whynot finishes the damn closet already!
After working at a non-profit where there was no work (it's a long story...), I was FINALLY laid off in early August. Rest assured, I am hunting for employment and not in danger of starving.
As Mrs. Whynot will tell you, the biggest danger is me going insane because I am not able to fully occupy my time teaching my dog tricks, riding around the park, spending my $430 per week, and sending out resumes.
...all of which has resulted in this thread; The thread that will save you from having to read about the BO of a certain poster's GF, and the endless threads about gentrification, race, dogs, etc.
You also no longer need the DIY channel or Brownstoner! Enough with the intro, let's get busy!
Once upon a time, in a pre-war building, the top of a closet was closed off because additional gas lines made the space inaccessible.
Then someone with way too much time, and way too many tools came along
As Mrs. Whynot will tell you, the biggest danger is me going insane because I am not able to fully occupy my time teaching my dog tricks, riding around the park, spending my $430 per week, and sending out resumes.
...all of which has resulted in this thread; The thread that will save you from having to read about the BO of a certain poster's GF, and the endless threads about gentrification, race, dogs, etc.
You also no longer need the DIY channel or Brownstoner! Enough with the intro, let's get busy!
Once upon a time, in a pre-war building, the top of a closet was closed off because additional gas lines made the space inaccessible.
Then someone with way too much time, and way too many tools came along
Comments
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Here's a photo of the innocent closet. It has stood unmolested for at least 50 years. The area shown (bottom of the closet) will not be affected.
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But wait!
Within the closet a space approximately 27" deep x 42" wide x 48" high exists above a false ceiling.
This view is from within the closet, looking up. Note the aforementioned pipes. Note that the walls have not been painted in about 50 years.
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Episode 1: The Status Quo is not Acceptable.
This situation can not continue!
This is NYC; no space shall remain unfilled!
This is Brooklynian; no topic is too inane for a thread!
If you look closely in the above photo, you can see where I've drawn in pencil where the hole will be made. (don't worry, no natural gas pipes will be affected by this project).
In the photo below, the outside blue tape line depicts where a hole will be made in the clay block wall. The inside tape depicts where two doors will go ...the dots represent future knobs.
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The useable space gained as a result of this adventure will be 27" deep x 42" wide x 26" high. ...about 12 cubic feet.
Imagine all the crap I can shove in there!
Imagine all of the mess I can create doing this project!
Of course, some space up high will remain inaccessible, but very little.
Fun facts:
Each door will be approx 26" h x 14" w.
The doors etc., will be made in house.
3" Molding will surround the doors.
When complete, the doors will look something like the doors in the shot below (located very nearby, and built by our fearless and bored hero a few years ago).
Of course, I have no idea what I will put in the space. Obviously something not used very often ...maybe more wood working tools
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Keep going....
Carpentry...I actually enjoy that kind of stuff.
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Is it just me?
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greetings loyal readers!
The aforementioned project should occur over the next 10 days, and cost less than $100.
All of the tools needed (and imaginable) are on hand.
...you'll get regular updates.
Tomorrow I will break the hole. ...the dirty, low skill part of the job.
Then I'll trek to Lowes and begin the carpentry....
stay tuned.... -
I also like the blue tape rendering of the doors. Kind of makes me want to decorate with that stuff. Welcome to the unenjoyment club, as the boyfriend calls it. Hope you find work soon, but also that you enjoy your time off.
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Flo wrote: Welcome to the unenjoyment club, as the boyfriend calls it. Hope you find work soon, but also that you enjoy your time off.
Thanks.
P.S. The proper term is "funemployment". -
Looking forward to the next installment!
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You need an XBox.
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Further fame and glory may be yours should you choose to narrowcast your project on http://www.instructables.com/
kewl closet expansion!
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Is it too late to forego the traditional closet doors in exchange for a secret revolving bookshelf that opens when you pull out a copy of Sense & Sensibility (or other leatherbound tome of your choosing)? If it's good enough for Scooby Doo, I'm sure Dude will love it as well.
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Yes, I sit in front of the laptop fondeling my sawzall and waiting for the next installment. I recently used it to open up the dumbwaiter in a tenants apartment to reveal the reflected light from the skylight and installed a battered buddah. Viola!! Rough hewn atrium addition to the vestibule of your apartment ( you realize your rent will go up
) patched it up with a sheet of plexi. it looks great - huge tenant satisfaction.
Now we can see what we are dealing with and can figure out the best way to finalize the project. (fireproof, increase light refraction, ideal door and access,
Looks like the franklin Park meetin' sure got us some good topics. Gotta keep on with that. i owe you and the Ms. a round of drinks.
ps. revolving shelf would take up too much interior room. -
Yes, I sit in front of the laptop fondeling my sawzall and waiting for the next installment. I recently used it to open up the dumbwaiter in a tenants apartment to reveal the reflected light from the skylight and installed a battered buddah. Viola!! Rough hewn atrium addition to the vestibule of your apartment ( you realize your rent will go up ) patched it up with a sheet of plexi. it looks great - huge tenant satisfaction.
Now we can see what we are dealing with and can figure out the best way to finalize the project. (fireproof, increase light refraction, ideal door and access,
Looks like the franklin Park meetin' sure got us some good topics. Gotta keep on with that. i owe you and the Ms. a round of drinks.
ps. revolving shelf would take up too much interior room. -
Episode #2: Making the hole
While you slackers have been dreaming about Scooby Doo, fondling your sawzall and thinking about lending me your xbox, I have been doing actual work.
This morning's tools: household drill with masonry bit, hammers, cement chisel, and safety glasses
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Episode #2: Making the hole
While you slackers have been dreaming about Scooby Doo, fondling your sawzall and thinking about lending me your xbox, I have been doing actual work.
This morning's tools: household drill with masonry bit, hammers, cement chisel, and safety glasses -
This morning's results (one excellent hole!)....
The outside view (note the contrast between the white board from the false ceiling and the ancient charcoal walls):
the view of the hole from inside the closet, looking out into the hallway:
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This morning's results (one excellent hole!)....
The outside view (note the contrast between the white board from the false ceiling and the ancient charcoal walls):
the view of the hole from inside the closet, looking out into the hallway: -
This morning's mess:
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This morning's mess:
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Um. I did laundry and fantasized about something other than Scooby Doo. That's sick. I think you should rename this thread...."One Excellent Hole" perhaps or "This old Closet"...
Did you wear a dustmask? -
Um. I did laundry and fantasized about something other than Scooby Doo. That's sick. I think you should rename this thread...."One Excellent Hole" perhaps or "This old Closet"...
Did you wear a dustmask? -
This is awesome.
More, please.
One question:
What music did you have turned to 11 for the sledge-fest? -
I suspect he was playing anti-noise to placate the downstairs neighbors as boulders fell onto his floor/their ceiling. For the record, anti-noise played no part in my scooby doo fantasy world. I can't speak for Flo's laundry fantasy though...those out of whack washers can make quite a racket! ;-)
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The radio has been tuned to 101.9 all morning.
The closet's exterior wall is the same as the building's wall, and because I live on the first floor, the noise was heard by:
a. The building next door.
b. The utility room below.
c. The guy who lives upstairs.
Dude (the household dog) complained about the drill, but it was only used for a few minutes to create the initial hole. A hammer and chisel were used for the majority of the job.
That's all for today.
Stay tuned for exciting episode 3:
"Fun with Lumber Begins"
P.S. For those of you keeping track, so far $11.75 was spent at Pintchiks for a box of contractor bags. However, because they come in boxes of 20 and I only needed 5, the net cost so far is $3. -
I always wanted a jacuzzi in my bathroom. Could this be your next project?
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Damn it! I need to get you started on the refinishing project you and I discussed before you get to be too much in demand.
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I would like to add a wing onto my apartment. I think it can be cantilevered out from the side of my building. When do you think you can get started on that, whynot?
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Carnivore wrote: I would like to add a wing onto my apartment. I think it can be cantilevered out from the side of my building. When do you think you can get started on that, whynot?
Buffalo, barbecue or just plain fried?
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