Something just clicked…..

[bczygan]

I was trying to figure out how to move the cabinets out without unloading them. I grabbed one of my Woods Power Grips and it worked perfectly. I bought two of them at an auction years ago and they have become invaluable. I even use them when fabricating steel items, they allow you to pick up sheets of steel fairly easy, especially when working with aluminum.

Strouty,

It is very cool when you have just the right tool.

Those of us with too much stuff, usually have the right tool, if we can just find it...

Bill

 

[Strouty]

These are like the swiss army knife of moving things, of course it needs to have a fairly smooth non porous surface, otherwise you just look like an idiot.

 

[bczygan]

Strouty--you really need some new perspective if your 2-hole punch is a big problem.

ez-duzit,
I understand. I have the same problem. I will focus on something, which is good, if you need to break a giant project down into manageable sized parts.

But then I get hung up on the details.

I will start to clean and straighten up a room, and get hung up on polishing some tarnished brass candlesticks. I have a little OCD.

Sorting papers is another place where I can get stymied.

So I have had to develop some mental tricks to avoid this. I concentrate on hitting things with a broad brush. I keep moving, and try not to stay in one spot. I remind myself that this is just the first round, and do big things.


Bill

 

[ez-duzit]

Concentration isn't the answer (DON'T think of a polar bear). Rather the answer is just the opposite, letting your mind go free (sit on a mountain top).

 

[Strouty]

Well the polar bear has chased me off the top of the mountain for today. It was a nice view and I am sure I will be back. I am working on the catalogs right now, things are shaping up nicely. Other than the fact that I don't really have my credenza anymore.

 

[Strouty]

I moved the file cabinets to the desired location to try it out. I think it will work, even my "husky size" figure can open the drawers completely and still bend down without knocking something over. It is great because it worked out to be 3 ½" out from the wall, so a few scrap pieces of 2x4 will fill in the area about perfect. I may try and get the countertop cut, but it is not a huge priority.














I am totally in love with my catalog racks, I wish I had bought them years ago. I am bidding on some more right now. They make handling everything so much cleaner and I can use them in multiple locations. I have more out in the stockroom with some of my automotive service manuals. Overall I am happy with the progress and I got to use both my of the punches, that makes my $350 investment in them worth it! I figure after these next two weeks, they will easily have paid for themselves. I have not tested the two hole punch as much as the three hole one, but they are essentially the same thing, so I am not too worried. Here is a catalog I punched and a small overview of how the catalog racks work.





The metal frame snaps together around the catalog, it is about as easy as a three ring binder. Removal is a little harder, but no big deal. The frame has tabs that just slip into slots on the rack. It is easy to move them around and it keeps things much neater.



The catalog opens very well, I did find a few that were printed really close to the binding and they were a little harder to see, but I think it would have been difficult no matter what.

 

[Strouty]

I am packing up for the day, I got a few things cleaned up outside the office as well. I also have some stuff for donation as well as recycling. I may need to setup the air conditioner, looks like this week is going to be hot and stay hot. I also need to figure out where to put the small cabinet I removed from the office and unfortunately it is still full of paper. I am sure it will come to me, but not today.

 

[bczygan]

Strouty,

Very nice.

Workmanlike, organized and efficient, with a nod to eye pleasing.

Just the kind of place I would find useful to work in.

Bill

 

[impala4speed]

Very nice job on the office Strouty. The supplies area looks good too. You are definitely making improvements. And that's the name of the game.
Continued good luck to you on your progress.

 

[Strouty]

Thanks Denny,

This thread is keeping me honest with myself. I appreciate the support. Hopefully I can make you all proud!

 

[Kev442]

It's always amazing to see how different strokes fit different folks. We got rid of our catalog displays several (many?) years ago as they were taking up valuable counter space and many manufacturers were going to PDF. The few we still have go on a bookshelf.
I can also identify the small gray cabinet as I have several. They were used to support AB **** mimeograph style printers. That little guy has probably celebrated its 40th birthday by now.

 

[Strouty]

It's always amazing to see how different strokes fit different folks. We got rid of our catalog displays several (many?) years ago as they were taking up valuable counter space and many manufacturers were going to PDF. The few we still have go on a bookshelf.
I can also identify the small gray cabinet as I have several. They were used to support AB **** mimeograph style printers. That little guy has probably celebrated its 40th birthday by now.

When I do reprots for towers I need to reference older catalogs to find equipment that is no longer made. I guess I could have taken the time to cut up the catalogs and scan them in, but I think this was easier.

That little cabinet could probably hold a 350 chevy engine on it!

 

[Thumper68]

Looking very nice my friend.

I wish I could say the same for my progress over the last few weekends, but my back has been getting in the way of getting much done. I was feeling pretty good on Saturday morning and got right to work on the rear brakes on the work truck but I tweeked something again and the rest of the weekend was shot.

I do have to say that I was proud of myself, the boy got a snowblower for free and brought it out, I narrowed it down to a dirty carb and then had him move it out of the way instead of pulling it apart, it won't be snowing for at least a few months I hope.

Keep plugging away at it and you will get there.

 

[dlcwent]

Nice job Strouty. I'll go along with Bill.

Strouty,

Very nice.

Workmanlike, organized and efficient, with a nod to eye pleasing.

Just the kind of place I would find useful to work in.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

It's always amazing to see how different strokes fit different folks. We got rid of our catalog displays several (many?) years ago as they were taking up valuable counter space and many manufacturers were going to PDF. The few we still have go on a bookshelf.
I can also identify the small gray cabinet as I have several. They were used to support AB **** mimeograph style printers. That little guy has probably celebrated its 40th birthday by now.

I was going to suggest going all online catalogs, until I noticed they were vintage reference. So the rack is a perfect solution. I threw away all my catalogs save one, which is where my stepson works (Amtek). I keep it for the one paper one that I can browse for what is what.

Funny that I have the same spiral binding machine that Strouty has in his storage room. I've used it to make some binders, but have since tossed them all. Still have the machine though.

 

[Strouty]

Thumper, sorry to hear about the back, I know how you feel, been battling mine for years. No matter how hard I try, I just can convince it to do what I want, but for some reason it always wins in the end.

Dan and Bill, thanks for the support. It is going to feel pretty good to use the office this week. Next thing on the agenda is setting up the copier so I can scan and print from it, that will be a real milestone. I am going to try it myself, but I think I may have to pay someone. I will be excited to be able to print plans in 11x17 size instead of tiny letter size!

I may only be at the shop for a little bit today, I have a ton of errands to do. Friday I was looking at some jobs and the weekend got burned with my progress. Hope everyone has a great day!

 

[86turbodsl]

Strouty, i think you and i have similar problems. This thread and your journey give me hope that i can lick my issues just like you've been licking yours. Bravo. Keep up the good fight.

 

[Strouty]

Strouty, i think you and i have similar problems. This thread and your journey give me hope that i can lick my issues just like you've been licking yours. Bravo. Keep up the good fight.

Thanks for checking it out, now I can't wait to see your 3 phase build out. I have to do something, but much smaller scale.

 

[86turbodsl]

Thanks. I want to start a build thread, but I need to come up with a name for the place.

Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk

 

[Strouty]

I know, I wish I had a better title, but it does fit. I think the salvage garage fits mine well. You could be the 50 HP shop.

 

[86turbodsl]

The 50HP shop. LOL!!!! I like it.

 

[pyro3256]

i just read entire thread. WOW! your on a whole other level! i could only dream of the shop space and "toys" you have. imho i dont feel you have a problem. but it is easy to fall in to a cycle, that is not productive. you admitted you were out of the game for a few yrs. so its understandable thing got a bit overwhelming. you've made good progress, and fast than i could have! i myself have gotten overwhelmed by my "stuff". you expressed uncertainty as to why, or if it was all worth it. personally i have come to the conclusion that its not cars, or boats, or anything else that is my hobby. the tools and equipment are the hobby! different project will come and go. but the joy of being in a "world" you created is the goal. so you on the right track. make it your own. and if it helps, i have stopped looking for that next project, as i try to do too much. instead my daily projects have become tool/shop maintenance. every time i go out there i pull out a tool i naven't used in a while and clean it, oil it, ect.

 

[Strouty]

Thanks for taking the time to read the thread pyro. You thought about the tools and equipment being the hobby fits pretty well right now. Thank you for the insight and comments. I am using this thread to the best of my abilities. It allows me to go back and see what I did (or didn't do) right (or wrong). I like having this history lesson. I probably go through the thread every few months just to keep myself aware of the progress I am actually making, rather than getting down on how I feel in the moment.

 

[bczygan]

i just read entire thread. WOW! your on a whole other level! i could only dream of the shop space and "toys" you have. imho i dont feel you have a problem. but it is easy to fall in to a cycle, that is not productive. you admitted you were out of the game for a few yrs. so its understandable thing got a bit overwhelming. you've made good progress, and fast than i could have! i myself have gotten overwhelmed by my "stuff". you expressed uncertainty as to why, or if it was all worth it. personally i have come to the conclusion that its not cars, or boats, or anything else that is my hobby. the tools and equipment are the hobby! different project will come and go. but the joy of being in a "world" you created is the goal. so you on the right track. make it your own. and if it helps, i have stopped looking for that next project, as i try to do too much. instead my daily projects have become tool/shop maintenance. every time i go out there i pull out a tool i naven't used in a while and clean it, oil it, ect.

OMG Strouty!

Pyro3256 may have nailed it for us both!

I was just out in the garage sorting tools and thinking about derusting tools and setting up a tank.

It's what I do!

I have no projects in mind except making racks for tools or maybe rehabbing tools........

Maybe that's all there is!

Bill

 

[Strouty]

OMG Strouty!

Pyro3256 may have nailed it for us both!

I was just out in the garage sorting tools and thinking about derusting tools and setting up a tank.

It's what I do!

I have no projects in mind except making racks for tools or maybe rehabbing tools........

Maybe that's all there is!

Bill

Could it be that simple? The only problem is we have to figure out home to make money from it. I am still working on that.

I guess I can see it as "the hunt" except it would be "the process" if that makes sense.

 

[bczygan]

Could it be that simple? The only problem is we have to figure out home to make money from it. I am still working on that.

I guess I can see it as "the hunt" except it would be "the process" if that makes sense.

I don't even need to worry about making money from it. It really is a hobby.

Going back down to sort and move things some more.....

Bill

 

[bczygan]

One trouble with sorting and putting things where they belong. You can't find them anymore.

I'm looking for my adjustable draw knife and can't find it.

Bill

 

[ez-duzit]

I don't even need to worry about making money from it. It really is a hobby...

But if you could be paid for doing the same work, wouldn't you?

 

[bczygan]

But if you could be paid for doing the same work, wouldn't you?

Absolutely NOT!

That takes ALL the fun out of it!

Seriously!

I worked at a shop, machining and putting airplanes together. It was fun, especially the aircraft work. But still, it got old because of the demands that business puts on you.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

In fact, to carry that further, I would rather do a job as a favor, than make it a paying job.

There is a freedom in not having to do something, that makes it so much easier and more fun to do.

 

[Strouty]

That is why I do these specialized jobs. I have people come to me that can't find anyone else to do the work and I get 2 to 3 times more than I would normally get. I just price it like I don't want the job and if I get it, I will do it, happily.

 

[flippin]

It is one of my favorite pieces of art, according to some art people, the one I have is actually an expensive one and they let me know I am destroying it. I told them I am enjoying it.

Hiroshige is an extremely famous and influential Japanese artist from the early 1800's. His work including you popular litho inspired many artists including Vincent Van Gogh. I grew up with that exact print in our front hallway. Used this post to chime in and add my Japanese 2-cents Also wanted to thank you for the helping me waste the better part of the day as I read your entire thread!!!

I think we all suffer from your same affliction. I am about to move and dread packing up 20 years of "great deals". Furthermore my parents will be moving in and I have to pack up their home which was purchased before I was born (50+ years). Your ability to purge will be my source of strength as I prepare myself to commence my moves with a dumpster before the moving van.

Awesome thread and as others have said this is by far the most riveting topic on GJ. Thank You for sharing.

-Paul

 

[Strouty]

Thanks for taking the time to go through the thread. There are several that inspired me to start this one. At first it was really scary to post, but I now I have a new respect for the power of sharing. I can't imagine cleaning up my Dad's mess. He has 100 times what I have. I figure at least I came by my issues honestly.

 

[Strouty]

Today I made some progress in the stock room. I did not really organize things, I just got everything into similar areas that I could and then moved all the random stuff out into the open bay. I figure you have to make a mess to clean up.

 

[Strouty]

Sorry about the fuzzy pictures, I guess I should have turned the flash on.

I did manage to keep the office fairly clean, even after having the copier tech there for a bit. I spent $145 and really got no where with the project. I may have to run some wires to actually be able to print from it. We will see, I bought another router from goodwill on the way home, I hope that is my issue.

 

[ez-duzit]

It is a lot better organized than my shop/warehouse.

 

[Strouty]

I am not trying to one up you, honest.

 

[Dusten]

Those pictures were taken yesterday, except the ones of the conex (shipping container). Here is what I have done so far last night and this morning.

Making room to get at the bridgeport, also need to move the file cabinets


This is my pallet racking, it isn't really for pallets, but it works


This is one of my worst areas, the stairs really mess me up. Of course having an uninstalled lift is kind of annoying as well


I have some woodworking tools and a couple of GM 6.5 turbo diesel engines that are in the way.


Here is the side wall of the "fab shop" area, I am not sure those cabinets are my best option.


This is the front of the fab shop area.


This is the best overall view I can get of the stockroom, it shows the makeshift mezzanine that I have above the shelves.


I am starting to make a mess in this area, I even filled the shelf that 6t7gto mentioned.

My wife works where your compressor was built... she's the Plant controller.

 

[Strouty]

That is really cool! Sadly that compressor has moved on to another GJ member. I am stuck with a mess of a monster that needs to be reassembled.

 

[Bobcat753]

Now that you changed your avatar I'm really confused in threads! At first I thought it was a chick posting but then I saw the name. I was like **** that's you!