My Shop Remodel and Refurb: A pictorial as it happens

Update: Painting of the walls was completed today. The next phase is 96 sf / 192 cubic feet of overhead shelf storage (2 ft. wide by 2 ft. tall by 48 linear feet around the perimeter. The x-braced cantilever frames are all assembled (glued and screwed). I’ll post pics upon completion.

-- If you're going to stir the pot, think BIG spoon or SMALL boat paddle. David Grimes, Georgia

This is looking real nice. I only have one suggestion and it is completely personal preferences and that is:

How about raising the garage door track as close to the ceiling as possible?

I did this when originally building my detached metal building garage and have really loved that feature since I no longer bang things into it when it is open and hanging so low. I understand that this may be considered by some as an added and unnecessary expense, but adequate head space has always been high on my list after working out of a similar garage for several years. Just a thought….

-- HorizontalMike -- "Woodpeckers understand..."

Hi David. It sure is nice to have your own space. Good for you. Thanks for taking us along on your renovation. Paul

-- Take your time and do it right once.

Horizontalmike, It was never a problem until AFTER you posted. :=) We have whacked the door or the tracks numerous times in just the last few days. Not your fault of course, but before usually only 6’8” doors and 16’ trim lumber that we brought in horizontally.

I might just have to do what you suggest, but you and the already-hot Southwest Georgia sun are making me think PTAC air conditioning / heating … and how walling that door up and replacing the 9’ x 7’ with a double 2’6 (one side pinned) door unit would give me a non-brick exterior wall to use for mounting the Amana unit AND eliminate the track entirely. This is the last time I am going to do this room, so thanks for all the pointers.

-- If you're going to stir the pot, think BIG spoon or SMALL boat paddle. David Grimes, Georgia

Time to update, I suppose.

These next pics show the materials that were about to be installed for the overhead storage I mentioned earlier.

And these are those materials being installed…

Coming up next:
- Filling that overhead storage with stuff that is in the other two garage bays.
- Building the framework for the 40” high x 27” deep by 10’9” wide work counter (that i believe is destined for a bamboo flooring top) on the back wall.
- track lighting on the ceiling (with bright white 100 watt equiv. CFL bulbs)
- install 60 amp 240 volt sub-panel in closet for 120 volt 20 amp HF DC, 120 volt 20 amp long wall-mounted power strip, and 120 volt 20 amp air compressor circuit. I will not use the 240 single phase at this time but it will be there if I ever need it.
- wall mount the Dewalt air compressor

Still a long way to go, but making progress.

-- If you're going to stir the pot, think BIG spoon or SMALL boat paddle. David Grimes, Georgia

Update: April 19th, 2011

Work continues. Starting to get into some fun stuff.

In this picture: Track Lighting, air hose reel, ceiling bin storage #1.

Wall-mounted compressor, air hose reel

Pencil Sharpener

HF DC in closet (mounted to wall, not plumbed yet)

DC Closet outside looking in… also 30 gallon drum and drum dolly.

Rockler Dust Right beginnings (not plumbed yet)...

Fire extinguisher mounted to wall…

Ceiling Bin Storage #2

Ceiling Bin Storage #3 (and oscillating fan cleaned and remounted)...

More to come ! Thanks for stopping in.

-- If you're going to stir the pot, think BIG spoon or SMALL boat paddle. David Grimes, Georgia

Update: Sunday April 25th, 2011

This is the shop side of the wall with the DC manifold strapped into place. No glue, but tight and will not budge. Also the Dust Collector power switch is visible.

This is the other side of the wall with the dust collector manifold fed through the wall. Again, no glue, but not going anywhere.

The loaded (with Ticonderogas) pencil holder above the sharpener.

-- If you're going to stir the pot, think BIG spoon or SMALL boat paddle. David Grimes, Georgia

Progress looks good! Keep the photos coming.

-- Randy-- I may not be good...but I am slow!

Track lighting?? Man your projects will really stand out. Your place is lookin’ good…...

-- mike...............

Looks great! My shop also shares wood working with cars, a BMW & a 86 rx7. Have you a LS1 or a 20B in the RX? I like the “pulled” fender flares too. My 79 rx7 with a ported 13b was a blast to drive! My 86 FC is in serious need of a ported motor now that it is emissions exempt, or maybe a Corvette LS upgrade. I love working with wood but cars are so much fun to fix too. It’s hard to do both huh.

-- $tudie

It is hard to keep everything separated. That’s why I threw up the wall between bays 2 and 3. lol

That is an FB 1981 RX-7 with the complete design Energy / Cartech Mariah Widebody conversion. Engine is a rally ported 13B 4 port from a early ‘70’s Cosmo. About 225 hp to the rear wheels on a 1900 pound car. Stock 12A was 115 hp. It is still naturally aspirated but with a Barry Grant Demon 575. I had Mikuni phh44 sidedraftrs for years but they are not friendly for around town driving. It is VERY quick 0-100, but nothing beyond that. I just wish there were more road tracks to drive a car like this (straights and twisties).

We have similar tastes. I’ve owned two Bimmers (a 325ES and a 318i) but the 7 will always be in the stable. Those wheels stacked in the corner are BMW 10 spokes I need to Ebay out of here. lol

We better talk about wood or they’ll make this disappear ! I need to build a guitar-shaped car out of wood to combine my three hobbies !!!

-- If you're going to stir the pot, think BIG spoon or SMALL boat paddle. David Grimes, Georgia

Hey David, You have great taste in cars. I will always be involved in both. My first car, a 62 Mercedes 220 S had real Walnut burl dash and door trim so that inspired me to combine the best of both worlds. I love My 87 635 & just had a drive last sat. The ability to build anything is a gift, to create is to me inspiration from God. Just wish he would buy me some tools! I have made a truck bed for a friend with IPE (ironwood) that turned out sweet, also some burl paint on old car dash boards, a lost art for sure. OK then My custom Telecaster is 1 3/4 thick and my dream is to profile the top in a profile like a Les paul. A friend has a guitar shop that has a CNC but I think I would like to go old school & carve it myself. A little scared, but I aint shakin!

-- $tudie

Update: April 27, 2011

Wiring up the HF 2.0 DC…

Some tools onto a wall…

Starting to plumb the dust collector…

More soon. Thanks for stopping in !

-- If you're going to stir the pot, think BIG spoon or SMALL boat paddle. David Grimes, Georgia

Looking good. Just in the home stretch on mine. As much fun (and work) as it was to do, the really cool part is when you’re finished.

Keep the pictures coming.

Update: May 2nd, 2011

Raised, painted and installed base cabinet, preparing HF DC base for alternate duty, wall cleats awaiting substrate.
Floors cleared, etched and awaiting epoxy finish… more wall work…

Further plumbing the HF DC…
I’ve got to have somewhere to set my lid when I empty my shavings. This will do it. No baffle yet… but soon.

Both branches with gates and swivels.

Straight out the exterior wall…

The DC vent to outside that might dust the loquat tree soon (from the outside).

-- If you're going to stir the pot, think BIG spoon or SMALL boat paddle. David Grimes, Georgia