Small Two Car Operation

[BigSteve63]

I am wondering how this coke machine, with old technology and old style freon, can run for 60+ years with no repairs and whisper quiet, and my 2012 Whirlpool stainless steel side by side refrigerator has already had two service calls and sounds like it is remodeling the kitchen when it vomits out a few ice cubes?

Well we have lost a lot over the years, and I can prove it with my "Ideal-55".

Same with our Kenmore - service calls on the ice maker, switch for the water dispenser, etc. Quality isn't what it used to be

Enjoy a Coke for me! Some of my best memories were from that old station - my job was to make sure that the pop was stocked every day after school. My grandad had a bit of OCD - you had to make sure everything stayed where it was supposed to go!

 

[HSpencer]

So here is the Tahoe I have mentioned in previous posts. This is a 2003 with 74,000 miles.
It rides and drives better than new. The only repair was an intake manifold gasket set at 40,000 miles, a common repair on the 02-06 Tahoe with 5.3 V8. That's all that has been fixed. The truck is in tip top shape. This is the wife's driver. I am 68 and drive around 10,000 a year. These 5.3's are shown to go 200,000. The math is in my favor. I guess I won't be going "green" anytime soon. I was never noted for political correctness anyway.

 

[e-tek]

Fantastic surroundings - you're obviously a very particular person! Of course woodworking lends itself to easier cleanups compared to the oil-soaked, paint marked past-time that is auto-restoration!
My Dad also owned a body shop and although I saw many of those bolt bins and tools (even had a similar torch), I didn't get so lucky as to inherit any of it (wicked stepmother...errr). Man memories there!
How is having the tub enclosed? We've had ours now for about 10 years, outside, about 5 feet from the door. I purchased heated mats to keep the path ice-free in winter which really helps. Would be nice to have it covered when raining tho.

Thanks for all the great tpics - lots of ideas for when I finally separate MY wood working stuff!

 

[dubber]

Looks like you do a good job keeping those vehicles in shape.

 

[HSpencer]

Fantastic surroundings - you're obviously a very particular person! Of course woodworking lends itself to easier cleanups compared to the oil-soaked, paint marked past-time that is auto-restoration!
My Dad also owned a body shop and although I saw many of those bolt bins and tools (even had a similar torch), I didn't get so lucky as to inherit any of it (wicked stepmother...errr). Man memories there!
How is having the tub enclosed? We've had ours now for about 10 years, outside, about 5 feet from the door. I purchased heated mats to keep the path ice-free in winter which really helps. Would be nice to have it covered when raining tho.

Thanks for all the great tpics - lots of ideas for when I finally separate MY wood working stuff!

Thanks for your visit!! We prefer the spa in the tub house as to outside. We use it as an all year round tub. The colder outside, the better for hot tubbing.
In summer we lower the temps to suit the season. Our grandchildren love it and live in it when they are over here. Thanks for your nice comments and come back anytime!!

Best Regards
Herb Spencer

 

[HSpencer]

Looks like you do a good job keeping those vehicles in shape.

Thanks for the comments dubber, I appreciate them. A little care and "detail" can prevent a big shock later at "retail".


Lettuce putt ya in one today!

 

[deejay77]

Love the garage and the organisation that has gone into it, it is one of the garages that has inspired my to hopefully get mine sorted somewhere near to how yours is.

Thanks
David

 

[HSpencer]

Love the garage and the organisation that has gone into it, it is one of the garages that has inspired my to hopefully get mine sorted somewhere near to how yours is.

Thanks
David

Thanks for your nice comments David!! It is a pleasure to be visited by someone from the UK. During my army career I was stationed there for a short while (London). We did joint exercises with the British Army.
I lived in a couple flats one in Maidstone, and the other in Blackheath. I had friends in the British army that gave me tours of the sights in that area that no tourist could ever have. And the pubs, did I mention the "pints"? LOL. You guys have ales and lagers that taste just as good with steak as they do with chocolate cake!!! Thanks for your visit and I appreciate it!!

Best Regards
Herb Spencer

 

[HSpencer]

Here is a rather unusual tool bag (leather) that I don't think is made any more. I use this for my gun smith tools (Amateur gunsmith only). It goes to the range with me and I use it to adjust and clean my guns as I shoot them. It is interesting that it has three really handy boxes on the side that slide out.
The top part of the tool bag holds a tool roll. I found this at a shop in Dallas, TX, about 1995. I paid around $50.00 for it. I have no idea where it was made.

 

[HSpencer]

This tool bag, the VetoProPac, is made of Kevlar. I used it for many years in my property management business. The idea is to carry as many tools as you think you will need with you into the job from your truck. The idea is to always stop as many trips back to the truck as possible. The problem is if you load the tool bag for bear, you will need a crane to lift it, or at least I thought so. This bag is readily available in three sizes. If you get the big one (carpenters and plumbers) you can tote over 300 tools around with you. I have retired mine and there is not much left in it now.

 

[patent pending]

Herb,
Just getting caught back up on your thread. So much cool stuff going on in your garage! I gotta subscribe to this so I dont miss out for so long.

I can see now why you warned me to keep my garage locked up...my Coca Cola sign would be the perfect compliment to your cooler. That thing turned out great. I would love to find something like that!

You have so much stuff packed into that two car, and yet it doesnt look crowded at all. I'm taking notes.

Jeremy

 

[Kevin54]

Now that needs to go in the WTF thread.

 

[HSpencer]

Herb,
Just getting caught back up on your thread. So much cool stuff going on in your garage! I gotta subscribe to this so I dont miss out for so long.

I can see now why you warned me to keep my garage locked up...my Coca Cola sign would be the perfect compliment to your cooler. That thing turned out great. I would love to find something like that!

You have so much stuff packed into that two car, and yet it doesnt look crowded at all. I'm taking notes.

Jeremy

Don't worry Jeremy, I am not a thief, just a retired US Army Supply Sergeant (which may even be worse). But your sign will be safe!!! Thanks for your comments!!
Herb Spencer

 

[Dustoff 35]

You have a great shop space. I enjoyed the tour!

 

[HSpencer]

You have a great shop space. I enjoyed the tour!

Thanks Dustoff. I appreciate your comments. The avatar and your Dustoff name brings back memories of Desert Storm. My Field Artillery Bde worked with a Fwd Supply Bn out of III Corps, whose Hookmaster Co was tagged "Dragon Dustoff", and the pilot was "******** Five." ******** was up and in no matter what time or weather. He would do anything for a pan of our cooks biscuits and gravy.

Thanks for your visit and come again anytime!! I have also been looking at your outstanding build, and wow, it is great!!!

Best Regards
Herb Spencer

 

[HSpencer]

Monday--(all day)

Got these Hyloft wall shelves in. Says they will support 200 pounds. I had torn out the left side of my office and installed these with the heavy lag screws. I will put labeled plastic boxes on them. I will also take down the book case over my computer desk and install two shelves one on top of the other over the desk. In the black binders over the desk I have Popular Mechanics magazines going back to 1965, the year I was married. I hate to lose those, but I can't keep **** forever!!
I will get rid of the old Compaq computer, although it still works well, it is too out of date. I have other things to find a home for as well. I have a desk/table to put under the high shelves. I am trying to clean out **** as I go. I keep finding stuff I had forgotten I had. I have quite a bit of work to do in painting, and will try and post the finished product when I am done. I have full pegboard walls in part of this from my original shop. I did not want to take them out as I like hanging clip boards, etc on them. Wanting a more upscale look in here. More high tech, and that means a SAMSUNG TABLET instead of my old junky computer (although it still works and has a ton of my stuff on it).
I feel like I am involved in Waste, Fraud, and Abuse of my stuff. Anyway this is what I am doing this week, so stay tuned.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

"When in doubt, pitch it out!"

I'm sure some efficiency pundit came up with that phrase, and it is one I desperately need to adopt. lol

Good luck on your 'house cleaning'.

Don't forget to physically destroy your old hard drive once you've transferred stuff to the new storage.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Herb, while not the same as the actual magazine, Google Books has every Popular Mechanics issue online for free, going back to the very first one!!

 

[dubber]

Always hard to purge but when you think of the benefit in space savings it definitely takes priority.

 

[HSpencer]

"When in doubt, pitch it out!"

I'm sure some efficiency pundit came up with that phrase, and it is one I desperately need to adopt. lol

Good luck on your 'house cleaning'.

Don't forget to physically destroy your old hard drive once you've transferred stuff to the new storage.

This is a kind of a hard deal, because the room is only 10'X20'. Additionally I really don't need an office in there because I have a full blown one in the house.
My "Beer-A-Rator" has to stay although it takes up a lot of room, plus wife keeps excess food items in it and she wants the extra room. The computer desk would be gone but unfortunately it is a good one, not some put together furniture. It is heavy material and lighted, and has locking drawers and all that stuff. In other words, it is a "real" computer desk, of which you can't afford anymore.
As to the computer, I don't need that anymore, and I will wipe the hard drive before recycling it. I am thinking "tablet" since I have wifi out there.
Thanks for your comments!!!

Best Regards
Herb Spencer

 

[HSpencer]

Herb, while not the same as the actual magazine, Google Books has every Popular Mechanics issue online for free, going back to the very first one!!

Hi Jeff, I am getting rid of all the books you can see over the desk. I don't need to waste real estate by having a library. I will be using some plastic bins to keep my current gun books in, as I need those close at hand. Popular Mechanics is nowhere near the magazine it once was. I had had a subscription for over 25 years, but anymore it is just politics or ultra tech and not that much for the common man like myself. Thanks for your comments and as always for visiting my thread!!

Best Regards
Herb Spencer

 

[HSpencer]

Always hard to purge but when you think of the benefit in space savings it definitely takes priority.

Hey dubber your so right on that. The more **** I remove from the room, the better it seems to look. I am hoping that the high wire shelving/plastic bins will take care of the clutter. If I could get rid of a few lockers of army **** and uniforms, I would be better off too. Maybe WWIII won't **** me back in!!!!

 

[HSpencer]

Got a little progress done this week. Got some painting and the "Hyloft" shelves installed. The shelves are great, and the bins will be labeled to hold small parts and office supplies and whatever. I now need to haul off a lot of stuff and then set up my office. It seems to be working out as I want it. Just takes time!! On the shelves, you get a package of two each 45"X15" shelves and brackets for around $50.00. I used two packages. They hold 200 lbs per shelf and you get lag screws to put them up, into the studs. I like them a lot!! Gets a lot of mox niche **** off the floor.

 

[HSpencer]

Well, been out of town, and the garage projects placed on hold at the minute. Wife got this "Art Deco" 1930's chest from a relative, and we had to drive down near Dallas, TX to get it. This is from somewhere in the 1930's with book matched veneers and made of solid cherry wood. It was pretty dirty when I got it home, but cleaned it up and no real repairs were needed. The dove tailed work is in perfect shape, and the drawers worked very well.
For now, the thorough cleaning is what I have done. It shows a little wear and age which is what the wife likes. I am proud of it, and having something like this from the 1930's that belonged to a family member is great!!! I also love the art deco style pulls on the drawers and door. There was a fifth of Jim Beam sitting in the door part, it should be true aged whiskey !!!!

I guess I am totally into "art deco" now both for the home and garage.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

That is a very fine looking 'Waterfall' chest you and your wife were gifted; any stickers/plates saying who manufactured it? That book matched burl veneer is terrific! The only problem I see with this acquisition is that you are now tasked with finding an Art Deco framed mirror the same width as the chest to hang above it, and searching all the local antique shops to find similar pieces to go into the room, and, and, and.... LOL

 

[Coyote Red]

Great shop an all - it really is - but I've mostly been waiting around for a piece of strawberry cream pie.. Thank you very much.

 

[HSpencer]

That is a very fine looking 'Waterfall' chest you and your wife were gifted; any stickers/plates saying who manufactured it? That book matched burl veneer is terrific! The only problem I see with this acquisition is that you are now tasked with finding an Art Deco framed mirror the same width as the chest to hang above it, and searching all the local antique shops to find similar pieces to go into the room, and, and, and.... LOL

The only thing I could find was some very faded numbers on the back, like they had been stamped on when it was built. I cleaned it up first with a mild soap and then used ZAP wood cleaner, and finally Murphy's Oil Soap. It came very clean, but with the veneer finish I can't do much more to it. Every time I walk by it I feel like Humphery Bogart and I need a Maltise Falcon to go on top of it.
"This is the thing dreams are made of sweeeethaaaart"

 

[HSpencer]

Great shop an all - it really is - but I've mostly been waiting around for a piece of strawberry cream pie.. Thank you very much.

Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your visit. This week it's Chocolate Cream Cake and Home made whipped topping with strawberries.

Best Regards
Herb Spencer

 

[Coyote Red]

Count me in!

 

[HSpencer]

I am seeing a lot of real nice garages with really nice stuff in them. We are blessed times over.
Just take a minute to see what it "could" have been like. We hope everyone on Garage Journal is blessed and happy. I had a "sinking" moment when I saw these photos. Just had to share them. OK, break is over, back on your heads!!!!!

ps: 1930s pics from the Great Depression. Our fathers and grandfathers could relate to having seen similar.

 

[HSpencer]

Saw Saturday. Found this little Craftsman 5 1/2 inch saw for sale (cheap) so I grabbed it up. It is in great condition but over 70% of the blade's carbide tips were missing. I wonder if the prior owner thought it was broken? LOL. Pics are after the clean up and I will put on a new carbide blade. I already had a 5 1/2 inch in the shop. It will need a new cord soon. Cuts great on the standard blade I put on it. I like the blade being on my left side. I will need to find a case for it as well. Too hot to dig through my shed today though. Besides wife just notified me she has cut an ice cold watermelon!!! That's next!!!!

ps: I will tell what I paid for this saw if someone will promise to give me my first "You ****" award on garage journal.

 

[HSpencer]

More Saw Saturday. This recip saw was on sale a while back and (although I did not need it) I jerked it up at Lowe's. Came with a little zipper case but I used an old Craftsman tool box I had instead. I also stocked on blades. Check out the DEMOLITION BLADE for fire and rescue. Big time cutting there if I need it!! It is a great saw used it a lot already!!

 

[HSpencer]

Final Saw Saturday. My favorite saw is the 4 1/2 inch Porter Cable Trim Saw. Bar none it works in the neatest jobs!! I also love my 6 1/2 inch Rigid with carbide blades. Well that is my "Saw Saturday". Need to get to cutting stuff!!!!!

 

[Sunbimmer]

Saw Saturday. Found this little Craftsman 5 1/2 inch saw for sale (cheap) so I grabbed it up. It is in great condition but over 70% of the blade's carbide tips were missing. I wonder if the prior owner thought it was broken? LOL. Pics are after the clean up and I will put on a new carbide blade. I already had a 5 1/2 inch in the shop. It will need a new cord soon. Cuts great on the standard blade I put on it. I like the blade being on my left side. I will need to find a case for it as well. Too hot to dig through my shed today though. Besides wife just notified me she has cut an ice cold watermelon!!! That's next!!!!

ps: I will tell what I paid for this saw if someone will promise to give me my first "You ****" award on garage journal.

Dear CEO of "simple green company" ,

It must be a ridiculous low price you paid for this beauty
So in advance I'll give you a well earned "You ****"

 

[HSpencer]

Dear CEO of "simple green company" ,

It must be a ridiculous low price you paid for this beauty
So in advance I'll give you a well earned "You ****"

WOW and THANK YOU! I now have fully "arrived" on Garage Journal with the honorable award of my first You ****!!!
The little saw was tagged $15.00. I haggled to $9.00 due to the blade condition and cord. When I fix those, I wouldn't take a $100 bill for it!!

Thanks again, and I am honored!!

Best Regards
Herb Spencer

 

[Sunbimmer]

WOW and THANK YOU! I now have fully "arrived" on Garage Journal with the honorable award of my first You ****!!!
The little saw was tagged $15.00. I haggled to $9.00 due to the blade condition and cord. When I fix those, I wouldn't take a $100 bill for it!!

Thanks again, and I am honored!!

Best Regards
Herb Spencer

You're very welcome sir !!

 

[HSpencer]

Time for a Tune Up. The Cub Cadet has had a busy summer so far, and now that the dry spell has come I decided to take it in and give it a service. This is a 2002 mower, the third Cub Cadet I have had in 36 years. This one has a 15 HP Kawasaki 2 cyl engine. It has held up great for over 10 years, even mowing our apartment complex a couple times when we had it. I will be giving it a pair of new blades, a deck belt, plugs, air and oil filters and of course an oil change.
I mow about an acre here with it. This mower is rather easy to maintain. Key is keeping the Kawasaki oil changed!!!

 

[HSpencer]

Having lost count of the number of cordless drills I have/have had, I decided to try another one. I used to be a fan of this company and have many of their tools, but in the last few years I became disappointed in the quality. So far I am impressed highly with this drill. It is a 20V Lithium Ion with charger and two batteries. I also bought the bit kit, which is the best assortment and arrangement of handy bits I have seen. The entire affair is light weight and handy which is a plus for me. Anyway, my main 19.2 drill is showing charge problems on one of the batteries, so this was the "justification" to buy a new drill!! This drill is really "space age" looking (which means nothing but appearance) but the power seems really good.

For what it is worth: Unlike previous tools from this company, this drill does NOT display the tag "Proudly Made In The USA". (So what else is new?) LOL

 

[HSpencer]

IT FITS!!!!

My new 2013 Subaru Tribeca. Now I can play "shop" and "Garage". Did not even have to fold the mirrors to get her in!!!!

I went to the Subaru dealer. I had a seat and a cuppa coffee. I let him go talk to his manager. I knew he wanted to putt me in one today. He bounced back and forth a bit.
As the day wore away, things worked out. I wrote the check. As I drove away, he waved and smiled and said "LETTUCE PUTT YA IN ONE TODAY" He putt me in one. Hey, I like it so why not? Only thing I don't like is the two years of VO-TECH I will have to attend to learn to work the electronics on it.

 

[patent pending]

I like it Herb! My brother and his wife have a Tribeca. Really nice ride! And that's a big plus that it fits the garage