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Irving
12-29-2013, 23:21
I'm going to make some garage shelves. My plan is basically to replicate what this guy did: http://davewirth.blogspot.com/2013/01/storage-shelf-for-basement.html
only, instead of the "legs" being on the short edge of the shelf, mine will be at the ends of the long edge. The plan is to build all the boxes for the shelves, then attach them all to the legs. Here is a top view:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HI2sb5n4cD8/UsEBic6tveI/AAAAAAAAG84/zRQv8dzPiEk/w991-h560-no/Shelf.jpg

I am running into a very basic problem though. How the heck do I build this box square? I have a speed square to place everything where I need it to be, but when it comes to drilling my holes, I can't hold everything in place. Should I consider doing it the way the guy in the link did, where he builds ladders first? It seems like it would be easier to square longer boards, as their weight will help keep them in place. This seems like a very first day type of question, and kind of embarrassing to ask, but how is the correct way to do this?

Wulf202
12-29-2013, 23:47
over complicated by design, text me tomorrow 9-4 and i'll get you pics of how to do this easier. I have several at work

comprehension failure, I've built many like you're designing, the link shows overcomplicated shelves.

38651
shit i'm tired change 4' to 2'

have depot rip the sheets in half build the boxes by screwing the boards to the shelf then tag the ends of the boxes together and it will be perfectly square.

move your legs inboard slightly so that when you screw them to the boxes you're not going to the ends of the short 2x4's which already have several screws running thru them.

Irving
12-29-2013, 23:55
I'll text you tomorrow. You think the link design is more complicated than mine? I was going to just copy the link, but I already cut half the boards for this first shelf and want to be able to figure it out. When I'm done, I think I'll have a total of 6 shelf units, lining both sides of my garage for a total of 14' (length) of shelves on each side.

I always thought that the relatively large surface of the saw blade would keep a cut pretty straight once you got going, but that really isn't the case. I had the great idea to just measure the width of the guard to the blade, and nail a guide to each board I cut. It worked out very well and was worth the extra time on each cut in my opinion.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SK7IjtkZys8/UsOJO0DjKTI/AAAAAAAAG_I/TztRh8PwDuI/w996-h560-no/20131231_201914.jpg

Kind of difficult to see, but I pre-measured and cut out all the corners of each shelf to prepare for the legs.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pTx8faM9ics/UsJN10UfddI/AAAAAAAAG9w/TnB-U9z67Fk/w996-h560-no/20131230_215333.jpg

I set everything on the ground and just attached each "box" to the shelf, then secured the frame to itself. I asked a hand full of people the same question about getting things square, and they all had that same suggestion. It worked pretty well.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OMQtwBEOT2g/UsOsfDO8VlI/AAAAAAAAG_s/2vnaTIPA7sQ/w996-h560-no/20131231_223547.jpg

Even with pilot holes drilled, I still split this end piece.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_uZH8D-MfFo/UsOsg-kq3CI/AAAAAAAAG_4/gcmFvgSC7Mk/w996-h560-no/20131231_223609.jpg

Increasing the pilot hole size and drilling a counter sink fixed the problem.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4fRRneFtaqI/UsO1uJ2D5DI/AAAAAAAAHAc/BRfbTmF1BlQ/w996-h560-no/20131231_232757.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xOvNbuiEcTk/UsO1r2eGoJI/AAAAAAAAHAQ/jfoJlTIQS6c/w996-h560-no/20131231_232849.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zTXMVJZljxI/UsO3IF2iKQI/AAAAAAAAHAs/QuHrI822B_Y/w996-h560-no/20131231_233435.jpg

Laid the whole thing on the floor to attach the supports. Not quite as easy as each individual shelf, but it worked well enough. Using a template for the screw holes kept things consistent.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ScyiWVYFcn0/UsRy1yP-3-I/AAAAAAAAHC4/ejFDxsvqfmY/w996-h560-no/20140101_125600.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gfuy6lbf7qI/UsRyzuIdTII/AAAAAAAAHCs/N2Rp-2Fg7Lw/w315-h560-no/20140101_125552.jpg

I discovered a slight design flaw when I went to mock it up in place.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u8EchKSzlTc/UsS_bCnKSxI/AAAAAAAAHEU/Vi0PGaM7QWw/w315-h560-no/20140101_182244_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tBjrgSKPnD4/UsS_h7LUfwI/AAAAAAAAHEg/D8c7kyZwI7Y/w315-h560-no/20140101_182313_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

Easily remedied
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NNEIhvvEOeQ/UsTkbS9WY1I/AAAAAAAAHFc/PuHZOwSNCxA/w996-h560-no/20140101_210039_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

Mostly final product and what it is replacing. The metal shelf is about as tall as the 4th shelf on my unit. Metal rack has 4 shelves at 11x29 compared to mine with 5 shelves at 16x36.




Over all it wasn't too bad of a project once I got into the rhythm of everything. Not only is the garage floor not level, but the carpet that was there was covering a HUGE crack right in the middle of the shelf. So between the already dubious stability on its own, and the 1/4" height difference in the floor on either side, some shimming and anchoring to the wall is necessary. The shelves are mostly level, except one that I didn't catch until I stood it all up. Finally, I ran out of screws and am about 26 short. [B]I'd like some suggestions for anchoring this to the bricks please.

Wulf202
12-30-2013, 00:02
yeah he notches the shelf around the legs, adds complication for no reason. It lies flat against the wall nice though. I have 4 of the ones you're looking at at work along with a bench that is a full sheet.

edited my post a bit
38653
you remember the not 8' studs?

38655
line up your now decked boxes on the floor the same way, space them evenly, add your legs, flip, add legs. Done. Also moving the legs inboard helps distribute load better, based on the design and the neatness of the workspace he's got to be an engineer, they can over complicate the easiest of things.

the ones at work have a center cross bar and 6 legs, they can support 200 lbs plus per shelf without issue. we have one loaded with paper boxes full of files and I can still climb it like a ladder

Great-Kazoo
12-30-2013, 09:35
corner clamps.
http://www.harborfreight.com/corner-clamp-with-quick-release-38661.html


FWIW: we had planned on wood shelves, then were able to score these gorilla racks off CL,f or an average cost of $15-20 per used. We like the portability and capability to move them around, plus able to take them with us when we move.


http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4824752739582723&pid=15.1

Irving
12-30-2013, 11:27
Jim, with that corner clamp, would I put on three, and have the forth corner open for drilling?

Wulf, that is pretty much exactly my idea.

brianakell
12-30-2013, 11:51
The gorilla shelves are really strong. I know they used to be 60 or 65 for a 4' wide, 7' tall, 18" deep version at sams club. The 7' uprights were 4' and 3' tall, so you could make a long low setup rather than a tall one if you wanted.

def90
12-30-2013, 12:39
I prefer to notch the shelves so that the unit can sit flush against the wall. As above, use the shelf itself as the mechanism to keep everything else square.

rondog
12-30-2013, 12:49
If you're not concerned with pretty, I have a steel unit you can have if you have a pickup. I don't have photos, but I can shoot some. It was an old comm. cabinet, tall and roughly same size you're talking about. If you're interested I can provide photos and dimensions, etc. I'd love to see it go away, and it would last until YOU want rid of it.

Irving
12-30-2013, 12:52
Thanks Ron, I actually have a huge steal one at my paeents, but I'm going to build these to fit the garage.

I also plan on notching the shelves to be flush with the wall and front legs. That way the footprint can be slightly smaller, but still have full shelf depth.

rondog
12-30-2013, 14:11
Thanks Ron, I actually have a huge steal one at my paeents, but I'm going to build these to fit the garage.

I also plan on notching the shelves to be flush with the wall and front legs. That way the footprint can be slightly smaller, but still have full shelf depth.

If your garage wall is just studs, I'd recommend slapping on something first, like drywall or thin plywood/particle board. Just something to keep stuff from falling off the back of the shelves and pissin' you off! Voice of experience - no tellin' what all's behind my shelves.....

Great-Kazoo
12-30-2013, 14:18
If your garage wall is just studs, I'd recommend slapping on something first, like drywall or thin plywood/particle board. Just something to keep stuff from falling off the back of the shelves and pissin' you off! Voice of experience - no tellin' what all's behind my shelves.....

Outside of objects falling behind the shelves. The sheet rock or plywood once the wall is insulated keeps it warm. Make sure you allow room for a vehicle doors to open, or get around as needed.

rondog
12-30-2013, 14:28
I can also provide you with good ideas for overhead shelves. My garage has a 24" deep shelf all around the walls, 24" from the ceiling, attached to the walls and suspended from the ceiling. Easy to do, and I've got TONS o' shit up there. I also constructed a platform or "loft", and it's loaded too. I've got an entire CJ5 Jeep in my garage all in pieces, and a huge amount of it is all up above. Plus Xmas lights, camping/fishing stuff, half a Harley dresser, and more general crap than anyone needs.

rondog
12-30-2013, 14:37
Oh, just my opinion, but they're garage shelves, not bookcases in your library. I sure wouldn't sweat details like making sure they're square or pretty. 2x4's and plywood and screws, crude, quick and tough. Function over form.

You're welcome to come by, I can give you lots of ideas from the stuff I've built.

Irving
12-30-2013, 14:39
Wall is brick on one side and pegboard (probably backed by brick) on the other side. Not sure if I have the height for much hanging shelf, but interested in how to do it. I was trying not to post pictures until I was done, so this thread wouldn't be a drawn out like the pantry one. I'll post the before pictures when I get home.

Dave_L
12-30-2013, 15:26
I have to redo my shelving. I did a quick job when we first moved in so I could at least get space and some things settled. Now, I'm just piling stuff and it'd driving me crazy. Home Depot has some really nice heavy duty metal shelving units.

http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k546/andy_matthews1/shelvingrack.jpg

They look nice, fully adjustable and aren't your typical flimsy shelving system. Downside is they cost like $180 each. OOF. I'll probably just be doing wood again since I don't want to drop $400 on shelves, no matter how nice it is.

Great-Kazoo
12-30-2013, 16:41
Oh, just my opinion, but they're garage shelves, not bookcases in your library. I sure wouldn't sweat details like making sure they're square or pretty. 2x4's and plywood and screws, crude, quick and tough. Function over form.

You're welcome to come by, I can give you lots of ideas from the stuff I've built.

Wait till he goes to level them. Or square them up and realizes how out of square the garage is.

rondog
12-30-2013, 16:56
Wait till he goes to level them. Or square them up and realizes how out of square the garage is.

Ay-yup yup yup.

Here's some old photos of my garage overheads. The crap on them has changed around many times, some's gone, more's been added, but it kinda shows what I'm talking about. It's a mess, but a constantly changing mess. These photos are about 10 years old.

All my 24" overheads along the walls are built with 2"x2" perforated steel angle, because I had a bunch of it. But they could be made out of pine 2x2's even easier, and be just as strong. And far cheaper.

The "loft". There's more stuff up there now than you can believe, including an entire, intact 1956 CJ5 front axle, with brakes on it. And the entire windshield assembly, fenders, grill, radiator, soft top, 10 jerry cans, half of a Harley dresser, and more. And there's another shelf up there you can't see.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/garage/DSCN0115.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/garage/DSCN0117.jpg

Shelf over/above the garage door. Use that dead space!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/garage/DSCN0116.jpg

24" L-shaped shelves along 2 walls.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/garage/DSCN0120.jpg

All down that wall over the workbench.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/garage/DSCN0122.jpg

Along the other wall too.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/garage/DSCN0125.jpg

funkymonkey1111
12-30-2013, 17:12
rondog, that looks great--i had just recently seen above the door storage--is that metal framing of the above-the-door storage something i could find at home depot?

rondog
12-30-2013, 17:24
rondog, that looks great--i had just recently seen above the door storage--is that metal framing of the above-the-door storage something i could find at home depot?

No. Maybe something similar, but not that same stuff. Industrial supply-house stuff. But like I said, you can do it with 2x2's very easy and far, far cheaper. Very simple.

Now, the perforated steel straps they're suspended with, you can get that at HD.

Irving
12-30-2013, 18:57
I don't have that much room above my door. But I do have all that room up in the attic, which is currently stuffed full. I want shelves up there as well, but am really NOT looking forward to building stuff in such a tight space.

flogger
12-30-2013, 19:21
I don't have that much room above my door. But I do have all that room up in the attic, which is currently stuffed full. I want shelves up there as well, but am really NOT looking forward to building stuff in such a tight space.
Watch what you store in an attic space. It gets pretty warm/cold up there and any platform you build should not compromise or crush the insulation. PLUS lots of wiring and many ways to put your foot through a ceiling. They can be a great place with enough headroom, lighting and a fold down access ladder, wish mine was bigger (my attic that is).

Sharpienads
12-30-2013, 19:22
Wait till he goes to level them. Or square them up and realizes how out of square the garage is.

This is a really good point. You don't realize how out of square your house is until you make something slightly more square and realize it doesn't fit like it should because you assumed your walls were square. Point is, I wouldn't worry too much about making the shelves perfectly square. I would just cut all my boards to length, measure and mark where your boards should be, and start screwing.

Great-Kazoo
12-30-2013, 19:35
Ay-yup yup yup.

Here's some old photos of my garage overheads. The crap on them has changed around many times, some's gone, more's been added, but it kinda shows what I'm talking about. It's a mess, but a constantly changing mess. These photos are about 10 years old.

All my 24" overheads along the walls are built with 2"x2" perforated steel angle, because I had a bunch of it. But they could be made out of pine 2x2's even easier, and be just as strong. And far cheaper.

The "loft". There's more stuff up there now than you can believe, including an entire, intact 1956 CJ5 front axle, with brakes on it. And the entire windshield assembly, fenders, grill, radiator, soft top, 10 jerry cans, half of a Harley dresser, and more. And there's another shelf up there you can't see.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/garage/DSCN0115.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/garage/DSCN0117.jpg

Shelf over/above the garage door. Use that dead space!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/garage/DSCN0116.jpg

24" L-shaped shelves along 2 walls.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/garage/DSCN0120.jpg

All down that wall over the workbench.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/garage/DSCN0122.jpg

Along the other wall too.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/garage/DSCN0125.jpg



Looks like our 3 car shop. Outside of the gorilla racks, everything is on wheels. All the misc items, is why we have out buildings.

Irving
12-30-2013, 20:31
I know my garage floor slopes, and I don't think a lot of other stuff in the house is real square. I'm only concerned about squaring stuff, because the first thing I built this year was a cat tower. Same basic concept for a box filled with sand as the base on each side. Everything was fine until I attached the boxes to the center post. An hour and 1.5" of shims later and the thing can finally stand up and pass for level in the dark.

Here is the garage now:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nUnY33H6Br4/UsDN3pjF2zI/AAAAAAAAG8A/2W9rpG2ryaE/w996-h560-no/20131229_183518.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bzLFOSJVfJE/UsDN6v7EqqI/AAAAAAAAG8M/7nt5jM6z5aM/w996-h560-no/20131229_183530.jpg

Step one: Randomly run into a guy with a truck and get him to get rid of the stove. You guys see my work bench? Me either. First two shelves will replace the metal one on the left and the wooden one on the right in this picture. Next will be similarly tall shelves where the water is at the end of the garage. Finally will be long, low shelves in between to fit under the windows.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YCCiGTdaKas/UsDa_lrUirI/AAAAAAAAG8k/LOsgesDa3B4/w996-h560-no/20131229_193117.jpg

Irving
01-01-2014, 23:15
Okay, finished (mostly) one of the shelves. Updated the first post with pictures.

rbeau30
01-02-2014, 00:11
Irving, off topic... but wondering where you get your 2-liter bottle crates. You can PM me if you don't want to reply here.

Irving
01-02-2014, 00:20
I was delivering pizza and the company I worked for switched contracts from Coke to Pepsi and the Coke guys never came and picked them up.
Thanks for reminding me, I forgot I wanted to check how those racks fit on that shelf since I plan to build identical shelves for each of those corners.
This is three "crates" on the shortest shelf. Each crate holds eight 2-liter bottles.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uUlEkedwV1M/UsUGBfOD_9I/AAAAAAAAHGg/M9AV2Mnq0xw/w996-h560-no/20140101_232259_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

Irving
01-02-2014, 12:55
Bump for asking what to buy to attach to the wall. I plan on going after work and just asking, but if there is a superior product that they might not recommend, I'd like to know. Thanks.

Great-Kazoo
01-02-2014, 12:56
I was delivering pizza and the company I worked for switched contracts from Coke to Pepsi and the Coke guys never came and picked them up.
Thanks for reminding me, I forgot I wanted to check how those racks fit on that shelf since I plan to build identical shelves for each of those corners.
This is three "crates" on the shortest shelf. Each crate holds eight 2-liter bottles.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-uUlEkedwV1M/UsUGBfOD_9I/AAAAAAAAHGg/M9AV2Mnq0xw/w996-h560-no/20140101_232259_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

That one of the new MJ lunch trucks

hghclsswhitetrsh
01-02-2014, 12:59
Looks like you need a garage sale not garage shelves.

Irving
01-02-2014, 13:10
Looks like you need a garage sale not garage shelves.

I'll give you first dibs on the bottled water in the 2 liters. The attic is definitely going to be sorted through this spring.

blacklabel
01-02-2014, 13:22
I'm going to change the dimensions of these but use the same concept for food storage in my man room.

38757

hghclsswhitetrsh
01-02-2014, 13:25
I'll give you first dibs on the bottled water in the 2 liters. The attic is definitely going to be sorted through this spring.

Nah I want that opened coors light bottle. On a serious note I will be following this thread closely for idears.

rbeau30
01-02-2014, 13:29
I'll give you first dibs on the bottled water in the 2 liters. The attic is definitely going to be sorted through this spring.

I would only want the crates. My source for them, "Dried up". HA!

Great-Kazoo
01-02-2014, 16:20
I'm going to change the dimensions of these but use the same concept for food storage in my man room.

38757

Myself with the studs behind that sheet rock. I would have mounted the back 2x's with lag bolts to the studs / wall and used the back 2'x as an additional . Eithe rway that's whay makes the DIY forum a nice place to bounce ideas off each other.

blacklabel
01-02-2014, 16:25
Myself with the studs behind that sheet rock. I would have mounted the back 2x's with lag bolts to the studs / wall and used the back 2'x as an additional . Eithe rway that's whay makes the DIY forum a nice place to bounce ideas off each other.

To clarify, that isn't my picture. I thought about mounting them to the studs but don't want to tear up the walls in the finished office that I'm putting them in.

Irving
01-03-2014, 00:16
Bought these to secure to the brick wall. They require a masonry bit to drill a pilot hole first.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i3-uKT-tmao/UsYtGOVYoEI/AAAAAAAAHG0/IR0emavfkLo/w996-h560-no/20140102_202257_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-rxLTCDwKiS4/UsYuzuRTP5I/AAAAAAAAHHE/LJ5K31r_9Uw/w996-h560-no/20140102_202942_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zIpDvMCYW-I/UsZD6xJc3UI/AAAAAAAAHIQ/Fv-6Rd9mGf8/w996-h560-no/20140102_215946_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg


You can see here that I had to "customize" on the left side. I kept running into something that was ruining the screws on the left side. You can see that I tried 5 different holes. Even though the bit would go all the way in, and I made sure the bit was going deeper than the screws, they kept hitting something. I secured that custom 2x4 by slipping it under the top support and putting two screws on the top, and towing two more in on the side.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xfxqug4W5AI/UsZD4lk4_yI/AAAAAAAAHIE/YJbeuFuyBo0/w996-h560-no/20140102_215925_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lp1ah73BXUc/UsY2R3TqnMI/AAAAAAAAHHk/6OGBoYyHfhA/w996-h560-no/20140102_210109_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg


Next I shimmed underneath both sides. I could climb on it before shimming, but now that the bottom front is supported, it won't put as much stress on the wall anchors.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8LmLla1kq-M/UsZD8so2bnI/AAAAAAAAHIc/FCm54wFUrZo/w996-h560-no/20140102_220012_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qG5Bb_9Pu3Q/UsZD-QFP4mI/AAAAAAAAHIo/4T57Ee5S5yc/w996-h560-no/20140102_220034_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg


Oh yeah, I leveled out the one shelf I had in there crooked. This shelf has over twice the shelf space of the last one and still fits the space nicely. Very much an upgrade!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cgwHkWL6cAA/UsZEAREcbJI/AAAAAAAAHI4/0M7jXuEM0cA/w315-h560-no/20140102_215911_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hKBTdTjaLZw/UsZFbJfFCrI/AAAAAAAAHJk/REF23-N12IU/w315-h560-no/20140102_220544_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

Lex_Luthor
01-03-2014, 01:30
Looks good Stu. I am already addicted to this section.

Irving
01-03-2014, 02:08
Thanks! For guys looking for ideas, check out this video that popped up on my Youtube.
81qYhWp3tYc

opie011
01-03-2014, 08:44
Here's what I built with some leftover unistrut
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/opie011/20130707_132443_zpseomcuxfa.jpg (http://s435.photobucket.com/user/opie011/media/20130707_132443_zpseomcuxfa.jpg.html)

Irving
01-03-2014, 08:52
Did the legs already have holes drilled? That looks like an even easier idea. You can just buy unistrut right? Is the price difference worth it for the time savings alone?

Great-Kazoo
01-03-2014, 09:51
Uni-strut is pricey, IF you buy new. There's a place down the block that has used sections of it, for 1/2 price. You want to build a show room or functional work area?

opie011
01-03-2014, 10:29
I welded the ends together and all the horizontal pieces are bolted together with angle supports and unistrut hardware....very easy to break down and move if needed. Also welded unistrut nuts to the bottom of legs that are threaded so I can level it!!

Best of all.....I have abundant amounts of unistrut from jobs so my cost was FREE
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/opie011/20130511_153508_zpsc97o5sxu.jpg (http://s435.photobucket.com/user/opie011/media/20130511_153508_zpsc97o5sxu.jpg.html)

rondog
01-03-2014, 11:51
Here's what I built with some leftover unistrut
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq75/opie011/20130707_132443_zpseomcuxfa.jpg (http://s435.photobucket.com/user/opie011/media/20130707_132443_zpseomcuxfa.jpg.html)

I'd put at least one support rib in the center of those shelves to prevent the wood from sagging.....

opie011
01-03-2014, 12:59
I'd put at least one support rib in the center of those shelves to prevent the wood from sagging.....

I tested it and there is no sagging....they're only 5' wide.

My 10' and 12' wide shelves have supports in the middle though :D

Irving
01-03-2014, 13:11
Get out of here showoff!

Irving
01-06-2014, 00:44
This time around I realized that if I just screw two 2x4s together, it will perfectly locate the long 2x4 for me. This shelf went much faster, despite being more awkward to handle.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0yyNFM4GJVk/UsoBbMZNwnI/AAAAAAAAHLo/wvGZctEnwR4/w996-h560-no/20140105_175150_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BAcZe9qCMRQ/Usn8XvImZUI/AAAAAAAAHLU/Is8ZcIwQgdo/w996-h560-no/20140105_174401_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5RA-qgqojs0/UsooT5nrvkI/AAAAAAAAHMY/wAY9smUCP1o/w996-h560-no/20140105_205135_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sfj4o6fxl9g/UspJgx97ykI/AAAAAAAAHMs/BhPydz5k1Ek/w996-h560-no/20140105_231315_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

Not quite finished as I ran into another slight design issue. Unlike the garage door opener, I'll be cutting the power to relocate this one. Is this a 3-phase that I can hook a welder up to?
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6Qh4WJQZjdU/UspJwb5aU3I/AAAAAAAAHNE/KqXvjmmjoPs/w996-h560-no/20140105_231417_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2RewZrdjW74/UspJrJ7W7GI/AAAAAAAAHM4/A8tviQR_j2o/w996-h560-no/20140105_231356_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

This was under $4 at Home Depot! Not even worth it apparently. Who sells the BEST phillips head bits? I'm tired of breaking them already. Pretty much everything I've purchased branded as HDX (Home Depot cheapo brand) sucks balls.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zOVwmqO3QQY/UsoBdG1uyzI/AAAAAAAAHL0/-BlarJ5oUew/w996-h560-no/20140105_174608_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kzju5wBqu9c/UsoPehRXueI/AAAAAAAAHMI/H69g7NHdquI/w996-h560-no/20140105_190538_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

Seriously, thank you everyone that helped me out with this. Special thanks to T-Giv for all the wood, of which I still have quite a bit.

buffalobo
01-06-2014, 06:42
Irwin Ice bits are the best phillips tip bits. Don‘t use phillips. Use #2 square drive or a torx drive. One bit would do your entire project plus some. Proper predrilling will lessen number of broken tips too.

Irving
01-06-2014, 07:30
I pre-drilled everything. The two ruined on the right were from using a driver and happened immediately. The one on the left did that with the drill after several projects. I find using the drill is a lot easier on the bits. Thanks for the tip on tips. I'll pick some up next time I'm out.

buffalobo
01-06-2014, 09:26
Sometimes a little hassle finding right size sq or torx drive screws, but worth it.


Shelves look good, should last forever.

Great-Kazoo
01-06-2014, 10:00
Not quite finished as I ran into another slight design issue. Unlike the garage door opener, I'll be cutting the power to relocate this one. Is this a 3-phase that I can hook a welder up to?
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6Qh4WJQZjdU/UspJwb5aU3I/AAAAAAAAHNE/KqXvjmmjoPs/w996-h560-no/20140105_231417_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2RewZrdjW74/UspJrJ7W7GI/AAAAAAAAHM4/A8tviQR_j2o/w996-h560-no/20140105_231356_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

This was under $4 at Home Depot! Not even worth it apparently. Who sells the BEST phillips head bits? I'm tired of breaking them already. Pretty much everything I've purchased branded as HDX (Home Depot cheapo brand) sucks balls.



Seriously, thank you everyone that helped me out with this. Special thanks to T-Giv for all the wood, of which I still have quite a bit.

That's a single phase 220/240. Highly unlikely you or any home owner has 3 phase , which is found in commercial settings.

Ah Pook
01-06-2014, 10:34
That's a single phase 220/240. Highly unlikely you or any home owner has 3 phase , which is found in commercial settings.
Boulder County requires 3 phase residential 50amp outlets, even though there is no 3 phase in res. areas.

Galvanized self piercing screws cost a little more but are way better than phillips/square head screws.
http://www.scrooscoop.com/Hwh%20galvanized%20painted%20zips%20neo%20washer.j pg

Irving
01-06-2014, 12:06
I know a few people with 3-phase at their homes. I guess 220 was what I meant. That's still what yoy would run a welder off of right?

I was thinking about the hex head screws, but since I'd want them flush it would require a rather large counter sink to fit the driver bit in the hole. Not impossible, just more work.

buffalobo
01-06-2014, 12:24
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/07/ma4emydy.jpg

These can be found @ Home Depot usually 1/3 the way down screw/fastener aisle, very good multi purpose screw. I have used 1000's of them.

buffalobo
01-06-2014, 12:32
I know a few people with 3-phase at their homes. I guess 220 was what I meant. That's still what yoy would run a welder off of right?

I was thinking about the hex head screws, but since I'd want them flush it would require a rather large counter sink to fit the driver bit in the hole. Not impossible, just more work.

Yes, you could run welder, dryer, oven/range etc off that outlet. Match circuit breaker and outlet to equipment. Verify wire/line is also heavy enough for what ever equip you want to power.

Irving
01-06-2014, 12:53
When I get home tonight, I'm going to flip the breaker off before I relocate it. Where do I put the leads on my meter, and what setting should the meter be on, to make sure the power is off and I don't kill myself?

rbeau30
01-06-2014, 13:11
Awesome Thread Irving! I'm doing something similar in my basement in a storage room.

Irving
01-06-2014, 13:33
Thanks. Jump right in!

rbeau30
01-06-2014, 13:35
Thanks. Jump right in!

I'll post pictures soon, I am awaiting my "executive safe install" since I don't have any guns anymore, to finish building the rest.

Irving
01-06-2014, 21:09
Okay, found this video to explain testing the 220. Probably the best video I could find and I watched hundreds.

e8JOpHhEyiQ

gnihcraes
01-06-2014, 21:23
Do you need to relocate the outlet? I'd just leave it alone and make the hole bigger in the shelf for devices to plug into it, possibly even blocking around the outlet on shelf so nothing on the shelf is close to it.

rbeau30
01-06-2014, 21:29
Thanks. Jump right in!


Here is some shelves I made. nothing fancy... the other side of the storage area is awaiting my Executive safe because I don't own firearms anymore. then, I'm going to build shelves around it and in the area where the water is now. There is stuff in the way now... I'll get it outta there when I can build the other shelves.


http://youtu.be/Eg3bT9xAxvg

Irving
01-06-2014, 23:06
Do you need to relocate the outlet? I'd just leave it alone and make the hole bigger in the shelf for devices to plug into it, possibly even blocking around the outlet on shelf so nothing on the shelf is close to it.

I cut a notch, but the 2x4 that holds the shelf perfectly covers the outlet. I just took the box off, flipped the switch upside down, and reattached it to the wall. Of course I busted up the wall a bit, and the one hole doesn't hold it well, but with the case facing down, the notch in the shelf will hold it against the wall.

I'm having major issues with this shelf as far as getting it level, stability, getting it to but up against the wall, getting it secured to the wall without the masonry bolts pulling out, etc. Basically everything. I think I have to walk away from this and come back. I suspect that with no "base" on this unit, everything is moving around a lot more and making everything more difficult in general. To be continued I guess.

Lex_Luthor
01-06-2014, 23:09
I would have destroyed it with my shins already by now if it was me trying out this project! Good work Stu.

Irving
01-06-2014, 23:30
Rbeau, love the shelves. I wish I had indoor space to build shelves and put food away on them. What are the dimensions?

Irving
01-06-2014, 23:31
I would have destroyed it with my shins already by now if it was me trying out this project! Good work Stu.

Right now I don't want to see another brick again for six weeks.

rbeau30
01-07-2014, 07:50
Rbeau, love the shelves. I wish I had indoor space to build shelves and put food away on them. What are the dimensions?


7' 3" high
8' long
2' deep
shelves have 10" of vertical space because I wanted to put 2 cases tall of regular cans.

the first shelf is 43" off the ground to accommodate some 5 gallon buckets on a skid. It has 4 upright 2x4's on the sides, the back of the shelves are screwed into the studs, and I built them out from there.

I'm going to do something similar on the right side and the back building one over the water and over a safe on the right.

Irving
01-07-2014, 09:23
That's a lot of shelf space.

rbeau30
01-07-2014, 09:52
My other storage room is bigger. :-D I got the metal shelves in there though. I also had the luxury of a 1500 sq ft unfinished basement to design and finish when I moved in.

Is the slab in your garage that slanted? I probably would have built the shelves with the uprights tailored to the grade of the floor.

I also decided on 8' x 2' so all I had to do was cut the sheets of plywood in half. I spent a little extra and got the stuff that looked like it was coated with a thin layer of varnish in one side so stuff would be easier to slide.

rondog
01-07-2014, 11:30
When I make shelves, I attach them to the wall and put the vertical support legs on last. I'll make simple rectangular frames with 2 or 3 support stringers, set in place against wall, and put a screw in the center into the wall, preferably a stud. Then put a level on the frame and screw into the rest of the studs. Stand a stud on the floor at the center of the frame, level front to back, level vertical stud, clamp together. Do same with remaining shelf frames.

After all shelf frames are attached level to wall and clamped to vertical stud; start at bottom frame, check level of frame and vertical stud, then screw them together. Repeat with remaining shelf frames. Then add two more vertical support studs at the ends of shelves in same manner. Now measure the rectangular areas for the actual shelves, cut plywood to size, and lay in place on frames. No complicated measuring, notching, etc.

The plywood doesn't even have to be screwed down, the items on the shelves will hold it down. But a few screws won't hurt either.

There ya go, simple/solid/sturdy/cheap! I like to make 'em 24"x 96", that way I can cut one sheet of plywood down the center and have two shelves. Boom - one cut, throw 'em on. You can make the frames any size you want/need, of course. I prefer 2ft. X 8ft. for simplicity. I make my frames out of 2"x2" pine studs, verticals can be 2"x2" also, or 2x4 if you prefer. 1/2" particle board is great for the shelves.

Irving
01-09-2014, 01:38
Ron I think I'm going to try that for my next shelf that is up against the outer wall with studs to drill into.

On a whim, I finished my other shelves tonight. Jim had some great ideas about securing to ceiling instead of the wall, and I was planning on doing that until I got an idea to just secure studs to the wall, then secure the shelf unit to the studs. That's essentially what I did. It worked MUCH better than the other way I was trying to do it, but I still swore more tonight than at any other point during all these other projects. Here are some pictures.

Stud secured to wall. I countersunk the driver bolts like I was talking about earlier.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P8_U6gUk2q8/Us4YYnhlgCI/AAAAAAAAHOQ/ghfd4R4o6_I/w996-h560-no/20140108_203241_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QrkbpaTAG4U/Us4Yf5I6JoI/AAAAAAAAHOo/ez91HaaaNBo/w996-h560-no/20140108_203309_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Mkh3iE0ukUM/Us4pdS1kNeI/AAAAAAAAHPg/FJ8YnhWc1P4/w996-h560-no/20140108_214532_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

At one point I was climbing on the shelves and fell off onto my scrap wood bucket. My gun even fell out of my holster. I'll have to check the tension.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7Qa61waNrPc/Us4pTDy0S-I/AAAAAAAAHPI/096RwOErhHg/w996-h560-no/20140108_214453_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

Finished and I can finally start to see the rest of my garage. Next shelf will be replacing the shelves at the end of the work bench. They are only 10" apart and not very deep.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B_4OFg46GXg/Us4pX3kZXdI/AAAAAAAAHPU/gntP0a_E-T8/w996-h560-no/20140108_214511_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OfNaklUY_DQ/Us5NqR4M0MI/AAAAAAAAHP0/1RKmABxlTkM/w996-h560-no/20140109_002001_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GbDyREYGhfI/Us5NvBWpMSI/AAAAAAAAHQA/TQtQD1DQD9E/w996-h560-no/20140109_002021_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

rbeau30
01-09-2014, 07:50
Looking good! I like your wood stud piece idea, it looks real secure.

Looks like you need a lumber cart like me. Is that going to be the next project? I really need a lumber cart or way of storing all the leftovers or lumber awaiting projects.

Irving
01-09-2014, 08:06
I've got an attic full of wood and am building these to use up the stuff that won't fit up there.

Irving
01-14-2014, 01:51
Okay, built the next shelf using Ron's method of just building it directly onto the wall. Shelves are 39x16.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MCJVYaC27rg/UtTSr1UnkHI/AAAAAAAAHbc/IsITI-2d7lk/w999-h562-no/20140113_230006_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G3DikEszAAs/UtTUXJSP9ZI/AAAAAAAAHb4/-_HcfAMdUiE/w999-h562-no/20140113_230722_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pICOJ3aVpNU/UtTUVa1mWZI/AAAAAAAAHbs/R6P7hQqbgno/w316-h562-no/20140113_230732_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_OVCs4eM3nE/UtTbKbRDqVI/AAAAAAAAHcQ/RyagpgbZkcQ/w316-h562-no/20140113_233640_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

I was standing there looking at the water in the racks, thinking about how I can still only fit three racks in the same space, and now they are way higher, so I didn't really accomplish anything. Then I realized I could just remove the racks and fit ALL of my water on one side of the garage, instead of both.I can fit 35 standing 2 liter water bottles on each shelf. 3 racks is only 24 bottles. More when I lay some across the top. Much better now, although with shelves on both sides, it's starting to make the garage feel smaller.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dVXLpevJMkk/UtTdOWN5dLI/AAAAAAAAHc4/OTnfDGCoGlY/w316-h562-no/20140113_234510.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ytNEh0AdJsc/UtTkEZxdB2I/AAAAAAAAHdQ/6y5yCe4kkFQ/w316-h562-no/20140114_001514_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PceFOXTEMMk/UtTkFt85QII/AAAAAAAAHdg/o_lt_aB7bZU/w999-h562-no/20140114_001447_Richtone%2528HDR%2529.jpg

Plan was to replace one more shelf unit, then build a second 8 foot long shelf along the other wall. I think I'll leave out the 8 foot shelf though, as it will make the garage feel more cramped.

Lex_Luthor
01-16-2014, 23:27
Looks good Stu. Seems like the corner shelf that you built directly into the wall gave you a lot less trouble.

Irving
01-16-2014, 23:29
Yeah, it really was a lot easier to only have to install front legs.

blacklabel
01-25-2014, 17:11
I put mine up today. They're 8' wide, 24 inches deep, and 6'6" tall. I wanted to go freestanding at first but decided to work off the wall due to ease and they'd be more compact that way.

39861

39863

Irving
01-25-2014, 17:45
Yeah, having done both, I'd work off the wall every time if possible. They look great, the raw plywood really pairs well with the finely finished rosettes in the corners. :p

blacklabel
01-25-2014, 17:58
My wife tried to tell me to stain the shelves. Yeah, not going to happen. The PO "finished" our basement. The wall to the left in that picture is about a half an inch out of plumb. I wasn't too worried about tearing up walls after I realized that.

Sharpienads
01-25-2014, 18:29
Building sh*t is cool. Good job, guys.

newracer
12-20-2014, 16:22
Built these for the basement over the last few days.

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc129/newracer/1029D4BF-4056-4E8B-83BC-A04D8F5542BE_zpsg7rszryq.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/newracer/media/1029D4BF-4056-4E8B-83BC-A04D8F5542BE_zpsg7rszryq.jpg.html)

http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc129/newracer/7B501691-26B7-46F8-9CAB-E8F378CBCE9C_zpscumuodre.jpg (http://s218.photobucket.com/user/newracer/media/7B501691-26B7-46F8-9CAB-E8F378CBCE9C_zpscumuodre.jpg.html)

Irving
12-20-2014, 16:53
Sweet! Well done.