Building a workbench

I finally got sick of using the shaky, flimsy, junky workbench that was in the garage when we moved in so I decided to build a new one that was more sturdy and bigger.  I took the plans from here: http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/workshop/bench/below20xl.html and tweaked them for what I wanted and added more bracing and made it out of 2x6.  Basically I made two benches.  Both 30" wide but one is 8' long and the other 5.5' long.  I'm putting the two together to form an "L" shape for a corner bench.  On the 8' section I will have a shelf under it to store items on but on the 5.5' section I braced it a little different so the front is open without a shelf.  I'll use this to store items on the floor like my floor jack or welding cart.  I'll get some pictures up once it's all complete.  Oh, and I cut up most of the old 2x4 bench and used some of the wood for bracing.

Originally I was planning on making the bench out of steel.  This would of made a heavier and sturdier bench for sure but it would of also cost 6 times what a 2x framed bench cost.  This one will be plenty strong for the work I do.

Sonny Barger's "Let's Ride"

I just finished reading this book.  It's a great book for anyone new or thinking about motorcycling and a good read for even the advanced riders.  Sonny Barger, one of the founders of the Hell's Angels M/C, writes about everything from what to look for when buying a new bike, beginner and advance riding techniques and even tips on joining a motorcycle club.  This was the first book by Barger that I've read and I'm looking forward to reading more of his books.

Cold!

Bikes all done and now it's too cold to ride.  Too cold for me anyway.

Almost done

Well, my winter project looks to be done before winter even hits.  Knock on wood.  This weekend my dad and I got the carbs back on the bike, the coolant system back together and got it running.  At first the bike did not want to start and the battery was pretty dead.  But once we got it running and got the idle speed adjusted properly it ran really well, knock on wood again.  It seems to fire up instantly now and the throttle seems much more responsive.  I need a new choke cable, mine is busted, but luckily it seems to start up without the choke now so I might just wait on that and just get one when I get the new battery.  Hopefully when Spring comes the bike fires right up and I can head out and enjoy it without having to do a single thing to it.  Fingers crossed.  I'm hoping to get it out a few more times this year.  I for sure want the carbs synced but I have to find either someone I trust to do it or someone with a carb sync tool that trust me to use it.  It was a learning experience for sure and not only did I learn how to almost tear this bike down to the frame but I also learned I need to look harder when buying a used bike. LOL  Although i still would of taken this bike because I love it.  Hopefully no more surprises.

Honda East in Toledo Ohio

I have to give credit to Honda East in Toledo Ohio.  I've bought a few parts from them over the years and they are always very helpful and easy to deal with and just generally on top of things.  I live around Detroit, MI and refuse to do business with any of our local dealers any more.  Our local dealers are rude, pushy, and never helpful.  And if you have to order a part or drop something off for service, like wheels or tires, good luck getting a call to tell you they are in or done.  Honda East always called me when the part got in and I'd go get it and was always met with great service.  I just ordered some carb parts off of their site.  It was the first time I've ordered from them online.  I got an email every step of the way and it was fast!  Got an email to confirm the order, got another one to say the ordered had been processed, another one to say the shipping label was printed and the last one saying the package shipped.  I did not need to call them every day to find out what was going on, it was nice.

Check them out if you need ANYTHING and that includes new and used bikes.  I've never bought a bike from them but I know a lot that have and keep going back.

http://www.hondaeasttoledo.com/

p.s. Their prices are the lowest I could find as well so that is a huge plus!

Publish Post

Front End

Got the front end of the bike back to stock height.  No more flat footing at stops but I think it'll handle better and the front and rear are what they should be now.  We'll see how it goes.  It might get lowered again. LOL

Front Axle Tool

Here is the little 19mm tool I made.  The head of the bolt goes into the axel and the two axel and a 19mm socked goes on the bolts.  Or visa versa.

I did not want to spend the time or money hunting down a 19mm hex socket or an actual axle tool so I threw this together from what i had in the garage, complete with paint to match my frame. :p