Poor Man's Retro Retreat -- in 440 square feet

[Jack Olsen]

Budget and space were my constraints. I had an 84-year-old garage, that was wasting away as storage for boxes of junk from three successive moves. I went at it in a week of hard lifting (and carrying, to a rented dumpster) and my rule was that I could build new storage with whatever wood and shelving that had already been sitting in the place. So the bench is an old hardwood door, and a lot of the cabinetry is made of cheap, thin sheets of particle board.

I let my wife pick out the colors for the paint. I told her I wanted it to look like my memories of working with my father in his shop back in Chicago.





The air compressor is in the crawlspace under the house, in an insulated box so no one can hear it.





Since I did the initial build, I've added two fold-down benches that normally stow away against the wall.



One is for wood working.



The other one for welding:



There was an old sink that was kind of clumsily plumbed in. I added a counter top around it.



To hold all the stuff that would have still cluttered the place up, I also built some storage in the driveway.



The biggest expense was for the flooring, ceramic tile from Home Depot at .59/sf. I'd never done tile before, but it's held up to a lot of spills and abuse and it a lot nicer to walk on than the stained old slab.



Edit: updated pictures as of May 2009

[METALHEALTH]

Nice. Seems to be a pretty good use of 440sqft to me...



Cheers,

[thdewey]

Bonus points for COOL!!

[KnightFire]

I love the counter top idea for the sink, I have the same type of sink and have been trying to think of ways to dress it up a bit...I might just have to steal your idea

BTW, most excellent use of space...impressive.

[TOOLOW4I75]

That looks very nice. Sounds like you were rather thrifty also. I like the steel edging around your sink countertop, that combined with the green works the retro vibe well.

[Steve in SoCal]

Jack,

That is a great place, I like the floor and very well thought out. The storage area is a nice break from Sheds R us. I wish my garage floor was flatter, I have wanted to do tile for a long time. Nice color pallet also, arts and crafts kind of theme.

Steve

[nanood62]

Well done.
A great way to make it more usable and the colours look good too.

[goodfellow]

All that in a week!!! Somehow I feel inadequate ---

Good design and excellent execution!!!

[JMURiz]

Looks good Jack, had no idea Black Beauty II lived in such a humble garage. Gives us all hope and proves you don't need a 1000sq ft shop to have a nice workable space.

[Jpfreak33]

Originally Posted by goodfellow

All that in a week!!! Somehow I feel inadequate ---

Good design and excellent execution!!!

I was thinking the same thing!! Great set up LOVE the outside storage area, very unique.

[g.corey74]

You did good.

[2_lude]

Looks great, good work. Just curious do you have any before pictures?

[alkemyst]

I like those outdoor sheds.

[talon]

Awesome use of space!

[Jack Olsen]

Thanks, guys. I it’s a very insignificant project compared to some of the incredible ‘garage mahal’s’ on this board -- but I’m surprised at how much time I spend in my little shop, now.

The budget was very low -- certainly less than a thousand bucks, with about $500 for the flooring and a lot of the rest for the paint. The undercarriage on the bench is all 4x4s, but that facing is done with some water-damaged wood that I thought had kind of a cool look. The drawers were from an old closet we’d had torn out in the main house.

The storage sheds were an ‘impulse build’ -- and they were essentially free. I had a bunch of stuff still sitting in the driveway that I didn’t want to have to put back into the garage and my wife handed me a letter explaining about how some credit card had earned us some airline tickets. Okay, fine. But I saw in the fine print that we could also substitute a $500 gift card to Home Depot instead of the tickets.

For me, that was a very easy decision. Without getting up, I started drawing out an idea for the two storage sheds. The barrel-arch roof curves correspond to a juice glass and a little plate that were sitting on the table (I think I was drawing on 1/4-inch graph paper). By lunchtime, I was throwing it all together. I figured out things (like the roofing and how to keep the structure from actually touching the ground) while I built. I was going to do cedar planking for the exterior, but saw the grooved plywood stuff when I was at the store. So far, it’s held up to a year of winter storms without any issue.

Visually, there are probably a couple of things I’d change about the design if I did it again -- but hey, I’m no architect and I was in a hurry. Now I've got a place to put the welder I keep promising to teach myself to use.

[Old61]

That's a very cool space. What is it you do at the drawing table?

[-B-]

Someone has got the skills and they are extraordinary, well executed.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by Old61

That's a very cool space. What is it you do at the drawing table?

Um, draw?

It might be a particular quirk of mine, but a lot of the time an idea won't make much sense -- for me -- until I can draw it out and look at it.

The table has also come in handy when my office is being used as a guest room and I need a place to work.

But I made that thing with two connected wooden prop blocks on hinges so I can swing them out of the way to lower the top piece to a flat position -- it becomes another working surface.

[Fins/413]

Its too nice to get dirty, It would be better if you get that old ratty Porsche out of there. Outstanding job.

[nwrob]

Nice job! What did you use for lighting over your folding workbench?

[tdkkart]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

Only in Kalifornia is the guy that parks a 911 on a ceramic tile floor classified as "poor"

[Old61]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

Um, draw?

After seeing your wacky shed there, I thought you might be a cartoonist.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by nwrob

Nice job! What did you use for lighting over your folding workbench?

All the lighting was scavenged from the boxes of clutter. That's some kind of halogen indoor spot -- it might be from Ikea. It was nice and compact, which worked for the available space under the cabinets. I mostly use that surface to make chop cuts and also as a base for a little table-mounted router.

Originally Posted by Fins/413

Its too nice to get dirty, It would be better if you get that old ratty Porsche out of there. Outstanding job.

When I move the car out, it gets very dirty.



But the whole place is small enough so that it cleans up pretty easily and quickly.

Originally Posted by tdkkart

Only in Kalifornia is the guy that parks a 911 on a ceramic tile floor classified as "poor"

But it was very cheap tile and it's a very old 911.

[KCarGuy]

I have to tell Ya....
....It looks great! Its Clean and Bright! and I love the use of the Green, I love Green...its my favorite color.
I also Draw, But never set up anything in my Garage. Its a great Idea.
I just need to get some of my projects done and out first. I love drawing a "tweaked out" version of Musclecars.
I'll have to throw some on here so that people can see some.
The Garage that I built is a 30' X 22' with a upstairs loft. If I could someday clear out the clutter and finish insulation and drywall, it would be a perfect Office/Drawing room for me. With 4' side walls, it comes out to a 17' x 25' area.
Everything that you did was well thought out and well built for a small budget.
Beautiful set-up! And thanks for sharing.

[tdkkart]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

and it's a very old 911.

.....and one of the few Porsches that I would own.

Nice place, gives me some more to think about as I hand dig insulation trenches around the inside of my pole building.

[Todd.Brock]

Is that the real deal RSR? My neighbor had a 72 RS that he raced in PCA events. It was ridiculous how loud (Good) it sounded. He upgraded from a 2.8 to something just over 3.0 litres. It had the wide fenders in the rear, He also had it painted from a light blue color to white. That ducktail looked better than a whale tail ever could!!! Dont see to many of those around anymore. Sweet car!! IF you have any more pics, feel free to post.

[700jfm]

Very good job, you got me thinking about tile for my garage.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by Todd.Brock

Is that the real deal RSR? My neighbor had a 72 RS that he raced in PCA events. It was ridiculous how loud (Good) it sounded. He upgraded from a 2.8 to something just over 3.0 litres. It had the wide fenders in the rear, He also had it painted from a light blue color to white. That ducktail looked better than a whale tail ever could!!! Dont see to many of those around anymore. Sweet car!! IF you have any more pics, feel free to post.

It's not the real deal. (I'm poor, remember?) It's a kind of tribute to the 1973 Carrera RSR model, built on a 1972 911 tub, with the motor from a 1993 (3.6 liters instead of the stock 2.4), a magnesium transaxle from a 1977, and a handful of suspension tweaks for those 9.5x11x17 aluminum alloy wheels. It's pretty light; all the bodywork except the roof is fiberglass. Some of the windows have been replaced with Lexan. It's got a cage, fire system, etc.

And pictures? Yeah, I've got pictures.







On Stunt Road, above Malibu:



Out at the track, with some home-made aero pieces:



And back in the garage:

[flyng_fool]

Originally Posted by Fins/413

Its too nice to get dirty, It would be better if you get that old ratty Porsche out of there. Outstanding job.

I second that! If you'd like someone to take that old POS car off of your hands I could possibly be persuaded.

[Todd.Brock]

Just thought I would ask! I figured you snagged the plate so the day you did get your RSR, you would be ready! Sweet car, thanks for the pics....

[Mr. E]

I like that folding work bench idea. How well is it holding up? Have you used it much?

Also: Beautiful car!

[Tech Guy]

Nice Job ! How does the tile floor hold up to dropping things on it ? Also how did you finish off at the garage door-almost looks like you parged it to meet the floor ? And is that an old Kenmore air conditioner by the storage sheds ?

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by Mr. E

I like that folding work bench idea. How well is it holding up? Have you used it much?

I use it a lot. It's made of 3/4" plywood, doubled to 1.5" for most of its surface, with a 2x4 spine for more strength. Hinges allow the legs to swing flat against the wall when they aren't in use -- but when it's lowered, the legs wedge against the point where the underside of the bench top meets the 2x4, so the hinges aren't being stressed if you jump up and down on the surface. The positioning chocks down below are probably not necessary, but I didn't want something to knock the legs out of the thing with a lateral hit. At the wall, it's supported by three oversized hinges that are attached into the studs, with hardwood supports underneath so those hinges aren't carrying any downward load when it's in the functional position. An enormous amount of weight on it would mean the screws holding the hinges to the wall would feel some lateral pull, but they're 3" screws, going right into the studs. I've walked on top of it without any concern.

You'll see in the picture that I 'idiot-proofed' it by making sure there was clearance underneath it for the inevitable day that I drove the car in without remembering to put the bench in the up position. Fortunately, this still allowed me to have the top surface at the same height as my main work bench and the big shelves (hollow-core doors) adjacent to both benches. I can move the boxes and effectively extend the working surface of both benches.



I put steel or aluminum banding around the edge of all the work surfaces in the garage. For the 3/4" plywood tops (this fold-down bench and also the drawing table), my cheap solution was L-shaped painted steel pieces that are used as part of those foam 2'x4' suspended ceiling setups. I think the 12' lengths were under $3, which was a lot cheaper than wood trim or anything else I could find.

Originally Posted by Tech Guy

Nice Job ! How does the tile floor hold up to dropping things on it ? Also how did you finish off at the garage door-almost looks like you parged it to meet the floor ? And is that an old Kenmore air conditioner by the storage sheds ?

I went into it knowing that tiles would limit some of my options, and I bought some spare pieces and extra grout thinking I'd eventually be replacing a tile or two. But so far, it's been fine. I'm sure a deliberate hammer impact would crack a tile, but I've dropped tools without any consequence so far. I do slide a square piece of plywood under a jack or a jackstand, just to be safe.

It could be that porcelain tiles would eliminate the need for any caution. But when I bought my tiles, I didn't know about any inexpensive porcelain otions.

[cyclopsblown34]

You have some serious talent. The ugly old Porsche needs to go. I'll gladly come to LA to get it out of your way. I think it might be stifling your creativity. I'm totally amazed at the results.

[rocketman]

Is it just me... or does anyone else NOT think "Poor Man" or BUDGET when a 911 is sitting on the floor of the garage?? : )

Seems those terms just don't fit!

[e-tek]

I'll echo the sentiments - especially the floor and the outdoor sheds!!! Really nice work. It's nice to see something not only diferent, but functional.Something tells me we'll be seeing an explosion of tiled garages (mines next!!) and rounded top storage sheds (not sure if I can do that though...)!!!

[e-tek]

Originally Posted by The Garage Slab

Dude, this is awesome. We are actually starting a new quarterly mag here in Columbus, Ohio that will be mailed nationwide. It is called The Garage Slab. There are five of us putting this together and two of my buddies are originally from Chicago. Check us out Our website is up and running, but not complete. We are going to print in April. Your garage is exactly what we are all about. Sharing ideas, thoughts and pics of attainable spaces. Enjoy your space. www.thegarageslab.com

OK - NOW you're SPAMMING!!!! And WHY is your post count STILL on 7?????

[jhn9840]

Very Nice small garage. Great plan and usage of the space available to you.

jhn9840
John

[swhite832]

Dude....nice job. A little creativity can go a long way. I just built a 1500 sq footer and now the 375 sq ft building is for my wifes 69 stang. I am stumped on the floor because I do not believe the price on rubber tiles is justifiable...but .60 cent ceramic tile is. I never would have thought.... I wonder about cracking issues? Good job on the sink as well. Keepin it all flexible.
Nice car too. I have been toyin with the idea of a 914 repowered with a V8. Its the closest I will ever get to a porsche.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by e-tek

Something tells me we'll be seeing an explosion of tiled garages (mines next!!) and rounded top storage sheds (not sure if I can do that though...)!!!

For the round roof, all you need to do it find the right size of juice glass or dessert plate to trace. Then when you expand it to actual size, you use a length of string equal to the radius of the circle. I think my dessert plate worked out to a 30-foot circle, so I used a 15-foot length of string with a pencil tied to it to trace out the curve on the plywood. I cut it with a jigsaw and traced the same shape to the pieces that were going to be the back of the shed. Then I basically spanned the front to the back with 2x4's and bent pieces of 4x8 sheets to conform to the curve as I screwed it down. The shed is 5 feet deep and 20 feet wide.



I actually posted a not-quite-finished picture on the first page. This one shows some trim pieces I added to give the sheds more of a 'face.'

Originally Posted by swhite832

I am stumped on the floor because I do not believe the price on rubber tiles is justifiable...but .60 cent ceramic tile is. I never would have thought.... I wonder about cracking issues?

The rubber tiles are a pain in the neck when you spill oil, too. And in my case, I wasn't a good candidate for epoxy because my 84-year-old slab had no moisture barrier. One quick and easy alternative is this stuff. But my floor wasn't flat enough for that, so tiles were where I ended up. I took care to 'double butter' the pieces where they'd see traffic, and also to use a higher-end thinset where the car's wheels would be rolling.

I guess freeze/thaw issues can also affect how you lay everything out (expansion joints?), but that's not a problem here in Southern California.

The only tricky part was making L-shaped cuts in the tiles. I bought a $50 Harbor Freight saw because it was cheaper than renting, and also got a cheap HF tool that scores a straight line and then breaks the tile into two pieces.



The first time my wife came in and saw the new floor, she liked it so much she tried to convince me that we should turn the whole garage into living space. I made sure the car and my tools were in place before she came in again.

[Axis11]

Wow. The Jack Olsen. cool to see you here. I hung out (lurked mainly) at pelican until my 911 project fizzled and haven't been over there in a while, I should go check it out, and should definitley get that project rolling again.

For those who don't know, Jack's BBII is legendary to 911 guys. Even the rear suspension arm pivots where moved for a better stance. Don't be fooled by how pretty it looks, it gets some scratches on it from time to time.

I pasted this together from some stills he had back in 12/2005, this car gets used, it's no trailer queen.

Hit the red "x" or "stop" button at the top of your browser to stop this animation.
I wouldn't want any of you to get motion sickness...

And he has some great shots of that car as well, if you can keep his mug out of them. He even initiated a type of photo "the jack olsen" where you take a picture of yourself with your car in the background. We may need to start a new thread for that...

Nice to see you here Jack, and the garage looks even better than when i saw it last.

[Steve in SoCal]

Jack,

Did you have any wide cracks or grade separation in your garage? My slab has a star shaped crack has inced up over time the house is 45 years old and has weathered a number of quakes, Northridge being the last major one. I would love to get tile down but don't know if the floor is beyond that? If Home Despot rents concrete grinders perhaps I can flatten out the rift?

I wonder how a floor jack or pallet jack would do on these tiles? I have a couple 4000 pound machines.

Steve

[e-tek]

Well thanks Jack - now I have no excuse NOT to build them! They'd be pefect for the spot I wanted them for too! Of course this is deepest-darkest Canada, not Fluffi-fornia , so I'll have to double up on the shingles!

Thanks for the awesome thread-your reputation has exploded in one thread - especially after your old friend Axis outed ya!

[rickairmedic]

Jack quite an amazing transformation for little investment . I hope to have my garage done ( at least for now ) soon and will have it done on a meager budget as well. I think that might be a great new thread to start here ( Budget garages ) . There are alooooot of over the top places here but there are just as many of us who use our garages and are CHEAP .

Rick

[speedracer]

Originally Posted by Axis11

Wow. The Jack Olsen. cool to see you here. I hung out (lurked mainly) at pelican until my 911 project fizzled and haven't been over there in a while, I should go check it out, and should definetly get that project rolling again.

For those who don't know, Jack's BBII is legendary to 911 guys. Even the rear suspension arm pivots where moved for a better stance. Don't be fooled by how pretty it looks, it gets some scratches on it from time to time.

I .

Yup, Jack is a celebrity of the Porsche forums. His car is well known and lusted after by many 911 fanatics. He has been a real asset to the Pelican Parts bbs. Welcome to this neck of the woods Jack.

[Axis11]

Originally Posted by e-tek

Thanks for the awesome thread-your reputation has exploded in one thread - especially after your old friend Axis outed ya!

The price of celebrity. you can't go anywhere without someone recognizing you. Jack has no idea who I am, I'm just a lurker from a board he moderates.....

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by Axis11

I pasted this together from some stills he had back in 12/2005, this car gets used, it's no trailer queen.

If I hadn't hip-checked the wall at Sears Point, it's safe to say I'd have a much nicer garage, now.

It looked pretty bad when I rolled back into the pits:



We did some bending and hammering right away. I had to drive the car back from Sonoma to Los Angeles that night -- and I had a track day in Los Angeles the next morning. (I was younger, had more energy then.) To keep the CHP at bay, I used borrowed spray paint caps as tail light covers:



In getting it repainted, I briefly considered a stripe design based on what your car looks like after hitting a tire wall:

Originally Posted by Steve in SoCal

Jack,

Did you have any wide cracks or grade separation in your garage? My slab has a star shaped crack has inced up over time the house is 45 years old and has weathered a number of quakes, Northridge being the last major one. I would love to get tile down but don't know if the floor is beyond that? If Home Despot rents concrete grinders perhaps I can flatten out the rift?

I wonder how a floor jack or pallet jack would do on these tiles? I have a couple 4000 pound machines.

Steve

I had to fill almost 2 inches of drop-off, in spots. I used vinyl patch concrete. If I was going to be lifting multipe cars or rolling steel-wheeled equipment on top of it, I'd at least go with porcelain tiles (assuming they're more crack resistant). I've heard about less-than-$1/sf porcelain tiles at Lowe's.

[alberto]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

It looked pretty bad when I rolled back into the pits:



We did some bending and hammering right away. To keep the CHP at bay, I used borrowed spray paint caps as tail light covers:

Yeah, looks like you added another wind for more rear grip too. Love the tail covers, pure genius.

Great job on your garage. I should have you help design mine.

Best,
Alberto

[Boosted1]

Love the approach on your 911.

[Fidget]

Very nice! I really admire your ingenuity. Since I got married, my garage went from usable, to the place where my wife stores all her crap! I managed to keep her from pushing the Porsche and bikes outside, but it's still a battle to keep her from using the roof of the 911 as a table. I think I'm also going to copy you shed design, and move her junk outside!

[rickairmedic]

Fidget when my SWMBO moved in I let it be known the garage was mine she could have the rest of the house . I did give her her own little corner bench and she does overstep the garage boudry every once in a while . I remind her then anything left in my garage for over a week that isnt mine and doesnt fit in her corner becomes the sole property of the garbage man . I have had to give him stuff twice now and since then the one week rule hasnt had to be used .

Rick

[Von Dutchoven]

i love your garage. if mine was half that nice my family would never see me again. as a fellow californian (of the northern variety) i couldn't help but notice the support beam in the middle of you garage. is it secured to the concrete? i would hate to see such a great space crushed by a small quake. maybe i'm too paranoid but i live about 2 miles from the san andreas.
john

[e-tek]

Originally Posted by fidget

very nice! I really admire your ingenuity. Since i got married, my garage went from usable, to the place where my wife stores all her crap! I managed to keep her from pushing the porsche and bikes outside, but it's still a battle to keep her from using the roof of the 911 as a table. I think i'm also going to copy you shed design, and move her junk outside!

take it back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!111

[Jack Olsen]

Build her a shed.

[Fidget]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

Build her a shed.

....and tell her it's her new craft room!!!

Seriously though, I really like what you've done. Here's the only pre-marriage photo I had of mine, and it's more of a background shot. The wall on the right has shelves of Porsche parts, the left side of the garage has a combination of Ducati parts, and a 1958 Vespa 150 back from the paint booth. The bench at the front has a bunch of Y-block stuff on it for my 58 Fairlane.

[Jack Olsen]

I love the 911. Is that Leaf Green?

[Topcat]

Jack, i love the job you have done, Mate i am using your job to inspire me to finally start my project!!

The set up you have is what i am after.

Mate Top Job!!!!!!

[PAToyota]

Damn, wish I was as "poor" as you are!

Really nice work. Good use of space and attention to detail. The colors really set things off.

[JMURiz]

Instead of building her a shed, you could sell me the 911 cheap and have more space :-D

The color would go great with my 2-tone green Mercedes 280C and Ravenna Green 914.

[Hammerdown]

The space is very well utilized for only 440 s/f. Job Well Done!

[UN4GTBL]

That's awesome man!

[Fidget]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

I love the 911. Is that Leaf Green?

You know your colors! That is leaf green....or Kermit the Frog green. I really didn't like it when I first bought it, but after seeing the sea of traditional colors at every Porsche event, it grew on me. I drove it down to Monterey in 1998. Bruce Anderson told me that was the first one of that color he had ever seen.

JMURiz....NO! But thanks for the offer!

[Jack Olsen]

It's one of my favorite early-911 colors. And as my garage and sheds probably make clear, I like the 'vintage' looking greens.

Here's an image I grabbed somewhere else, that will show people what I mean:

[Fidget]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

It's one of my favorite early-911 colors. And as my garage and sheds probably make clear, I like the 'vintage' looking greens.

Here's an image I grabbed somewhere else, that will show people what I mean:

HOLY CRAP! You take the grill badge off that, put european lenses on it, and lower it and it would be the twin of mine!

[3bay]

Nice space, my 5 ton floor jack would wreck the floor tho.

[BrokeEF]

Nice garage, and speaking of older 911's here is a link to bad ass one a local shop just finished up. The owner is a brother of an employee and the car has come a long way.
http://www.mwir.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=48632
Im not sure if you need to register to see, but if you do it is worth it.

Sean

[Jack Olsen]

That's quite a project 911. I'm a little skeptical of the 2300 pound claim, but it's not too far from what's do-able. And that engine is a very serious piece of business. Even if it's a 2600-pound car, it's still going to be a giant killer.

[Topcat]

Hi Jack, a question about your drawing board set up i need something like that can you post some shots to look at or even measurement and what you are using for the board just it looks so practicle.

Mate i just love your set up feels so relaxed in there!

Top Job Mate!!

[e-tek]

Hey Jack - Congrats on the admin choosing to highlite your space! Well deserved.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by e-tek

Hey Jack - Congrats on the admin choosing to highlite your space! Well deserved.

Wow! That's a nice surprise. My 15 minutes have begun.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by Topcat

Hi Jack, a question about your drawing board set up i need something like that can you post some shots to look at or even measurement and what you are using for the board just it looks so practicle.

Mate i just love your set up feels so relaxed in there!

Top Job Mate!!

Thanks. The drafting table was pretty much improvised. I had a low and wide shelving unit that was made of round-bar wrought iron. It had little cap pieces on the top that I cut off with a sawzall. Then I got rid of the top shelf and substituted in a piece of plywood that would normally be used for painted cabinets. I bounded it with a light steel piece that is normally used in making suspended ceilings -- it was about $3, which was cheaper than any edge trimming solution I could find. It's tacked in from below.

I use the table a lot as a flat surface for laying stuff out before I cut it. But I also wanted to be able to use it for sketching out ideas. So I took two big hinges and attached them to two 2x4 scrap pieces, connecting them with a piece of L-shaped aluminum.

It just swings down to provide two corners for the high edge to rest on:



Then you can reach under and swing it back, so there's nothing coming between the plywood and the top of the wrought iron base.



Folded away, it allows the top to lie flat.



The top pivots on the front edge of the wrought iron assembly. To keep it in place, I got four of the little Omega-shaped things you'd use to attach a length of conduit to a 2x4. You can see two of them in the last picture, over to the left. I used short screws to attach them to the underside of the plywood. Instead of conduit, they're holding the bar from the wrought iron assembly.

I cut the legs short on the shelf unit to get the whole thing to a height I liked. Then I put some old rubber caps on the legs to keep them from scratching the floor.

[Vernmotor]

Dam! Jack you and your green made the front page !! good job

[JB740i]

Originally Posted by Axis11

Wow. The Jack Olsen. cool to see you here. I hung out (lurked mainly) at pelican until my 911 project fizzled and haven't been over there in a while, I should go check it out, and should definitley get that project rolling again.

I pasted this together from some stills he had back in 12/2005, this car gets used, it's no trailer queen.

Um, did someone say stalker?

[Jack Olsen]

I don't think it counts as stalking when you put 25 pictures of yourself crashing up on the internet. The animation Axis11 put together was actually really useful in my being able to see what was going on in the moments before I went into the tires.

[wachuko]

I kept seeing the car in the main page thinking, "wow, look at that 911! Looks a lot like the Black Beauty II... never reading who the owner was, lol. Great job Jack! Happy to see the stable for Black Beauty II.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by wachuko

I kept seeing the car in the main page thinking, "wow, look at that 911! Looks a lot like the Black Beauty II... never reading who the owner was, lol. Great job Jack! Happy to see the stable for Black Beauty II.

The tiles should have tipped you off. I'm pretty sure I got the idea from you.

[Russell]

Come on Jack, you're not posting the famous self-portrait shots

I've known Jack (more accurately about Jack) since the olden OTC days...wow the last decade has just flown by.

[Jack Olsen]

But I did. It's a 'garage' self-portrait.

[tcianci]

That place is the cats' pajamas!!!!!

[Gladiator GarageWorks]

Excellent job on the garage! You sure used the space you had to the fullest. Thanks for sharing the photos!

[Rothaus]

An other poor man's Garage - 500 square feet - but on the east coats.

[autoist]

Originally Posted by Rothaus

An other poor man's Garage - 500 square feet - but on the east coats.

Poor? With those 2 cars?

[Jack Olsen]

Viper Green is another great version of green.

[dreamingmuscle]

Question about the sheds. I notice that they both slope and dump rain to the center. Now I know your smart enough to have solution to this water delima. Forgive me for being coruious but I got to know what it is.

Nice design btw.

Glen

[Jack Olsen]

Thanks.

The section of roof between the two barrel arches slopes down from the rear to the front, so water spills onto it and then runs forward and to the ground. The mistake I made was only having a half an inch of overhang there. I've added more with a piece of black aluminum since then, but I might pull those shingles up and re-do it with at least three inches of overhang.

I'm also thinking about making some changes to the left-side section of the shed (the part with the taller barrel arch). This week, I got my welding cart put together with an argon bottle. I also picked up a big 241 CF cylinder of oxygen and a 135 CF cylinder of acetylene. I'm thinking I could add some shelves and hooks and that whole part of the shed could be dedicated to only welding gear.

But then that means I'm going to need to find more space somewhere else.

There's never enough storage.

[marty_p]

Great work and attention to detail, friend!

One question I've always wondered -- has the ceramic cracked under the pressure of vehicle weight ? ? ? I'm now considering that flooring option due in part to your pics!

-Marty

[wachuko]

I wish I could build a shed to move all the lawn stuff out of the garage... HOA will not allow it . Sometimes I just think about doing it and wait until someone complains...

Back to your garage. Looks great!! And happy to have contributed an idea with the floor It did looked familiar...

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

Thanks.

The section of roof between the two barrel arches slopes down from the rear to the front, so water spills onto it and then runs forward and to the ground. The mistake I made was only having a half an inch of overhang there. I've added more with a piece of black aluminum since then, but I might pull those shingles up and re-do it with at least three inches of overhang.

I'm also thinking about making some changes to the left-side section of the shed (the part with the taller barrel arch). This week, I got my welding cart put together with an argon bottle. I also picked up a big 241 CF cylinder of oxygen and a 135 CF cylinder of acetylene. I'm thinking I could add some shelves and hooks and that whole part of the shed could be dedicated to only welding gear.

But then that means I'm going to need to find more space somewhere else.

There's never enough storage.

[dps]

A real gem!

[autoist]

Originally Posted by wachuko

I wish I could build a shed to move all the lawn stuff out of the garage... HOA will not allow it . Sometimes I just think about doing it and wait until someone complains...

I would! Is your backyard fenced? Is there a private area behind the garage? Build it up against the garage & plant a couple of spruce to make a blind so nobody can see in from the street!

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by marty_p

Great work and attention to detail, friend!

One question I've always wondered -- has the ceramic cracked under the pressure of vehicle weight ? ? ? I'm now considering that flooring option due in part to your pics!

-Marty

It hasn't. And my slab was an uneven, 84-year-old mess. I've been told since I did the installation that porcelain tiles are even harder. Lowes sells them for under a buck a square foot, I think. But my ceramic has held up fine so far.

[Topcat]

Jack thanks for your help mate! sometimes the simplest ideas work and now the idea i had for my drafting/ planning board may just work - my project is about to start!

Mate i just love you set up!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Todd.Brock

... Sweet car!! IF you have any more pics, feel free to post.

Asking Jack Olsen if he "has any more pics" of his car is like asking Bill Gates if he can spare a dime?

Excellent work Jack, as usual. Long time no talk; I hardly go to Pelican anymore. I have been threatening my 80 year old Pasadena garage floor with repair for a long time. I think you and I even discussed this once on Pelican. Nice to see you carried yours off. SUCH an excellent job. It has a warm, inviting feel to it.

My slab has a big crack that varies to over 1" and part of the slab has risen up over an inch. After considering renting a grinder, etc, I plan to sawcut a clean edge and demo out a wedge about 3'x3' and pour a repair after doweling into the adjacent slabs. Jack, is your old floor separate from a perimeter footing? Mine is one monolithic slab which is why I can't just demo the whole thing and replace it.

What brand of vinyl patch did you use? I had been thinking of vinyl tile laid in a black and white pattern, but in 4'x4' size instead of 1'x1' as that is too busy. Now, having seen yours in a mild color like that, I like it a lot. I might have to re-think the checkerboard pattern. Maybe that's just trite.

Kudos Jack, kudos.

Another picture of Jack's car. This one is BBI (Man, I LOVED that car, R.I.P.)

[Dan in Pasadena]

Oops, here she is. BB1 on left and BB2 on the right if I am correct.

[fsneeringer]

Hey Jack,

I was curious if you had tried jacking up the car on the tile, or if you think that the tile would crack? I'm considering putting down tile on the garage floor as I would imagine it would stand up much better to welding slag and grinding sparks than epoxy, but would be worried about jacking up a car on the finished surface.

The finish product looks great btw, you did a fine job on the install.

[wachuko]

Originally Posted by fsneeringer

Hey Jack,

I was curious if you had tried jacking up the car on the tile, or if you think that the tile would crack? I'm considering putting down tile on the garage floor as I would imagine it would stand up much better to welding slag and grinding sparks than epoxy, but would be worried about jacking up a car on the finished surface.

The finish product looks great btw, you did a fine job on the install.

Porcelain tiles... that is the trick. That and a proper install (no air pockets).

Grind, welding, working the cars, dropping tools... and nothing. And if you get the porcelain tiles that have the same color throughout the tile, even if a tool chips the tile, the chip will not stand out.

I use my garage often to work in the cars and even after all the abuse the floor looks like the first day I did the install.

I initially had a mid-rise lift and now a two-post... not joking on the abuse to the floor... also, make sure to test the tile with water... last thing you want is a slippery floor. Be sure you get something that is not slippery if there is water on the floor.

[Zarcero]

My hero! What a great garage!

And what a great skirt-chasing set of wheels!

[GamblinAJ]

Jack everything is top notch. Makes me hate reality TV even more!

[48flatbed]

Jack,
First let me say GREAT JOB! I just read this thread and it is super. For those worried about tile cracking under loads let me relate my experience. I laid the tile (12 x 12 ceramic) in my house, it is a slab floor so it is similar to a garage floor. While laying the cut tiles next to my fireplace, one tile didn't fit right so I laid the rest on that row, hand nibbled that one to fit then laid it. The next day I tapped on all the tile listening for the solid sound. That one tile sounded hollow (thinset dried too much before it was laid). So I decided to take it up. I got my dead-blow hammer and hit it in the center, nothing, so I hauled off and really whacked it, still nothing (should have stopped here!!). Then I got my small sledge (2 pound) and whacked it. This resulted in a chip. So I stood up, both hands on the sledge and BOOM! This broke the tile. The center came out nicely but the edges that were stuck I had to chisel out (took 30 min). So I would not worry too much about a dropped tool. A dropped engine on the other hand...

Jon

[balburdu]

Fantastic looking garage... very inspiring!

Dan

[73super]

I think I'd get rid of the drawing board and get a 2nd toy! Say a nice '50's hot rod to go along with that sweet Porsche!

Nice.. very nice.

[chromeyellow]

Jack, some of the picture links are broken, can you repost? I'm finally moving into a house and have been thinking about your sheds.

[Jack Olsen]

Sure. Here's a picture of the exterior and also an image with some of the building details.

The shed is about 4 1/2 feet deep, 6 feet tall at its highest point, and about 20 feet long. Each of the four sections is walled off and has its own shelving. There's a wooden floor running the length of it, but the wood itself never touches the concrete. I used spacers to hold it up about 3/8" above the driveway, which I figured would make it last longer.





The overhang section shows a trash can under it in the picture, but it's there as a place for bicycles or big wheels or whatever the boy might be inclined to park in my garage.

I've got no idea what that grooved plywood was designed for, but it made building something like this a lot simpler, without it ending up looking like just a plywood box.

[chromeyellow]

thanks for reposting the pics and the detail shots, I appreciate it!

[kwerks]

great work! This gave me some finger tip itching ideas.

[porschedude996TT]

Great Job Jack, you are a handy man of handy men. This is the first that I've seen you Porsche photos. It really brought back memories of m '72 911 (Black Lac) that I bought in 1986 and then fully restored bumper to bumper and everything in between. My favorite part of the car, and I don't know why, that I always look for is the oil door on the right rear fender. I was very sadened when I later saw the body damage in the later photos. I hope the car is repaired or on the mend by this point. Also, where did you find the right side rectangle mirror? Porsche never made those and I so wanted to have a right side mirror when I owned my '72. Was it from Wayne at PelicanParts.com?

Keith

[Fidget]

Originally Posted by porschedude996TT

Also, where did you find the right side rectangle mirror? Porsche never made those and I so wanted to have a right side mirror when I owned my '72. Was it from Wayne at PelicanParts.com?

Keith

Those are being manufactured aftermarket now. I've been considering getting one for my '72, but don't know if I can bring myself to drill the holes into the door! I don't remember who I saw has them, I've seen them a couple different places, and in advertisments in both Excellence, and Panorama

[Jack Olsen]

Back in the day, there was a guy making so-so quality knockoffs of the 72-73 mirrors. I also heard about right-side rectangle models made by Porsche for RHD markets, but I've never seen one. More recently, there's a new manufacturer whom (I'm told) is making much better ones.

As it happens, the ones on my 72 are the 1974-5 models, which are like the 72-73, but slightly larger. I had the old knock-off on the right side and the original on the driver's side, but felt the mirrors were too small. I prefer the slightly larger ones, and they're more readily available. At least, I think they are.

Here's a source for the newere 72-73 ones:

http://www.tremotorsports.com/product.cfm?Node=10626

[smsteve]

What an excellent garage with all kinds of neat tricks. I really like the folding benches, great idea.

Your Porsche is a real beauty too!

[GunMoto]

Wow, impressive Mr. Olsen...to say the least. I've always wanted to maximize the use of a 2-car garage and boy, I think you've taken it to the highest level yet! And your 911...DROOL!

[viper522]

I keep coming back to this thread for inspiration. Thanks again for sharing with us.

On another note, my father is up near Napa and got his feet wet with a 914. I think he wanted to try it on for size before getting into the more complex German builds.

[Jack Olsen]

Thanks.

I documented it in another thread, but I recently replaced one wall of shelving with a new bench (with a 510-pound top) and some wood and metal cabinets. I'll toss some of the pictures in here so that it's all in one place.







But it's not done.

I got a good enough deal on a piece of 2" Maple butcher-block recently that I've started to play with some ideas for a height-adjustable bench for where I now have the drafting table. The idea is to make it pneumatically adjustable. With work stuff, though, it's likely to be a while before I can actually start work on it.

[WhatThaFrig]

Amazing garage and amazing craftmanship.

[cyclopsblown34]

I can't pick a favorite element of your build Jack. The thing that sticks out most though is the cool little sheds with the curved roofs.

[viper522]

Don't see many mirrors next to the wash tub in a garage. Something you want to tell us, Jack?

LOLOL

[Jack Olsen]

The mirror was a $9 Ikea impulse buy -- I figured I'd find a place for it somewhere in the house.

But it's actually come in handy when I've gotten something in my eye. It's also good for seeing where you still have grease/dirt/whatever on your face/arms/whatever after you wash your hands.

[OUNATE]

Have you had any problems with stains in the grout, such as oil, dirt etc...

[Jack Olsen]

No, but you can see I went dark with the grout. My thinking was that dark brown would hide most sins. The tile itself is incredibly resilient. Even dried paint comes off with a fingernail (or a Scotch Brite pad, if it's really stubborn).

I've jacked up cars on it, dropped tools -- no issues yet from normal use.

However, two things have damaged it. One is weld spatter -- which burns tiny spots in the glazing. Now I set a welding tarp down under where I'm welding.

The other thing that did some damage (a couple of weeks ago) was the vise you see in some of the pictures above. It's 65 pounds, and it fell -- I hadn't bolted it to the table yet and I was flattening some 1/8" angle iron with the big hammer. The thing fell 37" down from the bench. It didn't crack the tile, but it chipped away the glazing on a corner of one.



The good news is it's pretty simple to pull out a single tile and replace it. At least, I assume it is. I'll report back after I've done it.

[viper522]

I wouldn't pull a single tile for a chip. Fill the chip with something that will harden. Any specific product eludes my mind at the moment. Otherwise, they add character and provide proof that you've actually used that tidy space for more than parking. (WE already know this)

[OUNATE]

Well that's awesome I might have to look into this, my garage is quite small as well and your use of space is incredible.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Hi Jack,
If you answered these question before, I apologize for asking again because I guess I missed the answers.

On the big metal cabinets you have like the one your vice is on and the one next to it, what were these painted with? I can't tell from the pictures, but is this latex brush & roller work and did you paint the insides? I have a couple similar short and tall cabinets that are mismatched and I want to correct that. I think mine are powder coated and the large one has minor ding and dents and light surface rust I want to fix. If you sprayed them, what did you use? Rustoleum or similar?

[Jack Olsen]

Hey, Dan. Both of the metal cabinets were painted when I got them, so I just scuffed them up with an orbital sander and rolled on two coats of the latex exterior I use in the garage (why two coats? because it's cheap Sears Weatherbeater paint, and it looks lousy with a single coat).

My approach with both the wood and the metal in the garage is all done under the umbrella of: 'hey, it's a garage.' -- meaning I'll prime it only if it's bare wood or metal. If something chips or scratches it down the line, I'll just touch it up the next time I'm painting with the same color.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks Jack. I completely get you on this. I've come full circle on my garage. Originally I planned on taking down the existing shelving, getting rid of my old metal cabinets, buying all new, etc. Then I saw yours and others nice efforts using what they already had mostly and decided to give my stuff a face lift. I made a face frame for the exsting shelving unit and made plywood doors. I'm gonna repaint my existing sorta 70's harvest gold legal lateral file and paint the tall cabinet to match as you did. Hell, if I just puteverything AWAY in my garage it would look 100% better. Thanks also for the inspiration to stay with a vintage color scheme. Didn't want to copy your green so I'm going with gray a third of the way up the walls. White above and the yellow/gold old time cabinets. I hope it comes out 1/2 as good looking as yours!

[Weber1]

Dan, great garage. My neighbor has a ton of flip down tables in his garage and they are great.

[Jack Olsen]

You calling me Dan?

[james66g]

Man I have to say this is one of my all time favorites sure its awesome to see the huge awesome garages and who doesnt like the bunker garage!? Dude your garage is just amazing! Everything from colors to crazy awesome foldy benches your metal work bench I am eyeballing for my very own! Even your Sheds are the coolest! Thanks for the inspiration.

[cyclopsblown34]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

You calling me Dan?

Looks like your name dun ben chaynged.

Jack,
we need to see one more thread link for an upcoming thread...The Jeep.

[galwaytt]

another +1 on yours, Jack - I can't put my finger on it, but it's the combo of the colours and the curved sheds that mark it out of the ordinary......very much the Less is More theory.........

Anyhoo, also another +1 on the tiles: see mine, HERE

This is the parking one, about 300 sq ft, and total cost for high-grade porcelain for me was only Eur 300.

So far, it's survived steel-wheeled trolley jacks, dropping a 4lb hammer etc, and no chips yet. Currently thinking how to do the Big Shop (8m x 12m) if the quality of the subfloor can be addressed...........crappy contractor..........

[Jack Olsen]

All right. I spent a good part of Friday cleaning the place up -- the wrought iron fence, a redone interior closet and some book cases I made for some friends had the place looking pretty ugly:



Now that's not the case. I've got the new steel workbench and the butcher block island in the middle. I took a new set of pictures of what I think I can now call 'The Poor Man's Retro Retreat, Version 1.1'.

Here are a bunch of pictures I just took:



The new butcher block island:



You can see the fold-down benches along the wall behind the car. One is for welding, one is for wood.



The sink:



The 'compliance station:'



I'm still working out places to store things like clamps. Not sure where the portable air tank is going to go.



Steel table stored up above:



A cool angle:



The owner and janitor, right after he finished cleaning the place up. Looking serious because it seems dopey to point a camera at yourself and smile.

[classicharleyj]

I am constantly amazed at the ingenuity displayed by you. Love the
storage ideas and the car, of course. Great job!

[ZRX61]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

my wife handed me a letter explaining about how some credit card had earned us some airline tickets. Okay, fine. But I saw in the fine print that we could also substitute a $500 gift card to Home Depot instead of the tickets.

I would have loved to hear that conversation....

[Cobra4B]

Car is super sweet... space/shop looks a bit cluttered for my tastes.

[Jack Olsen]

Space is tight in the city. You've got to use every inch of it.

The car gets used a lot, too. Once a month it goes to the track:

[Cobra4B]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

Space is tight in the city. You've got to use every inch of it.

The car gets used a lot, too. Once a month it goes to the track:

You run timetrials in it, or just general HPDE fun? What kind of power/weight are you working with? With a newer 3.6 S motor you're making around 315 crank right? Car weigh sub 3000?

Oh and if you're living in LA w/ a nice Porsche I'm sure you're not poor

[ZRX61]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

The car gets used a lot, too. Once a month it goes to the track:

Willow Springs

[Steve in SoCal]

Jack,

The thing I see that I don't like is that table top above your car. I had a Honda that had several things fall on it in the 1994 Northridge quake. The stuff I have in the rafters now is lashed to a beam with no movement. Have you been here is a "real" earthquake?

Steve

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by Cobra4B

You run timetrials in it, or just general HPDE fun? What kind of power/weight are you working with? With a newer 3.6 S motor you're making around 315 crank right? Car weigh sub 3000?

Oh and if you're living in LA w/ a nice Porsche I'm sure you're not poor

Well, 'poor' is relative. It's a 38-year-old Porsche and I paid $3,500 for it, originally. (But full disclosure: I've sunk in a fair bit more into it, since then. It's helping me to stay poor. )

I've time trialed it with NASA and other groups, raced it with ARC -- I DE it regularly and instruct for a few different groups. It weighs 2700 pounds with me in it, and the motor only puts about 215 hp to the wheels (it's an air cooled 3.6 from a 1993 911; it's never been modified or even opened up, and I lost count of its accumulate track hours at around 600).

Since ZRX61 recognizes the braking zone for turn one at Willow Springs, I'll brag a little: it runs low 1:29's there, on the same Toyo tires I use to drive it out to the track. It's a dual-duty street and track car.

Originally Posted by Steve in SoCal

The thing I see that I don't like is that table top above your car. I had a Honda that had several things fall on it in the 1994 Northridge quake. The stuff I have in the rafters now is lashed to a beam with no movement. Have you been here is a "real" earthquake?

I've been out here since 1985, and I won't argue too much with you about the long-term viability of that table up there. It's not one of my best ideas.

However it is all redundantly secured. The aircraft cable holds it at four corners -- then the three chain mounts hold it when it's in the secured position. For it to fall, there would need to be multiple simultaneous failures. But a lot can happen in an earthquake, and if I keep it there much longer, I plan to run some steel supports tying into multiple joists to distribute the weight even further. Maybe add a third level of support.

[Cobra4B]

There's a naval officer that I often see on my commute to work with a beautiful black 993 with the license plate LASTAIR... I assume it's a '97 by the plate. Car looks much better than the 996 or 997 IMO.

[pseudorealityx]

[img]http://i699.photobucket.com/albums/vv360/Jack_Olsen/2010-006.jpg[/img

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

Since ZRX61 recognizes the braking zone for turn one at Willow Springs, I'll brag a little: it runs low 1:29's there, on the same Toyo tires I use to drive it out to the track. It's a dual-duty street and track car.

What's it run with THOSE tires. Because those certainly don't look like Toyos.



-measly autocrosser

[ruby76]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

RE table on ceiling: I've been out here since 1985, and I won't argue too much with you about the long-term viability of that table up there. It's not one of my best ideas.

However it is all redundantly secured. The aircraft cable holds it at four corners -- then the three chain mounts hold it when it's in the secured position. For it to fall, there would need to be multiple simultaneous failures. But a lot can happen in an earthquake, and if I keep it there much longer, I plan to run some steel supports tying into multiple joists to distribute the weight even further. Maybe add a third level of support.

He he - just sent a PM on the specifics of the ceiling-stored table. I like the up and out of the way aspects of it.

[ron in sc]

Love that RSR.

[Fidget]

Why did you decide to use butcher block? Is that table designed for something specific? If I did that, it would be stained with engine fluids in no time at all.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by Cobra4B

There's a naval officer that I often see on my commute to work with a beautiful black 993 with the license plate LASTAIR... I assume it's a '97 by the plate. Car looks much better than the 996 or 997 IMO.

I agree.

Originally Posted by pseudorealityx

What's it run with THOSE tires. Because those certainly don't look like Toyos.

Those are Nitto NT-01s, which are the same rubber compound as the Toyo RA1 I used to run. Those look like slicks in that picture because I've been running them so long. Oddly, my best lap times have been with narrower tires than those.

Originally Posted by ron in sc

Love that RSR.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Fidget

Why did you decide to use butcher block? Is that table designed for something specific? If I did that, it would be stained with engine fluids in no time at all.

I'll probably cover it with a coat of varnish to protect it. But I do a lot of different things in the garage -- for something with oil or grease, I'd use the main bench or the steel one.

It will definitely get marked up, though -- this is the garage, not the living room.

[RobSmith]

G'Day Jack,
Obviously you are a thinker and enjoy organizing stuff to create efficiency . I hope to emulate this trait but I have one vital essence missing. I'm not married. You must have a good woman to allow you to play in the shed (garage) and also race your car. Don't forget to thank her.

[pseudorealityx]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

Those are Nitto NT-01s, which are the same rubber compound as the Toyo RA1 I used to run. Those look like slicks in that picture because I've been running them so long. Oddly, my best lap times have been with narrower tires than those.

Interesting. Probably due to rolling resistance. Looking at the left one, it looked like V710s. Weren't thinking the Nittos. We run more tire (245 F, 285R) on our 2050 lb car than you are, but we also have ~50 more hp.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by RobSmith

You must have a good woman to allow you to play in the shed (garage) and also race your car. Don't forget to thank her.

I read her your post. I'm lucky to have her.

Originally Posted by pseudorealityx

Interesting. Probably due to rolling resistance. Looking at the left one, it looked like V710s. Weren't thinking the Nittos. We run more tire (245 F, 285R) on our 2050 lb car than you are, but we also have ~50 more hp.

Yeah, the Nittos have a tread pattern that ends up looking like a faster tire. My best laps have been on 255F/275R Toyos. In the photo, I've got 275s in front and 315s in back. Willow Springs is a very fast momentum track -- average speed over a lap is right around 100 mph, and my top speed is only about 130. With more power, I think I could benefit from the wider tires. But that will have to wait for a day when I can afford it.

[JeffreyJames]

Your garage has to be the one of the most inspiring I have seen on this thread. Between your own and Nimrods I think it's safe to say I am jealous. I think this spring I am going to get all the stuff out of my garage and make it proper like you own. I like to keep a clena garage but it becoming harder and harder with these old cars filling up all the space.

Love the Shed storage on the side of your home too!!!!

[N8]

Jack I love your spacial planning. Your set up is great.

JeffreyJames: your verywhere! LOL
Get to work buddy and get those cars some livable space!

[Cebby]

Jack - love the garage. I'm working with about 400 square feet (actually a bit less since there is a staircase that the previous owner moved from outside into the interior. I've gotten a lot of space saving ideas from your space and will be implementing some of them - thank you!

[Jack90210]

Jack -- this thread is one of the reasons I registered here. I like to see folks making the best of smaller spaces; anyone can build a 60x150 gazillion-bay (no offense to anyone) but there's an elegance, not to mention an aesthetic beauty, to working intelligently with less room. A track toy will hopefully find its way into the garage at some point here, and I'm sure I'll be using this thread as a reference guide.

EDIT: In particular I like the drop-down tables, the thought that's gone into the "flow" of each work area, and the idea of using the space between the "bays" for storage bins and carts. Great find on that massive steel top!

[Freejack]

Jack,

Sorry if you've answered this prior, but what did you use for a bullnose on the tiles. It was your pictures combine with a fairly low cost source of porceilen tile that's convinced me to do this to my garage.

Jake

[Jack Olsen]

Thanks, guys.

Originally Posted by JeffreyJames

Between your own and Nimrods I think it's safe to say I am jealous. !

I'm jealous of Nimrod's garage, too. Mine is kind of a footnote compared to his setup -- much humbler in every imaginable way.

Originally Posted by Freejack

Sorry if you've answered this prior, but what did you use for a bullnose on the tiles. It was your pictures combine with a fairly low cost source of porceilen tile that's convinced me to do this to my garage.

Porcelain is stronger than ceramic, and the big box stores sometimes have it for less than a buck a square foot. I think I could have gotten bullnosed tiles from the place I got mine, but I'm not sure. At the time, I didn't know enough to even think about the edge along the garage door and the regular door. My quick-and-amateur response was to just tape the edge (to keep it clean) and then use some vinyl patching concrete to make a tapered edge. I figured it would distribute the load better when car tires impacted the tiles and also move water back away (instead of getting under) the tiles.

What I didn't know was that you can't just slap on a layer of thin concrete (tapering from about 1/3" down to nothing) and expect it to adhere to the stuff underneath it -- especially without any kind of scoring or a bonding agent.

Surprisingly, the apron segment has lasted almost two years now. A few cracks have formed, and you can here the sound of a void when you step on some parts of it -- but none of it has come up, in spite of lots of foot and vehicle traffic.

When it does start to come up (and I know it will), I'm going to either install a line of edge tile or cut into the concrete and lay down a thicker piece to transition from the tiles to the driveway.

[justinmc]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

I'm still working out places to store things like clamps. Not sure where the portable air tank is going to go.

Could you make an overhead "rack" of sorts to put all your clamps on? Maybe a pole or piece of angle in a corner and then just hang the clamps as they'll fit (obviously doesn't fit with your style as things all seem to have a home thats "just right"). The air bubble will be challenging for sure. I'm curious to see how you store it.

I agree with the sentiments of the others in this thread, while an awesome 40+'x60+' building with giant fab tables, a downdraft booth, curtained welding/fab station, alignment rack, 4 & 2 post lifts and a 50' long Snap On box are ultimately all of our dreams, alot of us are forced to make due with less space for whatever reason. Its awesome to see a well thought out.. well put together small space that proves you can do work and accomplish things in a small space. Granted the above dream would be nice.. but until then your well thought out use of space is quite the inspriation. Good stuff.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

The new butcher block island:



You can see the fold-down benches along the wall behind the car. One is for welding, one is for wood.



The 'compliance station:'

Good rainy SoCal Saturday morning Jack. Whoever wrote, "It Never Rains In Southern California" didn't know what the hell he was talking about, huh? Friggin writers!

Anyway, I was reviewing your new pictures and came up with a few (nosy) questions:

1. Can you show a close up of your tool box labels? I just got an intermediate 3 drawer box like yours for my birthday and I'm considering how to re-organize my hand tools. I'd love to see your labels and maybe some shots with the drawers open? (Why no casters on your "roll around"?)

2. What's going on with the anvil near the front door? Is that just storage or is it supported well enough that you can actually bang on it? What's the function of that cabinet its mounted to? Is this the same anvil as the HUGE one on your heavy metal table?

3. Can you post some close ups of what looks like a contractor's table saw and the way you have your sanders or angle grinders mounted to it? Also, what's the metal table above it made from? Very good idea to height match it to your butcher block. Can you show it a bit closer?

4. Last (for the moment, I already confessed to being nosy, remember?) What do you store inside the base to the butcher block table and what's its intended use? I assume you painted it to match your tile so it would blend in rather than stand out like green would have made it?

Best, Dan

P.S. Kidding about the raining. How are you guys in the Midwest/East doing? Looks like CRAZY snow on the news. Maybe someone can post a Winter Garage Use thread showing us warm weather fortunates how you deal with it (or do you even try?).

[bje31]

That has to be the Sweetest 440 sq. ft. of heaven a guy could ask for !!!!

[Gizzy]

Great layout,nice execution of colors.Good Job Dude!!!!!!!

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by justinmc

Could you make an overhead "rack" of sorts to put all your clamps on? Maybe a pole or piece of angle in a corner and then just hang the clamps as they'll fit (obviously doesn't fit with your style as things all seem to have a home thats "just right"). The air bubble will be challenging for sure. I'm curious to see how you store it.

I've got plans for the clamps. The air tank is still bugging me.

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

1. Can you show a close up of your tool box labels? I just got an intermediate 3 drawer box like yours for my birthday and I'm considering how to re-organize my hand tools. I'd love to see your labels and maybe some shots with the drawers open? (Why no casters on your "roll around"?)

I had a set of those commercially-available magnets with pictures on them, but I got frustrated and just typed in the words and printed them out on some adhesive-backed paper. It's pretty simple, but it makes stuff much easier to find. And it was free.



I don't really have a good organization scheme for it. I got a second pair of cabinets second-hand recently, and they're going to hold welding-specific stuff out in one section of my shed. Right now, it's kind of a chaotic mix of different types of tools.

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

2. What's going on with the anvil near the front door? Is that just storage or is it supported well enough that you can actually bang on it? What's the function of that cabinet its mounted to? Is this the same anvil as the HUGE one on your heavy metal table?

Two different anvils. I reinforced the mount with steel pieces inside the wall, so I could hammer on it pretty hard. But mostly that's an alternative spot to put the grinder or the small vise. I'm not really sure where either of the anvils (one's 55 pounds, the other is 200 pounds) will ultimately end up.

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

3. Can you post some close ups of what looks like a contractor's table saw and the way you have your sanders or angle grinders mounted to it? Also, what's the metal table above it made from? Very good idea to height match it to your butcher block. Can you show it a bit closer?

The table was one I welded together when I first got my welder. I make all my work surfaces 37" high.



It happened to also be the same width as the new island, and I was able to cut out the diagonal supports so my table saw could fit underneath it.



I welded on a strip of 1"x1/8" stock to hold my throw-away Chinese grinders.

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

4. Last (for the moment, I already confessed to being nosy, remember?) What do you store inside the base to the butcher block table and what's its intended use? I assume you painted it to match your tile so it would blend in rather than stand out like green would have made it?

I expect over time I'll work out what makes the most sense to store in that cabinet. Right now, I've got some stuff in bins in there. Here's a picture of it closed (new handles added) and opened up.





On the very bottom you can see some pieces made of 2x4s -- they fit under the table saw and raise it up to the same height as all of my benches.

[Gizzy]

What size is that Hobart welder you've got? Giz'

[Dan in Pasadena]

Thanks for the answers Jack.

I was planning on using my P-Touch label maker to label my drawers, but the magnets are a much better idea than stick on labels - greater flexibility.

I have one of those orange HF grinders too. So far, mine has worked fine but as cheap as they are - I think less than $20 - it never occurred to me to buy several to keep various abrasives on them like you did - very smart. I agree, if they ever give me a problem I'll just toss 'em.

My table saw is a real dilemma for me. It isn't a contractor's saw, its a pretty nice Delta with a Unisaw rip fence on it that I got a great deal on so I hate to get rid of it. But I have thought about swapping it for a good contractor's saw just so I could store it more easily as you can with yours.

I also need a MIG welder for my new project - a 1946 Chevy truck - but they're none to cheap for my fellow-poor-man budget and its been so long since I welded that MIG wasn't even taught then! I guess I'll have to take a class at a local J.C. Did you do that or just starting messing around with it? That's the other approach I thought of.

I really like the standardized work bench heights and the way you keep related items together - I am learning from that.

Thanks again Jack. Merry Christmas to you and yours, Dan

[danehoy]

Howdy Mr. Olson.

I would start by saying that I love the feel of your garage. One of my favorite additions were the baskets you used for storage that softened up the "ma cave" feel. I love the wood beam in the middle with lighting as well. My only criticism comes from the area with that wood beam. Opposite you car is a cheap (or cheap looking) rack. I feel that breaks up the garage too much as it helps form a "wall" that makes your garage seem too much like 2 garages.

I think removing that would make the two areas come together by allowing you to move your toolchest in to the space. This will let your car, the definite focal point of the garage, be more a part of both sides.

As I look more in to your pictures, I love the use of space with the fold down table. I feel that for other people (say if you sell the house), this may be a little too taste specific. I have thought of something similar to that though for my place (as I also don't care as much about other's tastes). I wanted to conceil my tools with sliding slatboard. That would provide double the storage for the space, and for my garage the horizontal lines would add a good feel.

Good job on the lights, and I look forward to reading more of your posts (old and new)

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by Gizzy

What size is that Hobart welder you've got?

It's a 140. I recently got a Millermatic 211, though.

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

I also need a MIG welder for my new project - a 1946 Chevy truck - but they're none to cheap for my fellow-poor-man budget and its been so long since I welded that MIG wasn't even taught then! I guess I'll have to take a class at a local J.C. Did you do that or just starting messing around with it? That's the other approach I thought of.

I learned from a pair of videos. In case you're interested, I'll send you a PM about a Hobart 140 that's going to be up for sale soon.

Originally Posted by danehoy

Opposite you car is a cheap (or cheap looking) rack. I feel that breaks up the garage too much as it helps form a "wall" that makes your garage seem too much like 2 garages.

I think removing that would make the two areas come together by allowing you to move your tool chest in to the space. This will let your car, the definite focal point of the garage, be more a part of both sides.

I feel that for other people (say if you sell the house), this may be a little too taste specific. I have thought of something similar to that though for my place (as I also don't care as much about other's tastes). I wanted to conceil my tools with sliding slatboard. That would provide double the storage for the space, and for my garage the horizontal lines would add a good feel.

By 'rack' I first assumed you meant the tool chests. But do you mean the shelves that face the nose of the car, against the back wall? Or do you mean the metal table on the far side of the butcher block table?

I'm curious, because I don't like the way the tool chests look, especially since I added a middle cabinet and made it even taller. I also don't much like most of the back wall. It was part of the original re-do of the garage, when budget was the chief concern. The big cabinets dated back to when the garage was built, and I added the shelves (made of hollow-core doors) underneath because I had the doors sitting around.

I've got a 'phase two' in mind for the garage that will eliminate most of that stuff. The back wall will still have the main work bench, but it will be moved more to the center of the wall, with overhead cabinets on the same line of the ones currently over the metal bench and the main work bench -- but extending all along the back wall and wrapping around to a (slightly-shortened version) of the cabinets that are now up above the driver's side door of the car. I'll be able to continue that polished aluminum stripe all along the back wall with a curved wrap to the left. Down below it, I'll have my main bench, my tool cabinets, and two 6' tall and 4' wide metal cabinets.



But there's no telling when I'll actually getting around to doing all that. I move slowly. I've got to source the cabinets second-hand, for starters.

I also want to change that desk-height work surface at the opening of the garage to a slightly-less-deep butcher block workbench that can be raised from desk height (30") to work bench height (37", for me), with pneumatic cylinders. Of course, there's no telling when I'll get around to that, either.

The great thing about this board is that it keeps you constantly thinking of new ideas for your garage.

The terrible thing about this board is that it keeps you constantly thinking of new ideas for your garage.

[danehoy]

That sounds great. I think it will open up your garage a lot. The butch block is very-much the style now. I think if you are looking to connect the butcher block to the garage more, consider adding a stained finish that matches the darker wood in the butchers block. it is simple and something that people should be able to appreciate even if they cannot put it into words when they see it.

Also, I had commented on the metal shelving which seemed taken out in a later picture. I agree with you that the tool chest will look better on the wall.

[Hemin8r]

Great job. Looks like a great place to hang out and work on projects. I also love how the sheds came out.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by danehoy

Also, I had commented on the metal shelving which seemed taken out in a later picture. I agree with you that the tool chest will look better on the wall.

I made some progress on it this week. The tool cabinet is over in the corner now, and the main bench moved to the left about 30 inches to allow it to fit. I tore out the old wood cabinets and broad shelves below them and put in heavy steel cabinets with additional storage up above.

The plan was to continue the 'line' of the overhead portion all the way across the garage and to get the red tool cabinet out of the middle of things:



Basically, I wanted to tear out everything you see along the left half of the rear wall:



Here are two quick snapshots of what it looks like today:





Yes, it's an incredible mess right now. And a lot of it's not finished (you can see the clamps holding up the aluminum strip, for example). And I won't be able to work on it again until the new year. But I'm very happy with how it's starting to look.

[WhatThaFrig]

Nice work. I like how you turned the tall cabinets on their sides and re-hinged them. Plus I love the green. I am very envious of your garage. I'd love to have my one car closet to look like that.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Ok Jack,
I've got a few questions - again (sorry):

1. Are the 4'x6' cabinets the "2000 lbs" you mention renting a Home Depot truck for in your compressor thread? Was that hyperbole or are these things made out of 1/2" steel plate! Seriously, were these gun safes or something else massive? Why not regular sheet metal storage cabinets?

2. Also, did you paint the insides? I have a couple of mismatching metal cabinets I will be "painting ala Jack Olsen" (Rustoleum or latex) and I don't especially want to paint inside them.

3. What's going on with your bench grinder? Does it just sit free on the bench top? Close up pix if you have a trick way to fasten it down? I used to have mine mounted to a 3/4" plywood "plate" on a 2x4 I'd chuck in my vise; now I have a dedicated HF stand - the perfect HF tool, can't break, low tech, cheap.

4. It looks like your toolboxes are NOT on casters. If so, why would you do that?

5. Last, SEEMS like you're losing overall storage space with these changes (though it looks better, I agree) or is it a net "push"?

[Jack Olsen]

Questions are never a problem.

1. They're part of it. These ones are 760 pounds each. They're made of 12 gauge steel. There's one more -- it's going to replace the regular cabinet to the right of the steel bench. They're made by Strong Hold out of Wisconsin, and they're advertised as the strongest shelving you can buy. Each shelf is rated at 1900 pounds.

Why do I need them? Well, I don't. But I got the pair you see for a total of $207 on eBay. I liked the one I have under the big steel bench so much that I jumped at the chance to get more of them.

2. I didn't paint the insides. This is a garage, after all. One was grey and one had been painted blue on the outside, but both were grey on the inside. I'm fine with that. And I suspect that their paint will hold up better than mine.

3. The bench grinder can be moved between three different trailer hitch mounts I've got in the garage. While I was working on the main bench, I took it off and just set it somewhere.

4. I have the casters for the box. And even in its new position, it would be able to roll out. I might put them on. But I don't know that I would ever roll the whole thing anywhere. We'll see.

5. There's a slight net loss in storage space. But I'm getting an increase in floor space, and my bench is getting moved to a better position. I'm also happier with the new position for the tool chest.

And since I'm willing to admit that I'm a little obsessive, sometimes, I'll also confess that I just didn't like the look of the oversized cabinets and the cardboard boxes for storage. If they hadn't sagged and distorted over time, I might have tried to do it another way. But in the end, I decided I wanted to continue that aluminum line all the way across the room for a more horizontal look. Irrational? Maybe. But a garage is something you can make look exactly the way you want.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Hey, I've got NO issue with your "obsessiveness"...I share the same trait. Except in my case, I get "paralysis-by-analysis" (like right now) which holds me up until Ive got the ENTIRE picture in my mind...while the mess gets bigger and bigger. Then I finally try to do everything at once and trip over myself.

760 lbs EACH?! Holy Moly. "Trailer hitch mounts"? Like a Class III receiver? A metal 2x2 welded/bolted to things, or am I misunderstanding?
Totally agree on your tool box; looks much better there. I just got an intermediate box myself and frankly I'm too short at 5'-10" to see in the top clearly enough. I'm going to have to get a step of some kind.

I love your garage. Its an inspiration because frankly, its old and small like mine. I'm going to copy the older paint scheme - awesome.

[Jack Olsen]

Thanks. Yes, they're dual mounts -- 2" each. You can see two of them in the pictures above, under the overhang of the bench. They're black, so they sort of get lost in the shadows. Some guys do it with a single square tube mount, but I wanted better resistance to twisting, since one of the things I use them for is a vise.

Moving those benches was so complicated that I might do a separate thread on it. But here's a shot of one of the tools I put together in order to make it possible.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

....Moving those benches was so complicated...

Ya think? At 760lbs apiece I can't imagine moving them with THREE guys much less by myself. Even with multiple guys a refrigerator dolly would be useless. It strikes me that a fork lift would be most appropriate. Tell us you didn't do this by yourself? You did say you weigh 160 lbs, right? I guess it wouldn't matter what you weighed anyway.

[CodeRedZ]

great work

[TX-WJ]

Outstanding work!!, simply amazing what you've done with the space, the light and color.

Now, could you post more pics of yourself? , I kid, I kid.

[cyclopsblown34]

Jack, your constantly evolving shop is an inspiration to us all. As for the Stronghold cabinets. I sell them to several customers and you nearly stole them for the price of shipping on one of them. Congratulations.

[Jack Olsen]

Well, I'm a little bit closer.

If you can look past the mess (all the stuff that was stored had to be pulled out, as well as all the lumber from the shelves I took down), you can start to see where it's going. Today I fitted in the replacement cabinet that sits to the right of the steel workbench with the hammers above it.



Here's the old version, for reference. It's all clean and nice, but I don't like the jumble of cabinets as much. It's going to have a much more 'horizontal' look, now -- less like two bays sitting next to each other.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Looks good Jack. I particulalry like the tool box moved to the back as it was a bit of a visual divide. The tall cabinets are just neater than the exposed file boxes which inevitably get soggy, or get mice in them.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Looks good Jack. I particulalry like the tool box moved to the back as it was a bit of a visual divide. The tall cabinets are just neater than the exposed file boxes which inevitably get soggy, or get mice in them.

One of the things I just noticed about your garage, no posters, old signs, etc. No historical Porsche posters? Sacrilege I tell you!

[1jjpop]

I bought a lot[ 3 blocks from our house] with a 18' x 22' garage, after they tore down the old house, garage is located @ the back of the lot. Garage is 22 years old,I had to reroof, replace some siding, insulate, new wiring,paint & etc.I'am retired makes a good place to work on my toys & get out of the house. I LOVE IT.......

[viper522]

Just when I thought someone had it right and that I, too, could build out my garage and be done...he goes and changes everything - crushing my dreams of 'one and done'.

[xpmcharly]

Great admiration on your garage space, best/most creative on here that I've seen. In one of your earlier posts, you mentioned what I call, " thinking with a pencil". I find this to be one of my most useful habits. I grew up in a country store in East Tennessee, and one of the things my grandmother taught mr was to add the items on a paper bag and place them in it. Believe me, I've had a few come back. I still find that my hand knows more than my brain.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

One of the things I just noticed about your garage, no posters, old signs, etc. No historical Porsche posters? Sacrilege I tell you!

I have some Porsche posters in the house. But I've never really had the space for art on the garage walls -- or had Porsche art I'm willing to sacrifice to flying metal shavings and the other hazards of a shop.

I will admit to liking this type of sign, though:



But it seems a little weird (to me) to have a business-type sign for your own garage.

Originally Posted by viper522

Just when I thought someone had it right and that I, too, could build out my garage and be done...he goes and changes everything - crushing my dreams of 'one and done'.

I know what you mean. (My wife knows it, too.) The first time through was so driven by time and budget that I made compromises. Now I've gone over each wall a second time. Hopefully, it'll stay 'done' this time.

Although...

I still have a plan for the front-of-garage desk/bench, and the recent thread about the Harbor Freight tool cabinets going on sale has made me think about a more storage-efficient undercarriage for that back-of-garage work bench.

I do want the thing to be done, but I have to admit I like the process of re-doing it.

Originally Posted by xpmcharly

In one of your earlier posts, you mentioned what I call, " thinking with a pencil". I find this to be one of my most useful habits. I grew up in a country store in East Tennessee, and one of the things my grandmother taught mr was to add the items on a paper bag and place them in it. Believe me, I've had a few come back. I still find that my hand knows more than my brain.

I know what you mean. If I'd sat down with a piece of paper before I started, I think I would have come up with something closer to where I ultimately ended up -- without so many steps in between. But then, a vision of the final version might have seemed like too much work for just a garage. Sometimes you have to trick yourself into doing it piece by piece.

[viper522]

Originally Posted by Jack Olsen

Although...

I still have a plan for the front-of-garage desk/bench, and the recent thread about the Harbor Freight tool cabinets going on sale

ooh do tell! link?

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by viper522

ooh do tell! link?

Here's the thread about the cabinets.

13 drawers, much-better-than-Craftsman quality, $271.

That's hard to resist.

The trade-off is that they're only 18 inches deep.

[viper522]

got it, thanks Jack

[Jack Olsen]

Progress has slowed down lately because of work stuff, but I got a little time yesterday and today to knock a work bench together.

Here's the sketch from yesterday morning:



I had to figure out how to bend the 2"x2" tubing:



Then I just cut everything to match the sketch:



My welding was quick and ugly, but that's what grinders were invented for, right?



Here it is in its basic shape with the butcher block sitting on top of it. I still need to do the grinding, filling and paint:



The garage is still a complete mess, but the shape of the updated look is beginning to come together:



(A few mornings ago, I painted the cabinet under the island in the same green as the others.)

[Chris05gto]

Man that is a nice table!

[Re-Volv]

The frame for the butcher block table looks excellent! Thumbs up

[DIYnotBUY]

Great garage you are a rare breed that can make something out of nothing!!I do have a question though. Where do you get the great butcherblock tops and about what do you shell out for them??

[BLUBAYOU]

looks great!

[Jack Olsen]

Thanks.

I did it with the bend because most of the workbenches like this end up looking very utilitarian.



That's not a big deal if the bench is up against a wall somewhere, but sitting where it faces out (like mine does), I thought it would end up bugging me if it had a by-the-numbers support structure underneath it.

It was fun to unpack that bender finally, too. I've got to get some dies made for it that will work with square tubing.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by DIYnotBUY

Great garage you are a rare breed that can make something out of nothing!!I do have a question though. Where do you get the great butcherblock tops and about what do you shell out for them??

Thanks. I've got to admit, I really enjoy the process of taking something from a vague idea in my head to the point where it's real -- and almost too heavy for me to lift. I need to stop reinventing my garage one of these days, but projects like this are a lot of fun. (I've got plans for a new take on the wood bench in the back of the room, too.)

I got the butcher block for today's table second-hand off of Ebay. I paid $120, which is a lot for a used bench top, but it's 2" thick and it's solid Pennsylvania Maple. The one on the island is from Ikea. It's 39"x72" and 1-1/2" thick. It's Birch (they also stock Oak and Beech), and ran $190.

I'm thinking of staining both of them a darker shade and then putting a heavy polyurethane on top. I don't know why, but I think darker wood would fit better visually with the rest of the garage.

[DIYnotBUY]

Thanks i really like the look keep in mind im an old skool 23 year old and when i build a bench top a completely even and level benchtop is something for rich folks haha!! I have mainly used 2x8, and 2x10s just for strength and well cost!! Im the scrap lumber king right now and i use what i got!! I do like the idea im thinking of making a rolling workbench 3'x6' or so and i was thinking that top might beat out my two pieces of 31/2 x18 pieces that i have (i know monster wood)but im not sure!!

[Jack Olsen]

There's no shame in keeping it inexpensive and honest. The bench I had in the place before this one was just a piece of plywood on top of a wrought-iron bookcase frame that someone threw away. When I initially cleaned out and re-did the garage, my budget was $500 for everything. Most of the lighting still comes from $5 trouble lights.

You don't have to spend a lot to come up with a place where you can get a lot done. But I'll admit that I've been spending more lately (hey, I'm twice as old as you, so I've got a little bit of garage money socked away now) as I slowly replace my quick-and-cheap construction with stuff that's still pretty cheap, but slowly getting a little more permanent.

[brockstar]

Another enjoyable addition to your shop!

I appreciate your just do it attitude! I over analyze and never get anything done.

Your shop is so well put together, the Craftsman box is looking out of place! Time to think of a replacement or paint it green as well!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by brockstar

...Your shop is so well put together, the Craftsman box is looking out of place! Time to think of a replacement or paint it green as well!

Oh oh! Now you've done it. Now Jack is gonna show us all up by buidling his own SnapOn $5000 tool box out of $150 worth of stuff the rest of us couldn't make look like a sow's ear, much less the silk purse he'll make!

Kidding aside, I'm going ot enjoy sitting back and seeing what he comes up with.

[Dan in Pasadena]

BTW to jack since I see you're online now; the curved 2x2 looks like you sliced relief cuts in it to get the curve or is that just waviness in the metal from the bending operation?

Oh and P.S. Tell us that bender wasn't a $50 find off CL please! I'd probably never use one enough to merit buying one, but that thing looks great. How long before you start thinking of a tubular framed, 911 bodied race car?

[Jack Olsen]

Hey, Dan. I cut half way through the tubing every inch and a half. In retrospect, I probably should have cut all the way through the sides, to prevent the pinched distortion appearing midway through the facing side of the tube. (Or I should have talked to someone who knows about this -- my approach might have been completely wrong.) But if this ends up looking terrible once it's painted, I can cut it out and try again. I've got extra tubing.

Without square tubing dies, I don't think this is the right application for the HF roll bender. Even with 16ga walls, this stuff is just too strong. I think for round tubing, or even smaller square tubing, it would work just fine.

The HF roll bender is normally $179 -- but if you're patient, you'll find it marked down to $149. A 20%-off coupon knocks that down to $119, which is how I got it. My plan was (and is) to use it for a back yard deck and pergola thing I've got in mind. For that, I'll be bending 1" square tubing.

I don't really like seeing Craftsman's logo on my tool cabinets -- but I don't like logos. I don't mind the red color, though. If the entire garage ends up only green and tan, I think it might be going too far. (Well, you could make the argument that it's already a few steps down the 'too far' road. But I'm not going back.)

If I go with another red and black set of drawers under the wood-topped bench that's next to the Craftsman cabinet, then I think the red will look a little bit more 'on purpose.' The HF red cabinets are on sale this weekend, and I'm still trying to decide if I want to make that jump.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Personally I wouldn't worry about the waviness. But if it bothers, you could surface grind the whole visible side and even use a little Bondo to even out the appearence. But honestly, I like the regularity of the wave. It makes it obvious you built it yourself - a good thing - instead of buying a pre-packaged, powder coated, Taiwan made one at Costco. Nothing agianst buying a Costco item it's just that if you have the chops to make your own, I think that's cool and it's something I'd be proud of.

I'm with you on logo's. I take the emblems off my cars too when I can (Well, not the Porsche badges, but you couldn't without welding the holes shut). My 4x4 dually had a ton of them on it and I stripped them all off and swapped out the tacky inset plastic gold and chrome Chevy bowtie for a simple, stainless billet one.

In welding your bench, did you use flux core wire or use a gas bottle? I'm thinking for that heavy stock, flux core would be okay, am I correct?

P.S. I kinda like the unpainted look on this bench. I like seeing the heat effected zones near the welds, etc. I know clear its not consistent with your theme, but maybe black? Or are you planning green? Either way, it's a nice, nice piece of work.

[Jack Olsen]

I used gas and .030 wire. Flux core would have worked just fine, but I wanted to see how the autoset feature worked on the new welder, and it's configured for solid wire.

With 110v welding, flux core lets you generate a little more heat than regular MIG, so you can stretch the limits of how thick a piece of metal you can weld. In this case, with 1/8" and 16ga steel, that wasn't a factor.

The undercarriage will probably be green. I've already got lots of the paint, and I do best when I keep my decisions simple.

[alberto]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

I take the emblems off my cars too when I can (Well, not the Porsche badges, but you couldn't without welding the holes shut).

You can order them with badge delete (and no holes to fill). However, they charge you for the privilege (!)

[rv56]

oh man Jack just seen this thread and love the garage and all I could say is
Will you marry me all kidding aside great job and brockstar i do the same thing by over analyzing and never get it done. Jack though has truly inspired me to get something going with my garage.
Good job Jack.
Ruben

[ngrover]

John Deere green? and John Deere yellow?

I'm shamelessly going to use this color scheme ... love it. It has that "workshop" feel to it. White is to sterile/clinical for me.

Nice work!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by alberto

You can order them with badge delete (and no holes to fill). However, they charge you for the privilege (!)

ORDER "them"? A Porsche? Uh, no.

This is a "Poor Man's" retreat, remember? And I am even more poor than Jack because mine was a middy and didn't have a 3.6 in it. It was a restoration project, no ordering involved. Not sure I'd want to, even if I could afford one. My next one (yeah, I'm weakening already) will be an early car..if I can afford one.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Jack,
Not to bug, but I was reviewing some of the pictures on this thread and I noticed something that's not been discussed (I think) - your overhead pulley-controlled storage. It looks like a 4x8 sheet of plywood but I am wondering how the pulley system works? Does it raise and lower the plywood flat automatically, or do you have to manipulate it so it won't throw the stored stuff off?

I have seen some overhead storage systems for bicycles for cheap at Marshall's of all places and I was wondering if I could adapt one of those to this purpose? Also, the thought of raising and lowering with a cheap Harbor Freight come-along occurred to me too.

[alberto]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

ORDER "them"? A Porsche? Uh, no.

This is a "Poor Man's" retreat, remember? And I am even more poor than Jack because mine was a middy and didn't have a 3.6 in it. It was a restoration project, no ordering involved. Not sure I'd want to, even if I could afford one. My next one (yeah, I'm weakening already) will be an early car..if I can afford one.

Well, I don't have first hand experience ordering either. I just know you can delete the badge because I was on their site doing "build your own".

[Jack Olsen]

Closer:





Third coat of marine varnish drying:



Dan, the suspended thing is a steel work bench. It's got a 1/8" thick top and is framed with 2" angle iron. I don't really need a ninth work surface for one guy working in a two car garage, and I honestly think it's a little crazy that I've got it suspended up there above the race car. I'll take some pictures soon, but I'd advise against other guys doing the same thing. It's dangerous.

But I'm too cheap to throw a perfectly good table away.

[bmwpower]

Sweet. I like the design of the bench.

Are you going to go with wheels for the legs or something else?

[Jack Olsen]

Thanks.

You can't see them in the pictures, but I went with what I had lying around -- some 2" washers. I welded on nuts before I welded them inside the legs -- then I used regular bolts (with rubber caps over the bolt heads) to make 'poor man's adjustable feet.'

I take casters off more often than I put them on, since the garage is too small for rolling furniture to make a lot of sense.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Jack,
Somewhere in the past (I THINK it was an old Popular Mechanics) I saw an article on overhead suspending a 4x8 sheet of plywood with short side panels as a way of storing infrequently used (& lightweight) items, like empty ice chests and camping equipment. I just can't remember how the article said to rig the pulleys so that the sheet of plywood would RELIABLY raise and lower level, without tossing all your junk on the floor, uh...er...racecar in your case. If cheap enough, I'd add a little flair to the idea by using a cheapo HF winch to raise and lower it. I have two trailer mounted Kawasaki Jet Ski's in my garage which totally eats up my garage's usability, so this would help a LOT to give me additional clear floor space.

P.S. I forgot to comment that the stained bench tops look excellent. Almost too good, but you've got the "compliance" station to beat the spit outta stuff so maybe they'll stay good looking longer than they would in my garage. Did you use plain wood stain or a Minwax type product?

[Fidget]

Love the bench. It's amazing how such a small design change can make such a statement. Your bench paint color almost matches my car!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Leaf Green and Deep Sixes on an early car, gorgeous!

[chrislehr]

Jack - any more pics/design on the driveway storage - that is EXACTLY what I want to build along the side of my garage.

[Jack Olsen]

Chris, I'll try to dig up any more photos I have of the storage sheds. They were done in a hurry. I'm surprised they've held up so well, in fact.

In the meantime, I put in some wood shelves into one of the steel cabinets today. They're very simple, but I made them so I could fit in a set of bins I got at Ikea. Each bin is 15"x10"x9"H, and I was able to configure the 4'x6' cabinet to hold 42 of them.



(The green is wrong in that picture -- I think that one was taken without a flash.)

This picture shows scale -- that's a quart of paint -- and also the way they fit two deep.



Here it is closed.



I've got labels I can use on the bins, and I think doing it this way will mean less dead air and better organization.

On the right side, I used one of the stock shelves up top, but then made metal-covered wood shelves that allow me to have a tall section on the right where I can store my little step ladder, a couple of brooms, and hang things like a welding jacket and a pair of overalls.



A lot of the storage is temporary, right now. The gray bins are from Harbor Freight and will organize fasteners.

[WhatThaFrig]

I like the tall cabinet. Very good use of space. Plus I'm jealous!

[DORIGTT]

Hey Jack,

How has the tile and grout in the garage held up to stains? Oil in particular.

[Jack Olsen]

Originally Posted by DORIGTT

Hey Jack,

How has the tile and grout in the garage held up to stains? Oil in particular.

Really great. Better than concrete, which absorbs the stuff. Oil wipes up with a paper towel and is gone. The tiles are nonporous. Grout isn't, if you don't seal it. But you'll notice I went with a dark brown for that -- a very deliberate choice.

I should know about oil, since the car has a dry sump oil system and takes about 11 quarts with every change. On top of that it's an old Porsche that's tracked regularly, which means it tends to 'mark its territory.'

There's a newer thread on the garage here.

[chrislehr]

Jack,

Still would really like to see a pic of the garage driveway storage opened or your design if you did one - its exactly what I want to do