Small shop/modular work surfaces (AKA how to cram 10# in a 5# sack...)

[rvieceli]

Richard - is there a structural reason that 2x4 runner needs to be in the storage shed?

If not maybe notch that piece at the front to allow the cart wheel to stay level. Notch wouldn't have to significantly wider than than your 2x. Then move the runners you have in place over to the outside edges of the notch to keep the cart from wandering. Cart wheels stay level and on the deck should be easier to move.

If there's a structural reason for not doing either, then consider beefing it up from underneath.

 

[rljatl]

I think larger, better quality castors would help.

 

[rvieceli]

I've had some additional thoughts on your project... [smile]

In addition to keeping the path level outside to inside, let's beef up the wheels. Consider something like this one from Harbor Freight. It's a replacement hand truck wheel, 300lb capacity.

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-solid-rubber-tire-42427.html

Bolt one of those on each side to the inside of you frame member in the back of your cart. If mostly what you are doing is pulling the cart straight out like a drawer, then I'd also put another two of those on the front in the same way. If you only occasionally need to move the cart elsewhere then pick up something like this or make one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-mini-movers-dolly-61899.html

Pull the cart out, lever up the front end and stick the dolly in so you can turn.

If you will almost always be pulling the cart out and then moving it some place else and need to steer then it would probably be better to stick a rotating caster on the end. This would make it like a shopping cart.

If you don't like HF or have one nearby, Grainger should have all the parts as well. Also think lawn mover, wheel barrow or wagon wheels, just stay away from plastic hubs with the weight you've got.

Ron

 

[rmwarren]

The reason for the runners is the lip on the edge of the shed, which I already sized the doors to rest on. I suppose I can equalize the height by reducing the lip and the height of the runners (Ron there is no structural reason for them, as you asked in an earlier post) to match the deck height and that may be enough to overcome the problem entirely. Then I can just add something to the bottom of the doors to raise them as necessary.

It would have been ideal for the deck and shed floor to be the same height, but the shed was built first and then I did not have enough height for the 2 by 8 deck joists when we decided to add it later.

I'll have to check the existing casters, which I believe are 500# capacity so I doubt they have plastic hubs. They are 6" OAL height, which was a compromise to retain as much usable height as possible.

Thanks for the input.

RMW

 

[rvieceli]

OK. Then here is another suggestion.  Leave everything the way it is on the cart and under the shed.

Make a track extension to lay on the outside deck that is even with the track in the shed floor. So basically a repeat of what you have inside. throw them on the top of your cart. When you need to access something, open the doors , pull out the tracks, plop them on the deck and pull the car out. Should roll smoothly on the level surface.

If you can take four quarter inch holes drilled in the outside deck surface, I'd drill a hole in each end of the track and deck and drop a bolt in to make sure they stay where you put them

 

[rmwarren]

That's a great idea. I may try that first, since it involves the least amount of re-work of all the options.

Thanks!

RMW

 

[chris s]

Richard: I have been watching this thread for a while. I have one question. How is it working on the deck, do you loose many items thru the cracks?
I have recently retired and going to redo my shop (that is as soon as I finish the requests from the wife). I basically have the same arrangement you do. I have an 8 by 12 shed that I am going To rehab into a shop/hangout. I also have Approx 2/3 of a one car garage to use.
In addition to the normal hand tools and portable power tools I also have a metal lathe and milling machine along with a cabinet saw.
  That said I should mention I live just up the AC Expressway from you in Williamstown. I like alot of your ideas and will incorporate some of them into my plan.
  Perhaps I might even take photos nd document the process it might be a hoot to do it. Chris

 

[Tinker]

Richard: I have been watching this thread for a while. I have one question. How is it working on the deck, do you loose many items thru the cracks?
I have recently retired and going to redo my shop (that is as soon as I finish the requests from the wife). [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] I basically have the same arrangement you do. I have an 8 by 12 shed that I am going To rehab into a shop/hangout. I also have Approx 2/3 of a one car garage to use.
In addition to the normal hand tools and portable power tools I also have a metal lathe and milling machine along with a cabinet saw.  [unsure] [eek]
  That said I should mention I live just up the AC Expressway from you in Williamstown. I like alot of your ideas and will incorporate some of them into my plan.
  Perhaps I might even take photos nd document the process it might be a hoot to do it. Chris

Tinker

 

[rmwarren]

Richard: I have been watching this thread for a while. I have one question. How is it working on the deck, do you loose many items thru the cracks?
I have recently retired and going to redo my shop (that is as soon as I finish the requests from the wife). [popcorn] [popcorn] [popcorn] I basically have the same arrangement you do. I have an 8 by 12 shed that I am going To rehab into a shop/hangout. I also have Approx 2/3 of a one car garage to use.
In addition to the normal hand tools and portable power tools I also have a metal lathe and milling machine along with a cabinet saw.  [unsure] [eek]
  That said I should mention I live just up the AC Expressway from you in Williamstown. I like alot of your ideas and will incorporate some of them into my plan.
  Perhaps I might even take photos nd document the process it might be a hoot to do it. Chris

Tinker

Tinkeeerrrrr......  [poke]

Chris, howdy from a fellow South Jersey denizen. I was out your way last week, stumbled upon Joseph Fazzio's and lost 2 hours of my life wandering around in a daze fingering metal bars and industrial hardware. I ran out of time and skipped thier surplus building, which is probably a good thing since I have no place to put anything, but I've gotta go back soon.

The deck works fine, although there is at least a 1/2# of screws under it by now. I ignore the screws for the most part, but when I drop a 1/4" hex bit thru I just fish it out with a magnet on a string.

I also enjoy working outside except it shuts me down this time of year, and I am forced to tidy everything up each day and pack it all back inside. This should become less hassle when I get the 2 mobile MFT carts finished.

Hope to have some progress to report soon, I think I need to get the rest of the displaced stuff up on the walls temporarily so I have room to work, then focus on the MFT carts so I have functional work stations, & then get back to closing up the walls and finishing up permanent storage cabinets, etc.

By that time I will have negated the need for heat for another year...  [doh]

Look forward to seeing your posts on your project.

RMW

 

[rvieceli]

My "temporary" fixes tend to become long term semi-permanent fixes. [sad]

I vote for closing in the walls while the stuff is down. Throw up those sawhorse work stations on the deck and cut some drywall or ply or whatever.

Ron

 

[rizzoa13]

Joseph fazzios is my idea of Nirvana. That place is amazing. I absolutely love welding for some odd reason and every time i go there its like a family vacation.

Check out their 8/4 - 12/4 (Maybe some 16/4?) cherry, oak and maple planks they have out front. Nice and wide stuff at a good price.

 

[rmwarren]

Joseph fazzios is my idea of Nirvana. That place is amazing. I absolutely love welding for some odd reason and every time i go there its like a family vacation.

Check out their 8/4 - 12/4 (Maybe some 16/4?) cherry, oak and maple planks they have out front. Nice and wide stuff at a good price.

We are kindred spirits. Sandy got my MIG welder and the boss got the insurance payment we received, and I never got a replacement. Recently I have been drooling over some TIG welders and trying to dream up a project for the boss that justifies the, ahem, "need" for it.

Last week they had 5/4 by 3 S4S mahogany (their description) for $2/ LF along with some wider rough stock. Sounds like their selection changes, which is more of a reason to drop by & see what's new.

RMW

 

[rmwarren]

My "temporary" fixes tend to become long term semi-permanent fixes. [sad]

I vote for closing in the walls while the stuff is down. Throw up those sawhorse work stations on the deck and cut some drywall or ply or whatever.

Ron

Wish it were that simple, wet and snowy here now, there is no floor space to shuffle stuff to and nowhere to store excess material over a couple weeks while working on it 2-3 hours at a time.

Part of the challenge of wholesale change with a small space is just the logistics.

RMW

 

[rvieceli]

I understand. But maybe something like a storage pod in your driveway for a month. Put all your stuff in there and keep the shop clear.

www.pods.com

 

[Tinker]

I understand. But maybe something like a storage pod in your driveway for a month. Put all your stuff in there and keep the shop clear.

www.pods.com

Somehow, I get the idea it might not be a simple as that.  Houses are pretty close together in Richards area.  I think if he puts a pod in his driveway, he will have to rent a space to put his car [unsure].  Or put a flat roof on his house and buy a helicopter [scared]
Tinker

 

[SittingElf]

  Or put a flat roof on his house and buy a helicopter [scared]
Tinker

Yup! That would be MY solution!! [thumbs up]

[attachimg=1]

This is a great thread. Very entertaining as well as full of great ideas!  Stealing some....

Cheers,

Frank

 

[rvieceli]

Ok ok but surely Richard's got a living room or a dining room where he can pile things.  [poke] [tongue]

If he did that I'm fairly confident he would get the shop finished faster.  [big grin]

Ron

 

[rizzoa13]

If you need a hand when the whether breaks building something Richard let me know. I live just up the white horse pike and would love to help you out.

 

[rmwarren]

If you need a hand when the whether breaks building something Richard let me know. I live just up the white horse pike and would love to help you out.

Thanks, a plan is taking shape....

I'll get Tinker to put his muscles where his mouth is, and take over the masonry work for the to-be-built pizza oven...  [poke]

Frank can airlift the materials into the back yard...  [not worthy]

You, Ron and I can lounge and sip cool beverages, while providing Wayne with constructive suggestions and correcting his mistakes...  [scratch chin]

Then we'll toss a pork loin on the egg and swap tales late into the night.  [drooling]

Who's in?  [thumbs up]

RMW

 

[Knight Woodworks]

Me! I'll bring the beer.

John