop. Cleaned it up and my grand daughter (artist) will come and re letter the graphics on the front in red.
I "found" and "got" this machine in an army warehouse at Fort Carson, CO about 1988. I used it in my Orderly Room (when I was a First Sergeant) for many years and after retiring I kept it stored for a while. You can see the distribution rails are gone from it. It works perfectly and keeps any drinks ice cold. When it is done it will be activated in the shop.
Marketing Plan:
Killian's Irish Red: 50% Me/wife/guests
Coca Cola in Bottles: 25% Me/guests
Dr Pepper in Bottles: 25% Wife/guests

It is interesting that this machine has the water cooler (bubbler) hook up, and if I can find one I plan to putting it together, to have cold drinking water in the shop.

 

[WarrenJ]

Great addition to the shop. I'd gladly pay .10 for a Killian's Red.

 

[HSpencer]

Great addition to the shop. I'd gladly pay .10 for a Killian's Red.

WarrenJ, come on by and one (or several) Killian's Irish Reds won't cost you a penney. Just have to bear through some of my BS!!!!!

Herb

 

[Derrickwade]

I'm gonna have to start visiting this thread more often. You are very organized. I like all the red colors as well. Nice work.

 

[HSpencer]

I'm gonna have to start visiting this thread more often. You are very organized. I like all the red colors as well. Nice work.

Thanks for stopping by. Hey I will make you a special deal here--I will sell you a lifetime membership to my thread for ONLY the price of ONE snap-on VISE!!!

Ya can't beat that!!!!

Thanks, Herb Spencer

 

[dubber]

Keep surprising me with all the little personal touches you have added. Most garages with that much equipment would be a mess but with your touches of some common colours and super organization, you manage to pull it off rather smartly.

 

[HSpencer]

Thanks dubber, those are kind comments. For my garage bays (20'X20') I am waxing nostalgic with automotive themes in spite of all the chaotic woodworking stuff. Hopefully this summer I will be moving the woodwork operation to my 8'X16' shed along side the garage. (Needs a sub feed panel and power out there). After my "shop" is done, I then need to start rehabbing my 10'X20') office/shop/etc on the back of my garage. It is heated and A/C'd.
Hang on, have cold one with me, and we will get lots more done ----?
Right now, three projects plus making a "raised bed" veg garden.

Thanks for the visit!!!!!

 

[HSpencer]

I subscribed to this "Garage Style Magazine". $25/year, 4 issues. It is indeed a beautiful magazine and has a LOT of car stuff in it. My complaint is that it seems to be a tad "high end" for me. In fact I only found a couple pages that were for the average guy with a US median income. (That is a bunch of us right?).
I probably won't be renewing, however, this is my first issue to see.

I don't really need to read about the rich unless I are one!!!!!!

 

[upndown]

In its own way yours is probably nicer than most in that magazine! If you wanted a condo you'd buy one, If you want a nice garage just walk out to yours..