Expressive or instrumental shed

Haven't posted a blog entry in a while:  just been busy (or preoccupied), I guess.


A few weeks ago I came up with an idea for a small shack:  just a proof-of-concept; something to make with the piles of salvaged lumber I have stashed around the back yard.  Or, more correctly:  I've made a pathetic little shelter out of a single-swing swingset by tying a tarp over it (so, an A-frame setup), and have that next to a small fire pit, which I sometimes sit next to on a wooden bench that I made and watch the flames.

This small shack is an extension of the little A-frame shelter:  wide enough across the back for a small bunk; deep enough front-to-back to make it unlikely for the fire pit (in the front right of the shelter) to throw sparks onto the bunk.  Has enough room for a small table/desk; a small standing-height workbench (mostly for firewood preparation -- but maybe also for food prep); room to store firewood; and a few shelves for misc. storage.

Thinking about having a second bunk across the back, just for the flexibility of housing a second person.  Otherwise, would just be used for storage.

It's more "expressive" than "instrumental" -- i.e. it fulfills something emotional or creative, rather than having a practical need.  Because of that, it'll (pragmatically) be years before I get around to it.  Although I might up the timeline by making it serve a second, "practical" purpose.

My current design has it with open windows and no door, just a doorway.  I suppose if I add shutters (or windows) and a door, and a padlock, it can be storage for the gardening tools (shovels, rakes, etc.):  currently they don't have a good place to go.

Or, I can make a "trench forge" in it (maybe as part of the fire pit):  the dirt floor would house the pit, and putting it all under a roof would help to keep the surrounding area just dirt, rather than grass.

I discovered the concept of trench forges a few months ago while laid up with a bad back:  I was lying on the sofa all day, just browsing YouTube.

This is my preferred approach (this guy also does sword-making, and viking reenactments):


This is a similar approach:



I think the idea of a shed or shack is a response to dim memories of my paternal grandfather's fishing shack, near the side of the river he used to fish at.  I went there once or twice (I think he actually had two different shacks), but my brother would remember better than I would, as he went there a lot more -- and for a longer period, and at an older age:  he actually likes fishing.

I did a bit of a YouTube search for fishing shacks, but just ended up with ice fishing shacks (similar, but not quite).  I also searched for tiny cabins -- but all were way too large (I think my grandpa's fishing shack was about an adult's arm width across:   door, with an embedded bench on each side of the door.  There was a small wood-burning stove, so you could sit inside during cold weather and watch your fishing rod through a window to see if it bobbed, in response to getting a bite.

This one is pretty close in size to my grandpa's fishing shack-- though not in layout:


Likewise, this one -- although I think my grandpa's shack would be a little narrower.  But:  I was a little kid -- so sizes would've seemed different to me compared to now.


--GG

The type of rag

During the weekend I like to accomplish things -- tasks large and small.

One of the things I did was to re-organize the rags in my shop.  Yes indeedy.

Previously, I had two categories of rags:  "large" and "small".  But, upon reflection, this didn't correspond to how I actually use my rags.

So:  I dumped them into a pile, and sorted them into three categories.

In the photo, the shoe is just there as a size reference...

-The yellow and white yogurt container is an example of what I keep the rags in.  Once container per size.

-The largest rags are for covering -- that is, as dust covers.  For example, when my electric drill isn't being used, I place a larger rag over it -- just to minimize dust getting into the vents.  I figure, "why not".

-The medium-sized rags are for wiping:  for example, when I'm doing a lot of sharpening with waterstones, I wipe the chisels off with a rag of this size.

-The smallest rags are for applying finish to projects, such as paint, boiled linseed oil, or tung oil/Danish oil.  I tend to fold it in half the long way, then fold it over once and dip the folded end in the liquid.


Ahh... yep.  :)


--GG

I do not want a swimming pool

This isn't shocking news, but:  for a given amount of backyard space that it would take up, and a similar amount of money, I would waaaay rather have a shed than a swimming pool.

I'd use the shed as a recording studio, or as a larger workshop, or as a home gym.  Or, depending on the size, some combination of all of these.  Whereas I would have no use for a swimming pool.

Plus, according to this, a swimming pool would cost more, anyhow.


--GG

Minor progress

In addition to working on those Taiko drumsticks, I also tried cleaning off my workbench a bit.  I came across two packets of drill bits that I'd bought on sale. 

Figured I ought to put them away properly.

Pondered for a bit (no pun intended), and ended up mounting them on the right-hand end of my tool rack behind my workbench.  I tend to stand at the left-hand side when I work:  that's where the main vice is, and therefore my main "daily" stash of tools.

I figured that this was a good compromise:  close enough that I can easily access them -- but far enough that they're not in a place of prominence.


A minor accomplishment -- putting them away -- but an accomplishment nonetheless.


--GG

Big toolbox

My shed is basically a big toolbox.

(Cultural note:  What Americans would call a ''(detached) garage'', Australians call a shed.  Also smaller, garden sheds, woodsheds, workshops, etc.)

During this remarkably drawn-out chicken coop project, I stage all the tools that I'm actively using in the doorway of the shed.

Big jug o' juice (to keep hydrated:  I drink one of these a day.  It's actually diluted to about 1/4 strength).  Extension cord.  Various clamps.  Jar of paint.  And etcetera.

Then, as I use them, I bring them out to my work area, next to the chicken coop.  I either place them on the ''raised garden bed kit'' (the pile of lumber) that The Lady purchased about two weeks ago (which I have not yet assembled -- because I'm still building a chicken coop!), or else on my sawbench.

And then, slightly after dark, I gather everything up and put it back in the entrance to the shed.


The chicken coop project is interesting enough.  But I'm looking forward to completing it, and moving on to other tasks.


--GG