The 5 Stitches Garage.
- Thread starter taumac
- Start date
Well it’s been a minute… all I can say it’s been a rollercoast ride. I don’t want off the rollercoaster… I want out of the damn amusement park. I lost a lot of people in my life since 2020. It started with losing Mr Eddie. He was my neighbor I posted about from time to time. In 2021 we losing my mother in law. Beginning of 2022 I had an uncle pass away which then my father and I had to help out my aunt with mess my uncle left. Now I looking after her. In 2022 our life was flipped upside down when my wife was diagnosed with stage 3 colon/rectal cancer. It has since spread and now is stage 4 lung cancer. I had an another aunt pass away after that If things weren’t going bad enough. We lost our only son 7/20/2023 due to an heart attack from an enlarged heart. He was only 30 years old. Shortly later 8/10/2023 my father found out he had stage 4 cancer and passed away a month later on 9/11/2023. Another uncle passed away literally 13 days after my dad. I’ve also had a few good friends/ coworkers that passed away of heart attacks and other illnesses. It’s just crazy you working with someone one day and next there having a meeting next morning they died.
Needless to say it’s been a rough time since 2020 begin. I am my wife primary caretaker. I take her to all her appointments while still working a full time job. I have to do that just to keep up insurance benefits for her treatments. Ive been trying to deal with some of my medical issues too. Those gotten tossed to the side when your spouse is fighting cancer. That’s the update of where the hell G been and that I wasn’t stuck under a cabinet I was moving around for the 187 time.
Needless to say it’s been a rough time since 2020 begin. I am my wife primary caretaker. I take her to all her appointments while still working a full time job. I have to do that just to keep up insurance benefits for her treatments. Ive been trying to deal with some of my medical issues too. Those gotten tossed to the side when your spouse is fighting cancer. That’s the update of where the hell G been and that I wasn’t stuck under a cabinet I was moving around for the 187 time.
Last edited:
jon72vega
Well-known member
Gerard,
Man you have been thru alot.
My prayers are for you that you will continue to have the strength to be by your wife's side, and continue to be her caregiver.
jbmatth
Well-known member
I am sorry to hear everything you have gone through and everyone you have lost in the last few years. All I can say is I hope the best for you in this terribly tough time. Best wishes!
JB
JB
shortykorte
Well-known member
Wow, I knew of some but yes this is terrible. You’re stepping up and that’s what is important. Treasure every day.
RedVise
Well-known member
My wife and I have a 33 year old son who needs total care basically. We have learned that respite time for yourself is very critical so you dont burn out. Also screaming seems to help the blood pressure on the really tough days !!
Brian
Brian
Craptain
Well-known member
Gerard, I kinda knew some of this. But it's good to know from you directly that you're still around and surviving your many many troubles. My heart is with you.
Bob Heine
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Gerard, please know a lot of us are pulling for you. Drop us a word or two if you are feeling down and we'll probably post something to make you feel worse. Or better.
In a very few years I lost my brother, arm, grandfather, father and uncle. To this day I get palpitations when the phone rings at night. Whoever decided to take these people has a cruel sense of humor, ignoring me for 80 years.
In a very few years I lost my brother, arm, grandfather, father and uncle. To this day I get palpitations when the phone rings at night. Whoever decided to take these people has a cruel sense of humor, ignoring me for 80 years.
cbacres
Well-known member
G, give The wife a hug for me and sending good wishes your way. Good to see you back here.
madison069
Well-known member
The last 4 years have been a ****** rollercoaster for a lot of folks. Myself I lost my parents and my grandma. A few other folks have passed but nothing hit me as hard as it did when I lost those three. All I can say is you got to think of the positive and know that they wouldn't want you to suffer, think of the time that you have with your love ones now while you still have them. It's hard watching them suffer and turn into a shell of the person they were, but you just being there is a big comfort for them during this time.
Speaking of co-workers passing, at my previous job we found him at his desk dead from a heart attack. He was in the best physical shape of all of us in the building, I believe he was only in his 40's. The company hired a new person 2 weeks after he had passed. They weren't going to replace the chair that he passed in before the new person came in. We took the chair and threw it away in the dumpster before the new guy showed up and forced the company to buy a new chair. A father with 3 young kids and a wife, gone after he has been working 10-12hrs days the past week before he passed. My point is you need to take care of yourself also, it's hard as I'm currently doing the same thing as you, putting my health on the back burner.
Speaking of co-workers passing, at my previous job we found him at his desk dead from a heart attack. He was in the best physical shape of all of us in the building, I believe he was only in his 40's. The company hired a new person 2 weeks after he had passed. They weren't going to replace the chair that he passed in before the new person came in. We took the chair and threw it away in the dumpster before the new guy showed up and forced the company to buy a new chair. A father with 3 young kids and a wife, gone after he has been working 10-12hrs days the past week before he passed. My point is you need to take care of yourself also, it's hard as I'm currently doing the same thing as you, putting my health on the back burner.
Madison069. Sorry to hear of your loss. My thought is I never want someone to suffer. Prolonging the inevitable is selfishness on person keeping them around. My in laws and my parents where sick and battles their aliments. I knew when they passed they where longer in pain. It was tough but I knew their little to no quality of life never wanted to see that.
It was tough with our son being he was so young. He died sometime Wednesday night/ Thursday morning in Colorado. We where leaving Friday morning to move him back to Florida. Parents should never have to bury a child. My wife suffers from survivor guilt. I just do best I can day to day.
It was tough with our son being he was so young. He died sometime Wednesday night/ Thursday morning in Colorado. We where leaving Friday morning to move him back to Florida. Parents should never have to bury a child. My wife suffers from survivor guilt. I just do best I can day to day.
This may be an unpopular post just because it’s not the GJ way. Every step and path is part of the story and journey of where im at today. My garage life was going in a different direction around 2020ish. I was content in what I acquired over the years and felt I was spending to much time in the shop. I needed to spend more time with family. Especially the wife. It was also this time frame 1/2 cup and Mr Eddie passed away the two where people I admired and looked up to. Covid hit and in my line of work I was a “essential worker”. Work load went through the roof and 60 hours was a normal thing. I was never home. Home life **** because I had to live separate from my wife. She was her mothers caretaker and couldn’t risk me giving her Covid and passing it on the her mother. After a couple months of this and I lost my ****. It wasn’t great time for me but who know that was just the beginning.
The garages i acquired…
When Mr Eddie passed his family didn’t want anything to do with his garage. They were happy just to toss it so I moved it all to my garage. I couldn’t bare to see a lifetime of this man’s stuff tossed to the curb. When my MIL passed we acquired all the contents of her house and my FILs garage. The toughest one was my dad’s place. Not only did he had my mother’s stuff (she passed 2011) I had his stuff and the garage plus shed full of stuff. Basically his garage had just as much or more stuff than mine.
That’s 3 garages I acquired in less than 4 years. My garage is only a 20x22. I ran out of space years ago thanks to the enablers of the FCGJ. At this time more than ever I felt I had to get my garage under control. It’s been a mess for years and honestly didn’t want to deal with it. I literally had stuff piled a foot to 2 foot high on bench’s. The other half of my garage looked like a pick from American pickers. It was a process of going through my stuff, bring stuff from dads sorting it all and what didn’t fit or had to many of got rehomed. I had a coworker who bought a house and needed tools to remodel it. When he got 2 truck loads of stuff. We had friends take furniture and if needed any tools I gave them away. I had a neighbor who just bought a house and wanted to start outfitting his garage. All the cabinets that where in my garage at one point ended up at dads place. I ended up surprising him with a wall full of stuff. It was good feeling that some of the cabinets from my first garage (the villa) ended up being part of someone else’s first garage. I also gave him tools and few vises. Some other tool boxes ended up and one of JCs friend place as he wanted to set up his garage. Most of my FIL wooding tools went to husband/wife couple that made cedar furniture in Louisiana. Basically, a lot of stuff found good homes and that they would live a new life instead of taking up space at my place which I didn’t have the room. The next few post are the result of couple of years work.
The garages i acquired…
When Mr Eddie passed his family didn’t want anything to do with his garage. They were happy just to toss it so I moved it all to my garage. I couldn’t bare to see a lifetime of this man’s stuff tossed to the curb. When my MIL passed we acquired all the contents of her house and my FILs garage. The toughest one was my dad’s place. Not only did he had my mother’s stuff (she passed 2011) I had his stuff and the garage plus shed full of stuff. Basically his garage had just as much or more stuff than mine.
That’s 3 garages I acquired in less than 4 years. My garage is only a 20x22. I ran out of space years ago thanks to the enablers of the FCGJ. At this time more than ever I felt I had to get my garage under control. It’s been a mess for years and honestly didn’t want to deal with it. I literally had stuff piled a foot to 2 foot high on bench’s. The other half of my garage looked like a pick from American pickers. It was a process of going through my stuff, bring stuff from dads sorting it all and what didn’t fit or had to many of got rehomed. I had a coworker who bought a house and needed tools to remodel it. When he got 2 truck loads of stuff. We had friends take furniture and if needed any tools I gave them away. I had a neighbor who just bought a house and wanted to start outfitting his garage. All the cabinets that where in my garage at one point ended up at dads place. I ended up surprising him with a wall full of stuff. It was good feeling that some of the cabinets from my first garage (the villa) ended up being part of someone else’s first garage. I also gave him tools and few vises. Some other tool boxes ended up and one of JCs friend place as he wanted to set up his garage. Most of my FIL wooding tools went to husband/wife couple that made cedar furniture in Louisiana. Basically, a lot of stuff found good homes and that they would live a new life instead of taking up space at my place which I didn’t have the room. The next few post are the result of couple of years work.
The left wall.
In some ways this hasn’t changed much but some changes made it a lot more functional. I made a shelf for small compressor. This twin compressor set still works great.
I ended up removing all the machinist boxes and vises. I did leave one vise on this bench. That vise was Mr Eddies. Every time I walk by it it reminds me of him. I use it but not too often.
I FINALLY got around to building the back board.
I used 3ft linkable led lights. And the far right needed a cut out for the switchs. It just happen to line up with small drawers style. I was gonna match rest but decided to keep it length of the box. It’s easy to add. The gray top is LVP left over from doing my floors and black mat is us general mats that came with the boxes. The boxes are still setup basically the same way as I had them. Left is what I call fabrication, middle is specifically tools, right is homeowner tools. Is area is a staging area, clean project area and just nice open bench to projects.
In some ways this hasn’t changed much but some changes made it a lot more functional. I made a shelf for small compressor. This twin compressor set still works great.
I ended up removing all the machinist boxes and vises. I did leave one vise on this bench. That vise was Mr Eddies. Every time I walk by it it reminds me of him. I use it but not too often.
I FINALLY got around to building the back board.
I used 3ft linkable led lights. And the far right needed a cut out for the switchs. It just happen to line up with small drawers style. I was gonna match rest but decided to keep it length of the box. It’s easy to add. The gray top is LVP left over from doing my floors and black mat is us general mats that came with the boxes. The boxes are still setup basically the same way as I had them. Left is what I call fabrication, middle is specifically tools, right is homeowner tools. Is area is a staging area, clean project area and just nice open bench to projects.
Attachments
Last edited:
jon72vega
Well-known member
That is well organized, and looks great!The left wall.
In some ways this hasn’t changed much but some changes made it a lot more functional. I made a shelf for small compressor. This twin compressor set still works great.
I ended up removing all the machinist boxes and vises. I did leave one vise on this bench. That vise was Mr Eddies. Every time I walk by it it reminds me of him. I use it but not too often.
I FINALLY got around to building the back board.
I used 3ft linkable led lights. And the far right needed a cut out for the switchs. It just happen to line up with small drawers style. I was gonna match rest but decided to keep it length of the box. It’s easy to add. The gray top is LVP left over from doing my floors and black mat is us general mats that came with the boxes. The boxes are still setup basically the same way as I had them. Left is what I call fabrication, middle is specifically tools, right is homeowner tools. Is area is a staging area, clean project area and just nice open bench to projects.
The back left side…
For the longest time I’ve been messing this area. This US general box is my automotive box and the vintage craftsman box held misc stuff and office stuff.
It was somewhat mobile and with one plug I could wheel it out if needed. I ended up getting the electrical panel replaced (behind the craftsman box) and while it was easy to roll out the box or reach over and flip breakers. I wanted something different with better access to panel. When the US general series 3 came out I missed the clearance of series 2 lockers. I also missed out some great deals and some top/ bottom 44s. I needed something like 24 deep x 30 wide. I looked but couldn’t find something to fit this spot. This panel location has been a PIA since I own this house place. One day looking at FB MP I found some school lockers. The ones I found just happen to be 12 wide x 18 deep double door units that were never installed. This worked because I wanted to mount my tv, make a charging station and needed the height. After some figure this is what I came up with.
They ended up being taller than I thought which worked out better. I mounted them to some small furniture dolly. If you full access to panel I remove right and left and move 44 to right. When end to access my welding/rv plug I move out the left. I removed the vintage vises and decided to use my china wonder vise. I finally got rid of stereo I been hold onto for far to many years. I use an extra Apple TV for tv source, I use an Alexa dot for music or I use phone and BT speaker. It’s all powered by one plug and here the charger station.
The charging station, back board, and lockers need paint. The left locker is office stuff.
The right locker is tools. I allowed me to put all battery tools I use in one spot and lower I put bulky stuff.
For lights I mounted more 3ft leds. One on mobile part and 2 on the underside of shelf. Organization needs more tweaking on ride side but that’s for another day.
For the longest time I’ve been messing this area. This US general box is my automotive box and the vintage craftsman box held misc stuff and office stuff.
It was somewhat mobile and with one plug I could wheel it out if needed. I ended up getting the electrical panel replaced (behind the craftsman box) and while it was easy to roll out the box or reach over and flip breakers. I wanted something different with better access to panel. When the US general series 3 came out I missed the clearance of series 2 lockers. I also missed out some great deals and some top/ bottom 44s. I needed something like 24 deep x 30 wide. I looked but couldn’t find something to fit this spot. This panel location has been a PIA since I own this house place. One day looking at FB MP I found some school lockers. The ones I found just happen to be 12 wide x 18 deep double door units that were never installed. This worked because I wanted to mount my tv, make a charging station and needed the height. After some figure this is what I came up with.
They ended up being taller than I thought which worked out better. I mounted them to some small furniture dolly. If you full access to panel I remove right and left and move 44 to right. When end to access my welding/rv plug I move out the left. I removed the vintage vises and decided to use my china wonder vise. I finally got rid of stereo I been hold onto for far to many years. I use an extra Apple TV for tv source, I use an Alexa dot for music or I use phone and BT speaker. It’s all powered by one plug and here the charger station.
The charging station, back board, and lockers need paint. The left locker is office stuff.
The right locker is tools. I allowed me to put all battery tools I use in one spot and lower I put bulky stuff.
For lights I mounted more 3ft leds. One on mobile part and 2 on the underside of shelf. Organization needs more tweaking on ride side but that’s for another day.
The back right side.
How many times do you know of person moving a water heater? This is move number 3. Well this area probably had the most work done since I lived here. When I moved the water heater to floor worked to give more sink space. Once it started to give up the ghost I replaced it and moved it. I needed to move it to make room for my generator, gas pressure washer, electric pressure washer and all the cords and attachments. I found a WH with side discharge lines. I built a platform to tuck it to ceiling as close as possible.
All that stuff was moved to another location. The refrigerator is probably number 7. This one came from dad’s house. Dad actually bought this one after I took his huge GE artic. Thing was like 35 deep 36 wide. The attic ladder attic actually rested on door when I used it. The file cabinets same ones got from Craig years ago. The fastener cabinet is a solid 90% done. Thats a project probably 7 or 8 years in making. If one thing that needed done was the fasteners stuff. It was literally everywhere. If one thing helped out the most was the fastener cabinet.
The sink is cheap drop in utility sink in 2x4 frame on casters. Yes I have moved sink out to work on plumbing.
The corner has my cord organization and electric cord reel. It was my FILs and works ok. The red cabinet holds all my oils and greases. Shelf above holds all my portable boxes and tool trays. I happy with the results of this. A lot of stuff in small space but it works.
How many times do you know of person moving a water heater? This is move number 3. Well this area probably had the most work done since I lived here. When I moved the water heater to floor worked to give more sink space. Once it started to give up the ghost I replaced it and moved it. I needed to move it to make room for my generator, gas pressure washer, electric pressure washer and all the cords and attachments. I found a WH with side discharge lines. I built a platform to tuck it to ceiling as close as possible.
All that stuff was moved to another location. The refrigerator is probably number 7. This one came from dad’s house. Dad actually bought this one after I took his huge GE artic. Thing was like 35 deep 36 wide. The attic ladder attic actually rested on door when I used it. The file cabinets same ones got from Craig years ago. The fastener cabinet is a solid 90% done. Thats a project probably 7 or 8 years in making. If one thing that needed done was the fasteners stuff. It was literally everywhere. If one thing helped out the most was the fastener cabinet.
The sink is cheap drop in utility sink in 2x4 frame on casters. Yes I have moved sink out to work on plumbing.
The corner has my cord organization and electric cord reel. It was my FILs and works ok. The red cabinet holds all my oils and greases. Shelf above holds all my portable boxes and tool trays. I happy with the results of this. A lot of stuff in small space but it works.
Last edited:
Speaking of carts… I’ve been a fan of these ikea carts for some time. Small garage you need small carts. These have been modified and about only original thing left is the baskets. First one is everyday cart.
It has adjustable tray made from old steel baking tray and a repurposed pool pole. It extends and swivels so if working under hood of car you have place for stuff. Works great when working on my camper or when cleaning my cars. I also added bigger casters for stability and ease of rolling on the driveway.
My mig/ torch cart.
This one has extensions made from 3/4 conduit. Upgraded casters. This holds my Lincoln 140, my O/A torch’s and my turbo torch. The turbo torch was my dad’s. He used it during his career working in appliance repair. He gave it to me years ago but still prefer using it when sweating copper pipes. This setup is small and easily movable. I prefer this method then having them stored in the table.
My TIG setup.
This is a Weld pro TIGACDC200GD. It has HF start and pulse. It’s been great welder and use it whenever I get chance I get. The other tank it a B size acetylene tank with a turbo torch that I picked up super cheap.
Both carts I use big band clamps to hold tanks in place. I would like bigger tanks but these I can exchange at any tractor supply or rural king. It’s helpful because only air gas/ welding shop is 30 mins away and hours are 8 to 5 M-F. I’m working those hours so having a place to exchange on weekend works for me.
It has adjustable tray made from old steel baking tray and a repurposed pool pole. It extends and swivels so if working under hood of car you have place for stuff. Works great when working on my camper or when cleaning my cars. I also added bigger casters for stability and ease of rolling on the driveway.
My mig/ torch cart.
This one has extensions made from 3/4 conduit. Upgraded casters. This holds my Lincoln 140, my O/A torch’s and my turbo torch. The turbo torch was my dad’s. He used it during his career working in appliance repair. He gave it to me years ago but still prefer using it when sweating copper pipes. This setup is small and easily movable. I prefer this method then having them stored in the table.
My TIG setup.
This is a Weld pro TIGACDC200GD. It has HF start and pulse. It’s been great welder and use it whenever I get chance I get. The other tank it a B size acetylene tank with a turbo torch that I picked up super cheap.
Both carts I use big band clamps to hold tanks in place. I would like bigger tanks but these I can exchange at any tractor supply or rural king. It’s helpful because only air gas/ welding shop is 30 mins away and hours are 8 to 5 M-F. I’m working those hours so having a place to exchange on weekend works for me.
cbacres
Well-known member
Looking good G. I gotta laugh though with the “I need to paint” comment!
madison069
Well-known member
How do you feel about using the 44" toolboxes instead of a couple of 72" toolboxes?
I've been thinking of picking up a 72" lower with a 56" toolbox top to hold all of the automotive tools, but I do like the idea of the benches on top of the toolboxes.
I've been thinking of picking up a 72" lower with a 56" toolbox top to hold all of the automotive tools, but I do like the idea of the benches on top of the toolboxes.
Well honesty they work well for what I use them for. They helped up surprisingly well. I bought 2 44’s when the Gen 1 gloss red came out and had the WOC. When I sold the WOC I got 2 more and a side cabinet. I wanted them all to match. The 56 and 72 are awesome boxes and I have dreams of a new twin 56 upper and lowers flanked by side lockers. The a dream someday for someday down the road.
I wanted to add this… The typical 2 car garage in Florida is roughly 20x20. When planning to buy I based if off that size. These cabinets would have 5 things. Tool storage, a work surface, place to mount a vise, lighting, and electrical. If I remember correctly all the 44s lined up is 15.5 feet and standard side by side refrigerator is about 3 feet so that would be one wall complete. Sometimes I think should have done 2 top chest and 2 lockers. If go vertical you save floor space if go horizontal you gain work surface.
madison069
Well-known member
Good points there. I don’t think I want to loose too much space for storage under the bench. Need to really plan my layout and determine which is better, horizontal or vertical tool storage.
The right side… it’s all about the pathways part 1…
This side has been a work in progress for years. I really couldn’t come up with something that work until I added another toy.
They are 2004 and a 2006 Yamaha vino 125. The gray one was given to me by Mr Eddies family after his passing. At 94 years old he still drove this this everyday. So much in fact it had 25200 miles on it. In years since Ive not hit 26000. The blue one is my wife’s. I was looking for electric scooter for camping but damn they are expensive. I found this on FB market place. To compare the mileage this one had alittle over 3000.
I needed to set up garage so I would have a place to easily for wife to get hers out and use it. She like to cruise neighborhood. She used mine but it had started having few issues and didn’t feel comfortable her riding it.
Now to accomplish the little area for the scooters I had to moved stuff all around. It took we wearing out some casters doing it. Now the black cabinets had to be moved. I ended up putting them here.
Mr linear layout broke his own rules. One thing it keep path to door open, the open path allows access to drawers and with access to drawers means I can put stuff back away. Next to the black cabinets is my cart/ table.
I’ll get into a full post on this cart in future. There so much ******* going on here for one post.
This side has been a work in progress for years. I really couldn’t come up with something that work until I added another toy.
They are 2004 and a 2006 Yamaha vino 125. The gray one was given to me by Mr Eddies family after his passing. At 94 years old he still drove this this everyday. So much in fact it had 25200 miles on it. In years since Ive not hit 26000. The blue one is my wife’s. I was looking for electric scooter for camping but damn they are expensive. I found this on FB market place. To compare the mileage this one had alittle over 3000.
I needed to set up garage so I would have a place to easily for wife to get hers out and use it. She like to cruise neighborhood. She used mine but it had started having few issues and didn’t feel comfortable her riding it.
Now to accomplish the little area for the scooters I had to moved stuff all around. It took we wearing out some casters doing it. Now the black cabinets had to be moved. I ended up putting them here.
Mr linear layout broke his own rules. One thing it keep path to door open, the open path allows access to drawers and with access to drawers means I can put stuff back away. Next to the black cabinets is my cart/ table.
I’ll get into a full post on this cart in future. There so much ******* going on here for one post.
Last edited:
The right side part 2…
Well in true 1/2 cup show your ugly style this is my ugly side. I’ve came to the conclusion that I’ll never get this side perfect. It’s a work in progress and I do get satisfaction in fact it’s actually functional.
Right side bench.
My most used machines ready to go.
To the right of bench.
Some sort of organized mess. I plan to relocate this stuff just not sure exactly where.
The left bench
I finally found a place to mount my Reed 105 where I didn’t need it to swivel out of way. 6in BCV still kicking. At least I have paths now. I couldn’t get to drawers of black cabinets with scooters parked here.
And the corner of shame.
I got some shelves to build with plywood. This will be cleaned up once those get built. The craftsman box I was planning on selling for maybe a HF 26 top and bottom. I decided not to turn it into storage for everything I had on bench.
I do have a hose reel I got from dad’s house to feed air to bench. It work great to use at sink, bench, and outside until someone moved 3 cabinets and table in the way.
Well in true 1/2 cup show your ugly style this is my ugly side. I’ve came to the conclusion that I’ll never get this side perfect. It’s a work in progress and I do get satisfaction in fact it’s actually functional.
Right side bench.
My most used machines ready to go.
To the right of bench.
Some sort of organized mess. I plan to relocate this stuff just not sure exactly where.
The left bench
I finally found a place to mount my Reed 105 where I didn’t need it to swivel out of way. 6in BCV still kicking. At least I have paths now. I couldn’t get to drawers of black cabinets with scooters parked here.
And the corner of shame.
I got some shelves to build with plywood. This will be cleaned up once those get built. The craftsman box I was planning on selling for maybe a HF 26 top and bottom. I decided not to turn it into storage for everything I had on bench.
I do have a hose reel I got from dad’s house to feed air to bench. It work great to use at sink, bench, and outside until someone moved 3 cabinets and table in the way.
Sometime ago we won the battle against the HOA about having a fence. After installing a 6 ft white vinyl fence I needed more storage. I ended up buying 2 “outdoor cabinets”. These where special order because the of size and color. They have 4 by 6 in grey but theses are 3.5 by 5.5 tan or earth tones. 
The area between “cabinet” and door is where trash can gets out. When I repaint the house the trim work will match the doors or sides. I havnt decidedly yet. I had these pretty set up until brought stuff over from dads. I’ve been working on it here and there for about a year. Today I took a few more jabs at it.
Bottom left there’s a pressure washer I had on table doing some maintenance on. I just got a ton of **** going on in here. 3 pressure washers (electric 1600psi)( gas 2600psi) (gas 3000psi). 3 power heads and one string trimmer. Who knew echo attachments and toro attachments weren’t interchangeable?
I have 2 toro power heads and an echo one for those tools 
. 2 chain saws, 2 pole saws. 2 blowers and one lawn mower. Believe it or not that’s after I gave away bunch of stuff. I would have needed another “ cabinet” for that stuff. The other “cabinet is a work in progress. I need to build some shelves will plywood I have in garage. That’s mainly yard tools, my hurricane stuff, and my collection of workmates to work outside. I get to it as life allows.
The area between “cabinet” and door is where trash can gets out. When I repaint the house the trim work will match the doors or sides. I havnt decidedly yet. I had these pretty set up until brought stuff over from dads. I’ve been working on it here and there for about a year. Today I took a few more jabs at it.
Bottom left there’s a pressure washer I had on table doing some maintenance on. I just got a ton of **** going on in here. 3 pressure washers (electric 1600psi)( gas 2600psi) (gas 3000psi). 3 power heads and one string trimmer. Who knew echo attachments and toro attachments weren’t interchangeable?
I have 2 toro power heads and an echo one for those tools . 2 chain saws, 2 pole saws. 2 blowers and one lawn mower. Believe it or not that’s after I gave away bunch of stuff. I would have needed another “ cabinet” for that stuff. The other “cabinet is a work in progress. I need to build some shelves will plywood I have in garage. That’s mainly yard tools, my hurricane stuff, and my collection of workmates to work outside. I get to it as life allows.
When I was in garage I thought would take some picture and explain the “*******” with my cart. Yes this is the same grangier cart 24x36 I’ve had for years. It’s probably the only thing left I started with before the GJ. I had it at my in-laws house after my FIL passed to store his Dewalt radial arm saw. After he passed, I ended up bringing it back down to my house and at the time it was just use as a collection point for stuff. That was until I got on a woodworking vice kick. No, I am not doing fine woodworking whatsoever, but I do like woodworking vises for large items they’re able to hold. Now none of my benches were suited for for any undermount vise so I made an elevated platform for the wood top. I have 3 woodworking vises on here. 7” Richard Wilcox, 6” B+C 176, and 10 craftsman.
The one reason you don’t see any of my vintage vices no more is because I was planning to restore them. Well taking the time to “properly” e tank them, tweak them, and paint them was the plan. I’ll get to them someday but for now are stored on bottom shelf. Then ended up putting all my railroad anvils and smaller vises on another shelf, The top shelf under the wood top holds my welding plates, some steel plates and various other ****. All this act says one big counterweight so when I’m working on the table, it doesn’t move. I like twin vices on top of a workbench so I put my rotator vises up top. I know people give these things a lot of hate, but I find them very useful. The non-painted HF is one I got from Shorty. The blue Wilton was one that I bought my dad as birthday gift. It’s held up pretty good over the years considering he bent the handle with cheater bar. These used to universal mounting system, I can unbolt them in a minute. Being a small space I’ve found ways to this table/ bench/ cart to the maximum.
Pipe vise in the 6”
Drill press vise mounted to 2x4. I mostly use this work on string trimmers and attachments.
Made an adapter from a scaffolding roller adapter and a portable tent pipe that had a flange. I can now use this is any on my vise without having the mounting plate.
A few of my portable work tables I clamp in vise.
I even use them on my bench’s when needed.
I didn’t forget my small clamp vises. Simple 2x4 in any vise then vise clamped to it. If counting that’s mine 4th Chinese wonder vise.
This cart/table/bench is most used bench in my garage. At one point this was and still is the prototype for my welding table. I still have all my existing pieces of my welding tables tops stored behind the craftsman box. It was just a figuring the size that would work best to store everything that on this cart now. I did add a bench extension so I could have place to sit and TIG weld. I have all the pieces it’s just like everything lately it’s as life allows and when I get around to it.
Last edited:
Cars, trucks, campers… let’s travel. Part 1
When I steeped away from GJ few years ago the one thing wife insisted we do is take more time to travel. The way we were doing that was Jayce Jay feather 165 using my 2007 Sport Trac as tow vehicle.
We used the hell out of this thing. My dad and I rebuilt “JayJay” and we upgraded a lot of parts. We made a lot of memories with this camper. Around August 2020 we decided to sell it in search of a bigger camper. We went down to camper show only to find out Covid pricing had hit the RV world. The same camper we fell in love with was now 15k more than the year before. After few years of RV lifestyle decided to try something different. We decided to go Airbnb route. No dragging the brick to a location and all the preparing. If you have a RV you know. Plus a camper is like a boat. Your always working on it and if don’t use it well it’s rots away.
First time post camper was to Gatlinburg TN. Awesome cabin in the mountains just minutes from town. First issue was we took my wife’s 2016 Kia Sorrento. The car was good but being a 4cycle front wheel drive suv it needed more power to handle mountains. Second was we got snow that week and not being AWD it got sketchy in snow and icy roads. So after that trip we went to dealer to have car serviced. They had a list of preventative work which it was due for but I wasn’t due to paid it. We started looking at new cars as wife always had the newest and most reliable car in household.
We needed V6 and AWD. We looked at KIA Tellurides but I wasn’t feeling it. It actually felt like my 2016 Sorrento with a Telluride body plus to get one way I want was way to much money. Then I saw this.
I fell in love with this suv and wife liked it too. This is a 2022 Kia Sorento LX X-line edition with 2.5 turbo and AWD. This thing has 298 HP and is a rocket. Unfortunately, we did fall victim of the 2.5 Kia/ Hyundai engine issue. 4000 mile engine blew. When we brought car there was only one in area. The dealer juts happen just to get one spec out as ours. I mean only difference is this one had pin stripping. They ended up giving us a new car. We call her NeuNeu. 18400 on new one and going strong.
When I steeped away from GJ few years ago the one thing wife insisted we do is take more time to travel. The way we were doing that was Jayce Jay feather 165 using my 2007 Sport Trac as tow vehicle.
We used the hell out of this thing. My dad and I rebuilt “JayJay” and we upgraded a lot of parts. We made a lot of memories with this camper. Around August 2020 we decided to sell it in search of a bigger camper. We went down to camper show only to find out Covid pricing had hit the RV world. The same camper we fell in love with was now 15k more than the year before.
After few years of RV lifestyle decided to try something different. We decided to go Airbnb route. No dragging the brick to a location and all the preparing. If you have a RV you know. Plus a camper is like a boat. Your always working on it and if don’t use it well it’s rots away. First time post camper was to Gatlinburg TN. Awesome cabin in the mountains just minutes from town. First issue was we took my wife’s 2016 Kia Sorrento. The car was good but being a 4cycle front wheel drive suv it needed more power to handle mountains. Second was we got snow that week and not being AWD it got sketchy in snow and icy roads. So after that trip we went to dealer to have car serviced. They had a list of preventative work which it was due for but I wasn’t due to paid it.
We started looking at new cars as wife always had the newest and most reliable car in household. We needed V6 and AWD. We looked at KIA Tellurides but I wasn’t feeling it. It actually felt like my 2016 Sorrento with a Telluride body plus to get one way I want was way to much money. Then I saw this.
I fell in love with this suv and wife liked it too. This is a 2022 Kia Sorento LX X-line edition with 2.5 turbo and AWD. This thing has 298 HP and is a rocket. Unfortunately, we did fall victim of the 2.5 Kia/ Hyundai engine issue. 4000 mile engine blew. When we brought car there was only one in area. The dealer juts happen just to get one spec out as ours. I mean only difference is this one had pin stripping. They ended up giving us a new car. We call her NeuNeu.
18400 on new one and going strong.Cars, Trucks, Campers… let travel part 2
At this moment in time Dad and I start talking about swapping trucks. Now for those that might not know the 2007 Sport Trac my dad bought new off the lot and then I bought from him. He bought a 2006 F150 Lariat 4x4 after I bought the Jayco (camper 1) so he could take camper and travel. Also I used F150 to take camper if trip was too much for the Sport Trac. Dad wasn’t doing well and F150 was sitting and I was “looking” into maybe getting another camper. Dad loved the Sport Trac and was easier for him to get into and I needed a full size truck so just made sense. Unfortunately, we never got to get to that point. Wifes cancer, son passing and then dad passing all kinds happen.
After few months go by and this settle… I should say take a breathe. My wife has big surgery coming up and expresses idea she would like to go camping again. Now how can I deny her of a that wish plus doing something we have such fond memories doing. I start searching FB MP and I end up buying this. 2016 Venture RV 250VRK.
It has 25 ft box, 29.2 from hitch to bumper, and has GVWR of 7000. It’s perfect for the F150 to tow and gives us time to decide whether to go Class A or new truck/ travel trailer combo. It wasn’t perfect but after redoing first one it’s nothing out of work I can do. This was maiden trip with “new” camper set up at one of our favorite places. Beverly Beach in Flagler Fl. You can literally park on the sea wall of the beach.
At this moment in time Dad and I start talking about swapping trucks. Now for those that might not know the 2007 Sport Trac my dad bought new off the lot and then I bought from him. He bought a 2006 F150 Lariat 4x4 after I bought the Jayco (camper 1) so he could take camper and travel. Also I used F150 to take camper if trip was too much for the Sport Trac. Dad wasn’t doing well and F150 was sitting and I was “looking” into maybe getting another camper. Dad loved the Sport Trac and was easier for him to get into and I needed a full size truck so just made sense. Unfortunately, we never got to get to that point. Wifes cancer, son passing and then dad passing all kinds happen.
After few months go by and this settle… I should say take a breathe. My wife has big surgery coming up and expresses idea she would like to go camping again. Now how can I deny her of a that wish plus doing something we have such fond memories doing. I start searching FB MP and I end up buying this. 2016 Venture RV 250VRK.
It has 25 ft box, 29.2 from hitch to bumper, and has GVWR of 7000. It’s perfect for the F150 to tow and gives us time to decide whether to go Class A or new truck/ travel trailer combo. It wasn’t perfect but after redoing first one it’s nothing out of work I can do. This was maiden trip with “new” camper set up at one of our favorite places. Beverly Beach in Flagler Fl. You can literally park on the sea wall of the beach.
Cars, trucks, campers… let’s travel part 3
After our trip to Beverly Beach that Monday leaving work the transmission in F150 let go. Good thing I still had Sport Trac. After a $4000 repair and freshly rebuild upgraded transmission we are back in action. Few months later I decided to sell the Sport Trac now got F150 sorted. It was good truck but dad was retired and it wasn’t driving daily like I would. Only other thing I had to repair was set of front calibers.
We have few months until next trip so looked into doing repairs on camper 2. The camper didn’t need a lot. It needed front cap repair, 1 of 4 brakes needed repair, and some miscellaneous stuff. One problem is didn’t have place to do repair. Dads place was for sell and my place I can’t park camper in driveway for more that 3 days, and either place was covered. Wife said let’s take to local RV place our son worked at. I’m very much hands on and tough for me just to pay someone to do work I can do but she was right. I don’t have time, place or dad to help out on this one. After we took it into shop found out the cost to repair was ridiculous. It wasn’t the parts but the labor cost. 2 sky lights and a front cap and they said $5000. I nearly fell on floor. We decided to cut are losses and sell it. Luckily a family friend who was looking for a camper got a good deal and detailed list of issues. Here’s her set up now.
Here’s what we replaced it with.
It’s a 2024 East to West Alto 2810KIK. Its 29 ft box 34 from ball the bumper and GVWR 9600. Here it is on maiden voyage in Buford Ga.
After our trip to Beverly Beach that Monday leaving work the transmission in F150 let go. Good thing I still had Sport Trac. After a $4000 repair and freshly rebuild upgraded transmission we are back in action. Few months later I decided to sell the Sport Trac now got F150 sorted. It was good truck but dad was retired and it wasn’t driving daily like I would. Only other thing I had to repair was set of front calibers.
We have few months until next trip so looked into doing repairs on camper 2. The camper didn’t need a lot. It needed front cap repair, 1 of 4 brakes needed repair, and some miscellaneous stuff. One problem is didn’t have place to do repair. Dads place was for sell and my place I can’t park camper in driveway for more that 3 days, and either place was covered. Wife said let’s take to local RV place our son worked at. I’m very much hands on and tough for me just to pay someone to do work I can do but she was right. I don’t have time, place or dad to help out on this one. After we took it into shop found out the cost to repair was ridiculous. It wasn’t the parts but the labor cost. 2 sky lights and a front cap and they said $5000. I nearly fell on floor. We decided to cut are losses and sell it. Luckily a family friend who was looking for a camper got a good deal and detailed list of issues. Here’s her set up now.
Here’s what we replaced it with.
It’s a 2024 East to West Alto 2810KIK. Its 29 ft box 34 from ball the bumper and GVWR 9600. Here it is on maiden voyage in Buford Ga.
Cars, trucks and campers… let’s travel part 4.
Before we bought camper 3 we looked into Class A and travel trailers. It’s a tough choice because both have advantages. When I looked into Class A the Sorento or the F150 couldn’t be flat towed. I understood the Sorento but not the F150. Apparently, I needed a later year to have that flat tow ability. I’ve been talking about a new truck since at least about 2006. I started looking few month’s earlier figuring out what wanted and needed. I was literally ready to print the spec out and bring to dealer to build because I couldn’t find it. The day we signed papers for new camper my truck spec popped up in Ocala Fl. Here what I ended up buying.
It’s a 2024 Ram 2500 Laramie 4x4 6.7 diesel with factory air bags and 5th wheel/ gooseneck prepped. This ended up being my early 50th birthday gift and plan for it to be my forever truck. It’s a good compromise between a 1500 and 3500 SRW. What sold me is I had to rent a truck to bring son home. I had this rented before his passing. I ended up renting a 2023 Ram 2500 Big Horn 4x4 6.7 with 8ft bed. We went Brooksville Florida to Aurora Colorado. A 4000 mile road trip in a week is one hell of a test drive. I drove it like it was stolen and never it never broke a sweat.
You can tell I have a white/black theme going.
Trust me new camper and new truck wasn’t cheap. Cant waste time repairing an old camper or truck that might have reliability issues. We don’t know how much time wife has left and it’s all about making most of time we have.
Before we bought camper 3 we looked into Class A and travel trailers. It’s a tough choice because both have advantages. When I looked into Class A the Sorento or the F150 couldn’t be flat towed. I understood the Sorento but not the F150. Apparently, I needed a later year to have that flat tow ability. I’ve been talking about a new truck since at least about 2006. I started looking few month’s earlier figuring out what wanted and needed. I was literally ready to print the spec out and bring to dealer to build because I couldn’t find it. The day we signed papers for new camper my truck spec popped up in Ocala Fl. Here what I ended up buying.
It’s a 2024 Ram 2500 Laramie 4x4 6.7 diesel with factory air bags and 5th wheel/ gooseneck prepped. This ended up being my early 50th birthday gift and plan for it to be my forever truck. It’s a good compromise between a 1500 and 3500 SRW. What sold me is I had to rent a truck to bring son home. I had this rented before his passing. I ended up renting a 2023 Ram 2500 Big Horn 4x4 6.7 with 8ft bed. We went Brooksville Florida to Aurora Colorado. A 4000 mile road trip in a week is one hell of a test drive. I drove it like it was stolen and never it never broke a sweat.
You can tell I have a white/black theme going.
Trust me new camper and new truck wasn’t cheap. Cant waste time repairing an old camper or truck that might have reliability issues. We don’t know how much time wife has left and it’s all about making most of time we have.
Attachments
Coming up on the one-year anniversary of my father's passing next month. He and Mom did a final tour together last summer, and we spent a lot of time together as a family last summer and fall. Make the most of the time you have! And F--K CANCER!
shortykorte
Well-known member
Ha, finally got a real truck.
Camping is good for the soul especially along the ocean.
Best wishes for Suzanne
Camping is good for the soul especially along the ocean.
Best wishes for Suzanne
Cars, trucks and camper… let’s travel part 5.
Well… camper 3 was a good camper but it had couple draw backs. Camper 3 is know as a couples trailer. Theres really no provisions for guest at all unless they sleep in recliners or convert the dinette. One other drawn back was bedroom. While it had great space in living it was tight in bedroom. So next camper needed more space in bedroom for my wife’s needs and have some provisions for guest. After 4 trips in camper 3 decided to trade it in on camper 4.
Camper 4 is an East to West tundra 321 RL-OK. Comes in at GVWR 14040 and is 35.4 ft long. This setup keeps me under 26000 so CDL isn’t required. This set up is actually a short total than camper 3 because of its 5th design. Even though it’s about 4000 lbs heavier it actually tows better than camper 3 with a WDH with sway control. I also went with a different style hitch.
It’s a Curt Crosswing rated at 20k. It attaches to the gooseneck ball, the rails on the bottom are bed savers, and the top piece connects to the trailer kingpin. It also relocates the pivot 8 inches back. The one issue with short bed trucks and 5th wheels. Is you traditionally needed a slider hitch. If you didn’t, you couldn’t go 90° without busting out your back window or hitting your truck. I have about 8 inches between the front cap of the trailer and my back at 45* which is probably the closest you’re gonna get to hitting. It’s also only about 65 lbs so removal is easy if need the bed space.
2 trips in already with this one and it’s be great. It’s also gonna be key in our future plans.
Well… camper 3 was a good camper but it had couple draw backs. Camper 3 is know as a couples trailer. Theres really no provisions for guest at all unless they sleep in recliners or convert the dinette. One other drawn back was bedroom. While it had great space in living it was tight in bedroom. So next camper needed more space in bedroom for my wife’s needs and have some provisions for guest. After 4 trips in camper 3 decided to trade it in on camper 4.
Camper 4 is an East to West tundra 321 RL-OK. Comes in at GVWR 14040 and is 35.4 ft long. This setup keeps me under 26000 so CDL isn’t required. This set up is actually a short total than camper 3 because of its 5th design. Even though it’s about 4000 lbs heavier it actually tows better than camper 3 with a WDH with sway control. I also went with a different style hitch.
It’s a Curt Crosswing rated at 20k. It attaches to the gooseneck ball, the rails on the bottom are bed savers, and the top piece connects to the trailer kingpin. It also relocates the pivot 8 inches back. The one issue with short bed trucks and 5th wheels. Is you traditionally needed a slider hitch. If you didn’t, you couldn’t go 90° without busting out your back window or hitting your truck. I have about 8 inches between the front cap of the trailer and my back at 45* which is probably the closest you’re gonna get to hitting. It’s also only about 65 lbs so removal is easy if need the bed space.
2 trips in already with this one and it’s be great. It’s also gonna be key in our future plans.
A step toward our future…
My wife and I both moved to Florida in mid 80’s. I moved here at 11 and stayed in same county for pass 39 years. 2002 we moved to this development and in 2006 we bought our current house. We absolutely love our house and development. There’s a lot of revitalization going on lately which is really cool. Hernando beach built building up and parts along the coast.
When wife and I got married in 2003 for our first anniversary we took a trip to Blairsville Ga and we absolutely fell in love. We stayed in Fl because we both set parents here, our jobs and raising a son. Florida been great to us and I call it hometown even though all our family is NY. Now it’s just wife and I and our daughter (stepdaughter).
One major problem with moving is where do you move? My parents lived 10 mins away and I’ll say I wouldn’t buy a house in that area. That’s not to say area wasn’t nice but we liked our development better. So finding a place so far away to put all your savings in is tough. What if you pick wrong spot and wrong town etc.
What helped out Is our daughter and husband bought 43 acres in Edison Ga maybe 2 years ago. Wanting to be somewhat close to them now we at least had an area to look. Back in September we took a trip up and looked for houses and property in area of Albany Ga which is closest “big” city to them. Our realtor knew what we wanted and she did an awesome job picking out some great options. There’s one house I fell in love with. Beautiful brick home on 2 acres, 20x20 attached workshop along with oversized garage to fit truck and even have carport to fit camper. Thats until she showed us this property.
This is 5 acres of land just outside Albany Ga in Leesburg Ga. It’s looks like it’s a cutoff of neighboring property which is 80 acres. It also has a iirc a 900 ft ingress/ egress which is ours.
What sold us also is it’s surrounded by farms. The 2 to north are 1300 and 1500 acres. The ones to east and west are 117 and 75 acres. I think there only 8 families that live on our road and we at end of road. Everything we need from hospitals to stores is 10 15 mins away. It takes longer to main road then the stores.
We can proudly say we are property owners in Ga and a 20 year dream has come true.
My wife and I both moved to Florida in mid 80’s. I moved here at 11 and stayed in same county for pass 39 years. 2002 we moved to this development and in 2006 we bought our current house. We absolutely love our house and development. There’s a lot of revitalization going on lately which is really cool. Hernando beach built building up and parts along the coast.
When wife and I got married in 2003 for our first anniversary we took a trip to Blairsville Ga and we absolutely fell in love. We stayed in Fl because we both set parents here, our jobs and raising a son. Florida been great to us and I call it hometown even though all our family is NY. Now it’s just wife and I and our daughter (stepdaughter).
One major problem with moving is where do you move? My parents lived 10 mins away and I’ll say I wouldn’t buy a house in that area. That’s not to say area wasn’t nice but we liked our development better. So finding a place so far away to put all your savings in is tough. What if you pick wrong spot and wrong town etc.
What helped out Is our daughter and husband bought 43 acres in Edison Ga maybe 2 years ago. Wanting to be somewhat close to them now we at least had an area to look. Back in September we took a trip up and looked for houses and property in area of Albany Ga which is closest “big” city to them. Our realtor knew what we wanted and she did an awesome job picking out some great options. There’s one house I fell in love with. Beautiful brick home on 2 acres, 20x20 attached workshop along with oversized garage to fit truck and even have carport to fit camper. Thats until she showed us this property.
This is 5 acres of land just outside Albany Ga in Leesburg Ga. It’s looks like it’s a cutoff of neighboring property which is 80 acres. It also has a iirc a 900 ft ingress/ egress which is ours.
What sold us also is it’s surrounded by farms. The 2 to north are 1300 and 1500 acres. The ones to east and west are 117 and 75 acres. I think there only 8 families that live on our road and we at end of road. Everything we need from hospitals to stores is 10 15 mins away. It takes longer to main road then the stores.
We can proudly say we are property owners in Ga and a 20 year dream has come true.
Last edited: