My workshop

[Ron Gray]

OK so it's not really an Own Design Project Blog but it's the nearest thing that I could find to post up what I'm doing with my workshop.

 

We moved into our cottage about 17 years ago. Back in the 80s it was 2 cottages merged into 1 and the builder also changed the 3 bay cart barn into an office with a double garage. I used the office as a parts storage for my then part time business and the double garage was used as a metalworking shop for that business. I stopped metalworking a few years ago and gradually model making has taken over the space, firstly the storage space then, the metalworking shop. This year was time to say goodbye to all of the metalworking equipment, 2 lathes, a milling machine, metal cutting and bending equipment, welders, cutters, bandsaws, drills etc and that left me with a space that needed reorganising to give me a better working environment for my models. This vid explains it a lot better:

 

 

[Chris Walby]

Thanks for the walk through as its always interesting to see someone else's take on their workshop space.

 

I was thinking of utilising the loft space above the lounge (backs on to the flat roof garage, as there is an existing loft hatch access), but am concerned that in summer it gets very warm up there and what that will do to the mostly balsa/foam models (WR JU88 in a box) long term. Good news is its low humidity if not a bit low at times. 

[toto]

Hi Ron,

 

Great facilities. So much space giving so many options. I'll look forward to keeping up with how the re-organisation goes.

 

Toto

[leccyflyer]

Thanks for a great walkthrough Ron - love your implementation of the Island workbench idea and a 3m bench with 360 degree access is a fantastic prospect. The mezzanine floor for storage will I'm sure earn it's keep, in providing safe, out of the way storage for models and other sundries. Your compartmentalised chest of drawers for storage looks great and could probably swallow up a huge amount of accessories and props. You've made great use of the available space and I'm sure it will be a real pleasure to work in there - I look forward to seeing the 110 taking shape in the coming weeks.

 

Is the new laser cutter going to be in a cabinet, with forced ventilation? ISTR you were saying about switching from your diode laser to a CO2 laser, so you'll be cutting all manner of white and clear materials. The CO2 laser set-ups that I have seen have all had enclosed cabinets, with a lift up lid, like a chest freezer and have been free standing units, wheras it looks like yours will be on a bench.

[Ron Gray]

Thanks guys, but note I will not be inundating the forum with updates! The next one will be with the benches in their new positions and then maybe another one with the laser cutter in place. It's just really a way of optimising space to make it easier to work on projects, bearing in mind that there will probably be more than 1 on the go at anyone time!

 

Regarding the new laser cutter, it is a CO2 cabinet model with fume extract and water chiller. I was originally going to go for a 100 or 130 watt one but then decided that I really do not need that power as I'm not going to be cutting a lot of 25mm thick ply and the extra speed isn't really going to make that much difference to me. So an 80watt one has been ordered, its the new Pronto line from Omtech and is floor standing.

 

[kc]

Ron, you are a lucky chap to have all that space and all that gear!

Thanks for letting us see that but I wonder if it was wise to show the outside?   Any thieves ( I mean outsiders not forum members )  could recognise the outside and see what is inside!

[Ron Gray]

20 minutes ago, leccyflyer said:

Your compartmentalised chest of drawers for storage looks great and could probably swallow up a huge amount of accessories and props

I've had the chest for a few years now and it is crammed full of 'stuff' so it might be getting a reorg too!

[leccyflyer]

New laser looks great.😎👍

The ability to work on at least two projects at a time is one of the reasons that I opted for two smaller island benches - plus that was what I had to hand in the form of a butcher's block and a partner's desk - both very inexpensive reused items.

[Ron Gray]

The way I see it Brian is that with the main work surface being 3m long I can get 2 'normal' projects on it at one time! Smaller projects can always be worked on whilst on one of the other work surfaces.

[toto]

Feel free to inundate Ron. Some like regular updates but the beauty of video posts is that they can cover so much more than photo stills and you have done so to great effect.

 

I love the island workspace idea as it has that all round approach to the space which is a real boon. Not having to lift the model all the time to access different areas is fantastic. 

 

All in all a very enviable facility.

 

Bring on the updates for us luddites 

 

Toto

 

[Richard Harris]

Crumbs, your work area is bigger than my house! very, very nice. 

[Ron Gray]

On 05/11/2024 at 17:00, kc said:

Ron, you are a lucky chap to have all that space and all that gear!

Thanks for letting us see that but I wonder if it was wise to show the outside?   Any thieves ( I mean outsiders not forum members )  could recognise the outside and see what is inside!

Thanks KC. The building isn’t visible from the road, but then neither is our cottage, so I’m comfortable with security. 

[RICHARD WILLS]

On 07/11/2024 at 13:38, Ron Gray said:

Thanks KC. The building isn’t visible from the road, but then neither is our cottage, so I’m comfortable with security. 

Well that's what Donald Trump said , just before his career as a male Earing Model ended .

Luckily he fell into a part time job in politics . 

Melania has also said that this may be the end of their relationship ,as it was his ears that attracted her to him in the first place . 

Funny old world isn't it ?

You just never know who is lying on next door's roof with a snipers rifle . 

[Bruce Collinson]

Bit dystopian by your standards Richard, or have you o/d on orange Haribos?

[Eric Robson]

2 hours ago, RICHARD WILLS said:

Well that's what Donald Trump said , just before his career as a male Earing Model ended .

Luckily he fell into a part time job in politics . 

Melania has also said that this may be the end of their relationship ,as it was his ears that attracted her to him in the first place . 

Funny old world isn't it ?

You just never know who is lying on next door's roof with a snipers rifle . 

It's the ones behind you with knives you have to worry about 

[Ron Gray]

Has anyone insulated their FG garage doors, and if so what did you use and is it successful? I’m thinking of using 40mm Celotex or similar rigid foam boards for the panels between the reinforcing ‘ribs’.

[toto]

A pity you are not local to me Ron as it looks like I could be left with a couple of sheets of 25mm Celotex from my shed build. If I am .... as I suspect I will be ..... it will be free to a good home on a first come first served basis.

 

I know , generally that Celotex gets a decent reputation in trade terms so I'd imagine if would be fine.

 

Good luck 

 

Toto

[Ron Gray]

As promised this is the workshop now with the work surfaces in their new, final (maybe!) positions. Still a lot of sorting to do but I'm getting there and at least now I can build!

 

 

[stu knowles]

If your door is an 'up and over', its likely that cellotex sheet insulation will be too heavy.  I tried it but later took it off and replaced it with the multi layer silvered  insulation that comes on a roll secured with gaffer tape or aluminium foil tape.  Much lighter and neater and seems very effective

[Ron Gray]

Thanks Stu, did you try retensioning the balance spring?

[stu knowles]

To be honest, no I didn't but having tried both I wouldn't try the celotex route again

 

[Ron Gray]

Thanks again Stu. I think that I will probably go the most expensive route and replace both doors! But this time they will be insulated and electric, either roller shutter or sectional folding ones. That’s a job for next year.

[kevin b]

On 08/11/2024 at 18:25, RICHARD WILLS said:

You just never know who is lying on next door's roof with a snipers rifle . 

Living in the countryside, we also have a rodent problem (some of them are flying ones !)

🤣

[Basil]

20 hours ago, kevin b said:

Living in the countryside, we also have a rodent problem (some of them are flying ones !)

🤣

Hi Kevin, when I lived in the sticks the biggest pests were Rats and Rabbits, in that order.Tried the usual things but did find a solution in the end. No end to their capabilities, even climbing a bird feeder made of about 1" (25mm) tube with a swan neck at the top some 5/6 ft high. They would climb the vertical and slide down the curved neck to get at the food, regardless of my presence. They where very clever and resourceful  but destructive , especially when trapped in some way . By the way what are the flying ones.

Bas

Edited November 18, 2024 by Basil

[Eric Robson]

7 minutes ago, Basil said:

Hi Kevin, when I lived in the sticks the biggest pests were Rats and Rabbits, in that order.Tried the usual things but did find a solution in the end. No end to their capabilities, even climbing a bird feeder made of about 1" (25mm) tube with a swan neck at the top some 5/6 ft high. They would climb the vertical and slide down the curved neck to get at the food, regardless of my presence. They where very clever and resourceful  but destructive , especially when trapped in some way . By the way what are the flying ones.

Bas

Control line flyers😄