Strouty, just remembered this post
http://www.garagejournal.com/2012/08/space-trac/
and thought of you
http://www.garagejournal.com/2012/08/space-trac/
and thought of you
Something just clicked…..
- Thread starter Strouty
- Start date
Alexbn921
Well-known member
That pretty cool.
RaptorDuner
Well-known member
Back on page 4 (I think) you said you hit a wall and didn't know what to do next. I see hand tools randomly placed as well as toolboxes from the pictures. Put the tools away. I used to leave them out in my shop all the time and now I religiously put them away.
Those are pretty interesting. I may need to see if I could make that work, my stockroom is setup like that. Thanks for the link!
The tools that are out, are ones that do not have room in any drawers. I was collecting them from all over the shop and I figured that would be a good place to put them. I am trying to figure out where to put the woodworking tools. Of course I have been moving things and now I need to find a home for most of my electronics tools too. They are in the vidmar cabinet that is supposed to be for the fabrication tools.
I have not given up, I am at the point where I am making a mess to get things clean. If that makes sense? I am still working on the little loft area. I have taken a bunch of things out, some are going to the dumpster, others to another storage area. I have a large list of what I would like up there, since once I remove the stairs it won't be as accessible.
I have started a pile of items to take to the spring auction. That will be in April, so I still need to store them for a month, but it will be worth it. I thought I had a couple of good ebay candidates but found a few issues that would make for a bad transaction. The auction might not get as much money, but the issues are "as is" and I do not need to deal with an upset buyer. Heck, sometimes I get more than the item is even worth.
Linda@Lista
Well-known member
@Strouty - Looks like the shop is really coming together! I hope you are able to make good use of your Vidmar cabinet 
wnstwolf
Well-known member
your intro was classic "did not want us to think you were a retired hoarder"
Plase keep us posted over the next 30 or so years to see how this grows when you do retire.. Nice collection for your 8-year journey
Plase keep us posted over the next 30 or so years to see how this grows when you do retire.. Nice collection for your 8-year journey
@Strouty - Looks like the shop is really coming together! I hope you are able to make good use of your Vidmar cabinet
I am very happy with it, I wish I had a dozen or so more of them!
I have to keep a sense of humor, I just hope it doesn't take me the next 8 years to get it close to organized.
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The last few weeks have been a whirlwind, and a little frigid. I have only been to the shop long enough to grab some tools and head to a job. Yesterday I got to spend a fair amount of time working on the organization of the stock room. I did not actually organize anything, I adjusted the shelves to fit the bins. I also added more shelves to accommodate all the new bins that I had stored on another shelf. Next week will be some actual organizing and labeling.
Before
After
Before
After
This entire shelf of bins is now on the shelving, also this shelf is now empty!
Before
After
Before
After
This entire shelf of bins is now on the shelving, also this shelf is now empty!
sprntpshr
Well-known member
Good to see you are making headway, very easy to get stalled and overwhelmed by the cleanup process.
Found your thread very timely as I am going thru a much needed purge of my shop. In the last couple of months been pretty ruthless when it comes to sorting to the keep/scrap pile.
Found your thread very timely as I am going thru a much needed purge of my shop. In the last couple of months been pretty ruthless when it comes to sorting to the keep/scrap pile.
I am starting to get ruthless too. Luckily the local spring auction will be taking consignments next Monday, so I should be able to clear out a ton of stuff next week. This week is basically sorting for the auction as well as cleaning up my office so I can actually use it.
This week I can bring my stuff to the auction, so that should get a bunch of stuff out of my life! I have been working on the office and it is shaping up nicely. I have been accessing some of the shelving in the shop and I feel it is just a clutter magnet. It has odd sizing so there is extra space that turns into a catch all for junk.
For the first time I am not blindly buying organizing supplies, I am actually going to wait until I know what I need, then order them.
I removed the stairs the other day, it really makes the shop look bigger. I am working on getting the auction items loaded up, they are in the middle of the floor right now.
I concentrated on the front yard last week, the frost is leaving the ground and it is the only time I can really work crushed stone into the muck. Did I mention I hate compactors? It rained yesterday, so I am hopeful that has helped me. I will post some updated pictures today.
For the first time I am not blindly buying organizing supplies, I am actually going to wait until I know what I need, then order them.
I removed the stairs the other day, it really makes the shop look bigger. I am working on getting the auction items loaded up, they are in the middle of the floor right now.
I concentrated on the front yard last week, the frost is leaving the ground and it is the only time I can really work crushed stone into the muck. Did I mention I hate compactors? It rained yesterday, so I am hopeful that has helped me. I will post some updated pictures today.
Trey T
Well-known member
sounds like you're taking huge step there. What you're doing is optimizing your space and it takes experience to determine what material/tool/equipment is not needed locally. Sometime, it's good idea to let others (stores) handle it and you spend a few dollar to buy the material, rent the equipment, or outsource the job. That's the only way to do big projects!
Are you doing this by yourself or w/ a helper? Are you bundling up the auction item on a pallet or some sort?
Are you doing this by yourself or w/ a helper? Are you bundling up the auction item on a pallet or some sort?
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I am doing most of this by myself, I will have help one day this week and then all next week. I want to take advantage of the help, but I also am trying to get a project done. Getting the project done will probably help clean things up a bit as well. The auction stuff is mostly smaller items, power tools and things that will bring some cash. I have a few larger items that were supposed to go to another auction, but that one was full (very unusual). I have an entire area of craigslist and ebay stuff as well. The dumpster is about half full, I took a load to goodwill, and I need to get together the scrap steel.
It helps that the snow is almost gone. Of course I just found out I may be going out of town for a month, so that is looming over my head as well. I should find out next week if I am going, but it only leaves me one week to get ready. I hate rush jobs, but I can use the money.
I am at the point where you do a ton of time consuming work and it really doesn't look like you are getting anything done. That is probably the most frustrating part of the entire process. It can really kill the motivation. I am having lunch and regrouping so that I can try and get the office sorted and somewhat organized (at least usable). I figure if I can get that done by Monday night, it will feel pretty damn good.
When I organize, it's usually not until the very end that I start to see the benefit of all the labor. During the in-progress stages it looks like a big tornado keeps making passes though the area stirring up junk and moving it around.
That is a pretty good description. I tried to do a small area, but they all tend to flow together at some point. Then add to it the fact that I only have help once in a while, I may changed directions just because I have the help. I am trying to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I really think the guy at the other end is screwing with me.
OK, I will admit it, I have no motivation today. I think I wasted more time than anything. I am going to start fresh tomorrow. Here is what I have done with the office.
Before:
After:
I moved an older credenza out and put in some new (to me) file cabinets:
Now I need to build a few shelves over the photo copier. I am pretty sure that I can put my comb binding supplies on them as well as storage for bulk paper.
Before:
After:
I moved an older credenza out and put in some new (to me) file cabinets:
Now I need to build a few shelves over the photo copier. I am pretty sure that I can put my comb binding supplies on them as well as storage for bulk paper.
I now have to move the flammable cabinets over to where the stairs were, then figure out what to do next. I am kind of deciding as I go, sometimes it just becomes more obvious as I go. I had more cabinets in the office, but the extra space feels awesome, makes me feel less constrained. I have an idea for the lunch area of the stockroom.
I also now know that I NEED a nice comfortable chair to take a break, read, listen to music, or even take a siesta.
Using the ladder to access the loft is almost as good as the stairs. It ***** if you need to move something heavy, but the plan will be an elevator and using the forklift to help ease this pain.
I think I am going to setup a lounge here, then move this bench to the other side of the stockroom. I am going to move some shelving that is causing me some grief.
I also now know that I NEED a nice comfortable chair to take a break, read, listen to music, or even take a siesta.
Using the ladder to access the loft is almost as good as the stairs. It ***** if you need to move something heavy, but the plan will be an elevator and using the forklift to help ease this pain.
I think I am going to setup a lounge here, then move this bench to the other side of the stockroom. I am going to move some shelving that is causing me some grief.
Another thought that I have had was what the purpose of my shop is? I don't really know. I do know that I have a lot of ideas, but nothing that has felt right. Sometimes I wonder if I should just do away with it completely. Others have said I should partition it and rent some space out. I asked myself "why do I have the shop?" and I can't answer that question. Then I asked "what am I trying to accomplish?" and I couldn't answer that as well.
My first thought was it is for business use, but I really don't have much of a business anymore. Then I thought it could be used as a hobby shop, but unless my hobby is moving junk around and organizing things that I don't even know what they are, you get the point. Now I am thinking maybe I am using it as an alcoholic uses alcohol, as an escape or distraction.
I can see having the shop for future business uses, but what? I have always had the idea in the back of my head that I would like to rebuild medium duty trucks. Custom art/design work in metal could be another direction. I feel overwhelmed, under-motivated, and overall like the shop is actually causing me more problems than value.
I am pushing forward, because part of me knows that it is a long term investment. Once the physical and mental me catches up with life, I will have a nice useable shop. Does this seem crazy?
My first thought was it is for business use, but I really don't have much of a business anymore. Then I thought it could be used as a hobby shop, but unless my hobby is moving junk around and organizing things that I don't even know what they are, you get the point. Now I am thinking maybe I am using it as an alcoholic uses alcohol, as an escape or distraction.
I can see having the shop for future business uses, but what? I have always had the idea in the back of my head that I would like to rebuild medium duty trucks. Custom art/design work in metal could be another direction. I feel overwhelmed, under-motivated, and overall like the shop is actually causing me more problems than value.
I am pushing forward, because part of me knows that it is a long term investment. Once the physical and mental me catches up with life, I will have a nice useable shop. Does this seem crazy?
There's more going on here than just the shop, obviously. You're at a possible transition point in your life and that might change the way you look at the shop in the future. Still, you can continue to organize and prepare in a more general way like you're doing now. Keep trying to free yourself of the stuff you know you won't need, or think it's very doubtful you'll need.
Whatever you do, don't fall back into decision paralysis regarding the "what if's" of your future and how they affect the way you look at your shop!
I find when I approach an organizational project I take a bottom up approach. First, I throw away and scrap all the junk. Then, I have some breathing room to evaluate the remaining stuff into "definitely will use" "might use" and "unlikely to use".
It can be really freeing to throw a bunch of **** in the dumpster and know you don't have to screw with it again. Sometimes, I throw stuff away just because I know I won't have to deal with it again.
...
It can be really freeing to throw a bunch of **** in the dumpster and know you don't have to screw with it again. Sometimes, I throw stuff away just because I know I won't have to deal with it again.
Exactly. I caught myself getting to where I didn't know what I had; that's the downside of storage, if you can't see the stuff, you forget you have it and where it is. I've been on a 2-year program of weeding out junk, stuff I'll never need, and stuff I am just not interested in any more. Besides pocketing more than a grand from selling off the good stuff, there is that wonderful feeling that you aren't owned by your "stuff".
That is kind of how I feel, "my stuff owns me", it was kind of hard to come to that conclusion. It feels like I am losing a battle of sorts. I am trying to be more realistic, I think that I have been moving that direction over the last month. I have been reading a couple of good books, I guess reading them has allowed me to step outside where I have been, now I am looking for the place I want to be.
As silly as it sounds "what do you want to be when you grow up?" kind of fits right now. The answer I have is definitely "I don't know", I do know some things that I don't want to be, so I guess that is a start.
My background is in building towers, but I have many more skills, most of them just make me a jack of all trades. I would like to hone a few of them, one of them is welding, another is mechanical repair of trucks. That is why I think my ultimate goal should be rebuilding medium duty trucks. They offer a great profit margin, minimal body work, less high end electrical issues, and ease of assembly. I think that I will lay this out as my goal, I can always amend it, but at least I can start a plan to move forward. As one of my books says "what's the next action?".
As silly as it sounds "what do you want to be when you grow up?" kind of fits right now. The answer I have is definitely "I don't know", I do know some things that I don't want to be, so I guess that is a start.
My background is in building towers, but I have many more skills, most of them just make me a jack of all trades. I would like to hone a few of them, one of them is welding, another is mechanical repair of trucks. That is why I think my ultimate goal should be rebuilding medium duty trucks. They offer a great profit margin, minimal body work, less high end electrical issues, and ease of assembly. I think that I will lay this out as my goal, I can always amend it, but at least I can start a plan to move forward. As one of my books says "what's the next action?".
sprntpshr
Well-known member
Today I sat back and admired the mess I had made...an empty shelf, they truly are **** magnets, a full sort table. Last week, backed a trailer inside for a dump run and it is nearly full.
There was boxes of Juno track lighting hardware, no idea where they come from, but I know where they are going before the wife sees them.
JustinsGr8
Well-known member
I see that Milwaukee M18 shop Vac
Sorry it is a V28.
No real updates, I have actually been working and making money. Hopefully next week I will be able to do a few things.
On a good note, I traded an air compressor that I couldn't use for one that I can use. I also had plenty of room to unload it and have it in the shop. There was even enough room to still bring a car in if needed.
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Well, it has been over a week and I have not been in the shop much at all. Today I am here sorting through some items for craigslist and ebay. All of the stuff that I brought to the auction made me about $2500 and a bunch of space. I am still working on the "new" compressor. As soon as I get it up and running, I will be selling my smaller one.
Last week I picked up a couple of hospital carts that I will be using as tool carts. I will post some pictures this afternoon in between my ebay listings.
I also bought a 125 gallon fish tank that I am using as a paludarium, half water half land with live plants, fish, and amphibians. I have a small one and it keeps me sane at home, a very relaxing hobby, most of the time. I would equate it to bonsai, except it is interactive instead of being passive.
Last week I picked up a couple of hospital carts that I will be using as tool carts. I will post some pictures this afternoon in between my ebay listings.
I also bought a 125 gallon fish tank that I am using as a paludarium, half water half land with live plants, fish, and amphibians. I have a small one and it keeps me sane at home, a very relaxing hobby, most of the time. I would equate it to bonsai, except it is interactive instead of being passive.
Here are the new carts. I have also made a slight mess again due to the fact that I needed to use my compressor again before getting a chance to plumb it to the newer location. I am really glad that I did not plumb it as the new compressor will be configured differently anyways.
This is the fish tank that I bought, another unnecessary distraction.
This is the fish tank that I bought, another unnecessary distraction.
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fordbroncodave
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 15, 2009
- Messages
- 4,555
thats a big quincy, I would love to have that.
chrismenke
Well-known member
Here's the best advice I can come up with for you right now. Take all the projects, and pick one that is within your skill level, and worth doing. Start it and finish it before you work on other projects.
Repeat this process a few time, and your skills will grow, your project count will shrink, and you'll feel pretty good about the world.
I've been through this acquire/get frustrated/prioritize/get things done cycle more than a few times...
First off, thank you for the compliment, I think most of my problem is more with me than my shop. It just gets overwhelming and it has been building for a few years. I am starting to see the light at the end of the garage and it is looking bright. Posting this has made things feel real, whereas before it just felt like I was in a bad dream. I feel like it is keeping me honest with myself plus I am learning a few things too.
This is great advice, it seems so simple to some, but I can spend as much effort commiserating about my projects as it would take to finish some of them.
This week I have help too, so I should be able to get a few things done, especially the tough ones that are too much for one person.
Thanks to everyone, I appreciate the support.
Southernbuild
Well-known member
I know a project like this takes a lot of time, but keep your head up. You've got a good space, and I'm loving the idea of customizing commercial trucks. Sounds fun
Your project is encouraging me to spend some more time working on my cleaning project.
Your project is encouraging me to spend some more time working on my cleaning project.
I know a project like this takes a lot of time, but keep your head up. You've got a good space, and I'm loving the idea of customizing commercial trucks. Sounds fun
Your project is encouraging me to spend some more time working on my cleaning project.
Thanks you very much. I am keeping a bright outlook. Right now I keep cleaning and making a mess, then cleaning, then making a mess. At least I can get a project in and try to finish it before I move on to the next project.
I feel this is like eating an elephant, it is going to take me a while.
Today is the first day in a few weeks I have had to spend at the shop. I am still trying to figure out what the true purpose of my shop is.
Some of the things that I currently do are:
Tower work (previous full time business)
Helping my Brother with his handyman business
Craigslist sales
Ebay Sales
Personal projects
Storage of all the supplies and tools for all of the above.
I am trying to put the purpose of the shop into words, so I have a reference and an actual goal to try and achieve. The usage is so broad right now, but I don't see that changing anytime soon.
My hands are doing much better, last week I worked 5 days in a row. It has been taxing on my body, but I am getting into better shape. I have lost 12 pounds over the last 6 weeks.
The shop is still a mental game, I have not really done any projects, just some car repairs. It is nice to be able to use it again for one of its intended purposes. I am still procrastinating on a bunch of stuff, yet I still feel like I am moving forward overall. I will post some pictures of the progress tomorrow.
Some of the things that I currently do are:
Tower work (previous full time business)
Helping my Brother with his handyman business
Craigslist sales
Ebay Sales
Personal projects
Storage of all the supplies and tools for all of the above.
I am trying to put the purpose of the shop into words, so I have a reference and an actual goal to try and achieve. The usage is so broad right now, but I don't see that changing anytime soon.
My hands are doing much better, last week I worked 5 days in a row. It has been taxing on my body, but I am getting into better shape. I have lost 12 pounds over the last 6 weeks.
The shop is still a mental game, I have not really done any projects, just some car repairs. It is nice to be able to use it again for one of its intended purposes. I am still procrastinating on a bunch of stuff, yet I still feel like I am moving forward overall. I will post some pictures of the progress tomorrow.
So today I only really got to unload my truck, I did get some parts to finish up my volvo project. I feel good and even though there is a lot that needs to be done, I do not feel all stressed out about it. I am a list maker, so I made a few lists of the things that need to be done. I have been assembling a whole bunch of car parts that are going to be sold on ebay. I also started an ebay store, now I need to get my *** in gear and start listing like a fool.
I spent a little time outside to get some pictures of the stuff that was under the snow. This year I am going to finish leveling off my yard and remove some more trees. I also hope to move my conex and the other boxes to maximize the area. Here are some of the pictures:
Between the cones and the shop. My cool military tires, snowblowers, my salvaged garaged door, and some shelving parts.
Behind the 16' box.
Shelving that I do not think I can use, sandblast cabinet and dust collection system that I hope to get going soon. I need my big compressor going first.
Way out back, hopefully I can sell this cab. I have slowly been using the concrete blocks, but they may end up getting buried when I start leveling.
Between the 16' and 24' boxes, this is a real mess.
Next to the 8' box, another mess.
The right side of the shed, this area will be all leveled this year, I hope.
Left side of the shed.
Behind the shed.
In front of the shed.
Off to the side, this is a jib crane. I am planning on mounting it out front to use it to unload stuff from trucks as well as move things around out front.
I spent a little time outside to get some pictures of the stuff that was under the snow. This year I am going to finish leveling off my yard and remove some more trees. I also hope to move my conex and the other boxes to maximize the area. Here are some of the pictures:
Between the cones and the shop. My cool military tires, snowblowers, my salvaged garaged door, and some shelving parts.
Behind the 16' box.
Shelving that I do not think I can use, sandblast cabinet and dust collection system that I hope to get going soon. I need my big compressor going first.
Way out back, hopefully I can sell this cab. I have slowly been using the concrete blocks, but they may end up getting buried when I start leveling.
Between the 16' and 24' boxes, this is a real mess.
Next to the 8' box, another mess.
The right side of the shed, this area will be all leveled this year, I hope.
Left side of the shed.
Behind the shed.
In front of the shed.
Off to the side, this is a jib crane. I am planning on mounting it out front to use it to unload stuff from trucks as well as move things around out front.
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motofool33
Well-known member
Progress is good man keep it up.