1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Our thoughts are with you.
Regards
Regards
Something just clicked…..
- Thread starter Strouty
- Start date
Thanks again guys, spent some time at the house yesterday sorting clothes and sending a bunch off to charity, it helped keep me occupied. This morning I woke up to awful memories from yesterday, I had to get up and do the dishes just to get my mind off it. The GF wants to get some picture frames so we can put some pictures up, I think that will be very helpful for me. Of course she wants to wait a while before getting another cat or two, but I have never been without a cat and it is kind of freaking me out a bit. I have thought about getting a dog, then I could bring it with me to the shop, but I think that would be a bit too much right now. I always wanted to bring my cat to the shop with me, that would be a bit interesting to say the least.
Anyways since I went through clothes at the house, I decided to do the same at the shop, I had bags of winter clothes and work clothes (stains and such). I am almost all the way through them now, decent stuff can go to Goodwill, but most are pretty nasty, so I am going to stick them in the dumpster. Tomorrow I hope to come back over and get the U-joint in the forklift done and maybe clean up a bit more of the inside of the shop.
Anyways since I went through clothes at the house, I decided to do the same at the shop, I had bags of winter clothes and work clothes (stains and such). I am almost all the way through them now, decent stuff can go to Goodwill, but most are pretty nasty, so I am going to stick them in the dumpster. Tomorrow I hope to come back over and get the U-joint in the forklift done and maybe clean up a bit more of the inside of the shop.
bczygan
Well-known member
Strouty,
I like your choice of clutter!
Now let's see if you can find places for it all.
Bill
I like your choice of clutter!
Now let's see if you can find places for it all.
Bill
DonPowers
Well-known member
What are you going to do with that big compressor? It must be sporting at least a 10 hp three phase motor and probably 480 to boot.
Don, the big compressor will be sporting at least one 10 HP single phase, not sure if the other pump gets a 10 or if I am going 7.5HP. I have considered a 15 HP single phase for one pump as well.
Bill, I hope to at least find some general areas to put things, I am afraid that I will be making more of a mess in order to get things put away. At least I have some ideas, I have had lots of time to think about it, now I just need some action.
Bill, I hope to at least find some general areas to put things, I am afraid that I will be making more of a mess in order to get things put away. At least I have some ideas, I have had lots of time to think about it, now I just need some action.
DonPowers
Well-known member
Do you have any pallet shelving?
Nothing really inside the shop, it just doesn't fit anywhere. I have some modified stuff that made shallower, but I never finalized the mounts, so I don't put a lot of weight on it yet. I do have stack racks and those are not being used very well, should be able to get a lot of things out of the shop and into the storage boxes now that I have the outdoor forklift.
DonPowers
Well-known member
Did you find another 40 footer yet?
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Strouty: pictures look like you've done a lot since i first started coming to your thread maybe a 6 months or a year ago. a few ideas I've got for storage that might benefit you is to get some tallish carts that have shelves and wheels on them that you can lock. then you can push them in the isles of your awesome metal cabinets where you have your supplies. i might help you gain some floor space in the big part of the shop and have good tools handier if you need to pull a rack close to a project you are working on.
it's hard for me to think of another dog even though my last one passed in 2008. if i were to get on it would be great to have one to take to my shop or just out in my yard or garage or for walks. my daughter's dog that we end up watching for weeks or months at a time when they are out traveling for their business is one they found at a rescue and he's only 2 and really minds well so really any dog could work with the right owner. my son in law worked at a local zoo and his dad had alpacas and kangaroos and now he's a travel coordinator for trips to Africa (he knows that place like maybe no other American now). of course some dogs would be easier if you haven't had a dog before. Australian shepards and huskies come to mind and even my playful golden lab (not full 100%) was a great dog. just like your cat they just smile when you come home or all day long if you give them just a little of your time.
saddest pet i've ever lost was our last cat because she became mine and slept on me. all 4 or 5 of our cats are really my wife's especially this last one. this one likes following me into my garage, but she never listens so i could never do anything dangerous with her around.
good luck and i'm still feeling your pain so take your time and it will get better.
it's hard for me to think of another dog even though my last one passed in 2008. if i were to get on it would be great to have one to take to my shop or just out in my yard or garage or for walks. my daughter's dog that we end up watching for weeks or months at a time when they are out traveling for their business is one they found at a rescue and he's only 2 and really minds well so really any dog could work with the right owner. my son in law worked at a local zoo and his dad had alpacas and kangaroos and now he's a travel coordinator for trips to Africa (he knows that place like maybe no other American now). of course some dogs would be easier if you haven't had a dog before. Australian shepards and huskies come to mind and even my playful golden lab (not full 100%) was a great dog. just like your cat they just smile when you come home or all day long if you give them just a little of your time.
saddest pet i've ever lost was our last cat because she became mine and slept on me. all 4 or 5 of our cats are really my wife's especially this last one. this one likes following me into my garage, but she never listens so i could never do anything dangerous with her around.
good luck and i'm still feeling your pain so take your time and it will get better.
Don, not ready for another sea can yet, maybe later in the summer. I want to get the back yard all situated and I need to do a survey to get that done. Money may be tight this coming year, so I am just going to plan on having none and make do with what I have. The current projects will probably cost too much to complete them all, so I figure working with what I have is the best approach.
Drives, I get irritated by certain furs, most cats only seem to be an issue with my face. Dogs are much worse and for some reason boxers and pit bulls seem to bother me the least. I would love to have a pit bull/mutt of some sort, but only if I have it from a puppy so I can properly train it. A traveling cat would probably suit me better, I like the independence they have.
Drives, I get irritated by certain furs, most cats only seem to be an issue with my face. Dogs are much worse and for some reason boxers and pit bulls seem to bother me the least. I would love to have a pit bull/mutt of some sort, but only if I have it from a puppy so I can properly train it. A traveling cat would probably suit me better, I like the independence they have.
86turbodsl
Well-known member
Strouty, sorry to hear of your cat. I am more of a cat guy too, they do fill a need. We do have a dog too, but she is more of my wifes dog. Looking good and keep up the progress. It will help keep your mind off your loss.
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
I haven't had much to say this year as I can hardly seem to make progress with my own mess, but I'll add my 2 cents anyway.
With apologies to the loss of your cat yesterday, the most depressing thing I read in this years postings was when you had to drive to your Dads place because you could not get at your own equipment to do something.
I believe you have come to a conclusion, and it is the correct one, that your shop should be a shop, and not a storage unit. I do not believe you should have any pallet racking in your shop, you have 5 storage units for that stuff.
The shop supplies and hardware obviously need to be in a shop, and racking is required for large tools and stock, but using the shop as storage of oddball stuff should end.
I'm very happy the boat is gone and that you can make the attempt to do this winter what never had a prayer of happening last winter.
Good Luck and my condolences on the lost of a dear furry friend.
With apologies to the loss of your cat yesterday, the most depressing thing I read in this years postings was when you had to drive to your Dads place because you could not get at your own equipment to do something.
I believe you have come to a conclusion, and it is the correct one, that your shop should be a shop, and not a storage unit. I do not believe you should have any pallet racking in your shop, you have 5 storage units for that stuff.
The shop supplies and hardware obviously need to be in a shop, and racking is required for large tools and stock, but using the shop as storage of oddball stuff should end.
I'm very happy the boat is gone and that you can make the attempt to do this winter what never had a prayer of happening last winter.
Good Luck and my condolences on the lost of a dear furry friend.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Strouty: only you will now which pet will work for your situation and when that time might happen. the only problem with a traveling cat is there independence or ATTITUDE as i call it can get them in trouble around dangerous chemicals (they can climb), machines (again they can climb) and they have ATTITUDE so they only do what THEY want to do.
that said I'd love to hear of a guy's garage cat being just that because they are cool and friendly when they like you.
cheers
that said I'd love to hear of a guy's garage cat being just that because they are cool and friendly when they like you.
cheers
Kev, I agree, I fully intend to keep the oddball stuff out of the main shop. Hopefully over the next several weeks things will start to take shape. I need to set my goals again, things have changed and I know I won't be able to get as involved with the shop as I originally anticipated.
Drives, we are going to put in some applications at the local animal shelters, then we can keep our eyes peeled for the right cat or cats. I think the timing for a dog is just plain wrong. I would like to get one eventually, but not now. If I do get a cat, realistically it would be a real problem for both the me and the cat to try and bring it to the shop, a problem I don't need. So for now we are discussing if the cat would be indoor only or both indoor and outdoor. The last two were indoor only and we are leaning towards that with the possibility of having a large outdoor cage for summertime.
Drives, we are going to put in some applications at the local animal shelters, then we can keep our eyes peeled for the right cat or cats. I think the timing for a dog is just plain wrong. I would like to get one eventually, but not now. If I do get a cat, realistically it would be a real problem for both the me and the cat to try and bring it to the shop, a problem I don't need. So for now we are discussing if the cat would be indoor only or both indoor and outdoor. The last two were indoor only and we are leaning towards that with the possibility of having a large outdoor cage for summertime.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
Stroutly, you said money might be tight this year, It looks like you have many projects to complete. So if money is tight, Don't let it get you down. Just clean up your shop and start working on some of your projects that you already have parts for. I find if I keep my self busy I don't have the time to worry about problems. R.D.C.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
I did enjoy seeing in side the shop again. looking good.
Thanks Nines, I don't wish the feeling on anyone. Tonight was really hard, I actually teared up on the way home realizing that Quall would not be waiting for me at the door.
RDC, that is going to be the plan. I will also be selling some things as well, I have a bunch of spare tools and some extra remote control (R/C cars) projects that can go.
Today I got two bags of clothing off to Goodwill and a couple bags of trash in the dumpster. I also took a 30 gallon barrel of speedy dry to my Dad's shop, so I did get a few things done. Nothing picture worthy, hopefully tomorrow will be better.
RDC, that is going to be the plan. I will also be selling some things as well, I have a bunch of spare tools and some extra remote control (R/C cars) projects that can go.
Today I got two bags of clothing off to Goodwill and a couple bags of trash in the dumpster. I also took a 30 gallon barrel of speedy dry to my Dad's shop, so I did get a few things done. Nothing picture worthy, hopefully tomorrow will be better.
I know you will think I'm crazy(er) but 10 yrs ago I lived in an apartment and my ex wanted a big dog, I refused and luckily the landlord did too. She ended up getting a Shih Tzu and I was ill, I hated the fact we were in a small *** apartment with a dog but within a week or so I fell in love with the lil ******. She left me a few years later but I still have the dog(Daisy). I started bringing her to Lowes, HD and HF with me, literally just about anywhere I go she is with me. She rides in the buggy where a child sits, all the cashiers know her by name and welcome here wherever I go. One day I was in Lowes with her and passed an older lady with a Shih Tzu in her buggy, we got to talking and she mentioned she does not leave home without her "therapy animal" either. That term hit me, I'd never heard of it before but I realized how stressed I was prior to having Daisy with me and how much more enjoyable life is with her now. Another thing the lady mentioned was, this breed is hypoallergenic. They don't shed, less slobber and dander than most other breeds. I had to go look that up but turns out to be true as well. They aren't the most manly of dogs but neither is a cat imho... And just try to put a cat in a cart and go into a store.
It would be a great friend for you, I think. They are loving, non-aggressive and great to be around. My baby turns 10 Feb 3rd, she has been by my side all but about 8 days of that time and not consecutive either. Sorry for the long spill, I just feel you and I have similar issues and I know what this dog has done for me, I may have checked out long ago had it not been for her. Check in to them, I highly recommend it.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
Strouty, you could also raise funds to complete projects by having a "nine's" yard sale. Just keep moving forwards and as your find stuff that you no long will want or need put them out into one of your storage units and then have a huge man's yard sale.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
six in one and a half dozen in the other.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
strouty, are you using propane with your cutting torch?
I use acetylene, never really wanted to use propane, but I have thought about swapping to propylene. Until I sold my IR air compressor a while back, I used my plasma cutter more than anything. At that point it made more sense to keep acetylene because it gets a bit hotter than the others.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
oh, the picture you posted had your torch in it, and it looked like a 25 gal propane tank
Yeah I can see how it looks that way, the tank is a 330 size, it weighs about 150 pounds and is a little bigger than a 100 pound propane tank. As I said before, I used my plasma cutter a lot and the acetylene just for heating, that tank has never been swapped out, since 2008. I have a couple of smaller bottles that get used for cutting on jobs or in the back forty and they have been swapped a lot. I am getting close the end of the line with the 330, not sure I will get the same size next time, it is a ***** to move. Originally it was stationary and I had a reel for my hoses, but I changed things up and put the tanks on that cart and sold the reel. Last year I bought a new reel, but I have not found the perfect location yet. The biggest issue is that I tend to do things in the front yard that need the torches and having them on that cart is nice.
I didnt read 146 pages... the first page, page 145 and the last page...
Your shop fails in logical layout and organization. something awfull
My shop is about the same size, and is just about as packed, but WAY more organized.
Saying you need to get organized is tough with out a game plan. I grew up with an organized shop, and the way my father did it, makes perfect sense, and I am about to share it with you.
What you need are departments inside your shop where only 'like items' go.
For instance, we have a paint department, all gallons, 5's brushes rollers, handles paint sprayers ect go into the paint department (solvents and the like go into cold storage)
The fastener department, screws, bolts washers, nails ect, go here, in that corner we also have the electrical department, all electric wire, outlets ect go here... moving down the line is the bulky hand tools like hammers and chisels and ****, go on a shelf, before those is a bench with the grinders, buffers and wire wheel machines.
we have a wood working department where the sanders and radial arm saw and stuff goes...
moving torward the center, we have out main tool boxes, main tool bench, floor standing drill press and in the center a very large, unmovable 11x6' work bench.... continue away from that stuff we have (usually) two open bays for vehicles and in front of the vehicle bays is truck prep, truck prep is also where we keep all of our plastering materials... truck prep is an area used to temporarily hold stuff that needs to go on the work truck for that day or that week. things get moved in and out of this area all the time...
Another neat feature is the overhead lofts, My ceiling height is 11' so the loft is only 4' high... but its also only 5' wide... so it doesnt take up much room, yet houses all the extra stuff we dont use very often, excess materials and the like and because its only 7' off the floor accessing it is easy. ima see if i can get some pics.
Edit: ok got pics, there a little old (8 years) but not much has changed except for the fact that I have gotten rid of ALOT of stuff...
First up is the Paint dept:
[/URL]
To the left is the electrical area where the electric wire and stuff is stored.
[/URL]
the center bench, on the right is paints, those are organized by type: Oil, Latex, Industrial
the back wall center is misc little stuff, to the left of the window is hammers, small crowbars, pry bars, chisels, on that bench below the hammer shelves are the grinders and stuff
What you cant see in this picture is at the end of the center bench, are drawers in the end of the bench that hold misc nuts and bolts... theres 15 drawers, They weigh around 100-1500lbs each ill be going thruogh those in the next week or soo...
[/URL]
heres a little more of a wide angle.... the main work bend for tools is on the left in red... theres also the vise right there, right below the vise in two drawars is all of our screwdrivers. also in that bench is air tools like impact guns, soldering gun and related, files, and small auto electrical like fuses and stuff... above it on the shelves is all of our electric tools, band saw, drills screw guns ect..
[/URL]
this next one to the immediate right are our main tool boxes that hold wrenches and sockets and such, organized by SAE and Metric
[/URL]
heres the bolt drawers on the end of the bench i mentioned earlier
[/URL]
those drawers were full i emptied them (300lbs of door knobs) you can see the paint rack in the back ground, thats actually an aisle behind it with more paint... the cabinets in the far right house our bigger electric tools, that dont fit nicely on a shelf, like the jigsaw, the sawzall, 12" right angle grinder and such
[/URL]
this picture is taken by turn directly to the right from that last pic (its not that cluttered anymore I got rid of alot of stuff)
[/URL]
and then further to my right, that back corner has the 5HP air compressor which provides the shop air...
[/URL]
and some more misc photos
[/URL]
Your shop fails in logical layout and organization. something awfull
My shop is about the same size, and is just about as packed, but WAY more organized.
Saying you need to get organized is tough with out a game plan. I grew up with an organized shop, and the way my father did it, makes perfect sense, and I am about to share it with you.
What you need are departments inside your shop where only 'like items' go.
For instance, we have a paint department, all gallons, 5's brushes rollers, handles paint sprayers ect go into the paint department (solvents and the like go into cold storage)
The fastener department, screws, bolts washers, nails ect, go here, in that corner we also have the electrical department, all electric wire, outlets ect go here... moving down the line is the bulky hand tools like hammers and chisels and ****, go on a shelf, before those is a bench with the grinders, buffers and wire wheel machines.
we have a wood working department where the sanders and radial arm saw and stuff goes...
moving torward the center, we have out main tool boxes, main tool bench, floor standing drill press and in the center a very large, unmovable 11x6' work bench.... continue away from that stuff we have (usually) two open bays for vehicles and in front of the vehicle bays is truck prep, truck prep is also where we keep all of our plastering materials... truck prep is an area used to temporarily hold stuff that needs to go on the work truck for that day or that week. things get moved in and out of this area all the time...
Another neat feature is the overhead lofts, My ceiling height is 11' so the loft is only 4' high... but its also only 5' wide... so it doesnt take up much room, yet houses all the extra stuff we dont use very often, excess materials and the like and because its only 7' off the floor accessing it is easy. ima see if i can get some pics.
Edit: ok got pics, there a little old (8 years) but not much has changed except for the fact that I have gotten rid of ALOT of stuff...
First up is the Paint dept:
To the left is the electrical area where the electric wire and stuff is stored.
the center bench, on the right is paints, those are organized by type: Oil, Latex, Industrial
the back wall center is misc little stuff, to the left of the window is hammers, small crowbars, pry bars, chisels, on that bench below the hammer shelves are the grinders and stuff
What you cant see in this picture is at the end of the center bench, are drawers in the end of the bench that hold misc nuts and bolts... theres 15 drawers, They weigh around 100-1500lbs each ill be going thruogh those in the next week or soo...
heres a little more of a wide angle.... the main work bend for tools is on the left in red... theres also the vise right there, right below the vise in two drawars is all of our screwdrivers. also in that bench is air tools like impact guns, soldering gun and related, files, and small auto electrical like fuses and stuff... above it on the shelves is all of our electric tools, band saw, drills screw guns ect..
this next one to the immediate right are our main tool boxes that hold wrenches and sockets and such, organized by SAE and Metric
heres the bolt drawers on the end of the bench i mentioned earlier
those drawers were full i emptied them (300lbs of door knobs) you can see the paint rack in the back ground, thats actually an aisle behind it with more paint... the cabinets in the far right house our bigger electric tools, that dont fit nicely on a shelf, like the jigsaw, the sawzall, 12" right angle grinder and such
this picture is taken by turn directly to the right from that last pic (its not that cluttered anymore I got rid of alot of stuff)
and then further to my right, that back corner has the 5HP air compressor which provides the shop air...
and some more misc photos
Last edited:
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
DCarr2, you shop looks to be a mess also to my eyes. I would of liked to welcome you. But for a newbe to come in and tell one of our member how bad they are, Just don't come over well with me. Welcome to the garage Journal, But unless you have some thing positive to say I hope I don't see you again...Richard D.
Without reading everything, I don't think it's possible to understand the progress and the ups and downs and projects that have happened.
Personally I think you have done a damn good job of it Strouty, you are an inspiration to me and the other guys here I think would say the same thing.
Sent from my LGLS665 using Tapatalk
Personally I think you have done a damn good job of it Strouty, you are an inspiration to me and the other guys here I think would say the same thing.
Sent from my LGLS665 using Tapatalk
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
Thank you Nate and welcome to this thread.
Thank you, I'm usually a lurker here, watching and learning, but every once in a while I pop up.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
DC: I'm happy you think you are ORGANIZED. your post might have merit if you are truly trying to help, but your work isn't even close to what Strouty does so he needs to set it up for him. he's trying to set up areas and have a work area, but unfortunately he doesn't have unlimited funds to buy all the machines and materials all at once like most of us.
it looks like you are a new member so just for future reference don't post up a ton of pictures on a person's thread unless you ask first or KNOW it's wanted or ok. get to know the guys (and gals) first before you make assumptions too. or maybe you are just looking to tell anybody your opinion and that just isn't going to fly here. Reading 2 posts on a long thread will never tell you what is going on with the person or his life just like looking at your shop wouldn't win any awards if i didn't know you or the work you produce out of it.
Strouty: hope you have a great Sunday.
it looks like you are a new member so just for future reference don't post up a ton of pictures on a person's thread unless you ask first or KNOW it's wanted or ok. get to know the guys (and gals) first before you make assumptions too. or maybe you are just looking to tell anybody your opinion and that just isn't going to fly here. Reading 2 posts on a long thread will never tell you what is going on with the person or his life just like looking at your shop wouldn't win any awards if i didn't know you or the work you produce out of it.
Strouty: hope you have a great Sunday.
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Sorry, I only read your first sentence and looked at your last picture. I assume you are happy with your organized work-space. You need to start your own thread -- it might be helpful to someone.I didnt read 146 pages... the first page, page 145 and the last page...
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
DCarr, Please start your own thread about you shop, It looks like you have some very nice stuff, Please do tell us what you do in your shop. I see a lot of stuff. We are interested and like to have new people. Maybe I took what you were saying wrong, and if so I am sorry for what I had to say. Anyway welcome. I am sure if you start a thread on your shop a lot of the people who is on this one will come and follow yours also and offer up their advise on what ever you are doing. There is a lot of very good people and very talented people. Richard D.
I am going to respond in reverse order because my last point is most important.
Bob, DC has some good ideas, I can see some very good points from his pictures.
Drives, the pictures that DC posted go to the heart of the thread, I like them and they show exactly what he is describing.
Nate, good to know I have lurkers, thanks for the Kudos.
Rich, I don't think DC was being mean, he was stating his opinion and I take all criticism, constructive or not, with a grain of salt.
DC, I know it is tough when looking at threads that are really long, but in the future I would definitely check out a few more pages than the first and last, hit some in the middle. I appreciate the pictures, it definitely shows what you were describing to me. You are also correct in the fact that I really do not have a plan. It is nice to see someone else's shop, especially when you have a total mix of things. My shop has to be able to handle everything that I do and right now I do a little of everything, looks like you are pretty similar. It is nice to see pictures of a shop that has a doll house and (I am assuming) remote control car. I have plenty of that oddball stuff in my shop as well. I especially like the picture of the *****! Thanks for posting, you don't have to read the entire thread, but I would love for you to take a look at some random pages in the middle, it could make me look worse, at least I would get a chance to show you I have made a lot of progress in the last year.
Bob, DC has some good ideas, I can see some very good points from his pictures.
Drives, the pictures that DC posted go to the heart of the thread, I like them and they show exactly what he is describing.
Nate, good to know I have lurkers, thanks for the Kudos.
Rich, I don't think DC was being mean, he was stating his opinion and I take all criticism, constructive or not, with a grain of salt.
DC, I know it is tough when looking at threads that are really long, but in the future I would definitely check out a few more pages than the first and last, hit some in the middle. I appreciate the pictures, it definitely shows what you were describing to me. You are also correct in the fact that I really do not have a plan. It is nice to see someone else's shop, especially when you have a total mix of things. My shop has to be able to handle everything that I do and right now I do a little of everything, looks like you are pretty similar. It is nice to see pictures of a shop that has a doll house and (I am assuming) remote control car. I have plenty of that oddball stuff in my shop as well. I especially like the picture of the *****! Thanks for posting, you don't have to read the entire thread, but I would love for you to take a look at some random pages in the middle, it could make me look worse, at least I would get a chance to show you I have made a lot of progress in the last year.
In anticipation of organizing lots of weird hardware, I just ordered a few hundred small ziplock bags with a white area for writing on them. I think that will help me a lot, especially when I get down to having just a few of something that I want to keep. I have some fully clear bags that I use for RC car parts, but I really like the white stripe, it makes the labeling stand out much better. I just finished lunch and now I am going to work on the u-joint for the forklift. I am sure I will be sidetracked a bit as the place is a mess, but the goal will be the same, it may just take longer to get there.