Workshop 88

[OJ Bartley]

Looks good, Eric. That's a nice neat corner to work in. Any task lighting for the bench in mind? I imagine you'll have some kind of cool vintage resto- lamp around somewhere...

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[Mr. 360]

Built in the end leg last night. I had tossed around the idea of using a 4x4 leg like the others but this seemed more solid and I think will complete the look a little better. It also sits directly below the little York 60 that will become my 'machinists' vise. Not to repeat myself, but the back story on this little vise is that I found it on the dirt floor of the little milk-shed on my parents farm, the same building that the belt driven grinder came out of. For all it's grime it's buttery smooth, almost no play, and fairly undamaged save the broken jaw. I really like the years of paint layered look, but I think this vise will see a resto. My Great Grandfathers old Columbian will stay in 'as is' shape, so i can redo this one in a nice, deep rich colour. I'm thinking either a rich dark red or a dark steel blue. I could also be convinced to give it a period correct colour if I can find a bit of original paint. Not sure on the history of this company or when this one is from (my guess is 40's-50's). It's a small sealed unit, much like the traditional Wilton Bullet style.

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[Mr. 360]

Looks good, Eric. That's a nice neat corner to work in. Any task lighting for the bench in mind? I imagine you'll have some kind of cool vintage resto- lamp around somewhere...

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You know... I don't have any cool vintage lights in fact. Not for a bench anyways. I do have 5 50's-60's style tube light units that I need to pillage from my parents garage. I found these in the garbage at some old warehouse place in Toronto. These will replace my current tube lights, I'll run the 5 down the middle between the trusses.

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[FlyOverStateFarmboy]

Your bench is looking good. The only thing I'd be concerned about with the "leg" is that moisture from the concrete could possibly soak into the plywood and de-laminate it. I'm not sure if that's as big of an issue up north, but in the spring in Kansas, due to crazy weather and humidity, the concrete will sweat pretty badly at times. That's a neat little vise too, btw.

 

[Mr. 360]

Your bench is looking good. The only thing I'd be concerned about with the "leg" is that moisture from the concrete could possibly soak into the plywood and de-laminate it. I'm not sure if that's as big of an issue up north, but in the spring in Kansas, due to crazy weather and humidity, the concrete will sweat pretty badly at times. That's a neat little vise too, btw.

Thanks, I was a little concerned at first actually about the damage to the leg (as well as the rest of the bench plus the wainscoting) if my shop was to flood again. I think I've gotten on top of it with the trenching and the eavestroughs etc, but you never know. I haven't noticed any concrete sweat issues around these parts, that sounds like it would be a pain. However if the garage did flood, that area is usually above the waterline.

I'm a fan of that vise as well. I know there's sometimes a bit of discrepancy over who had the bullet vise first (wilton or york), but this little guy is so old it doesn't really matter. It does appear to be a quality product. I might be able to find a date stamp on the base, I've heard they stamped em there.

 

[FlyOverStateFarmboy]

That's good that it would be above the waterline if you had another freak rainstorm. Hopefully you've finally got your drainage issues sorted out so it's never a problem again. I know how frustrating that can be...I've got to do some landscaping this spring to keep water from getting into my basement through the egress windows.

The bullet design is so cool. I'd love to find an old Wilton (or any old bench vise for that matter) for my bench. I've got the old post vise, but it doesn't work as well for some things. That would be interesting to see just how old it is.

 

[longlivepunk]

You could always put some sealant on the end of the leg just to be on the safe-side, could you not? Or maybe wrap the end in a bit of rubber-sheeting? I think I'd actually use a bit of bed-liner for trucks to shoot the bottom end.

The updates look great, Eric! Good job!

 

[OJ Bartley]

Thanks, I was a little concerned at first actually about the damage to the leg (as well as the rest of the bench plus the wainscoting) if my shop was to flood again.

Thoughts like this have been rattling around my head too, when I think about starting my bench. I've considered rubber 'boots' for the stub end of the 2x4 supports where they touch the floor; staining/sealing; painting the bottom inch with truck bed liner or plasti-dip; and adjustable leveling feet. Nothing really feels quite right.

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[Mr. 360]

That's good that it would be above the waterline if you had another freak rainstorm. Hopefully you've finally got your drainage issues sorted out so it's never a problem again. I know how frustrating that can be...I've got to do some landscaping this spring to keep water from getting into my basement through the egress windows.

The bullet design is so cool. I'd love to find an old Wilton (or any old bench vise for that matter) for my bench. I've got the old post vise, but it doesn't work as well for some things. That would be interesting to see just how old it is.

You could always put some sealant on the end of the leg just to be on the safe-side, could you not? Or maybe wrap the end in a bit of rubber-sheeting? I think I'd actually use a bit of bed-liner for trucks to shoot the bottom end.

The updates look great, Eric! Good job!

Thoughts like this have been rattling around my head too, when I think about starting my bench. I've considered rubber 'boots' for the stub end of the 2x4 supports where they touch the floor; staining/sealing; painting the bottom inch with truck bed liner or plasti-dip; and adjustable leveling feet. Nothing really feels quite right.

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Good questions, I've sorta been kicking around the idea lately of trimming off 3/4" or so from the bottom and adding feet, though I'd need to make them beefy to support the metal lathe and vise work. Like OJ says, nothing feels right so far. I'm kinda banking on it suddenly coming together as I'm putting it all together. I've been working on a house project this last week though and haven't managed any garage time, but I'll get to it (wouldn't you know, the house project has snowballed a bit). All I can say is, if you own an old house, be careful about opening up walls.

 

[FlyOverStateFarmboy]

Maybe you could use some of that scrap metal you picked up...weld a couple pieces together in a short U shape to raise it off the floor 1/4 or so. I agree that screw in feet wouldn't feel right for how beefy that bench is.

And good luck on the house project...

 

[LaneRover]

What about just coating the ends of the wood (and maybe an inch up the side with polyurethane or Spar varnish? I am not sure if there is much of a difference between the two.

I had something shipped from England on a show and the whole wood box had a light coating of either shellac or polyurethane to keep out dampness. I also used it fora prop box that had to go in the water that was made out of chip board. We dunked it a number of times a, was wet for a while nd it never swelled.

 

[Mr. 360]

Maybe you could use some of that scrap metal you picked up...weld a couple pieces together in a short U shape to raise it off the floor 1/4 or so. I agree that screw in feet wouldn't feel right for how beefy that bench is.

And good luck on the house project...

I like that idea, seems beefy and would look right. i can also just have the front leg a 1/4" longer to account for the uneven floor... House project is coming on well, I took a couple days off last week to really get into it. It's a bathroom deal, tub, vanity, and adding beadboard. The old stuff was from the 60's and way past it's lifespan. Still lots to do.

What about just coating the ends of the wood (and maybe an inch up the side with polyurethane or Spar varnish? I am not sure if there is much of a difference between the two.

I had something shipped from England on a show and the whole wood box had a light coating of either shellac or polyurethane to keep out dampness. I also used it fora prop box that had to go in the water that was made out of chip board. We dunked it a number of times a, was wet for a while nd it never swelled.

Well, the whole deal will be sealed with some kind of hard clear coat, whether poly or varnish or something, so that will go down the leg too. Couple that with the trimmed/bolstered leg and I should be golden. Btw, welcome to GJ!

 

[LaneRover]

Btw, welcome to GJ!

Thank you

 

[Mr. 360]

If it seems I've been away a little while on here, that's probably because I have been. My wife and I got a surprise a little earlier than we had expected.

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I was just finishing the bathroom renovation, literally clamping the waste pipe on the new vanity, when it was time to go to the hospital. We never found out the gender so it was a surprise to both of us (though I knew in my gut it was a girl all along). Her name is Ellie, and I haven't been able to pry myself away from snuggling and kissing her to get even a second in the shop, no matter.

Normal service will be resumed here soon, though perhaps now the shop will turn out more projects with doll-houses, flowers, and such

 

[Bassfishing54]

Congratulations on the early arrival!
Projects like that are always fun!

 

[Ford52PU]

Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl. Take your time and enjoy her all you can, they grow up way too quick!

 

[vekster]

Congratulations on the Baby!

You should strap that car seat in though when you take her for a ride....HAHAHa

 

[madison069]

My Daughter is 3 weeks old so I know your feeling! This past weekend was the first weekend that i actually worked around the house and in the garage!

Congrat!!

 

[Olinrj]

Congratulations! Take your time getting back to the shop, it will wait patiently for your return.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Congratulations Eric and well done.

 

[Modern Jess]

Wow, congrats! That's a long-term project right there.

 

[dubber]

Congrats Eric for the new family member.

 

[ajohno]

Congrats Eric.

 

[OJ Bartley]

Congratulations to you and Mrs. Workshop88, Eric. I think you'll find this project taking up pretty much all of your time, but also that it just gets more and more rewarding. (until the teens I think, but that's still a long way off for us both)

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[jjohnson70]

Congratulations Eric! She'll be helping you out in the shop in no time!

 

[diggler306]

Congrats man!

 

[captain14]

Congrats Eric. How many rides has she been in with the old truck?

 

[Mr. 360]

Thanks for all the best-wishes guys. I know a baby means less time in the shop but honestly, it's worth it. Also, someday when guys come around, I can make sure to introduce them to my axe collection . I wish I could say shes been out for a ride in the truck, but that truck is grounded with no brakes at the moment, among other things. I find it a little disheartening that the government says I cant have a kid in the front seat until they're 12 years old or 4'9" etc etc.

Not to worry, I will make some more shop progress. I have my bench build and cupboard doors to finish, and I'm finally getting around to moving my shop press and vintage lights over. I'm thinking run the vintage lights in the ceiling, evenly spaced, and strategically place these guys in work zones.

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I picked up 5 of these at Home Depot last weekend. They were originally $70 ea but were marked down a bit because they were slow sellers. a little chat with the manager and I had em for $15 apiece. I thought the look would work well in there and if I cant use em, I can just return.

 

[bullitt67]

Congrats on your baby girl Eric!!! My daughter is 8 yo now and I wish she was that size again. It goes fast, too fast, enjoy brother and don't ever be to busy for your kids!!!

 

[fireeqpsrv]

Congrats on the Daughter!

 

[xtremek]

Congrats Eric on the little one. I haven't had to break out my axes....... yet.

 

[HSpencer]

Huge congratulations on the new one!!!! That is wonderful in every way. I really do like the lights you got, and at a great price at that. I am thinking they will look great in your shop. I like anything vintage, and in particular the 1930s-40s. Also anything "Industrial Age" or "Art Deco". I can envision those wonderful old auto shops with that style light hanging over the workbench.
I have a couple of quite old tube fixtures over mine, but I like the look you are going to have best.
Again, congratulations and your doing great all around my friend!

Best Regards (You and family)
Herb

 

[taumac]

Congrats

 

[rmalkow2]

Congrats Eric! No hurry in the shop now, you've got your priorities in the right place. Taking care of that new wonder in your lives.

 

[WxDude10]

Congrats! Make sure you take lots of pictures as she grows up. Enjoy the ride.

 

[mike_81]

Congratulations Eric and family!

 

[FlyOverStateFarmboy]

Congrats to you and your wife, Eric! Ellie looks right at home in the garage with you.

 

[LaneRover]

Congrats on your new 'sound system'!

My little girl just turned 2 today, it has been a blast. At least you're young enough that people won't ask you if she is your first grandchild!

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

HUGE congrats on your beautiful baby girl!

I have TWO new granddaughters both 8 months old and the Sun rises and sets on their little heads as far as I'm concerned. I'm sure it's exactly the same for you too!

 

[Scio]

Congratulations!