must make space for storing paintings asap
May 31, 2011 7:13 AM Subscribe
I'm looking to build a couple of storage platforms in my tiny art studio in Manhattan. I got flaked on, and am now scrambling to find someone else to help me out and build this. Does anyone know of a carpenter or friend who can do a simple, functional job?
My biggest concern is being charged a scandalous amount. I've built things like this many times before, but for good reasons I just can't do it this time. I feel so ridiculous having to pay someone to help me with this at all, let alone paying the 'non-builder city-dweller premium' that can get tacked on when cold-calling someone via yelp or craigslist.
Does anyone have any contacts for someone who would want a super-simple job like this, or even just someone who has built something for you in the past + was trustworthy and fair? The studio is located in Greenwich Village. You can also send me a message if you prefer. My crushed paintings and I both thank you.
My biggest concern is being charged a scandalous amount. I've built things like this many times before, but for good reasons I just can't do it this time. I feel so ridiculous having to pay someone to help me with this at all, let alone paying the 'non-builder city-dweller premium' that can get tacked on when cold-calling someone via yelp or craigslist.
Does anyone have any contacts for someone who would want a super-simple job like this, or even just someone who has built something for you in the past + was trustworthy and fair? The studio is located in Greenwich Village. You can also send me a message if you prefer. My crushed paintings and I both thank you.
Take a flyer to a art school in your area (there will be many in Manhattan). If your price is good enough, you'll attract someone who will be perfect.
When they contact you--ask to see their portfolio. You don't have to know anything about art--just look to see if they have experience building things out of wood. This step will save you the hassle of dealing with a young artist who has no experience whatsoever with woodworking.
It's the summer. There will be a graduate sculpture student who is looking to make a quick buck on an interesting project. Safe bet.
posted by Murray M at 5:30 AM on June 28, 2011
When they contact you--ask to see their portfolio. You don't have to know anything about art--just look to see if they have experience building things out of wood. This step will save you the hassle of dealing with a young artist who has no experience whatsoever with woodworking.
It's the summer. There will be a graduate sculpture student who is looking to make a quick buck on an interesting project. Safe bet.
posted by Murray M at 5:30 AM on June 28, 2011
Wait a second--just re-read your post.
You're an artist!
Just go get the tool you need to do it and figure it out. Really. You need to know how to do this.
Just go to a home depot sort of place. See what supplies they have. Get them and the tools you need. It will be cheaper than hiring someone. A lot of times, home depot will make wood cuts for a dollar a cut (not sure about this for Manhattan though!).
And don't be affraid of doing a bad job. If it looks ugly then paint it an awesome color.
Note: it will take four times longer then you think it will. Jump in.
posted by Murray M at 5:37 AM on June 28, 2011
You're an artist!
Just go get the tool you need to do it and figure it out. Really. You need to know how to do this.
Just go to a home depot sort of place. See what supplies they have. Get them and the tools you need. It will be cheaper than hiring someone. A lot of times, home depot will make wood cuts for a dollar a cut (not sure about this for Manhattan though!).
And don't be affraid of doing a bad job. If it looks ugly then paint it an awesome color.
Note: it will take four times longer then you think it will. Jump in.
posted by Murray M at 5:37 AM on June 28, 2011
Best answer: Wait a second--just re-read this post a third time.
You're making a storage loft.
I know how to do this (and I'm an artist who has made a storage loft).
All you need is 2x4's, 1/2" plywood, 3" + 1.25" wood screws, a measuring tape and either an impact driver (looks like a drill but is geared perfectly for driving screws) or a drill/driver (to predrill the holes before screwing).
If you don't have either tool, consider the drill/driver. It can drill and drive screws and is generally more useful to non-tool-people. If all you do is drive screws then DEFINITELY get the impact driver. They look almost exactly like drill/drivers but are geared completely differently. Driving screws with them is the bees knees.
You'll also need a way to cut the wood. Cheapest option is a hand saw (get the Japanese dozuki style or American equivalent--they cut on the pull stroke and are much easier to use--Home depot has them for around $20). A jig saw will also cut both beams and plywood. The best saw for beams is a miter saw and the best saw for plywood is a circular saw (requires some skill--I use one with a track that's super easy but super expensive) or jig saw (easy to cut, but takes more time to cut straight).
Make the loft:
1) I'm assuming we're talking about something in the neighborhood of 6' x 10'. If you want to make something bigger (or stronger) then consider upgrading to 2x6's and 3/4" plywood. The thinker the plywood the stronger the loft will feel when you walk on it.
2) Measure the space and determine the length and width of the storage loft. Also figure out how high you want it.
3) Cut four corner beams to the height you want the loft. You're basically going to be making a large loft that kinda looks like a table. These are the legs of the table. They'll hold the weight. By making these legs--you know that the loft will be strong. You don't have to trust the strength of the walls or be an engineer or anything.
4) Assuming you want this loft in the corner of a room, place each corner beam in place against the wall.
5) Screw them into the wall any old place. Couple screws per leg. It doesn't matter where. These screws will not hold the weight (the legs transfer the loft's weight to the floor).
6) Now make a box out of the 2x4's that is the size of the loft. Use two screws for each connection.
7) fill in the box with a 2x4 every 15". This will make a strong floor foundation.
8) Lift the box up to the legs and screw it in place. Clamps help (or you can make clamps out of small 2x4 pieces that you fasten to the legs to create a shelf--super easy and helpful). Note: you can connect the two by placing the box inside the posts or you can place the box on top and cut another peice that "bandaids" them together.
9) Place the plywood. Use the 1.25" screws to fasten it on the 2x4's.
10) Boom. Storage loft. Every artist should be able to do this.
posted by Murray M at 6:16 AM on June 28, 2011
You're making a storage loft.
I know how to do this (and I'm an artist who has made a storage loft).
All you need is 2x4's, 1/2" plywood, 3" + 1.25" wood screws, a measuring tape and either an impact driver (looks like a drill but is geared perfectly for driving screws) or a drill/driver (to predrill the holes before screwing).
If you don't have either tool, consider the drill/driver. It can drill and drive screws and is generally more useful to non-tool-people. If all you do is drive screws then DEFINITELY get the impact driver. They look almost exactly like drill/drivers but are geared completely differently. Driving screws with them is the bees knees.
You'll also need a way to cut the wood. Cheapest option is a hand saw (get the Japanese dozuki style or American equivalent--they cut on the pull stroke and are much easier to use--Home depot has them for around $20). A jig saw will also cut both beams and plywood. The best saw for beams is a miter saw and the best saw for plywood is a circular saw (requires some skill--I use one with a track that's super easy but super expensive) or jig saw (easy to cut, but takes more time to cut straight).
Make the loft:
1) I'm assuming we're talking about something in the neighborhood of 6' x 10'. If you want to make something bigger (or stronger) then consider upgrading to 2x6's and 3/4" plywood. The thinker the plywood the stronger the loft will feel when you walk on it.
2) Measure the space and determine the length and width of the storage loft. Also figure out how high you want it.
3) Cut four corner beams to the height you want the loft. You're basically going to be making a large loft that kinda looks like a table. These are the legs of the table. They'll hold the weight. By making these legs--you know that the loft will be strong. You don't have to trust the strength of the walls or be an engineer or anything.
4) Assuming you want this loft in the corner of a room, place each corner beam in place against the wall.
5) Screw them into the wall any old place. Couple screws per leg. It doesn't matter where. These screws will not hold the weight (the legs transfer the loft's weight to the floor).
6) Now make a box out of the 2x4's that is the size of the loft. Use two screws for each connection.
7) fill in the box with a 2x4 every 15". This will make a strong floor foundation.
8) Lift the box up to the legs and screw it in place. Clamps help (or you can make clamps out of small 2x4 pieces that you fasten to the legs to create a shelf--super easy and helpful). Note: you can connect the two by placing the box inside the posts or you can place the box on top and cut another peice that "bandaids" them together.
9) Place the plywood. Use the 1.25" screws to fasten it on the 2x4's.
10) Boom. Storage loft. Every artist should be able to do this.
posted by Murray M at 6:16 AM on June 28, 2011
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posted by thegreatfleecircus at 8:52 AM on May 31, 2011