Rams' new shop.

[Rams]

It's taken a year for this project to come to fruition and may never be done completely but, I've made enough progress that I wanted to share with this group of friends.   I've had my girls in two different garages and way back when in my shop in Frankfort, KY.   But, that shop now belongs to someone else.   Told the wife (my Army issued Spousal Unit) that if I was going to move again, I would be getting the shop I wanted again.   She agreed and this is the end result.  

There's a long story about the issues I ran into getting this shop built but, will only go there if asked.   Regardless, Serk has agreed to post the pictures for me.   Apparently, my brain cell count won't accommodate such a task.   Anyway, there's still much to do but, I'd like to read your comments and suggestions on how to make it more user friendly.

Edited: I fully realize many won't care even a little bit and that's OK.   It's been a long year and a lot of effort and $$$.   I'm kind of proud of how things are turning out.   Again, I am interested in reading any suggestions those of you who do respond with your ideas.   May or may not use them but, who knows.

Serk, go for it.  

Rams

[Serk]

As requested, I snuck into his shop and clandestinely took some pics...   

Here ya' go:

[Jess from VA]

Awesome Ron.   

Color me jealous.

Except for possibly dinging a gas tank or something, how about a basketball hoop?   

[John Schmidt]

I'm with Jess, I'm really green-eyed with jealousy.  You now have what I've wished for many times but location was never accommodating. Judging by the framework next to the windows it appears they open by sliding sideways...correct? If we ever get through your neck of the woods I'll have to check it out in person. You'll have to build a triangular platform for that lift so you can use it for the trike.

[bassman]

OMG!  Fantastic!  Well done, sir.
Maybe a 85-95” TV……..or two

[Rams]

I'm with Jess, I'm really green-eyed with jealousy.   You now have what I've wished for many times but location was never accommodating. Judging by the framework next to the windows it appears they open by sliding sideways...correct? If we ever get through your neck of the woods I'll have to check it out in person. You'll have to build a triangular platform for that lift so you can use it for the trike or bike.

Thanks for the nice comments.  The windows open like any other windows, up and down.   That blue thing next to the auto lift (near the refrigerator) is my trike/bike lift the ramps are not on it in that picture.   The sides in the center fold down so one can get up close and personal with the trike.

OMG!  Fantastic!  Well done, sir.
Maybe a 85-95” TV……..or two

Thanks.  There's a 65 inch sitting in my other garage waiting to be hung up on the wall.   I predict a problem getting a good over the air signal through that metal structure.   But we'll see, won't be running cable or wifi into the shop.   The other thing holding up getting that TV put up on the wall is waiting on John Schmidt to get here to help get it up there.  

As I said in the original post, I am looking for suggestions on making this shop as user friendly as possible.   I want to get something to bolt horizontally on the wall posts to hang stuff on to keep things off the floor.   Was out there sweeping up the dust on the floor last week and the wife came looking for me.  She said she needed something crossed off the honey do list.   Told her as soon as I get this floor cleaned up.   Sure wish I had one of those Roomba things.

Three days later, one showed up.   She knows how to manipulate me.  

Rams

[98valk]

very nice. enjoy. God Bless

[Rams]

very nice. enjoy. God Bless

Thank you sir, have a blessed day.

User friendly idea: Before you get the building filled up, run a compressed air pipe down each wall.  You can have fittings to plug your hose into.  This is how it is done in the factory world, as you can't run hoses all over the floor.

Have been considering doing just that.   Also, putting my 20 gallon air compressor out under the lean to on the back of the shop.   That idea is more about the noise air compressors produce.   But then, I consider how much I actually use air tools and the compressor.   Very little, mostly airing up tires.   The cabinet next to the air compressor on the left side, back wall is full of air tools that actually have spider webs on them.   So, realizing that, it might happen some day but, it's not something on top of the list.

But, thanks for the feedback/suggestion.

Edited:   I was at a couple of retail outlets today and saw a wall mounted self-recoiling air reel.  Thinking that might be just what I want, it had a fifty-foot hose.   That would reach anywhere in my shop and I wouldn't need to do nearly as much plumbing.   Yeah, I'm lazy and cheap. 

Rams

[Jess from VA]

Is there water in there?  A big deep basin sink would come in handy.

If there isn't water, a big plastic (lightweight) tank on the wall above the sink would work.  Could be filled with a hose.  

[Rams]

Is there water in there?  A big deep basin sink would come in handy.

If there isn't water, a big plastic (lightweight) tank on the wall above the sink would work.  Could be filled with a hose.  

Jess, no there isn't water to the shop, would like to have it but, that would involve cutting my (wife's) concrete drive, laying the pipe and then repouring concrete.   I have outside water faucets at the most inconvenient places on this home.   But, I have a several hoses so, I'm going to have to settle for that (for now).  What I would most likely do is put an outside spicket near the walkthrough door (corner of the building) but not inside.   I considered putting a sloped floor with a drain but, decided to not go there.   I won't be using much if any water inside the shop.   But, it is a good suggestion, thanks.

Edited:  BTW, that suggestion for the basketball hoop is very unlikely to happen, the wife won't play!

Rams

[carolinarider09]

Well done!!!!  

I have two work areas together, probably about half as big as yours.   Not much room in my areas for work so I have to move a bike outside.

Again, that is a big nice work area.  

[Rams]

Well done!!!!  

I have two work areas together, probably about half as big as yours.   Not much room in my areas for work so I have to move a bike outside.

Again, that is a big nice work area.  

Thank you Jim.   But as is usually true, I wish it was five to ten feet wider.   Work shops and storage buildings are never big enough!    That would allow for more room around the trike/bike lift and would have probably allowed me to have another 12 foot wide garage door which, would have made a difference in where I located that two post vehicle lift.

Rams

[RP#62]

That is awesome.  Great job.  I am jealous as well.
You asked, so here's what I'd be doing
First, I second that about the compressor and plumbing for it all around.
Have the whole building wired for 220, with outlets spaced all around
An area for welding, with a welding table and place to store and plug in the welders, plasma cutters, etc.
A place for the drill press.
A place for the lathe and milling machine
A place set aside for sheet metal work - project table, brake, shear, slip roll, etc
On one of the tables, mount a big vise and grinder
A parts washer for cleaning engine parts, etc
A gantry crane would be awesome as well, but that might be overdoing it.

RP

[LadyDraco]

Nice !

[Rams]

That is awesome.  Great job.  I am jealous as well.
You asked, so here's what I'd be doing
First, I second that about the compressor and plumbing for it all around.
Have the whole building wired for 220, with outlets spaced all around
An area for welding, with a welding table and place to store and plug in the welders, plasma cutters, etc.
A place for the drill press.
A place for the lathe and milling machine
A place set aside for sheet metal work - project table, brake, shear, slip roll, etc
On one of the tables, mount a big vise and grinder
A parts washer for cleaning engine parts, etc
A gantry crane would be awesome as well, but that might be overdoing it.

RP

You're right, I did ask.   But Wow, that's a list.   Thinking I'll need to double the size of my shop if I do all that.     Gave my mig welder and cutting torch to my son when I got my pace maker, the doc said no welding.   The building is wired for both 110V and 220V, the lift is 220V and I had the wiring set up for possible further expansion.   Would like to eventually add that mini-split HVAC.  Reference the rest of that list, will take it under advisement.  Thanks for the suggestions.

Nice !

Thank you young lady.  

Thanks to all for all the suggestions.

Rams

[Serk]

The three things I see missing:

(And yeah, this would be for me, not you, your needs may not be the same as mine but)

-Urinal (They make waterless ones)
-Place for 3D printer(s)
-Ammo reloading desk

Looks very nice!

On the air tools, could it be one of those things you don't use it 'cause it's not on tap and easy to use? Just a thought.

(I too almost exclusively use mine for airing up tires (And the occasional soda blasting suppressor baffles), but I have to go turn mine on and while it's running no one can hear anything else.)

[DIGGER]

Really nice!!   Have fun with it!

[Jess from VA]

Without water, I guess a hot tub is out.  

[Rams]

The three things I see missing:

(And yeah, this would be for me, not you, your needs may not be the same as mine but)

-Urinal (They make waterless ones)
-Place for 3D printer(s)
-Ammo reloading desk

Looks very nice!

On the air tools, could it be one of those things you don't use it 'cause it's not on tap and easy to use? Just a thought.

(I too almost exclusively use mine for airing up tires (And the occasional soda blasting suppressor baffles), but I have to go turn mine on and while it's running no one can hear anything else.)

Yeah, I know those are for you.
Urinal?  Why, I have a lean to just out the back door and trees.  
If I can't figure out how to post pictures here, what in the world would I need a 3D printer for.    Ammo reloading is not an interest of mine but, have fun with your hobby.  

I do like the idea of the soda blaster, I have a collection of Tonka Toys from the Construction series that I got as a four year old, I also have my own son's Tonka Toys.   Some of those metal toys could use some rehab.   Will put some thought into that soda blaster thing.   Thanks.

Really nice!!   Have fun with it!

Thanks Digger.  Be safe out there.

Without water, I guess a hot tub is out.  

Jess,
Look at the pictures again, I have a propane/fire water feature.   It's the white half barrel.   Fill it with water, turn the gas on, and the propane bubbles up from the bottom and throw a match toward it, when it reaches the surface, it flames up.   I built this several years ago.   You're welcome to come visit and take a hot tub dip in it but, that's as close as we're gonna get to a "Hot Tub".

Rams

[da prez]

  jess , I envy you. I just bought my last home ( I hope). It has an OK garage , and a huge storage shed in back. It will come down and I will build the maximum size addition I can get away with.  I will also do the floors as you did.  Please provide the info. (I am sure you did during construction)

                                               da prez

[Oss]

In my travels I have seen some nice work shops at members homes

BigBF, Charliemac and Lady Draco have some of the nicest, if not largest set ups

Yours may be even a step above with that shiny floor and lift   Those 3 bikes do not make a dent in the space you have !

I have a measley 1 car garage that cant even hold one car   

[f6john]

WOW

[cookiedough]

wow totally impressed and jealous, that garage is almost the size of my house. 

you could rent it out for mthly storage and recoup your building expenses in no time being that large.

[Oldfishguy]

Very nice!

Add an anvil.

Near a work bench, elevated in clear view.  As much for use as it is for decoration. 

[Rams]

 jess , I envy you. I just bought my last home ( I hope). It has an OK garage , and a huge storage shed in back. It will come down and I will build the maximum size addition I can get away with.  I will also do the floors as you did.  Please provide the info. (I am sure you did during construction)

                                               da prez

Edited:  I did get quotes on having the floor coating professsionally done.  While I'm sure the "professionals" would have done a better job, at slightly over four times my actual costs, I'm happy enough with my floor now.

I learned a lot about putting a finish coating on concrete doing this floor.   I used a product called Rock Solid by Rust-Oleum.   It's not cheap but, I like the finished look.   I didn't use the speckled stuff that gets spread on the floor to give it a decorative look.   Still have six packets of it if you want it.  There's some technique one has to develop and that comes as you do it.   Now that I've done it, I could advise you on what to and what not to do.   Getting your floor acid washed is interesting and the instructions specifically state that it's not clean enough until you swipe you hand over it and don't get any dust.   Can't tell you how many times I swept, mopped and pressure washed that floor to get to that point.   The instructions say that solar irradiation affects the curing process so, I waited until after dark to start.

What I didn't think of was all the friggen bugs in TN would come to my brightly lit shop to check it out.   It was already hot and very humid so, the doors were open and the fans were all blowing.   Yeah, that was dumb on my part.   There are some bugs permanently entombed in my floor finish.  Did you happen to notice that Roomba sweeper thing?   I was out in the shop sweeping up the dust that had gotten on my floor and the wife came out and wanted me to get onto one of her "Honey Do" projects, told her I would as soon as the floor was swept but, I sure wish I had one of the Roomba sweeper things.   Three days later, one arrived.   She knows so well how to manipulate me.....

Edited:  Additionally, I highly recommend that Closed Cell Spray On Insulation.   Makes one heck of a difference in controlling the temps inside the building.

When you're ready, give me a shout out and tell you a few other things I learned.

BTW, I'm Rams, not Jess.   I'm better looking than Jess is.  

Rams

In my travels I have seen some nice work shops at members homes

BigBF, Charliemac and Lady Draco have some of the nicest, if not largest set ups

Yours may be even a step above with that shiny floor and lift   Those 3 bikes do not make a dent in the space you have !

I have a measley 1 car garage that cant even hold one car  

Have only seen a few other shops and most are better equipped than mine for specific work.   I equipped mine for what I need to do.   At some point in the future (hopefully a long time from now) my son will inherit everything in that shop.  Reference your one car garage, we all have priorities, building this shop was the only way I was going to move from Mississippi to Tennessee.   I'm sure if you really wanted something different, it would happen.   This is what I wanted.  Mac (Crazy Horse) has the nicest and best equipped shop I've been in.   I've stolen an idea or two from him.  

WOW

John, don't over react, you and your place was my inspiration.  

wow totally impressed and jealous, that garage is almost the size of my house.  

you could rent it out for mthly storage and recoup your building expenses in no time being that large.

I appreciate the comment but, I didn't build this for anyone else to use or rent.  If you'll notice on the back wall, there's a sign that says "Ron's Garage".     I've only got to please one other person and even she knows I'm not storing anything but my stuff in my shop.   I mean, Damn she's got a whole three car garage attached to the house that she claims.   Now I'm having to do some landscaping and plantings for what she has to look at from the patio I built for her.   One of those Happy Wife, Happy Life things I guess.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions.

Rams

[LadyDraco]

+1  on an Anvil !
I  use  mine  all the  time.
And  The  huge  Vise  that sets in front of  my anvil

[Rams]

Very nice!

Add an anvil.

Near a work bench, elevated in clear view.  As much for use as it is for decoration.  

Considering a larger work bench/table, already have three different vices.   An anvil is an interesting idea but, I don't do that kind of work any longer, I take it to my son.  My old joints won't take work like that.   Needed the bike/trike lift and the auto lift due to bad knees.   I keep trying to get John Smith to come down and give me a hand but, no such luck (yet).   But, I'm still working on him.  

+1  on an Anvil !
I  use  mine  all the  time.
And  The  huge  Vise  that sets in front of  my anvil

Anvil?   The wife tells me to use my head.
Hmmm, I wonder..........  

Rams

[Hook#3287]

Very nice 

A couple things to consider.

Plywood or similar to about 6' high all around, or in high activity areas, to protect insulation.  That stuff dings up pretty easy.

Propane ceiling heater.

Wall mount a/c.

Garage door opener.

Bigger fridge for adult beverages.

BBQ pit in the side yard.

[dan7uk]

Nice shop, what are you planning to do with the shop?

[Rams]

Very nice  

A couple things to consider.

Plywood or similar to about 6' high all around, or in high activity areas, to protect insulation.  That stuff dings up pretty easy.

Propane ceiling heater.

Wall mount a/c.

Garage door opener.

Bigger fridge for adult beverages.

BBQ pit in the side yard.

Thank you sir.   I plan to run a rail around the walls (about the top of the windows) to hang "stuff" on that I don't want on the floor, just below that railing will be covered with either plywood or pegboard depending on many things basically from the top of the windows down on all walls.  That's why the wall upright posts were taped off and the closed cell insulation removed from the posts. That railing and the plywood will add structural strength to the building from wind also.  

I seriously considered having a mini-split unit but, was running low on the budget, that might be something for the future but, it's just not in the budget now.   I don't and won't use credit unless it's an emergency.   Heat is not something I'm worried about, it doesn't get all that cold here in TN except for a couple weeks in the dead of winter.   Since the mini-split wasn't in the budget, I waited for some sales and installed two window AC units and have put up two ceiling fans over, the work bench and tool box area, a oscillating fan on each side wall about the middle of the shop lengthwise and have two squirrel cage fans hanging on my shelves for when I really want a lot of air circulating.   The building holds a lot of cubic feet of air so I usually go out there and turn on the AC units and several of the fans then come back about 15 minutes later for a much cooler shop.

Garage door opener (a side winder) is already installed.  The frig currently in the shop is already filled with my and my son's favorite refreshments but can always be restocked if you come to visit.   Although not showing in my pictures, the propane powered grill is already sitting on the concrete approach pad in front of the building, opposite side of the building from the walk through man door.   My wife hates it that I call it that.  

I am considering adding a mezzanine to hang from the already present A frame structural frame of the roof for over the (open garage door area) but, I need to do more research on the snow load (just in case) that the building is rated for.   I hold floor space and a lack of obstacles on the floor as extremely important so, I really don't want posts supporting that mezzanine.  Those posts would be just something else a bike/trike or vehicle could hit and damage the bike/trike and probably the building. That mezzanine may never happen but, it's something I've been considering.

I am looking for the right 120V winch to install (anchored to the concrete at the back wall and basically under the work bench) to pull certain non-running vehicles up the approach ramp and into the building for when such things are needed.   Again, bad knees are driving this idea.

Nice shop, what are you planning to do with the shop?

Thanks.  Whatever I want to do is pretty much the answer.   That shop is my "Man Cave" where I am to be left alone from all the things troubling the world.  Honestly, I used to do engine swaps and a lot of other things automotively (spell check says that's not a word) but, due to age, bad joints and some apparent memory issues, minor things like oil changes, tire/wheel issues, wheel bearing, brakes and stuff like that.   I am planning on undercoating my old Chevy pick up.  My days of doing major mechanical work are over.   Although, some of my son's projects will probably end up on the two-post lift.   He just bought a second rust free old Camaro, almost identical to his rusted out "racecar" Camaro he has.   I suspect it won't be long till we swap engine/transmissions and everything else to get a "racecar" back on the road for him.

Rams  

[TJ]

   

[Rams]

Plywood or similar to about 6' high all around, or in high activity areas, to protect insulation.  That stuff dings up pretty easy.

I'm discovering that the plywood I wanted for the interior walls is apparently no longer available.  While my memory could be off on this, I thought I (and my dad) used 5' X 10' sheets of plywood for a few projects.   The upright posts of my building are on 5 ft. centers so, 4' X 8' sheets will produce one heck of a lot of waste.   May have to go with sheetrock.   Not what I wanted but, it is, what it is.   Sheetrock won't support nearly the weight of hanging stuff from hooks or whatever and wall mounted shelving but, that may be my only option.  Hmmmm.  

My ever-loving "Spousal Unit" has suggested Shiplap, not a consideration IMHO.
Rams

[f6john]

Plywood or similar to about 6' high all around, or in high activity areas, to protect insulation.  That stuff dings up pretty easy.

I'm discovering that the plywood I wanted is apparently no longer available.  While my memory could be off on this, I thought I (and my dad) used 5' X 10' sheets of plywood for a few projects.   The upright posts of my building are on 5 ft. centers so, 4' X 8' sheets will produce one heck of a lot of waste.   May have to go with sheetrock.   Not what I wanted but, it is, what it is.   Sheetrock won't support nearly the weight of hanging stuff from hooks or whatever and wall mounted shelving but, that may be my only option.  Hmmmm.  

My ever-loving "Spousal Unit" has suggested Shiplap, not a consideration IMHO.
Rams

Menards Lumber doesn’t stock 10’ plywood but they can order it in 1/2” x 4’ x10’ fir for $43.00 a sheet with availability by 9/10! I did see a price of $230.00 for some 5’x10’ plywood but it was 3/4” and out west somewhere, freight was probably $100 per sheet.

[Rams]

Plywood or similar to about 6' high all around, or in high activity areas, to protect insulation.  That stuff dings up pretty easy.

I'm discovering that the plywood I wanted is apparently no longer available.  While my memory could be off on this, I thought I (and my dad) used 5' X 10' sheets of plywood for a few projects.   The upright posts of my building are on 5 ft. centers so, 4' X 8' sheets will produce one heck of a lot of waste.   May have to go with sheetrock.   Not what I wanted but, it is, what it is.   Sheetrock won't support nearly the weight of hanging stuff from hooks or whatever and wall mounted shelving but, that may be my only option.  Hmmmm.  

My ever-loving "Spousal Unit" has suggested Shiplap, not a consideration IMHO.
Rams

Menards Lumber doesn’t stock 10’ plywood but they can order it in 1/2” x 4’ x10’ fir for $43.00 a sheet with availability by 9/10! I did see a price of $230.00 for some 5’x10’ plywood but it was 3/4” and out west somewhere, freight was probably $100 per sheet.

Thanks John!   May I assume I'm allowed to use your credit card to procure this material?   Happy to pay you back with partial installment payments when you come down to help install the sheets.  Should have  this loan paid off in twenty or less years, interest free of course.

Rams  

[Jess from VA]

I installed 5 foot deep 'mezzanines' in the rear of both my 10 X 12 sheds.  They have Gambrel or Barn style roofs (9.6 feet at the peaks) and I needed every bit of extra room I could get.  The bike/tool shed got one high up and just takes odds and ends of lumber, poles and stuff I keep but don't use much.  The garden shed shelf is only high enough to get my machinery under (mowers, snowblower, pressure washer, yada) and is much sturdier built and I stack big stuff on it up to the ceiling.  

With small sheds, you have to store stuff up the walls and ceilings (and off the floors).  

Similar to this, two, 3-feet apart.  Wired with 110, lights, overhead fan.  (thus my envy of yours)


Two big Interstates go in one of these.  Carefully.

[f6john]

Plywood or similar to about 6' high all around, or in high activity areas, to protect insulation.  That stuff dings up pretty easy.

I'm discovering that the plywood I wanted is apparently no longer available.  While my memory could be off on this, I thought I (and my dad) used 5' X 10' sheets of plywood for a few projects.   The upright posts of my building are on 5 ft. centers so, 4' X 8' sheets will produce one heck of a lot of waste.   May have to go with sheetrock.   Not what I wanted but, it is, what it is.   Sheetrock won't support nearly the weight of hanging stuff from hooks or whatever and wall mounted shelving but, that may be my only option.  Hmmmm.  

My ever-loving "Spousal Unit" has suggested Shiplap, not a consideration IMHO.
Rams

Menards Lumber doesn’t stock 10’ plywood but they can order it in 1/2” x 4’ x10’ fir for $43.00 a sheet with availability by 9/10! I did see a price of $230.00 for some 5’x10’ plywood but it was 3/4” and out west somewhere, freight was probably $100 per sheet.

Thanks John!   May I assume I'm allowed to use your credit card to procure this material?   Happy to pay you back with partial installment payments when you come down to help install the sheets.  Should have  this loan paid off in twenty or less years, interest free of course.

Rams  

All financial arrangements have to go through the front office subject to approval by the CFO. It’s a lengthy process. There are several requests ahead of you. My application has been under review for years.

[Chrisj CMA]

Yes, WOW. Very nice

[Rams]

With small sheds, you have to store stuff up the walls and ceilings (and off the floors).  

SNIP

Two big Interstates go in one of these.  Carefully.

Jess, I'm of the opinion that work shops and storage buildings are never built big enough.  They always get filled to the brim.   I also realize that eventually, I'll probably need that mezzanine I previously mentioned so, that's why I'm looking at the options now.   A mezzanine 10 foot wide and 30 feet long will store a lot of "junk".   Just keeping an idea on hold for now for what I sincerely believe will come to fruition in the future for things I'll end up storing (never using) for my Spousal Unit.  

All financial arrangements have to go through the front office subject to approval by the CFO. It’s a lengthy process. There are several requests ahead of you. My application has been under review for years.

John, I happen to know your CFO, a very kind and logical person.   The CFO most certainly knows your history (what ever that may be), there maybe a reason your application is taking so long.   You might want to enquire about that.    But now knowing this information, I'll not be listing you as a reference to her.  

Rams  

Yes, WOW. Very nice

Chris, thanks.  It is and will probably always be a work in progress (unless John's CFO approves my loan).  

Rams  

[f6john]

My suggestion after much contemplation. They may offer financing too!




https://store.bigassfans.com/en_us/essence-in-silver-black-silver-white

[Rams]

My suggestion after much contemplation. They may offer financing too!




https://store.bigassfans.com/en_us/essence-in-silver-black-silver-white

Yep, those are great movers of air.   While I was Production Manager for a factory in Lexington, KY I had several of those installed for the workforce.   They were much appreciated by the crews.   

John, I appreciate the suggestion, it is a good one but, this isn't an emergency and according to your CFO, seeking your financial advice may not be in my best interest. 
Ya know I'm just pulling your chain (I hope).

Rams