Long Road to Fruition

[Tom Cooper]

I have been diligently working towards an improved and efficient workspace for the better part of 8 months and have posted various pictures throughout the ordeal.

It started with the addition of heat in the shop in the form of a catalytic propane heater, this was followed up with a pair of openable windows, a free standing bench, a lathe and bench, as well as a dedicated engraving bench.

This undertaking resulted in completely reorganizing my shop, this was accomplished with much shelving additions and several trips to the trash receptacle.

My shop originally was set up in a hurry as a handloading room, it slowly transformed into a r/c buggy workstation and finally morphed into a full on muzzleloading rifle shop, for me anyway.

Here are a few pics ...






This is the cleanest and most organized my shop will ever be as long as I am working in it.

Got pictures of your workspace ?

[lew wetzel]

tom,now that your done with yours you can come over and assist me in revamping my shop....i used the corner of the basement that has the fire place and am in the process of putting up two walls to inclose my new room.so i can keep the kidders out from playing with all dads neat stuff....lol

[Tom Cooper]

Lew, I didn't get to excited about getting into a hurry with this project, I framed this room in about '97 and built the benches about the same time. Until this year it was known as the dungen, I forgot to add to the original post that I also wired in the plugs as well.

this is actually built away from the house so the kids were never really a problem.

Thanks for the post.

[Dave B]

Tom,
Nice shop space. I dropped over to visit another builder today in Portland and he's got a smilar dungon but no windos. You need to get a few more racks for rifles up in the rafters. I was surprised to find several stocks tucked up in under the rafters in his basment. I would like to have one so I didnt have to walk out back to the shop. But the water table is so high here I would be working in three feet of water if I had one. I use a portable propane heater but the shop is not insulated and it only heats a small area right in front of the heater.  I did pick up one of those Kerosine heaters that look like a jet engine but it really stinks up the place if you dont let it run out side for a couple of minutes. My eyes burn if I dont get it good and hot before bringing it in doors.

[Tom Cooper]

Dave,

You gotta watch those big blower heaters, they will use up alot of oxygen in a short time. They are great for thawing pipes under a house, but dicey at best for working around.

As far as heat, I run the small catalytic propane heater 24/7 when its freezing, keeps things at 60*, and no open flame.

I may add provisions for wood under the bench by the windows, should have enough room there.

Thanks For The Interest.

[Clark Badgett]

Love your little dungeon. Nice and confortable looking. I still working on getting my garage the way I want it, well I am when I am home. Long process with limited funds.

My mom bought us a couple of those electric oil heater things and they at least take some of the chill out of the air in my unheated garage.

[Tom Cooper]

It is a long process, especially with the funds slowing with the economy, but it has been worth the time invested.

I set up my lead pot and poured some .495 balls for the Yellow Jacket shoot this weekend, just went out and set it up on the bench and went to work, didn't have to clear an area or worry about stumbling around. This is gonna kick major a$$, I am pleased.


Its funny, been working so hard to get things cleaned up, I don't wanna go out there and make a mess.