Tooling (Re)Organization

[slodat]

Don't threaten me with a shop visit! Let's do it! The plasma table gets here in a few weeks or so..

 

[lilscorpion]

Don't threaten me with a shop visit! Let's do it! The plasma table gets here in a few weeks or so..

Damn it!! I’ll send you an IM. That would be awesome..

 

[tricksel]

Here’s the reality (or so I’m realizing) - over the years I’ve begun to implement more complicated organizational strategies in my shop. Used to be on a budget w/ pre-laminated wood, glue, and nails. Now they’re much less budget focused - plastics, metal, CNC’d, and powder coated. I’ve noticed that as I’ve drifted away from budget I get less and less feedback. I’ve kinda wondered if maybe it’s because my projects have become less and less relatable to the masses and that’s why.

I don’t need feedback but it does create the inertia to take pics.

While the facts may about the feedback may absolutely true, if I speak for myself, I can fully say I'm still very interested in your skills, whether you've progressed to the more expensive and extensive ways of organization. A lot of it can scale down to a more budget-friendly level with some imagination, and it's simply awesome to see such craftsmanship and creativity you spread around. Also, the quite detailed photo's and posts are really helpful and great to read. For me; I'm the textbook example of a lurker, but I'm always curious to see a new post here! I understand feedback keeps you motivated, I'll try to put my part into it!

 

[Strouty]

Whenever people ask how many suburbans I need, I just say “all of them”, that pretty much ends the conversation.

There are probably a hundred GJ shops I would love to do a free apprenticeship at, yours is on my short list.

 

[lilscorpion]

While the facts may about the feedback may absolutely true, if I speak for myself, I can fully say I'm still very interested in your skills, whether you've progressed to the more expensive and extensive ways of organization. A lot of it can scale down to a more budget-friendly level with some imagination, and it's simply awesome to see such craftsmanship and creativity you spread around. Also, the quite detailed photo's and posts are really helpful and great to read. For me; I'm the textbook example of a lurker, but I'm always curious to see a new post here! I understand feedback keeps you motivated, I'll try to put my part into it!

thanks for the feedback. This is really helpful to hear. I enjoy building things. I realized last night that GJ fills a void that I’ve had for years in my local community. Though there are those close by that occasionally wander by my garage door and comment on my shop, they don’t really think like me, they aren’t like me. It’s a special kind of broken I think but there are more like me.

I’m also reminded that we’re in a new age where within the lurkers may just be the future students of the trades. There are maybe 4 people who significantly influenced my shop energy at a younger age and all 4 were in person either in their place of business or garage where I could see, ask questions, root around through their tools, etc. I’m not sure learning that way is possible anymore. Gotta feed the lurkers…

Whenever people ask how many suburbans I need, I just say “all of them”, that pretty much ends the conversation.

There are probably a hundred GJ shops I would love to do a free apprenticeship at, yours is on my short list.

I mean I want a Suburban but I’m worried if I buy one, I’ll tip the natural balance in nature away from you which would be REALLY bad.

Man, between you and Steven I’m really thinking we might be on to something…seriously. I feel exactly the same way. I’d be content just opening every one of your vidmar cabinets or sit in every Burban so I could say I did. #GJBraggingRights

 

[lilscorpion]

I realize I failed to post the culmination of many hours of socket drawer organization (hey, I’m rusty)…this is the SAE drawer powder coated res

The drawer is 42” wide, 24” deep, and the drawer slides are 600lb weight rated. The drawer glides smoothly and the 1/2” plywood drawer bottom supports all those sockets just fine because the 1/4” aluminum socket bases distribute the load beautifully.



to answer the obvious question (I’ve been asked by almost everyone who’s seen it in person, including one of my closest friends who’s a master mechanic) - who needs that many sockets?!? Answer is fairly simple. For years I found myself working on projects running into a fastener that I couldn’t get off with the tools I had and I can never find what I need locally so. So I’d have to order it. Instant stall on whatever I was doing. Decided might as well just invest in the interest of progress because time is now my most precious commodity.

happy Tuesday GJ.

 

[Strouty]

You can get your man card revoked for asking questions like that....

I wish I could visit so many shop/garage spaces, I find myself watching YouTube videos only to be mesmerized by the shop in the background rather than the content. Everyone has something unique to offer and I try and hijack or steal as many ideas as possible. Of course being a perfectionist can sure mess things up. I have had several GJ visitors come to my shop and I have been to a few of their shops and I always find something interesting.

 

[lilscorpion]

Almost forgot. Wanted to recap the tools that made this project possible b/c it was actually easier than most might think. I did use a CNC for layout and to get my spacing right but the same outcome could easily be accomplished with a drill press, a ruler, and a little OCD easily enough.

the tools otherwise? A counter sink drill bit/spot drill

the material: 1/4” 6061 Aluminum bar stock (feat onlinetals.com)

the hardware: 10-32 x 5/8 stainless counter sink machine screws and aluminum standoffs (obviously threaded 10-32.

the color: Red Wheel and Savannah Blue powder coat from Prismatic Powders

 

[zmotorsports]

Matt, the socket organization turned out freakin' awesome.

As for the annular cutters, yes, I have two full sets. Both are labeled Hougen Rotacut annular cutters. One set has smaller sizes from about 5/16" up to 1" I think. The other has slightly larger sizes and ranges from 7/8" up to 1.5". They work great and have held up exceptionally well over the years. I think the only one I have replaced is the 3/8" cutter because when I was building my sandrail back around 2009 or so I used it a LOT and wore it out. I was able to purchase just that size and toss it in the blow molded case an no one's the wiser.

 

[lilscorpion]

…I always find something interesting.

In mine you’d experience a guy figuring out how to put 12lbs if **** in a 3lb can and that aluminum shavings can be used successfully as shop glitter.

 

[lilscorpion]

Matt, the socket organization turned out freakin' awesome.

Thank you. Ain't gonna lie, every time I open it, it puts a smile on my face.

Matt, the socket organization turned out freakin' awesome.

As for the annular cutters, yes, I have two full sets. Both are labeled Hougen Rotacut annular cutters. One set has smaller sizes from about 5/16" up to 1" I think. The other has slightly larger sizes and ranges from 7/8" up to 1.5". They work great and have held up exceptionally well over the years. I think the only one I have replaced is the 3/8" cutter because when I was building my sandrail back around 2009 or so I used it a LOT and wore it out. I was able to purchase just that size and toss it in the blow molded case an no one's the wiser.

That's good to hear (longevity). They're kinda expensive so if they only last for a few dozen holes it would ****. Do you have a mag drill or do you use them in your mill as well?

Matt

 

[zmotorsports]

Thank you. Ain't gonna lie, every time I open it, it puts a smile on my face.

That's good to hear (longevity). They're kinda expensive so if they only last for a few dozen holes it would ****. Do you have a mag drill or do you use them in your mill as well?

Matt

Matt, I purchased a Hougen mag drill last year but purchased a separate 5/8" annular cutter for when I drilled my fabrication table.

I have not used these particular cutters in the mag drill but I have used them by hand, drill press and on the milling machine and they work great in either situation.

I just used the 3/4" one on a stainless steel keg that I was working on for a guy's rat rod about a month ago. I stepped some stainless steel bungs on the lathe and drilled the holes in the keg using the 3/4" Rotacut cutter in a cordless drill in which the bungs set down into. Worked great and was very fast drilling all three holes. The large hole for the fill bung took the longest as it was 2.5" and I used a bi-metal hole saw.

 

[jar944]

Though there are those close by that occasionally wander by my garage door and comment on my shop, they don’t really think like me, they aren’t like me. It’s a special kind of broken I think but there are more like me.

That is the common thread..

 

[Strouty]

Shop Glitter, that is almost as good as Florida Safety Shoes (flip flops)....

 

[gearhead1960]

I realize I failed to post the culmination of many hours of socket drawer organization (hey, I’m rusty)…this is the SAE drawer powder coated res

The drawer is 42” wide, 24” deep, and the drawer slides are 600lb weight rated. The drawer glides smoothly and the 1/2” plywood drawer bottom supports all those sockets just fine because the 1/4” aluminum socket bases distribute the load beautifully.



to answer the obvious question (I’ve been asked by almost everyone who’s seen it in person, including one of my closest friends who’s a master mechanic) - who needs that many sockets?!? Answer is fairly simple. For years I found myself working on projects running into a fastener that I couldn’t get off with the tools I had and I can never find what I need locally so. So I’d have to order it. Instant stall on whatever I was doing. Decided might as well just invest in the interest of progress because time is now my most precious commodity.

happy Tuesday GJ.

Matt,
That is a great! I wish I had the skills or time to learn some of the thing you do. I have taken some step to organize all my tools. The biggest achievement was getting a larger tool box so I could actually see and find some of the tools I have that were spread across the garage, basement and car as space was never enough. I watch your thread for ideas all the time. I may not be able to execute them like you, but it gives me food for thought. Thanks and keep organizing

 

[lilscorpion]

Shop Glitter, that is almost as good as Florida Safety Shoes (flip flops)....

I know I can be semi-lax on PPE but I could never wear Florida Safety Shoes in my shop. I’d venture to say no one could.

 

[lilscorpion]

Matt,
That is a great! I wish I had the skills or time to learn some of the thing you do. I have taken some step to organize all my tools. The biggest achievement was getting a larger tool box so I could actually see and find some of the tools I have that were spread across the garage, basement and car as space was never enough. I watch your thread for ideas all the time. I may not be able to execute them like you, but it gives me food for thought. Thanks and keep organizing

A larger toolbox is a game changer. Anytime you can increase storage space it gives you the ability to get more organized…or try.

I think anyone can execute just like me. They’ll use their tools, their processes and come up with their outcomes. Key is to try, practice, and begin to gather tools to help in your journey. It’s little projects like the one below that paves the way for the more complicated organizational projects and it requires a much less expensive set of tools. I have dozens of these around the shop I won’t likely ever rebuild because they’re equally as functional.

 

[Cruzan80]

The two biggest issues I have faced before are inter-related. A) Making somethIng modular so as I add pieces, they can be redone and accomodated, and B) letting go of the fear of sunken costs if the project doesnt turn out well.

Both of which are simplified as I have most of what I can think I "need" and not too much expansion possible, and I am much more financially secure than I was.

 

[Trapps]

Do you want to browse them or are looking for something in particular? I have maybe a 50 albums in my iCloud. I could either find a place to host them or revive targeted pics if you know what you’re looking for.

I have a small space that I'm trying to evolve into a very well organized and functional shop. I'd love to browse all, but I'd be focused on all of the creative cabinetry solutions you employed.

Thanks!

 

[lilscorpion]

The two biggest issues I have faced before are inter-related. A) Making somethIng modular so as I add pieces, they can beredone and accomodated

Can you standardize your cabinets so that drawers and shelves are Eve same dimensionally? If you do that then all you’d need to change is the organization of a shelf or drawer itself internally nor the spacing between. If you can do that, then all you’d be risking A small amount of material to make a single shelf or an organizer that sits on a shelf (or in a drawer). Scattered across my thousand posts in the past these are some of the lessons I’ve learned. If you’d like I can quickly document what I’m talking about Amd throw up a few pics.

 

[Strouty]

Sunken Money Fallacy gets a lot of people Cruzan, my Dad is terrible, he will spend $30k fixing a truck that isn't worth $10k, because he paid $12k for the truck five years ago. I on the other hand will just about throw away a storage solution when it becomes obvious that it just won't work, of course when I say throw it away, that means move it into storage for a while, then move it to deeper storage for a while, then try and sell it, then try and give it away, then realize it would have been simpler to toss it out in the first place.

I was in deep storage tonight looking for some wire, I found it, but there is a lot of stuff that should be gone.

 

[lilscorpion]

Why is the CPR dummy in deep storage? Gotta stay sharp…

 

[Strouty]

Nope, that is Rescue Randy, he is 165 pounds of limp dummy, used him for rescue training back when I had tower crews.

 

[lilscorpion]

Nope, that is Rescue Randy, he is 165 pounds of limp dummy, used him for rescue training back when I had tower crews.

The tower crews aren’t in one of the other containers are they?!

 

[Strouty]

The funny part is that "Randy" is actually "Mort", I bought him from a mortuary, they used him to train people that remove dead bodies from apartments and houses, he arrived in a body bag with his own toe tag.

 

[lilscorpion]

The funny part is that "Randy" is actually "Mort", I bought him from a mortuary, they used him to train people that remove dead bodies from apartments and houses, he arrived in a body bag with his own toe tag.

Rough life

 

[Cruzan80]

Can you standardize your cabinets so that drawers and shelves are Eve same dimensionally? If you do that then all you’d need to change is the organization of a shelf or drawer itself internally nor the spacing between. If you can do that, then all you’d be risking A small amount of material to make a single shelf or an organizer that sits on a shelf (or in a drawer). Scattered across my thousand posts in the past these are some of the lessons I’ve learned. If you’d like I can quickly document what I’m talking about Amd throw up a few pics.

I am much better about everything now. Some of these comments are from watching/reading thru the first Organization thread you started, and then this one. Same with the comment about 3D printing some of your ideas. Didnt neccesarily mean the QC tool holders, though that is one example. More trying to open it up to others.

Most of the available room in my shop is taken up with machines, I have very little cabinet space. Three different stacks of toolboxes (all 26" wide), a couple of Vidmar that are two different widths, and a Presteel workbench with drawers. But everything now has a home and a spot.

I have gotten to where I know what is living where, and with no real room to expand, it becomes making the best use of the space I have, and the most useful. My eventual plan is to just hire you for an extended weekend to come down and critique/share ideas once I have all of the extra junk out of the way...


More of these comments are reflecting on my spaces 3-5yrs ago, or before. Trying to help others that may not be in a more stable storage situation, or growing their collections piece-meal to get past those fears and realize how to take some of these ideas and make them work for them. I think we sometimes forget where we came from, and what it was like trying to get by before. If I can ask the "question" that others are too afraid of, they can get the benefit of the answer, while still lurking...

 

[lilscorpion]

I am much better about everything now. Some of these comments are from watching/reading thru the first Organization thread you started, and then this one. Same with the comment about 3D printing some of your ideas. Didnt neccesarily mean the QC tool holders, though that is one example. More trying to open it up to others.

Most of the available room in my shop is taken up with machines, I have very little cabinet space. Three different stacks of toolboxes (all 26" wide), a couple of Vidmar that are two different widths, and a Presteel workbench with drawers. But everything now has a home and a spot.

I have gotten to where I know what is living where, and with no real room to expand, it becomes making the best use of the space I have, and the most useful. My eventual plan is to just hire you for an extended weekend to come down and critique/share ideas once I have all of the extra junk out of the way...


More of these comments are reflecting on my spaces 3-5yrs ago, or before. Trying to help others that may not be in a more stable storage situation, or growing their collections piece-meal to get past those fears and realize how to take some of these ideas and make them work for them. I think we sometimes forget where we came from, and what it was like trying to get by before. If I can ask the "question" that others are too afraid of, they can get the benefit of the answer, while still lurking...

Got it. A shop filled with machines sounds great.

Where we came from feels like so long ago…

 

[jeffmoss26]

sweeet

 

[56vette461]

I realize I failed to post the culmination of many hours of socket drawer organization (hey, I’m rusty)…this is the SAE drawer powder coated res

The drawer is 42” wide, 24” deep, and the drawer slides are 600lb weight rated. The drawer glides smoothly and the 1/2” plywood drawer bottom supports all those sockets just fine because the 1/4” aluminum socket bases distribute the load beautifully.



to answer the obvious question (I’ve been asked by almost everyone who’s seen it in person, including one of my closest friends who’s a master mechanic) - who needs that many sockets?!? Answer is fairly simple. For years I found myself working on projects running into a fastener that I couldn’t get off with the tools I had and I can never find what I need locally so. So I’d have to order it. Instant stall on whatever I was doing. Decided might as well just invest in the interest of progress because time is now my most precious commodity.

happy Tuesday GJ.

Awesome, but you take all the frustration and angst that comes with searching for just the right socket!

 

[lilscorpion]

Awesome, but you take all the frustration and angst that comes with searching for just the right socket!

…searching for where my son put that one socket I need. Sane now.

 

[zanyad]

Long-time lurker here. I wanted to add that I also enjoy your picture- and word-filled posts, since you explain not only what you did but a lot of the why.

 

[icecactus]

Here’s the reality (or so I’m realizing) - over the years I’ve begun to implement more complicated organizational strategies in my shop. Used to be on a budget w/ pre-laminated wood, glue, and nails. Now they’re much less budget focused - plastics, metal, CNC’d, and powder coated. I’ve noticed that as I’ve drifted away from budget I get less and less feedback. I’ve kinda wondered if maybe it’s because my projects have become less and less relatable to the masses and that’s why.

I don’t need feedback but it does creat the inertia to take pics.

Don't stop posting! I'm definitely a silent lurker. This thread and your previous are my favorite threads on the internet. For me the shop is the project. At least right now and into the foreseeable future. So your threads are gold

You could be onto something with the fact that your project are less budget friendly. However, most people like myself have also upgraded our skills and equipment over time too. So its kind of a natural progression in my opinion. For instance, your aluminum corner blocks for your 8020 tables. Those are awesome. I currently dont have a mill, which is why I asked you a while back if you would be interested in making some to sell However, one day I will own a mill, or I will figure out a way to machine it using my wood routers and templates that I make with my shaper origin. So even though I cant do it now, the idea is still good and gives me motivation to eventually get a mill.

I have noticed over the last couple of years, the number of users posting in forums seems to have dropped. I think you are getting less feedback as I feel the forum is being replaced by groups on facebook and also instagram. That drives me nuts, but it is easier for the masses and that will always win out. I cant stand Facebook groups, its like taking a step back in my opinion, but it is what it is. Its quicker and less complicated.

 

[lilscorpion]

Long-time lurker here. I wanted to add that I also enjoy your picture- and word-filled posts, since you explain not only what you did but a lot of the why.

Thank you. I’m gonna keep doing it. Feedback from you all has helped me appreciate the community from different perspectives. It’s been incredibly insightful.

 

[lilscorpion]

Don't stop posting! I'm definitely a silent lurker. This thread and your previous are my favorite threads on the internet. For me the shop is the project. At least right now and into the foreseeable future. So your threads are gold

The shop truly is THE project - totally! Thanks for the feedback.

You could be onto something with the fact that your project are less budget friendly. However, most people like myself have also upgraded our skills and equipment over time too. So its kind of a natural progression in my opinion…

You’re completely right. Thank a for pointing it out. The view was too self-centered. Apologize for that AND it also makes me so happy to think about it that way!

I have noticed over the last couple of years, the number of users posting in forums seems to have dropped. I think you are getting less feedback as I feel the forum is being replaced by groups on facebook and also instagram. That drives me nuts, but it is easier for the masses and that will always win out. I cant stand Facebook groups, its like taking a step back in my opinion, but it is what it is. Its quicker and less complicated.

Hmmm…also very insightful. I myself went away for 6 months. All the while I was away o only posted on social media because (drumroll) it was more accessible, it’s faster, the posts are briefer and less “journal-like”, etc.

I too have realized that FB Groups kinda **** for a variety of reasons. The primary one is it doesn’t feel like a community. It’s more like a peanut gallery. Random person asking you why you’d bother doing something instead of something else. Instagram is a little less like that but more random. Hash-tag away and you still gave no idea who will end up seeing your post.

See now I’m thinking I got it all wrong.

 

[fartymarty]

See now I’m thinking I got it all wrong.

The important thing here, is that you're back here. YAYYYYYYYYYYY!

 

[lilscorpion]

…For instance, your aluminum corner blocks for your 8020 tables. Those are awesome. I currently dont have a mill, which is why I asked you a while back if you would be interested in making some to sell However, one day I will own a mill, or I will figure out a way to machine it using my wood routers and templates that I make with my shaper origin. So even though I cant do it now, the idea is still good and gives me motivation to eventually get a mill.

Did mean to comment on this one too. I know some (like you) were interested in the 80/20 corners. What I’ve not really shared is that my process sometimes requires multiple setups many of which are difficult to re-create. As a result, many parts I make are kinda like one-time-runs and why I typically make 2x as many as I think I’ll need. The extras either end up as true extras or they end up as waste (I screw something up during the matching process and I’m grateful I was making more than I needed so the failure goes in the trash). It is for this reason that I’ve not been super excited to machine some for others. I should be able to but sometimes it’s more work to make another set because I have to figure out the fixturing again.

all this said - this year I e already decided that I need to refresh my CNC to a current operating system. Upgrade the floppy disc to a USB or Ethernet so I can build things in CAD, have more modern tool path strategies, and be able to more easily re-create my stuff so I can make multiple runs over time. I’d like to build more for myself. If I do, I’ll make you a set.

That said, keep working towards your own machine. It is the single most transformative tool purchase I made in my life. The possibilities it opened up for me was nearly endless.

 

[csp]

Long-time lurker here. I wanted to add that I also enjoy your picture- and word-filled posts, since you explain not only what you did but a lot of the why.

That's exactly why forums like this are so much better than Instagram or Fakebook.

I only live a few miles from lilscorpion and have yet to arrange a time to see his current shop. I have been to his old place, but that must have been 20 years ago, if not more.

Keep posting Matt, I enjoy seeing how you manage to stuff ten pounds of stuff into five pound bags!

 

[lilscorpion]

The important thing here, is that you're back here. YAYYYYYYYYYYY!

I’m back!!! Now what?!? Gotta find something else to post from the last 6 months…

 

[lilscorpion]

A Morse Taper 4 lazy Suzan?! To organize my tail stock tooling…



this one was tough. My travel on the mill is only about 12” (ish) on the Y axis and the overall diameter of the lower 2 levelA is 15”. I had to machine each in half circles which I’d not done before.