Create an Instant Finishing Room
Several weeks
ago, we ran a short survey on the Workbench web site asking people
about their garage-based workshops, the problems they face, and how they solved
those problems. We found out that space, or a lack of it, is the number one headache
for garage shop woodworkers. As a "garage shopper" myself, I'm in total agreement.
 It's
no big deal for me to leave one car out on the driveway so I have room to work.
But creating a separate finishing area is out of the question for most of us.
I found a quick solution to this problem and it's one that doesn't cost much to
build. Using two sizes of PVC pipe, some bungee cords, and some wood scraps, I
built some spring-loaded poles that I use with some plastic sheeting to create
an instant finishing room. (Note the window in the photograph -- always provide
adequate ventilation when working with finishes.)
I got the idea from a contractor
who was building an addition at a neighbor's house. He had some high-tech extruded
aluminum poles with various adjustments, but basically they just held the plastic
in place over the doorway to keep dust from getting into the rest of the house.
I don't know what he gave for his high-tech poles, but I made mine for less than
$5 each.
Assembling the poles is easy. Start by cutting a 1 1/4" I.D. PVC pipe 84" long,
then drill a 1/2"-dia. hole through one side near the top. Cut the hook off one
end of a 32"-long bungee cord and feed that end through the hole, then tie a knot
in the cord. Feed the end with the hook into the pipe. Now cut a length of 3/4"
I.D. PVC pipe 48" long. Fashion a wooden pad to fit on the top end of the pipe
and attach it with a screw as shown in the illustration. Now just slip the smaller
pipe into the larger pipe until the end contacts the hook on the bungee cord.
To increase the pole's tension
(or lengthen the pole), pull some of the bungee cord out of the hole and tie it
off in a loop. The screws in the wooden pad help grip the plastic as you raise
it into position and also grip the ceiling. For a non-marring pad, cover the wooden
pad with a piece of foam carpet padding.
You'll find this tip, and nine
other great Garage Shop Solutions in the March/April issue of Workbench.
Whether you try just one or use them all, it will make your garage shop a better
place to work. This issue of Workbench also features a Garden
Arbor system that includes a great-looking arched-top cedar arbor with add-ons
such as a bench, gates, and modular fence panels. You'll also want to check out
our comparison test of six Top-Notch Jigsaws to find out which features
to look for and which models performed the best.
Have a great weekend,
Kerry Gibson
Online
Editor, Workbench |
