Overhead Reels

Power and air hose reels mounted near the (future) EAA workbenches. I planned for these during construction by adding an electric plug and a 1/2" black iron air line from the compressor location. 

Ironton 40 ft. 15 amp 12-3 cord reel

Klutch compact 50 foot hybrid air hose reel

The wire protruding from the ceiling between the reels is one of nine Romex drops for the nine LED light fixtures that are yet to be installed. From previous experience a well lit workshop is a happy workshop!

Magnetic Dry Erase Board

Mounted a 3' X 4'  Dry Erase Board above the (future) desk location. I need to get the floor epoxied now because Iv'e just about mounted everything I can think of on the walls and ceilings.

Magnetic Dry Erase Board above the (future) desk

Assorted magnets across the top. The markers have built in magnets and erasers on each marker. I wonder how many parts will be listed here that need to be reordered because of my learning curve?!!!

Storage Bins

Added two small part storage bins today. Until I epoxy the floor everything I'm doing is on the walls or the ceiling!

Used a discount coupon to buy these Stack On Organizers at Northern Tool today.There will be a continuous work bench under everything and the flat screen TV above. 

I'll need to reference this throughout the build!

Overhead Cabinets and Pegboards

So in shopping around I decided on the "Seville Classics Ultra HD" line of storage cabinets, overhead cabinets, pegboards, work benches and accessories. Not only because of the reviews but also the price. I also found the best price by far was through Sam's Club. These overhead cabinets were well packaged, had great assembly instructions and also came with the tools needed for assembly!  

Seville Classics Ultra HD overhead cabinets and pegboards. General shop tools on the right and (future) aircraft tools on the left. This workshop will also be a Man Cave, so it's pre wired for the 55 inch smart TV to be mounted between the cabinets! 

The clock is a LaCrosse Technologies 14" Atomic clock purchased on Amazon. Unlike other clocks it runs on one, two or three AA batteries for an extended run time of 3 years. Just put the batteries in and forget it, accurate to the second and automatically adjusts for Daylight Savings Time.

 Next up is to epoxy and clear coat the floor.  Then storage cabinets, workbenches (including 2 eaa benches), power tools and air compressor.  My goal is to have the workshop completely setup before ordering the aircraft tools and empennage. As I stated in the beginning this is a slowww build, and that's OK!

Storage Space and Organization

  In order to have a lot of raised storage space I decided on the Fleximounts Overhead Rack System.  It worked out that I could do 3 foot wide by 24 feet long on each side of the workshop creating 48 lineal feet of shelf space (144 square ft.) with room to stack!

  This workshop/garage serves two purposes: A workshop to  build the RV-14A and a storage area for my Wife's event planning business rental items. That's why I'm putting in so much overhead storage.  The 36 ft. long attic storage area will be used as well.  

First the support angles are attached using 3" lag bolts screwed in the Truss Rafters which are on 2 ft. centers

Next the height adjustable brackets are bolted together and attached to the ceiling angles 

3' X 24' on right side 

3' X 24' down the left side

I'm thankful Lowe's is two block's from our house.  I installed the Rubbermaid Fast Track hardware to help keep organized and uncluttered.

Rubbermaid Fast Track

Rubbermaid Fast Track

Workshop Construction

  I started construction in October 2015. The workshop/garage is 26' wide by 36' deep. It has 10' high ceilings and attic storage accessed by a pull down ladder. In hindsight, a 30' by 40' foot print would have been nice but I wanted to keep the costs down. Most of the time only 1 car will be parked inside, giving ample room for the build. The best thing I did was insulate with foam! Here in Texas, attic temps can reach 140 to 150 degrees. A foamed attic becomes a conditioned space and will stay at 85 degrees max in the heat of the summer!

Prepping the pad with select fill

Forms in, footings dug

Termite treatment spray

Laying of vapor barrier and steel

Concrete finished and forms stripped

Framing begins

Walls framed (10' ceiling)

Trusses rolled and roof sheeting on

Building wrap on. Windows and doors installed

Sided and painted, waiting on the brick

Spray foam insulation after electrical rough in

Trimming the foam

Sheetrock delivery

Interior Painting