damiansd
Well-known member
I'm a long way from having empty horizontal surfaces. Hopefully I'll have an 'after' photo in a month or two 
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Something just clicked…..
- Thread starter Strouty
- Start date
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Strouty: You need to plan a FUN day for yourself to recharge the batteries so to speak. Either once a week or every other week for sure. Maybe take your gal to a good spot or to lobster lunch? Cheers
bimmer1980
Well-known member
eh, we all have one of those days.... today was one of those as well..... Had some thoughts to get a few things done, but haven't really made a lot of progress.... Oh well.....
Best to recharge and plan for some better progress another day......
Best to recharge and plan for some better progress another day......
rmalkow2
Well-known member
I got two ATV's running and tore down a vise for cleaning.
rmalkow2
Well-known member
Oatmeal raisin cookies here.
As silly as this sounds, I spent most of the day converting TV Shows to MP4 files so they can be played on any device. This was happening in the background while I was doing some paperwork. I hate spending a day doing paperwork, it never seems like I accomplished anything.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Strouty: so i see you are awake. any updates at the shop or plans to report?
dodge610
Well-known member
Dont feel bad strouty I lost my job 4 weeks ago havent got that much accomplished while I have been off. Only plus was a friend of mine is a dist. manager for a big chain auto parts store. Called me today offered me a managers job at 1 of his stores. Not sure I am ready to give up truck driving.
dodge610
Well-known member
Yes sir I can feel you on the lazy. worked outside today for about 4 hrs. probably sweated 30 lbs. off.
egnorant
Well-known member
The ebb and flow of motivation and progress...it happens!
Maybe I am still in the honeymoon phase of having a shop as I am still amazed that I can eat dinner and still have time to pop the transmission out of the Mustang to replace a ring gear! Half price junk yard run, install doors on the Crown Vic, transmission back in the Cougar, fix a handful of "previous owner repairs", found my 6 point, 3/8 drive, deep wall Snap-On socket and made it through a week with the new rule "That bench is clean when I walk in and when I walk out" with only 1 infraction!
Motivated, my path is clear with challenges that seem easy and rewarding...then I schedule a bit of mowing.
Fuel pump is kinda glitchy, I do a lap and it dies, restart, another lap and another...cool I can do this! Then a belt comes flying out. Investigation reveals that a worn spindle might be the culprit and was caused by a blade missing 2 inches on one side.
Well, got a new path for today and I am out of cookies!
Gotta go...trash truck...trash day, I forgot!!
Bruce
Maybe I am still in the honeymoon phase of having a shop as I am still amazed that I can eat dinner and still have time to pop the transmission out of the Mustang to replace a ring gear! Half price junk yard run, install doors on the Crown Vic, transmission back in the Cougar, fix a handful of "previous owner repairs", found my 6 point, 3/8 drive, deep wall Snap-On socket and made it through a week with the new rule "That bench is clean when I walk in and when I walk out" with only 1 infraction!
Motivated, my path is clear with challenges that seem easy and rewarding...then I schedule a bit of mowing.
Fuel pump is kinda glitchy, I do a lap and it dies, restart, another lap and another...cool I can do this! Then a belt comes flying out. Investigation reveals that a worn spindle might be the culprit and was caused by a blade missing 2 inches on one side.
Well, got a new path for today and I am out of cookies!
Gotta go...trash truck...trash day, I forgot!!
Bruce
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dlcwent
Member Emeritus
I find it much easier to find things when they are where they're supposed to be. It doesn't take a great deal of time to pick up at the end of the day. JMO And I'm not picking on any of you guys that have a messy shop. It takes all kinds to make the world go round.
I find it much easier to find things when they are where they're supposed to be. It doesn't take a great deal of time to pick up at the end of the day. JMO And I'm not picking on any of you guys that have a messy shop. It takes all kinds to make the world go round.
I think Strouty and I are both in the same postion, while we would agree that it is so much easier and efficient to have everything in the right spot it is finding where that spot is that has become the challenge.
We are both still trying to find those spots where the tools, equipment and supplies fit and work best for us.
Since my shop was built 10 years ago I have had my tool boxes in no less than 20 places trying to find the perfect location and configuration.
The same goes for the equipment at least on the vehicle/metal working side the wood working stuff, table saw, jointer, miter saw, radial arm saw and band saw are in fixed positions.
Just last weekend I was looking at the free standing tools, drill press, shop press, grinders and thinking that they need to be shuffled around a bit to make a better work flow.
The issue I'm having is that different jobs have different needs while one job may send me to the grinder several times the next might be drill press dependent.
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
^ I see what you're saying Thumper. I probably have as many pieces of equipment that you and Strouty have. And I have recently moved a lot of things around. I guess that I just have a need to put things back when I'm done using them. Then when I need it again, I'm not wasting time looking for something I need to use. All my bigger things(drill press, table saw, brake, etc.) have a permanent place. And I am not constantly adding stuff like Strouty does. So it just seems easier to me to keep it in order.
Putting things back is the start. I have gotten good at putting my hand tools away after every project, or during the project part of that was getting the tool boxes in the right spot where they are handy and not across the shop from where I'm working, now they are a step away from my main work table.
Adding extra 4 1/2 in grinders also helped, each is set up with a different disk, 1/4 grinding, flap disk, cut off, cup brush and one with a flap disk just for alum/stainless. I need to add a power strip to the cart they hang on so they can stay plugged in.
I also added 2 more air hose reels above my main work table, one has a blow gun and the other is for tools not having to run air hoses across the floor keeps things cleaner and less to put away and get in the way.
Each little addition to the shop be it a tool or organized storage make things better.
I noticed last weekend that I have a issue with where to store some of the power tools that go in and out of the shop on a regular basis, they have no dedicated spot since they are moving all the time to off-site work.
Adding extra 4 1/2 in grinders also helped, each is set up with a different disk, 1/4 grinding, flap disk, cut off, cup brush and one with a flap disk just for alum/stainless. I need to add a power strip to the cart they hang on so they can stay plugged in.
I also added 2 more air hose reels above my main work table, one has a blow gun and the other is for tools not having to run air hoses across the floor keeps things cleaner and less to put away and get in the way.
Each little addition to the shop be it a tool or organized storage make things better.
I noticed last weekend that I have a issue with where to store some of the power tools that go in and out of the shop on a regular basis, they have no dedicated spot since they are moving all the time to off-site work.
dlcwent
Member Emeritus
I couldn't agree more. I've been changing things for years. I'm about to put up photos of my shop. That's why I have made a private album. I'm just trying to get enough photos uploaded so it will be easier for me.
egnorant
Well-known member
One of my good moves was to use a project cart. Tools get used and put back on the cart rather than on the lift arms, fender, air cleaner or floor with bins for all the bolts,screws and such. Parts are all on the cart and can remain overnight or whatever until the project is done. Push the cart over to the tool boxes and everything gets unloaded in its place.
I saw this on "Wheeler Dealers" as Edd used the top of a roll around box. I started with an old discarded hospital bed table that works fine and I still use it. I did step up to a better one that is stouter and has 12 small bins for bolts and such.
Now my tool storage does not need to be in my face. I still walk over to get that 5/8th universal socket and another 12" extension, but it stays on the cart for when I put those bolts back.
Still trying to keep things flexible because my projects are from all over!
Bruce
I saw this on "Wheeler Dealers" as Edd used the top of a roll around box. I started with an old discarded hospital bed table that works fine and I still use it. I did step up to a better one that is stouter and has 12 small bins for bolts and such.
Now my tool storage does not need to be in my face. I still walk over to get that 5/8th universal socket and another 12" extension, but it stays on the cart for when I put those bolts back.
Still trying to keep things flexible because my projects are from all over!
Bruce
As Thumper said, putting things back only works if they have a home. I struggle with where something should go, so I put it no where. I do have a few areas that work and I can keep things there and always find them, but it is tough for me to commit to this. I think my biggest issue is that I know that no spot is going to really be permanent and in my head that makes me think why bother putting it back. It is definitely and issue that I am aware of and working on, it is a really tough one, most likely some form of OCD (for real).
I had been trying to clean things up before leaving and man when I walked in the next day it was really nice to have a clean space. I actually need to build cleanup time into the project so I don't leave the shop a mess.
As for the project cart, it is a good idea, I also want to have dedicated space to store larger projects. I have the big picture, but getting there is tough as can be. I keep running into setbacks, then there is the fact that the shop doesn't really make me any money, so it takes a backseat to almost everything.
I had been trying to clean things up before leaving and man when I walked in the next day it was really nice to have a clean space. I actually need to build cleanup time into the project so I don't leave the shop a mess.
As for the project cart, it is a good idea, I also want to have dedicated space to store larger projects. I have the big picture, but getting there is tough as can be. I keep running into setbacks, then there is the fact that the shop doesn't really make me any money, so it takes a backseat to almost everything.
I accidently picked up a 3 tier av cart at the auction I got my bandsaw at. Thought I was just buying the contents but the damn cart came with. So far it is working out as a project cart, I'm keeping parts and supplies on it as well as hanging the grinders on it.
I would like to install a few drawers on it as well, 1 under each of the 2 top shelves about 8 inched deep to keep more project related stuff in, right now the shelves are so far apart it is just wasted space IMO.
I tried using a large tiered cart, but it became the catch all. I think having some dedicated space on a pallet rack or something like that will be better for me. Any type of cart needs to have more of a purpose for me, otherwise it does not get used correctly. I have been using my new cart for a roll around work unit, but it is getting cluttered because I have not taken the time to clean it up.
I want to keep the cart completely empty and free of clutter, except when I am using it for a project.
I want to keep the cart completely empty and free of clutter, except when I am using it for a project.
SliderJack
Well-known member
mdbeck1
Well-known member
Last time I dedicated time to "cleaning up" I grabbed some plastic boxes the size of shoe boxes. I use them for "Project Boxes". There's about 10 of them right now and as I get parts for a project I put them in the appropriate one (RV Projects, reloading projects, Lawnmower, ...). I can put them on one of the racks and see what's in inside. It also keeps them off the bench top. When I get a few small projects together on one thing (say RV Projects) I grab the box and go take care of a couple at the same time.
I've also got a couple of the "bigger" boxes for larger projects.
bczygan
Well-known member
This post struck a chord with me.
Somewhere, there is a balance.
Everyone with anything needs storage, and different kinds of storage. Some things need to be stored where they are used, some near where they will be used and some need to be stored in deep storage.
You can have too much deep storage.
One great solution is to use clear storage bins.
Another it to plainly label them and organize them.
Storage isn't the whole solution. Neither is organization.
Having just the right things also matters.
There is a balance to be struck.
Those of us with hoarding problems seem to have difficulty in all of these areas.
And it takes just one project to mess it up. Ask me how I know.
You are right about cleanup. Without changing my habits, it quickly reverts.
Bill
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To sum it up, I have done nothing but accomplished a lot. Seems like this is how my next few weeks will be. I am not looking forward to it, I prefer tangible projects, so at least I can see the steps. If I did not have my to do list, I would swear that I did nothing at all.
I probably won't be back here until Sunday, because I have a wedding to go to tomorrow afternoon.
I did have one win today, a couple weeks ago I bought lightbulbs and a new socket for my volvo. The brake light was intermittently going out, then coming back on (I am notified when this happens via the dash). I figured replace both parts since they are cheap. Anyways, I pulled out the old bulb and the filament was melted, but I could see how it was still making contact. When I went to get the new bulbs, I was thrown into a panic, I knew they were in the car, but then I moved them, but where did I put them. I sat there and almost started to cry (seriously), I was thinking now I would have to go back to Volvo and buy them again, then I looked over at one cabinet drawer labeled "volvo parts" and I remembered I put them in there! Sure enough they were safe and sound.
I can't wait for my lista storage wall to get installed, that is going to be the beginning of a great thing, I just know it.
I probably won't be back here until Sunday, because I have a wedding to go to tomorrow afternoon.
I did have one win today, a couple weeks ago I bought lightbulbs and a new socket for my volvo. The brake light was intermittently going out, then coming back on (I am notified when this happens via the dash). I figured replace both parts since they are cheap. Anyways, I pulled out the old bulb and the filament was melted, but I could see how it was still making contact. When I went to get the new bulbs, I was thrown into a panic, I knew they were in the car, but then I moved them, but where did I put them. I sat there and almost started to cry (seriously), I was thinking now I would have to go back to Volvo and buy them again, then I looked over at one cabinet drawer labeled "volvo parts" and I remembered I put them in there! Sure enough they were safe and sound.
I can't wait for my lista storage wall to get installed, that is going to be the beginning of a great thing, I just know it.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Strouty: happy to hear you found something where you put it, but you didn't say if the new parts fixed your problem. i'm guessing it did, but we don't know.
Hope you have some fun at the wedding this weekend and from my chair you've been doing a quite a bit. AC, Internet, new stuff, new jobs, lost a few pounds and have a few other things checked off and added to the TO DO list.
cheers
Hope you have some fun at the wedding this weekend and from my chair you've been doing a quite a bit. AC, Internet, new stuff, new jobs, lost a few pounds and have a few other things checked off and added to the TO DO list.
cheers
matt_i
Well-known member
Sometimes its hard to prioritize the primary calling for a tool or part, in the spirit of keeping "like items together". I've put a tool in a place that made perfect sense at the time, yet later when I needed it, my logic process led me to believe it was somewhere else due to some competing priority.
Lista (etc) are really great stuff.
Lista (etc) are really great stuff.