The repurposing thread

[Mr. Wonderful]

I repurposed this old handle. I drilled the metal end out and used some epoxy to hold the chuck key. The other end I drilled out to fit the tip and guts from a sharpie. Last I glued on some rare earth magnets so I always have my chuck key with a nice comfortable handle and a marker close at hand on my drill press.

 

[slammedkustom]

mr wonderful that chuck key is genius!
im always misplacing my chucks so tomorrow I guess im chopping up some old screwdrivers!

simple ideas are always the best.

 

[FishingMan]

Cbacres.Nice job on the squares. Its cool what they started out as.

 

[Hephaestus29]

I picked up what I think are some old legs to
something, and some acrylic or bullet proof glass
for my new computer desk. Be a bit before it’s
done, I’ll post a couple pics when it’s finished,
but here’s what I have now.

 

[larry4406]

I picked up what I think are some old legs to
something, and some acrylic or bullet proof glass
for my new computer desk. Be a bit before it’s
done, I’ll post a couple pics when it’s finished,
but here’s what I have now.

Those are cool old legs! I like how they "swoop" offset to the back for more leg room.

 

[lis2323]

I picked up what I think are some old legs to

something, and some acrylic or bullet proof glass

for my new computer desk. Be a bit before it’s

done, I’ll post a couple pics when it’s finished,

but here’s what I have now.

That stand is beautiful! Your desk will be awesome.


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[2oolhound]

A cool thing about bullet proof glass is if you put a light source against the edge the light transmits through the whole sheet. It's an interesting effect.

Very nice table by the way.

 

[fowldarr]

Those legs are awesome.


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[1/2 Cup]

Hephaestus29 real nice

 

[d.mcfarland]

I came across a pair of FREE cast iron table saw extensions on the weekend. I used them for making welding setup squares based on the ones available from Fireball Tools:

https://fireballtool.com/

May have to steal this, for no reason other than another fun welding project!

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

Not an overly complex repurpose but I thought I'd share. I got a new set of transfer punches for christmas. The holder that came with required them to be stored vertically and the size markings were basically never there. The stampings were so weak they could not be read. Also these punches were not expensive so the sizes were not marked on them either. These will not be used very often so I didnt want them out taking up space.

I picked up this Hansen drill index a while ago. It only had a few of the larger sizes inside but the case was nice. I had to trim a little off the first row of smaller punches and tweak the inside of the second row shelf. Now I not only have easy to read sizing in fractions but decimals as well. I am very happy with the end result.

 

[Craptain]

A simple but sensible approach to a common problem. [emoji106]

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[colt zantop]

I picked up what I think are some old legs to
something, and some acrylic or bullet proof glass
for my new computer desk. Be a bit before it’s
done, I’ll post a couple pics when it’s finished,
but here’s what I have now.

Where did you find those legs?! You do realize your sitting on a small fortune lol those legs are killer!!

 

[Bogdan M.]

Made a garage sink from a used oil drum.

 

[Bighead38]

That’s cool.

 

[Ben Jamin]

Love it!

 

[Hephaestus29]

Where did you find those legs?! You do realize your sitting on a small fortune lol those legs are killer!!

I found them at an Antique Store, so yes they
probably are worth a small fortune since that’s
what I had to pay. They had them priced at
$400.00, I payed 300.00 + Tax. That was
more than I wanted to pay but after seeing
some of the old legs and stands on craigslist
I figured that might be a decent price since
they are quite unique. I also checked out
new desks at Kittles and custom furniture
makers and figured I’d have something that
I built and was unique. After seeing other
prices I think I’m ok with what I spent.

 

[Outlander]

I found them at an Antique Store, so yes they
probably are worth a small fortune since that’s
what I had to pay. They had them priced at
$400.00, I payed 300.00 + Tax. That was
more than I wanted to pay but after seeing
some of the old legs and stands on craigslist
I figured that might be a decent price since
they are quite unique. I also checked out
new desks at Kittles and custom furniture
makers and figured I’d have something that
I built and was unique. After seeing other
prices I think I’m ok with what I spent.

I bet not many friends offer to help you move! They look heavy!

 

[Hephaestus29]

I bet not many friends offer to help you move! They look heavy!

66lbs each.

I was guessing 80, I must be getting weak in
my old age.

They are slightly larger on the bottom.

 

[atch]

Here are a couple; cheap and low-tech.

1. bathroom light fixtures; the 4-bulb fixtures that you find over mirrors. My wife had me replace these because "they're outdated". I hung them and installed 100W (equivalent) "daylight" LED bulbs. These replaced 4' fluorescent fixtures and are MUCH brighter. I had looked into 4' LED shop lights but these cost way less. I'm not destitute but don't want to spend money unnecessarily either.

2. tool tray from F series Ford truck; this one came from a 1949 pickup, but I believe that all Ford trucks 1948 - 1952 had them, regardless of size truck. These were located behind the seat attached to the rear of the cab. This has been attached to the front of one of my benches. It's handy to keep the currently in-use tools while working.

3. in the back ground of the 1st two pix you can see some shelves I made to store spray cans. A 2x4 is the perfect width for such a shelf. These were made with scrap plywood and 2x4s. Not really a repurposing item, but what the heck; they were in the pix.

4. (edit) I just noticed I the first 2 pix the metal kitchen mixing bowls. Sweetie was throwing these out. They make a great place to throw nuts and bolts and other items while disassembling things. When you reassemble they are all right there in one place. Also the flea market find antique oscillating fan is a real live saver on hot days. And the power outlet strip attached to the front of the bench is really handy. It was just taking up space in a drawer in the house 'til I moved it out there. You might or might not call the tool chest in these pix "repurposed". It's repurposed at my place after finding it at an estate sale with a ridiculously low price tag. I don't need it for tools (I have two roll around tool cabinets) but it's handy for use at the bench were I can keep tools while in use at this bench.

5. (edit again) in the middle 2 pix you'll see some scrap 2x4s made into a couple of racks to store wheels (mags and antique). Also milk crates over the desk used as storage cubbies/shelves. fwiw this desk is on a 6' wide mezzanine that's 4' above the concrete floor. I hardly ever use this desk any more. It seemed like a good idea when I put it there. It came with some woodworking tools I bought over 40 years ago and I have always found a place to put it no matter where I lived.

These are shown in the following pix:

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

2. tool tray from F series Ford truck; this one came from a 1949 pickup, but I believe that all Ford trucks 1948 - 1952 had them, regardless of size truck. These were located behind the seat attached to the rear of the cab. This has been attached to the front of one of my benches. It's handy to keep the currently in-use tools while working.

2nd gen ram single cabs have these too, and a quick attach rack that holds 4.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Any ideas on what I can do with this ring gear?


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Wind chime?

Doggie door?

Sink surround for a shop sink?

 

[BD1]

Used a old pick for a sailboat. Sails are full swivel too. Base does unscrew and a 3/8 threaded rod can be screwed into for in ground use.

 

[Hephaestus29]

Used a old pick for a sailboat. Base does unscrew and a 3/8 threaded rod can be screwed into for in ground use.

Pretty neat.

 

[Partsguy57]

Used a old pick for a sailboat. Base does unscrew and a 3/8 threaded rod can be screwed into for in ground use.

I like it.

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[toolchaser]

Nice work on the Sailboat, but I don't think its gonna float, should be stable in rough seas...

 

[JohnKal]

Nice work on the Sailboat, but I don't think its gonna float, should be stable under rough seas...

Fixed it for ya

 

[pepi]

The stampings were so weak they could not be read. Also these punches were not expensive so the sizes were not marked on them either.

That's a good idea right there, and know what you say about the size being read. I gave up on that, just find one that fits the hole. Usually only one or two out at a time, so them getting out of order is slim.

Here is another uncomplicated re purpose. New vanity and top were shipped for a bathroom. The top had its own crate, it ended up as a movable storage locker. For the second garage .

 

[danielbuck]

my neighbor (electrician) uses bit crates like that for shelves too, neat idea

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

That's a good idea right there, and know what you say about the size being read. I gave up on that, just find one that fits the hole. Usually only one or two out at a time, so them getting out of order is slim.

Here is another uncomplicated re purpose. New vanity and top were shipped for a bathroom. The top had its own crate, it ended up as a movable storage locker. For the second garage .

I love it, but I’d SO have to paint the outside probably the same gray. It’s a cool use but it bounces off my OCD tendencies.

 

[pepi]

I'd consider clear coating it, that would be it. Want it crate, something it was not meant to be but is.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Here are a couple; cheap and low-tech.

These are shown in the following pix:

Arch great job of reusing what many would chuck out. You have a great workspace for giving new life to forgotten items.
Good job!

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: I picked up some display shelving tempered glass last weekend that is 12 inches wide, 48 inches long and 1/4 inch thick that i'm thinking I'm going to do something with.

anybody else have glass projects on their list of TO DO'S or have one to post up that they made or use? I have some cool stuff to display, but not sure yet how to do it and this glass was heading towards the trash bin before I saved it? it's next to the IKEA shelving unit I saved too.

thanks for the ideas in advance while i take a glance through this thread.

 

[sixleaker]

Cut up some of the kids old toys to repurpose as cost racks / shelves

Dinosaurs for the boy.( waiting to finish up painting )



And horse for the girl.



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[danielbuck]

I like the horse shoes as gussets!

 

[shortykorte]

This has probably been posted but thought it was simple but effective idea.


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[sberry]

Same game.

 

[BajaScout]

Wheel balancer I picked up for 20 bucks a few years ago.
20170415_162723 by Laine Olson, on Flickr

Needed a TV stand for the cave so I rounded up these old ramps and creeper..
20170322_100127 by Laine Olson, on Flickr
20170322_100138 by Laine Olson, on Flickr

And did this.
20170415_162434 by Laine Olson, on Flickr
20170401_101852 by Laine Olson, on Flickr

Way cool!

 

[Craptain]

Just a simple but useful thing for me. I needed a dedicated wrench for the drawbar on my mill. So a quick dig in my trash tool box and found a deep socket the right size. A cutoff of bronze and I have a custom wrench with hammer head. Works great.

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[Copymutt]

I guess if I have a talent it would be repurposing.
Here are a few of mine.
The railing is a cherry clad Mission style headboard, lagged to the rim joist. Steps are pool table slate.

Handle from a broken Rapala fillet knife, now a sweet shift handle

Eye candy for gasser look, two camshafts joined and bolted between the frame horns.

Old extension ladders, and blue dialysis barrels for docks, ten years old now.