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General Chat => General Bike Chat => Topic started by: NorthumBryan on June 25, 2021, 08:23:46 AM

Title: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on June 25, 2021, 08:23:46 AM
My existing man cave was built on the cheap 23 years ago and the builder did say it'll last you 20 years and he was right... So, a temporary man cave has been found in the shape of a 20' shipping container in a fetching green. I'm moving everything I'm keeping into the container this weekend and everything I'm not is going in a skip !

 
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Fat Rat on June 26, 2021, 09:24:37 AM
Did you buy or hire the container?
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on June 26, 2021, 11:59:56 AM
It's on hire from a local company in Newcastle for a very reasonable £15 a week.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on June 26, 2021, 02:22:42 PM
That is a very fair price  :thumb:
It is just a shame it as spoilt your view but I suppose it is only temporary
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on June 26, 2021, 07:13:04 PM
We're thinking about hanging a picture on it  :)))
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on June 26, 2021, 07:44:12 PM
 lol lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on June 27, 2021, 02:38:42 PM
So, the transfer of gubbins from garage to container has begun. The GSX750E (US model) is going on Tuesday so it's appropriate bits have been boxed up ready to go to their new home. I've still got a fair bit to move but it should all go in the lockers I blagged from work. I've found a company that makes the locks so I can get them all to operate on a single key which will be a blessing. I've got two wheeled tool chests to move over and some power tools but it's looking good so far  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on June 27, 2021, 05:10:55 PM
Nice container that  :thumb:

I like that they have boarded out the floor  :)))
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on June 27, 2021, 05:52:06 PM
I don't know what it is on the floor but it's a slippy as Rod Hull's roof - lethal when wet. i guess it must be to help cargo slide in and out ?
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on June 27, 2021, 08:13:30 PM
 lol
It looks like the flooring that is used in the lorry’s that I load and unload all day long at work it is slippery and hard wearing

Good luck with moving all the stuff and building a new man cave  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on June 28, 2021, 07:08:22 AM
Cheers, I think I'll need some luck...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Rusty Nuts on June 29, 2021, 08:16:51 AM
Lowe & Fletcher locks?
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on June 30, 2021, 09:03:15 PM
No idea, but it's hidden and a bugger to open even with the key !
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on July 17, 2021, 05:33:14 PM
Progress continues slowly but one is now 99.9% empty the other 99.9% full -

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on July 17, 2021, 06:52:18 PM
Your old man cave was a very nice size, will your new one be similar size ?
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on July 18, 2021, 11:49:43 AM
Yes, pretty much. If plan 'A' gets off the ground it will be the same size, if plan 'B' is required it will be slightly smaller. It's 5.7M x 6.8M so it's a whopper  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on July 18, 2021, 08:35:26 PM
Very nice hope you get plan A  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 07, 2021, 07:08:19 PM
So at long last the man cave resurrection is underway. It didn't take long to find out why the front was sinking and causing structural cracking - there are zero foundations at the front ! The sides and rear are OK (test holes) but the front is just built on clay... Muppet builders of the highest order. Still, a hefty dose of concrete has sorted that so we can rebuild the front, raise the floor up three brick courses to give a nice, level drive and move the lintel up to suit.
I get to keep the same size garage with a little bit less headroom - happy.

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on October 07, 2021, 09:52:20 PM
That is excellent news :)))
Great that you found the foundation problem and you have managed to keep the same size looking forward to seeing the pictures of the progress and the finished project  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on October 09, 2021, 11:32:21 AM
 :thumb: plenty of room to lose a 10mm socket in there when it's done.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 09, 2021, 05:09:33 PM
I was surprised how many allen keys I found behind the old kitchen units I had in the corner of the garage. Must have been two dozen easily...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on October 09, 2021, 05:35:52 PM
 lol what’s the betting there were a few 4mm ones  lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 10, 2021, 02:01:27 PM
I found 3 Halfords 5mm allen sockets too.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Brockett on October 10, 2021, 02:22:31 PM
 Right then... first job when installing the work tops is to fix a 30mm batton to the back and sides that butt a wall, so you don't lose stuff down the back.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 10, 2021, 06:25:22 PM
 :goodpost:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 16, 2021, 05:07:44 PM
After a fair while waiting for either cement, concrete or bricks some work has finally taken place. The dodgy founds are now sorted, the front edge is now being built up and the posts are being strengthened. The drains have been lifted to the new level too. Christmas is optimistic but it's getting there.

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on October 16, 2021, 05:37:36 PM
I know there is a problem getting building supplies at the moment a couple of builder friends have been struggling to get a lot of stuff.

Glad you managed to get a delivery and you are underway looking good  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 16, 2021, 07:14:41 PM
Cheers, I'm looking forward to seeing the back of the massive shipping container on me drive...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on October 16, 2021, 09:17:50 PM
 lol I bet you are  lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 18, 2021, 05:50:19 PM
it has been a productive day for the builders today, the lintel is out and the gable end is down. Apparently a gentle push had the gable end down in a oner ! The pillars are now built to the new height and the gable should be rebuilt by tomorrow night. Happy it's progressing.

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Fat Rat on October 18, 2021, 07:18:49 PM
Looking good  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 18, 2021, 08:08:28 PM
Cheers, it's taken a while to get there...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 19, 2021, 06:18:35 PM
Yet another day with a delayed delivery, this time blocks to build the gable end. At least they've managed to get cracking leveling the drive ready to be re-laid at the new 'flat' level. A skip has arrived which compliments the green of the 20' storage container outside the front room... Sods law, the blocks arrived about 5 mins after the lads went home. I may get a new gable end tomorrow ?

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on October 19, 2021, 06:30:46 PM
Ain’t that always the way  :bang:
I know it is frustrating waiting for supplies but at least they got on with levelling the drive and hopefully they will have a good day tomorrow building the gable end 
Looking forward to seeing the progress  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 20, 2021, 04:31:12 PM
Today's installment and It rained very heavily here today so the lads only got the scaffolding up and the (very) heavy lintel installed. It would have been nice to see more but apparently it was horrific weather so fair play to them. It's getting there...

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on October 20, 2021, 08:04:19 PM
Looking good.  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 21, 2021, 04:51:10 PM
In today's installment of the garage saga we have a new gable end ! This will be clad in due course (in white) so I'll need to get my finger out and pick a colour for the new garage door. Hmmm...

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on October 21, 2021, 08:03:12 PM
Now that is taking shape  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on October 22, 2021, 09:56:52 AM
 :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 22, 2021, 06:47:19 PM
Little progress today but the floor is getting layed next week which of course will be photographed.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 26, 2021, 04:37:50 PM
It looks like concrete will be flowing soon. The old garage door is down, the insulation layer is down, the Visqueen is down and it's ready to go ! I may have a floor by the end of the week ?

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on October 26, 2021, 06:14:17 PM
Exciting times sir  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 26, 2021, 09:14:46 PM
Er yes, but made slightly more exciting by the council planning department sending me a bit of a warning letter today to hurry up & finish or apply for retrospective planning permission for my shipping container, which they will reject. Thankfully, I do a lot of work with a freelance former senior planning engineer for Durham council so I'll find out how long I can put them off for. I would like to have it all nice & finished before I move back in but it may have to be a bit of a rush. Watch this space...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on October 26, 2021, 09:29:07 PM
Ain’t that typical of the council  :wnk:
Good job you know somebody in the planning  :stir:
Let’s hope you don’t have to rush moving back in 🤞
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 27, 2021, 04:21:06 PM
I have a floor ! Admittedly it's a bit wet at the moment, but it's down. Good news is I will be able to stall the council until well after Christmas if required so all going well at the moment.

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on October 27, 2021, 05:51:39 PM
Floor looking good  :thumb:

Great news about the stalling the council  :hahaha:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 27, 2021, 06:44:51 PM
Cheers, my builder has taken the 'hurry up' from the council seriously and is chucking some more resources at the job. Should move a bit quicker now.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on October 27, 2021, 09:58:12 PM
 :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on October 28, 2021, 12:34:06 PM
Looking good.  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 28, 2021, 04:37:09 PM
Cheers, just got a note from the council (or cooncil as they are known here) that if I remove the container by Christmas they will be happy. Not as happy as me I can tell you !!!
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on October 28, 2021, 08:58:09 PM
 lol lol lol lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on October 30, 2021, 01:35:08 PM
The lads were unexpectedly back today to have a crack at the cladding. Sadly, they got rained off halfway through when the heavens opened. Still, it should look tidy when it's finished. I got the chance to stand inside for the first time today at the new floor level. Still plenty of headroom and I might even get away without moving any sockets either - result  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on October 30, 2021, 02:15:08 PM
Now that is taking shape nicely  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on October 31, 2021, 08:46:07 PM
Looking good!  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 01, 2021, 07:08:17 PM
Today's installment and the cladding is up to full height ready for the finishing trim at the sides. The new garage door is due in two weeks so all going well so far.

 
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 01, 2021, 08:45:57 PM
 :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 02, 2021, 04:47:26 PM
Today, we have a view of my back end (!) which I've had clad to match the front -

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 02, 2021, 07:48:27 PM
I like the cladding it sets it off  :thumb:

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 03, 2021, 06:34:30 AM
Cheers, it was a bit of a punt but I saw one on the way to work one day clad almost exactly the same and it got the grey matter spinning. The best ideas in life are usually someone else's...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 03, 2021, 05:27:08 PM
Not much to report as it was dark when I got home although there appears to be two tonne of sand on my drive...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 08, 2021, 05:49:38 PM
Well, I got home tonight to find I can almost drive into my garage again. The block paving is down and just needs 'sanded' to lock the blocks in situ. A Christmas garage party is looking on the cards  :thumb:



Apologies for the poor quality pics as it's getting dark quickly...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 08, 2021, 06:08:43 PM
Really coming on now looking good  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 08, 2021, 06:22:25 PM
Cheers, it's starting to look like a nearly finished garage now.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on November 09, 2021, 10:14:05 AM
 :thumb: looking good.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 09, 2021, 05:37:06 PM
Cheers, it's limping along. I nearly ordered two garage doors tonight until I realised I've been speaking to two different companies. Oops...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 09, 2021, 08:01:25 PM
What type of garage door are you having ?
Up and over manual or electric ?
Or electric roller shutter ?
Or maybe a pair of wooden barn doors ?
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 09, 2021, 08:07:19 PM
I have a pair of electric rollers shutters on mine
Sorry not the best photo but you get the idea  lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 10, 2021, 06:56:17 AM
Nice pic and it reminds me of my thunderous black '06 plate V-Strom I had, I'm going for a remote operated roller shutter which is in it's own boxed enclosure - no draughts apparently. I went for white as there are so many colours and some will no doubt date horribly and some will probably sun fade too. Boring white for me and it's easier to pick out as you back down the drive in the dark (thinking of the Mrs here...). I'll probably pop a couple of downlighters either side too with dust to dawn bulbs to (hopefully) deter the scrotes. I'll bung an alarm of some denomination in too.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 10, 2021, 05:21:31 PM
Yes good idea I am very happy with mine ( also remote operating) I have had the garage built about 13 years ago I had to replace one of the motors a couple of years ago as it was getting lazy but I think that was because I was mostly only using one door  :bang:

I will take a better picture of the outside when it’s light  lol

This time of year I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark :cry:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 10, 2021, 06:10:11 PM
This time of year I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark

I know, it's horrible when you only see your home in daylight at a weekend. I think my phone is making it look lighter than it is when I take the pic's as it was getting dark when I took tonights. The drive is now sanded, the trim fitted (not quite what I was after but acceptable) and it's really starting to 'get there'. Next week should see some significant progress with a new garage door and side door & window.

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 10, 2021, 08:26:07 PM
From the picture the trim looks fine  :thumb: once the garage door is fitted that will really make all the difference and a new door and window spot on, looking forward to seeing next weeks pictures.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 14, 2021, 05:06:33 PM
Better picture of mine from the outside  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 14, 2021, 05:53:43 PM
Very nice sir  :thumb:

Mine started off as a two door garage but the centre column started to show some signs of distress (an early warning of things to come in hindsight) and one of the doors was also sticking badly so we converted it to a single door. I have to say I was happy with two doors and did toy with the idea of going back that way. I've been doing a bit of painting in the garage today ready for the final internal colour to go on.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 14, 2021, 08:10:05 PM
Thank you   :thumb:

Ohhhh exciting  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 15, 2021, 04:19:14 PM
In today's installment it's fair to say you can see where the builders been ! Pics of both inside and outside where the new door & window are going and the concrete plinth that will be the base for a step into the garage. The lintel is getting moved up tomorrow to fit the new door frame. Hopefully, tomorrow will have pictures of doors...

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 15, 2021, 05:38:03 PM
 Yes you are right you can see where the builders have been  lol
It will be great to have a door straight out to your garden and also a window with that lovely view   :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 16, 2021, 05:01:03 PM
I've got a door !!! Well, not just one but two and I scored 4 remote controls to go with the main one. It's well on it's way now and it's just about over to me now to finish it off in style. I have the last couple of days in November and the first few days of December off so that's the time it should be just about finished. Happy, but I now have to spend big on some nice rubber flooring...

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 16, 2021, 06:19:16 PM
That looks really smart  :thumb:   Lovely job   :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 16, 2021, 07:29:43 PM
Cheers, it's picking up the pace now  :thumb:

I'm looking forward to posting the interior pictures as that comes along.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on November 16, 2021, 08:18:45 PM
Excellent job.  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 16, 2021, 09:02:03 PM
Cheers  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 25, 2021, 06:21:07 PM
So in tonight's gripping installment we have a picture of the new side step and the freshly PVA'd floor. I went to check on the floor after about and hour and it was bone dry & completely soaked in, which is nice. Floor tiles on the way and I'm on holiday next week so we should see some progress. 5 x 5' fluorescent light fittings free to good home if anyone is passing ?

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 25, 2021, 07:53:05 PM
NorthumBryan nice  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on November 25, 2021, 09:50:29 PM
Looking good!  :thumb:

Funnily enough I gave 6 fluorescent light fittings, I had fitted in the garage, away a couple of weeks ago.  :))) I put some LED ones up & the light in there now is excellent.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 26, 2021, 07:12:08 AM
That's the way I'm going, I bought a box of 10, 60w led battens which are only 22mm deep x 75mm wide and 1200mm long. I'll probably use 9 in total as I want it to be nice & bright. I did a calculation using an online lumens calculator and I'm going for a 'showroom' level of lighting.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 27, 2021, 03:45:10 PM
Today saw the application of the light grey masonry paint in the garage. Going over the white has meant i've managed to get away with only one coat, which is nice. It's starting to really come together now.

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 27, 2021, 09:41:57 PM
That was a bonus then only having to do one coat  :thumb:

Yes it is really coming together now    :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 28, 2021, 12:37:24 PM
I may have spoke/typed too soon. I popped into the garage today to admire my handiwork and it needs two coats of paint. The paint has soaked into the walls a surprising amount and it's on top of two coats of white. So, off to Homebase it is after I repair/replace my mates cooker socket which went off with a literal bang yesterday. No rest for the wicked etc...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 28, 2021, 03:56:16 PM
Ah that’s a shame but I am not surprised though as the paint does really soak in.

No rest for the wicked but well done for helping your friend out  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 28, 2021, 04:39:37 PM
So I managed to effect a repair on the rather ancient old cooker socket. It was the 13A 3 pin plug socket at the side of the cooker switch that went bang when they tried to plug in a blender. The live contact snapped the plastic retaining bracket and ended up touching the earth. A blob of araldite, some insulating tape and small plastic spacer and the jobs a good un  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 28, 2021, 07:07:03 PM
Sounds like a excellent repair. You cannot beat a bit of araldite  lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on November 28, 2021, 08:38:18 PM
You can't beat a good homemade repair!!  :thumb:
Just surprised there was no Gaffer tape or cable ties required.  :wink:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 29, 2021, 09:27:40 AM
Just surprised there was no Gaffer tape or cable ties required.

I was pushed for space otherwise there would have been  lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on November 29, 2021, 09:29:42 AM
 :thumb: lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 29, 2021, 05:18:12 PM
It took me precisely 4 hours but I have successfully second coated the garage walls. rather disappointingly my floor tiles have not arrived which I was hoping to crack on with tomorrow. Looks like the ceiling will be getting some attention instead.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 30, 2021, 09:28:57 AM
Bugger, it's so cold & damp my paint doesn't want to go off ! I've got a fan heater on in the garage to try and coax it to set so I can get on with other things.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on November 30, 2021, 09:44:27 AM
I know what you mean, I sprayed some clear lacquer on some fishing floats Sunday & they were still tacky yesterday. I'm presuming it was the cold & not a bad can? They're in the house now (I did ask permission  :whistle:), hope it hasn't ruined them?
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 30, 2021, 11:24:01 AM
They should be fine once they get a bit of heat on them  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on November 30, 2021, 06:32:18 PM
Today saw a little bit of electrical work in the form on an outdoor light to guide your way to the garage in the dark. It's identical to a one i've had on a bit of screening so I mounted it at the same height and it's working very well with a 5w LED dusk to dawn bulb. Hopefully my flooring will arrive tomorrow and the pigging paint will go off...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on November 30, 2021, 09:49:05 PM
NorthumBryan   Well done on getting the second coat on the walls  :thumb:
I can imagine how cold and damp it has been so you are having trouble with the paint not going off hopefully the fan heater will help 🤞
Hope the floor tiles turn up tomorrow and the outdoor lights look good  :thumb:

Mick B i am sure the lacquer will go off fine now you have got them indoors and yes the damp and cold would effect any spraying etc.

On the subject of the damp and cold I have had to take my motorcycle jackets in doors as in the past the have got damp and smelly 😖
And it has been so bloody cold out on the forklift all day I taken the keis power lead of off the V -Strom Battery and made it fit on to the forklift battery so now I have my keis heated jacket under my fluorescent jacket and it is so lovely and warm  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 01, 2021, 07:41:12 AM
Now that is Engineering at its best - good work  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on December 01, 2021, 02:59:23 PM
Yeah, the floats were fine after an hour or so. I did warm the tin of lacquer & the floats before spraying them but by the time I'd got them 'mounted' for spraying outside they were cold again. 
Great idea with the heated jacket! Bet the rest of the lads are wondering why you've got a smile on your face all time?  lol   
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 01, 2021, 05:46:38 PM
Today was tile delivery day, 178 of the buggers. I've had a solid 7 hours in the garage and I'm absolutely knackered ! It's been hard work, especially as I'm used to sitting on my arse in front of a computer all day instead of climbing poles & pylons. It's a bugger to put together and needs a bit of oomph to get some of the to seat. I've saved all the awkward bits for tomorrow. It's already made the garage warmer and there's still a hole in the roof but the bits to remedy that are coming tomorrow.

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on December 01, 2021, 06:23:00 PM
Thanks the both of you :thumb:  lol yes they are wondering what’s going on and keep saying blimey it’s freezing today and I just agree and carry on thinking I am going to have to turn this down to low in a minute it’s to hot 🥵  the only trouble I have is when I get off to undo the lorry curtains and pull them back or pick a job with various cartons I keep forgetting to unplug the jacket and it pulls the plug out   
 lol

NorthumBryan  that is such a great job and a great space   :thumb:
I so which I’d thought about doing the same to mine when I had it built  :bang:
I have got some bike rugs and bits of carpet over the concrete floor.

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on December 01, 2021, 07:03:26 PM
Looking good.
Bits of old carpet for me too!!  :))) If I didn't think it'd take me a day or more to empty my garage I'd think about those tiles. But it ain't gonna happen!  :no:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 03, 2021, 03:02:04 PM
Today's episode is not photo worthy but the ceiling is repaired after the garage door was fitted. Ready for ceiling tiles but I'm going to finish the floor first. More shelving and racking has arrived too so it's flat pack central in there at the moment.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on December 03, 2021, 06:02:57 PM
 lol lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Fat Rat on December 05, 2021, 10:12:19 AM
I think you need to re-think that space. Throw a tarp over the bikes and rent the Annexe Garage to two or three families.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 05, 2021, 11:46:00 AM
It's funny you say that FR but I had one of my mates round and he recons if I insulated the walls there is enough space to make a 1 bedroom bungalow. I don't think the mrs will put up with the big green box much longer mind...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 08, 2021, 06:33:18 PM
Todays update, well, the Mrs was super impressed with my efforts putting down the flooring that she has voluntarily increased the budget on the garage refurb. The builder has been paid and it cam in slightly under budget so I have been told to install a permanent loft ladder & new hatch and I can have UPVC ceiling cladding instead of just polystyrene tiles. This should look superb when it's done and I'm looking forward to updating you with some pictures as 'phase 2' progress.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on December 08, 2021, 07:58:40 PM
Wow you have been a good boy then  lol lol

That is going to look really smart and I am beginning to think FR may have been right all along  :whistle:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on December 09, 2021, 09:19:53 AM
It will be a very nice place to 'work' when you finish it.  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Rusty Nuts on December 09, 2021, 07:57:59 PM
Big enough and posh enough for a "business meeting" with cheese and wine.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 10, 2021, 06:38:21 AM
 :goodpost:  lol lol lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 11, 2021, 03:56:14 PM
Yet another busy day in the garage, this time installing a new loft ladder. It's a two man job which I did myself and it was a struggle. A bit of ingenuity and some large tie wraps replaced person number 2 and the end result is an easy to access loft. Happy with it but it is a little bit shonky in places, the metalwork & brackets are particularly 'cheap & nasty' but it's fitted.
Once the cladding goes up I'll trim up the edges and it'll look like it's been there for years.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Rusty Nuts on December 11, 2021, 06:40:05 PM
Hmmm, I've just been investigating loft ladders. I have two problems.
1, the existing hatch is only about 8 inches from the wall, so the ladder needs to sit entirely on the hatch or only overhang by  8 inches or less.
2, the existing hatch is not long enough to accept this type of ladder unless it is a telescopic type.
3, the telescopic ones are silly prices.
Oh yeah, that's three.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 12, 2021, 09:16:13 AM
The one I bought (from Tool Station) sits entirely in it's own hatch area with no overhangs. It needs about 250mm of headroom for the ladder but that's it. It is designed to fit between the standard 600mm spacing of rafters and at 550mm fits nicely with a bit of packing. Up to 2.8M in height too, not sure if that is any help ? The ladder just unfolds rather than telescopes which may or may not be better ?
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Rusty Nuts on December 12, 2021, 09:51:28 AM
Thanks, but I don't think the folding type would fit unless I start chopping more ceiling out. The existing hatch isn't long enough for those ladder sections.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 12, 2021, 10:27:02 AM
Bugger. I did see a loft ladder with really short aluminium sections that telescoped out but it wasn't cheap. It was designed for really tight spaces.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Rusty Nuts on December 12, 2021, 11:34:42 AM
Tight space and tight wallet seem to be incompatible. I have permission to cut the ceiling - providing I don't damage anything, make a mess, spend too much.... and it has to be finished by the time she gets back from shopping.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 12, 2021, 12:36:00 PM
That's a narrow remit  lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on December 12, 2021, 02:01:29 PM
Our loft ladder is two piece. The lower section slides up & locks onto the upper section then both slide a bit further up and then 'drop' onto the loft 'floor'. You have to have a few feet of space in the loft to accommodate the ladder.
Due to being a short arse I have to step onto the stairs lower railing to reach the ladder to pull it down. An 18" stick with a hook on the end would be better but.......  :no: 

Similar to this...........https://www.laddersukdirect.co.uk/loft-ladders/abru-2-section-loft-ladder/76002
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 14, 2021, 04:56:41 PM
Tonight I've ordered the UPVC ceiling cladding for the Garage. getting delivered on Monday night so I've plenty to keep me busy this weekend so I'm ready for it.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on December 14, 2021, 05:36:21 PM
That garage is going to be so smart are you sure your missus isn’t planning on you living in there  lol lol  :santa1:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 14, 2021, 07:06:32 PM
To be honest I don't think I'd mind...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 15, 2021, 06:44:34 PM
All battened up ready for the UPVC cladding. I've got the lights to drop as I go but I'll leave them to the last minuet. Going to sweep up and tidy at the weekend and build some shelves.

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on December 16, 2021, 07:13:10 PM
 :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on December 16, 2021, 07:46:18 PM
 :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 22, 2021, 06:47:15 PM
It's cladding time at the garage project. Off to a decent start tonight but those 5m lengths are wobbly and buggers to get located. I have found a technique that seems to work - lots of swearing ! I've got to drop two of the fluorescent lights tomorrow night to allow for further progress. Once I get another couple of sections fitted I'll add in some of the new LED's. Progress is being made, ideally I'll have it buttoned up just after Christmas giving me a few days to relocate everything out of the shipping container.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on December 22, 2021, 09:57:46 PM
I hope you have help with the 5m lengths ? Looking real good though  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 23, 2021, 07:58:26 PM
I've enlisted the help of Dobby my house Elf (aka the mrs), she's too short to be of much use but it's better than nothing...

P.S. if she sees this I'm dead  :no:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on December 23, 2021, 09:19:48 PM
 lol lol :santa1:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on December 24, 2021, 05:12:14 PM
 :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 24, 2021, 06:27:55 PM
So after sneaking off early from work I dived straight into the garage. I tried 4x lights at one end and it was OK. Installing the 5th light down the middle has made all the difference and gives me the light output I need. Best of all there are no shadows. Much brighter then the fluorescent tubes that they've replaced. I'm just over half way with the ceiling too (the two lights nearest in the pic is the halfway mark). More after crimbo - have a good one folks  :)))

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on December 24, 2021, 08:20:22 PM
 :thumb: have a good one  :santa1: :ho:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on December 25, 2021, 09:41:10 AM
Looking good. Have a day (or two) off & enjoy the festivities.  :santa1:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 25, 2021, 10:31:08 AM
Yes it's a day off today so you all have a very merry christmas wherever you are. I'm looking forward to eating too much, getting wrong for farting too much (sprouts & stuffing - a deadly combo for me) and then snoring too much while everyone tries vainly to hear the TV of some Cinnamon Swirle show they want to watch.

Happy Christmas  :ho:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 26, 2021, 02:15:58 PM
Back into action on Boxing day, the Mrs is at work from 10:00 to 17:00 so I thought I'd get a bit built in the garage. So it's 2 x shelves (bolted together to make them super sturdy) and my 'heavy duty' work bench. It's OK but I may sort out a better work top. Electrics tomorrow.

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on December 26, 2021, 05:26:59 PM
Great work just what Boxing Day is for   :thumb:

Just as well you are on your own today with all the sprouts & the stuffing farts  lol

Me and the wife have both be suffering the same today because of those pesky sprouts & stuffing   lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 27, 2021, 04:11:51 PM
 No rest for the wicked, so I must have been Vlad the Impaler in a former life... But, today I have finished the garage ceiling. It is now end to end UPVC cladding. The garage already feels soooo much warmer and I still have some more insulation to roll out in the loft. Having a day off the build tomorrow as I'm out on the lash having a quiet meal with friends. The 'T' Piece above the garage door is holding the UPVC in place while it bonds overnight.

Getting really close now !

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on December 27, 2021, 11:01:32 PM
Loving this  NorthumBryan  you are making a proper job of it  :thumb:

Enjoy your meal with friends   :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on December 30, 2021, 07:55:09 PM
 :thumb: cracking job.
Enjoy your piss up!  lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on December 31, 2021, 07:10:31 PM
It's getting close now, the lockers are in, I've had to relocate my new wall heater back to where the old one was (I knew there was a reason why I put it there in the first place...) and I've finished the electrics. I should have the last rack moved back in tomorrow along with the Tigger. I shall take several pictures at this momentous er moment and post accordingly.

All the very best for 2022 everyone  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Fat Rat on January 01, 2022, 11:55:23 AM
You have almost motivated me to go out and tidy my sheds up........ Almost.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on January 01, 2022, 01:57:39 PM
It's in the final stages now, best bit is the shipping container is completely empty and ready to be collected on the 4th. I've got a bit of rearranging to be done and a set of cupboards to go above the bench but that's tomorrows job. The white strip on the floor is surplus UPVC cladding which is to go back for a refund. Some pics of events so far -

Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on January 01, 2022, 02:07:17 PM
 :thumb: looking good.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on January 01, 2022, 03:34:42 PM
Cheers Mick, appreciated  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on January 01, 2022, 05:54:21 PM
Cracking job  :thumb:  (not jealous at all )   lol
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on January 01, 2022, 08:44:11 PM
Cheers, it's been a lot of hard work. Really looking forward to seeing the back of that damn shipping container however.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Rusty Nuts on January 01, 2022, 09:13:54 PM
Or, more accurately,  not seeing the side of it?
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on January 04, 2022, 12:10:23 PM
Container gone !!! They made had work of it but the big green box is no more. What a relief and how nice to have a bit of a view again.
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on January 04, 2022, 08:13:24 PM
 :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on January 05, 2022, 02:25:33 PM
 :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on January 13, 2022, 06:06:18 PM
Things have been bumbling along in the garage and I'm on the last leg now, trimming things off, siliconing edges & sealing frames etc. I've finally got around to installing the 'granny charger' in the garage too (a granny charger is a slow charger for an EV that plus into a 13A socket, usually 3kW). So, having cleared away a load of rubbish to the tip I could back my MG in and have my first 12kW at 5p per kW (12:30 to 04:30) last night. I have a little digital timer socket which controls the charger and it worked very well putting 45 miles range into the battery over the 4 hours. As my daily commute is just under 10 miles (4 1/2 miles each way ish) I've nearly got a weeks worth of travelling to work and back for 20p ! Bargain, it's the Mrs turn tonight and so on, happy.

I also had a length of leftover plastic cladding which I was loathe to just throw away. I had a quick measure and managed to get enough to clad the wall under the window next to the new door. It just needs a 90 degree trim along the top edge and it's sorted. Oh, and a good sweep of the floor...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on January 13, 2022, 08:29:13 PM
 :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on January 13, 2022, 09:57:02 PM
Wow 20p that is very impressive makes you think about EV  :thumb:

And great fettling on the cladding  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on January 14, 2022, 12:36:05 PM
Cheers  :thumb:

I honestly have to say I couldn't go back to a 'normal' car again. I appreciate the 'leccy life is not for everyone but when it works for you it really is a superb way to go. If they can just get a bike to do 200 miles at regular speeds I'll be at the front of the queue...
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on January 14, 2022, 04:58:49 PM
Yes I like the sound of a electric motorcycle that can do that sort of Millage and good speed  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on January 14, 2022, 05:58:49 PM
i think it'll happen but it's down to numbers. All the mainstream manufacturers are ploughing millions if not billions into developing EV's with a view to selling them by the 100,000. Sadly, it's never going to be that sort of volume that electric motorbikes will sell in. Harley D's only managed to sell 66 Livewires in the UK (according to the 'how many left' website). Not enough to warrant the investment. So, at best, bikes will get the 'hand me downs' from the car industry. It'll be small, low volume manufacturers that'll probably crack the distance/charge speed equation (good range + rapid charge) first but at what cost ?
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on January 23, 2022, 03:08:16 PM
Finally, after a bit of drama (a part of the cupboards was missing...) I have finally got my garage cupboards hung on the wall. My mate Davey claims a valuable 'assist' and they have gone up surprisingly well. I've spaced them off the wall by 20mm to help them and the wall stay nice & dry and give spiders somewhere to live...

The LED light underneath is superb and gives a great light along the work bench. The worktop that came with the bench is a bit shonky and may well be replaced very soon by something more robust. I shall poulate my bench top tool box with all the most frequently used tools soon. Happy.



Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Mick B on January 23, 2022, 05:36:59 PM
Looking good.  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: Asmith61 on January 23, 2022, 08:18:27 PM
Yes looking real good  :thumb:
Title: Re: The start of a new man cave
Post by: NorthumBryan on January 24, 2022, 04:32:55 PM
Cheers chaps. The pleasure of progressing the garage has been tempered somewhat by the arrival of a summons for Jury Duty - bugger. Monday 14th of March for, fingers crossed, no more than 10 days. Work are over the moon with it as it comes at a busy time... Deep joy.