It Just Won’t Stop!
I tore out some double doors at the end of the shop that I never use, I need the wall space to hang my clamps.
I figure that since I started doing this little reorganization I might as well finish it. I usually bite things off a couple days at a time and then wish that I had finished or done more. There never seems to be a convenient time to interrupt my work schedule for improving shop conditions, but the payoff is always big when it comes to improved work flow and efficiency.
I completely removed the doors and framed in a wall, insulated, and sheetrocked.
Here’s a tip for working on your own house or shop: Before removing trim work, be sure to score along the edge with a utility knife to help release it from the wall.
All the snow melted that we received Monday, but as I removed the doors another weather front moved in and it started to snow again.
When I am removing doors and windows. I often depth-set the circular saw to just cut through the frame which creates segments that are easy to pry out.
After tear out, I created a simple framed wall insert and installed it.
I didn’t waste any time getting the outside sheeted to stop the loss of heat from the building. I quickly followed with insulation.
At this point it amazed me to think how little money I have spent on installing lights and making these great improvements because I have so much material on hand left over from jobs. Just clearing out these materials is helping to organize the shop because it takes up so much space.
If you are working alone it is necessary to find methods to make handling material easier. When hanging sheetrock alone I use blocks of wood temporarily screwed to the framing. This creates a no struggle install of large sheets.
By the end of the day I had most of the mud work done because I used a quick setting joint compound. Today I will add the final coat of mud, sand, and paint.
I did not add electric because I plan on covering the wall with storage. If I choose to add power it will probably be in the wall behind the drill press and mortiser. The access is quite easy in this wall because there is no insulation.
The Dominos Continue Falling
Besides changing the door into a wall, I started moving things around in the storage room (this is a 12’x16’ space that is supposed to be my finish room) to accommodate the air compressor. It will be great to get this out of my work space and isolate the noise.
My thought of taking just a couple days to work on the shop is starting to drag out but I accomplished quite a bit in making a better work space.
Today I plan on finishing the wall and complete installation of the air compressor, 2 hose reels, and reorganizing the storage room. I almost forgot, I also need to figure out how the system for hanging the clamps.
I’ve got a full day so I better get going.
What Have You Done For Your Shop Lately?
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
18 comments so far
Greg Wurst
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716 posts in 725 days
posted 45 days ago
Can’t beat extra wall space. When you get a chance you might want to consider extending an outlet over there for some additional tool hook-up space. Of course, if you use that area for storage it doesn’t really matter.
I wish I had half as much space as you do. My small shop in the basement is cramped and it gets cold in the garage in winter.
-- You're a unique and special person, just like everyone else.
Todd A. Clippinger
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5632 posts in 992 days
posted 45 days ago
I did not add electric because I plan on covering the wall with storage. If I choose to add power it will probably be in the wall behind the drill press and mortiser. The access is quite easy in this wall because there is no insulation.
In the exterior wall I drilled holes in the top plate of every stud cavity before insulating. This would make wiring easier in the future.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Greg Wurst
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716 posts in 725 days
posted 45 days ago
Man, I wish I did that in my garage when it was being built. I ran several 15 amp circuits, but I really need a 20 amp now and I have no good way of running a new one. I also drywalled most of the basement ceiling so I can’t easily run another line from the electrical box in the basement. Nothing like tripping a circuit every time you take a slightly too-heavy pass on the drum sander.
-- You're a unique and special person, just like everyone else.
Todd A. Clippinger
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5632 posts in 992 days
posted 45 days ago
With my remodeling experience it made planning for the future easier.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
dennis mitchell
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3791 posts in 1207 days
posted 45 days ago
That job site is much too clean! I’d throw some Sheetrock scraps around just for authenticity. Maybe let some mud dry on the floor.
-- http://www.woodsongsfurniture.com
Greg Wurst
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716 posts in 725 days
posted 45 days ago
Come back to Ohio and I’ll have you design my new shop. :)
Of course, I don’t have the land yet or the money. Maybe in another 5-6 years. :(
-- You're a unique and special person, just like everyone else.
PurpLev
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2732 posts in 541 days
posted 45 days ago
nice progress! , and Dang, touche on all the double postings! (I’ll double comment this for ya)
-- When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.
Napaman
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3483 posts in 969 days
posted 45 days ago
did you fake those earlier pictures? WHERE IS THE SNOW?? hey…why not leave the doors and POP out a storage closet???
I wish i had your knowledge!!! you are amazing…thanks for teaching us…
-- Matt, Napa, CA...fun is beautiful...just trying to have some fun...
Stock
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8 posts in 140 days
posted 45 days ago
The current issue of Wood has a shop tip that I am going to use for some of my clamps…the wood handled ones. Basically you just furr out the wall about an 1/8” larger than the od of the handle and as long as you wnt it . The handle sits in the “box” and the rst of the clamp sits on the outside so you can make them for different sizes. BTW my mother was complaining about the snow already this year in Great Falls. Sounds like an early winter for you.
-- Glen
Todd A. Clippinger
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5632 posts in 992 days
posted 45 days ago
Stock – Cool and sunny today. It feels like a legitimate fall day with no snow on the ground.
I just finished my final sanding and need to prime. Am working on the compressor setup while things dry.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
Mark Mazzo
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343 posts in 805 days
posted 45 days ago
Todd,
Stop…man you’re killing me with these upgrades!
You’re doing a great job, but I’m starting to feel very badly with all of the shop clean-up I have to do – not to mention that list of upgrades that never seem to get done!
Seriously, keep up the good work. I’m taking notes.
-- Mark, Webster New York, Visit my website at http://thecraftsmanspath.com
Rustic
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1247 posts in 488 days
posted 45 days ago
I want your space for my workshop
-- There is no such thing as a mistake. Its called a design modification Rick Kruse, Grand Rapids, MI
Todd A. Clippinger
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5632 posts in 992 days
posted 45 days ago
Mark – I’m hoping to motivate others via shop envy.
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
reggiek
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705 posts in 162 days
posted 45 days ago
Great job….I’ve been upgrading my new shop all along…so I know the ins and outs of what you are going through so far….right now I am looking into a couple of sky lights….I hate putting them in because they typically leak if you dont flash and seal them correctly….but the additional light would be awesome….I have shop florescents…but nothing beats good ol natural light….
I agree with you about the time too….I have a bunch more tweaks I want to do…but I really want to do some projects…..unfortunately, I can’t do both at once.
-- Woodworking.....My small slice of heaven!
Dick, & Barb Cain
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7034 posts in 1192 days
posted 44 days ago
Nice going Todd,
The domino affect has hit here also. I finished my ant damaged gazebo shed, & rented a dumpster.
I’m now starting to get rid of some junk, & expanding my shop to the other half of my garage.
I’ll start a blog on it later.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
Todd A. Clippinger
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5632 posts in 992 days
posted 44 days ago
Dick & Barb are catching shop fever!
-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com
cabinetmaster
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8474 posts in 450 days
posted 44 days ago
Damn. I better get out to my shop and get started too…..............LOL
-- Jerry--A man can never have enough tools or clamps
Dick, & Barb Cain
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7034 posts in 1192 days
posted 44 days ago
My projects have been on hold way too l-o-o-ong!
But we’re beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1