Suburban 3 Car Garage "Shop"

[ikarus]

Looks nice. Where did you find the cable railing? I need to do that to a few flights of stairs. Local places are insanely expensive for something that looks fairly simple.

I got it from Viewrail. This is the Express line which is their cheaper DIY version:

Railing: Shop Metal and Glass Railing Systems | Viewrail

Shop Railing: Metal and Glass Railing Systems at Viewrail. High-quality, modern railing and stair components designed for easy installation and lasting beauty

www.viewrail.com

I was also having a hard time finding reasonable prices. A lot of places didn't list prices and you had to schedule a consultation with a designer.. nah. I was trying to decide between Viewrail and SC&R

Aluminum Posts & Components | Stainless Cable & Railing™

<p><strong>ALUMINUM POSTS FOR STAINLESS CABLE RAIL SYSTEMS</strong></p> <p>Made from 6063 T6 grade aluminum with reinforced terminal walls, our posts are built specifically to withstand cable infill without flexing. Contractors and homeowners alike can feel confident in the resilience of this...

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I ended up picking Viewrail mainly because the dimensions of the posts were perfect for surface mounting on my "deck" with each screw landing directly in the middle of a 2x.

Overall I like it. Everything was shipped pretty quickly and packaged well. Nothing missing either. Everything was well constructed and the powder coat is nice.

It's a pretty smart system and once you wrap your head around it, it's easy to knock out the cable routing, cutting and swaging. There are allens on each end to tighten up the cables.

My only complaint - because it's a cheaper system, I guess, there were no spacers or anything in the intermediate posts. So the cable just passes through loosely and if you hit the cable it bounces around in the intermediate post with a guitar string effect. I feel like they could have included some sort of spacer or washer or something to perfectly center it in the middle post. But that's my only complaint.

Oh and as far as I can tell, there's no way to have a seamless transition from level cable to angled (stair) cable with the Express system. So I have that gap you can see there between the two adjacent posts at the top of the stairs.

 

[spazzyfry123]

I got it from Viewrail. This is the Express line which is their cheaper DIY version:

Railing: Shop Metal and Glass Railing Systems | Viewrail

Shop Railing: Metal and Glass Railing Systems at Viewrail. High-quality, modern railing and stair components designed for easy installation and lasting beauty

www.viewrail.com

I was also having a hard time finding reasonable prices. A lot of places didn't list prices and you had to schedule a consultation with a designer.. nah. I was trying to decide between Viewrail and SC&R

Aluminum Posts & Components | Stainless Cable & Railing™

<p><strong>ALUMINUM POSTS FOR STAINLESS CABLE RAIL SYSTEMS</strong></p> <p>Made from 6063 T6 grade aluminum with reinforced terminal walls, our posts are built specifically to withstand cable infill without flexing. Contractors and homeowners alike can feel confident in the resilience of this...

stainlesscablerailing.com

I ended up picking Viewrail mainly because the dimensions of the posts were perfect for surface mounting on my "deck" with each screw landing directly in the middle of a 2x.

Overall I like it. Everything was shipped pretty quickly and packaged well. Nothing missing either. Everything was well constructed and the powder coat is nice.

It's a pretty smart system and once you wrap your head around it, it's easy to knock out the cable routing, cutting and swaging. There are allens on each end to tighten up the cables.

My only complaint - because it's a cheaper system, I guess, there were no spacers or anything in the intermediate posts. So the cable just passes through loosely and if you hit the cable it bounces around in the intermediate post with a guitar string effect. I feel like they could have included some sort of spacer or washer or something to perfectly center it in the middle post. But that's my only complaint.

Oh and as far as I can tell, there's no way to have a seamless transition from level cable to angled (stair) cable with the Express system. So I have that gap you can see there between the two adjacent posts at the top of the stairs.

Looks nice.

Could you grab some black rubber grommets to insert into the posts?

 

[ikarus]

Looks nice.

Could you grab some black rubber grommets to insert into the posts?

Yeah I think I could for sure. Only problem is now I've got the ends swaged on to the cables - I could disassemble the cables but I'd have to find grommets that could fit over the ends. McMaster might have something that could work - I'll have to look around.

 

[spazzyfry123]

Yeah I think I could for sure. Only problem is now I've got the ends swaged on to the cables - I could disassemble the cables but I'd have to find grommets that could fit over the ends. McMaster might have something that could work - I'll have to look around.

Try a pack of these with your flavor of dimensions. Cheap for a pack of 100. Im assuming a 3/16” ID would work for a 1/8” cable to be snug enough. Maybe larger to allow for collapse for insertion of idea below. Key is the right dimensions for the posts’ hole diameter and material thickness to ensure the grommet stays in place. Okay if the cable is “loose” as the intent is to prevent resonance.

I’ve done it before for a different type of project but similar intent. Take a sharp blade (fresh box blade, X-acto, etc.) and cut half. Not cut IN half, but only cut half of it so you can get the cable in. Sharp so that you have clean lines and you won’t be able to tell that it was cut once installed. This way the overall shape remains, but you’re able to slip it over the cable (and not having to disassemble everything you’ve done). Insert into the post and joy.

McMaster-Carr

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www.mcmaster.com

If it doesn’t work, so what? You’re out like $15 for a pack of 100 grommets.

 

[ikarus]

Little bit of an update. Finally got the garage to a decent place.

I wanted to make sure I made a good choice for a toolbox and after trying several brands like Husky, Milwaukee, and Icon, I ended up going with the Harbor Freight US General brand. When I walked into the store I couldn't believe how cool they were. They're modular with all sorts of different configurations and accessories. Not to mention like 6 different colors.

There's a whole FB group dedicated to modifying and building them out: Log into Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1H4H1dSaVf/

I ended up grabbing a 56" tool chest in gray with a hutch and two side lockers. (Only one was available at the time) Used a Uhaul to get them home - they load it up for you with a forklift.

Once home, I was able to do everything myself with some creative thinking. Wouldn't recommend it, probably easier to find someone to help. This stuff is hefty

Slid the pallets off the trailer:

And then the tool chest has a wooden pallet ramp included so you can just roll the chest off.

Added the hutch and lockers:

The hutch just sits on top but the lockers hang on the edge, then are bolted to the chest with 4 bolts.

 

[ikarus]

For cabinets I went with New Age "Bold Series." I like them so far, seem like quality construction and nice powder coat.

The tall cabinet I got for free - just needed a little clean up and it's good to go. Probably 50 years old but solid.

I still have some organizing to do and will most likely pick up some more cabinets and some metal pegboard.

I repurposed my old tool chest and made this corner the detailing corner.

For the cabinets I found some magnetic motion sensor LED lights on Amazon. Adds a nice touch inside the cabinets and so far one charge has lasted several weeks with occasional use.

On the other side of the garage I threw up some 2x10s, stained them, and installed 4 Steadyracks.

 

[ikarus]

I'm really loving the tool chest setup. I've been working in a chaotic garage for years and it's nice to finally be organized.

I had my boys sticker bomb the side of the cabinet - been saving stickers for 5 or 6 years

I had an old computer collecting dust so I put it in the hutch, perfect for looking at FSMs or watching YouTube at 2am wondering why my car won't start

I stuck a couple of those previously mentioned magnetic LED lights on the inside of the hutch door so it automatically kicks on when you open the door.

Built in charging drawer -

Impact gun and drill storage -

Side locker -

 

[ikarus]

Finally pulled both Cruisers into the garage after making them stay outside for too many snowy days.

I still have a decent amount of room around the 80. I might be able to fit another cabinet on the right side.

I want to get a track car this year but it's gonna be crowded. Might just leave that third spot as a dedicated shop space.

 

[HokieCruiser]

organizing is so satisfying...this reminds me to get my butt in gear...really really nice job sir!!

 

[spazzyfry123]

Makes me want a new tool box/chest. I've had a Husky for years (42"?), but it's been moved from house to storage to house to different state to... It's finally getting a bit wobbly and annoying. Still functions, but it's loaded. I like that hutch idea. How is the height? Seems like I'd be a bit hunched over working in that space, and I'm only 5'10" or so.

Lookin' good!

 

[ikarus]

Makes me want a new tool box/chest. I've had a Husky for years (42"?), but it's been moved from house to storage to house to different state to... It's finally getting a bit wobbly and annoying. Still functions, but it's loaded. I like that hutch idea. How is the height? Seems like I'd be a bit hunched over working in that space, and I'm only 5'10" or so.

Lookin' good!

Yeah that's the one drawback of the hutch. The door when opened is right at 66-1/2"

I'm 6'1" so My forehead is right at the door when I'm using the hutch. I haven't decided yet if it annoys me enough, leaning into the hutch works ok. There's a bunch of DIY solutions floating around that FB group I mentioned. Here's a few I've seen - the cleanest is buying two carts from HF and dismantling them to use the drawers as risers. If you're a HF member, they're on sale for $90/ea right now.

https://www.harborfreight.com/30-in-1-drawer-service-cart-slate-gray-59851.html

(pics from FB)

Cheap and easy way would be wood risers. More involved, but cleaner than wood, would be to weld up a riser out of square tube

I would want to figure out a way to bolt the hutch down too. It just sits on top at the moment.

Or you could add casters to raise everything. Not sure which way I'll go but I like the additional drawer idea.

 

[LDowney]

Your interest in more cabinets combined with the ample obvious vertical space that you have reminded me of our library ladder.

In our main living room, we have a built in bookcase that covers one wall and is close to 10 feet tall. To have ready access to all the upper shelves, we opted for a library ladder that can roll across the length of the book case. The ladder was a complete kit that I stained to match and installed. Pretty easy and works great. [when you step on it, your weight activates the brakes and ensures the ladder is stable/doesn't move]

I wonder if there are similar 'library ladder' kits meant for a shop/industrial use? If so, such a ladder could allow you to go vertical with your cabinet/storage additions.

Nice work.

 

[ikarus]

Your interest in more cabinets combined with the ample obvious vertical space that you have reminded me of our library ladder.

In our main living room, we have a built in bookcase that covers one wall and is close to 10 feet tall. To have ready access to all the upper shelves, we opted for a library ladder that can roll across the length of the book case. The ladder was a complete kit that I stained to match and installed. Pretty easy and works great. [when you step on it, your weight activates the brakes and ensures the ladder is stable/doesn't move]

I wonder if there are similar 'library ladder' kits meant for a shop/industrial use? If so, such a ladder could allow you to go vertical with your cabinet/storage additions.

Nice work.

That's an awesome idea. I'm going to look into it. I've also considered a mezzanine with drop down stairs like attics have

 

[prwillard2]

Finally pulled both Cruisers into the garage after making them stay outside for too many snowy days.

I still have a decent amount of room around the 80. I might be able to fit another cabinet on the right side.

I want to get a track car this year but it's gonna be crowded. Might just leave that third spot as a dedicated shop space.

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These labels help with organizing that tool chest

 

[TRDdrew]

garage is looking great @ikarus well done. btw very jealous of your evo course wheels one of my favorites

 

[ikarus]

garage is looking great @ikarus well done. btw very jealous of your evo course wheels one of my favorites

Thanks man!

 

[ikarus]

Toolbox Organizational Magnetic Rounded Labels Premium Set | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Toolbox Organizational Magnetic Rounded Labels Premium Set at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

These labels help with organizing that tool chest

that's rad, thanks for the link!

 

[prwillard2]

that's rad, thanks for the link!

of course! I put them on my toolbox when I got it.

They don't have everything, but have a lot of stuff to label and you can change your drawers after a couple months of use when you realize certain things you put in the wrong spot and now need to move.

 

[ace10]

That is some really nice space in a suburban setting.

When I saw that double bay in the first post, I couldn't help but mentally picture my double wide four post in there. It'd be perfect for slamming a couple of fun cars in there or using one half for storage.

I love me some lifts!

 

[ikarus]

That is some really nice space in a suburban setting.

When I saw that double bay in the first post, I couldn't help but mentally picture my double wide four post in there. It'd be perfect for slamming a couple of fun cars in there or using one half for storage.

I love me some lifts!
View attachment 3824048

I’ve thought about a 4 poster. Never seen a double wide - what brand is that?