man cave build help

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windjammer
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man cave build help

Post by windjammer »

during this lockdown i thought id build a new man cave to store and fix bikes
thinking of making birch plywood cabinets with shelfs and drawers to store parts in
whats the best way to store a bike either vertically or horizontal
what items would you desire to have in your ultimate man cave
im thinking fridge,log burner,internet cables,cctv,alarm
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Bearbonesnorm
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Re: man cave build help

Post by Bearbonesnorm »

whats the best way to store a bike either vertically or horizontal
I have hooks on the wall and hang them from the front wheel.
m thinking fridge,log burner,internet cables,cctv,alarm
I've no need for a fridge but a log burner is always handy but watch out for condensation - plenty of vents :wink:

I don't think I've much need for cctv or alarms either but plumbed in compressed air, plenty of sockets, a good big vice and good lights are worth having.
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Boab
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Re: man cave build help

Post by Boab »

You also need a home brewery and vinyl based sound system...
There are theories at the bottom of my jargon.
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PaulB2
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Re: man cave build help

Post by PaulB2 »

Lock on the front door to keep the kids out so that I can actually have tools out without having to worry about a child using a chain whip as a morning star.
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Bearbonesnorm
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Re: man cave build help

Post by Bearbonesnorm »

Ooh and whatever you do, don't let me within 100yds of it. I'll turn it into a cluttered sh1t-tip within an hour or so :-bd
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mfezela

Re: man cave build help

Post by mfezela »

Bright Anglepoise type lights.
A central workbench that has access from all sides.
Overhead power outlets.
Comfortable floor surface - at least in the place where you spend the most time standing.
A stool at the required height for workbench.
Bright Anglepoise type lights.
Magnetic trays for loose bolts, etc.
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BigdummySteve
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Re: man cave build help

Post by BigdummySteve »

Very solid bike work stand plus a stool with wheels, obviously you’ll need a full set of good bike tools obsessively organised, a parts washer would also be very nice along with a couple of points to hang a hammock :-bd
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Taylor
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Re: man cave build help

Post by Taylor »

Paint the walls white before you start anything else.
LED lighting, plenty of.
Power sockets on all walls.
Some form of warmth.
Rubber matting on the floor, thicker the better.
Racking around the walls and a central work bench on castors, build cupboard space underneath.

Everything else is a bonus.
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TheBrownDog
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Re: man cave build help

Post by TheBrownDog »

Jesus .. you lot. It's only 1/10th about bikes. All that useful advice is useful, but:

Fridge
Microwave
Big TV and WiFi access
Armchair and another armchair cos your mates will be coming round

Stuff like that.
I'm just going outside ...
windjammer
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Re: man cave build help

Post by windjammer »

Taylor wrote: Wed Apr 22, 2020 5:58 pm Paint the walls white before you start anything else.
LED lighting, plenty of.
Power sockets on all walls.
Some form of warmth.
Rubber matting on the floor, thicker the better.
Racking around the walls and a central work bench on castors, build cupboard space underneath.

Everything else is a bonus.
thanks taylor think ill go with your ideas as a starting point
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Bearbonesnorm
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Re: man cave build help

Post by Bearbonesnorm »

Rubber matting on the floor, thicker the better.
Don't weld or grind near it.

Taylor also missed out 'vice', really you can't consider that any workshop can be a productive one unless it comes equipped with a decent vice :wink:
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ootini
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Re: man cave build help

Post by ootini »

En Suite bog.
Forget vinyl, chuck a big Sonos cluster in there.
Rubber floor matting.
WAP.
Fridge full of proper beer.
chris n
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Re: man cave build help

Post by chris n »

Why a central workbench? Stuff just falls off the other side then. :wink:
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Wotsits
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Re: man cave build help

Post by Wotsits »

Can't believe a kettle hasn't had a mention yet :roll:

Tea makes everything easier to fettle :-bd
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Andiphim
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Re: man cave build help

Post by Andiphim »

I was wondering where the kettle was. Also a good DAB radio.
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Cheeky Monkey
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Re: man cave build help

Post by Cheeky Monkey »

The 6 foot tube lights in my garage are dying. Anyone recommend a modern alternative. Currently have 3.mounted off the exposed rafters.

Please bear in mind I'm a fucking idiot when it comes to sparks :oops:
Dean
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Re: man cave build help

Post by Dean »

Cheeky Monkey wrote: Wed Apr 22, 2020 10:33 pm The 6 foot tube lights in my garage are dying. Anyone recommend a modern alternative. Currently have 3.mounted off the exposed rafters.

Please bear in mind I'm a fucking idiot when it comes to sparks :oops:
I have LED tube lighting, had to replace the wiring as it was corroded but I think it should be a straight swap.
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johnnystorm
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Re: man cave build help

Post by johnnystorm »

Cheeky Monkey wrote: Wed Apr 22, 2020 10:33 pm The 6 foot tube lights in my garage are dying. Anyone recommend a modern alternative. Currently have 3.mounted off the exposed rafters.

Please bear in mind I'm a fucking idiot when it comes to sparks :oops:
Is it the fittings or just the tubes themselves? You can get LED tubes, I'm tempted by a set for the garage.
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johnnystorm
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Re: man cave build help

Post by johnnystorm »

And for the OP.....

Paint the floor and walls before you do anything.

I wish someone had told me that.*


* I wish I had listened
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Leerowe76
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Re: man cave build help

Post by Leerowe76 »

I got bored with my original concrete floor in my garage after painting it several times so decided one day to go buy tiles and tile it up, looks the part tbh. get the kids to hoover & mop occasionally to earn their pocket money
To much sub standard in there now to have small sofa, kettle etc
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slarge
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Re: man cave build help

Post by slarge »

what paint to people use on the floor? I painted mine with Leyland floor paint and it flakes off.

Lots of shelves and places to put stuff
Paint the walls (and not public toilet green like mine - go for white)
Don't fill it full of junk or cars
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benp1
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Re: man cave build help

Post by benp1 »

When you say build, Matt, what do you mean? Posh shed or brick built unit?

Agree with the above, but also music, plenty of storage, can't have too much, a way of venting it so you can dry stuff in there, bigger work table than you think (mine is always full of junk).

Also, do you want it heated when you're not in there, just to maintain temperature above a certain point if you're storing stuff in there. Might also want to insulate it too then

Can't have too much light

If I could I'd store bikes hanging vertically, but don't have room so they're cluttered everywhere

Also, think about tool storage. I have my tools in a big metal Facom tool cabinet, mechanic style, and then some of the wall and surrounding storage. If I started again I might do it a different way. I also find filing cabinets useful. Drawers are better than cupboards
Taylor
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Re: man cave build help

Post by Taylor »

Bearbonesnorm wrote: Wed Apr 22, 2020 9:04 pm
Rubber matting on the floor, thicker the better.
Don't weld or grind near it.

Taylor also missed out 'vice', really you can't consider that any workshop can be a productive one unless it comes equipped with a decent vice :wink:
true, I'd not put "tools" in there as it depends on what he's using his man cave for but if we're going for a tooled up mancave then a bench grinder too
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Bearbonesnorm
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Re: man cave build help

Post by Bearbonesnorm »

then a bench grinder too
Ooh yes, a bench grinder. I picked up a little draper one the other week (cheap, couldn't resist) abrasive wheel* on one side, polishing mop ont' other and a flexi-drive attached to the end. Don't get me wrong, the thing isn't powerful but handy for touching bits up, taking burrs off etc.


*who remembers them? Superb band. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--hDDZN0QHM
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windjammer
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Re: man cave build help

Post by windjammer »

benp1 wrote: Thu Apr 23, 2020 8:42 am When you say build, Matt, what do you mean? Posh shed or brick built unit?

Agree with the above, but also music, plenty of storage, can't have too much, a way of venting it so you can dry stuff in there, bigger work table than you think (mine is always full of junk).

Also, do you want it heated when you're not in there, just to maintain temperature above a certain point if you're storing stuff in there. Might also want to insulate it too then

Can't have too much light

If I could I'd store bikes hanging vertically, but don't have room so they're cluttered everywhere

Also, think about tool storage. I have my tools in a big metal Facom tool cabinet, mechanic style, and then some of the wall and surrounding storage. If I started again I might do it a different way. I also find filing cabinets useful. Drawers are better than cupboards
brick built construction 7m x 7m hipped roof,twin doors
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