Jamis

I thought of building similar shelves for my garage and decided to just buy them instead. I went with gorilla racks.

http://gorillarack.com/raptor/

I built similar shelves last year for my garage since my shed isn't built yet either. I did it similar to how you show. I bolted the back 2x4 to the wall with lag bolts and the front is supported by 2x4 running floor to top shelf and bolted to the outside of the "ladder". I used 3/4 plywood and they are more than strong enough. I have several large boxes on each shelf and some have gallons of typical household products (cleaners, extra paint, etc).

BTW so you need the shelf on the bottom? Can you not just use the floor?

Jamis

I thought of building similar shelves for my garage and decided to just buy them instead. I went with gorilla racks.

http://gorillarack.com/raptor/

Whats the pricing like on those?

I was also keen on having fairly deep shelves (~3'). A couple GR7400-DI's would possibly fit the bill, but wouldn't hold as much. It'd have to be cheaper than the DIY solution I think.

I built similar shelves last year for my garage since my shed isn't built yet either. I did it similar to how you show. I bolted the back 2x4 to the wall with lag bolts and the front is supported by 2x4 running floor to top shelf and bolted to the outside of the "ladder". I used 3/4 plywood and they are more than strong enough. I have several large boxes on each shelf and some have gallons of typical household products (cleaners, extra paint, etc).

BTW so you need the shelf on the bottom? Can you not just use the floor?


I actually have the bottom shelf raised off the floor an inch as a precaution for moisture. I've never had water in that part of the garage, but boxes and such sitting on bare concrete could still cause problems. Better safe than sorry.

Maybe I'll leave the bottom shelf off on one side for off-season snowblower/mower storage.

Every once in a while a movie comes to DVD or Bluray that really warrants a special occasion viewing experience. That time is now! This weekend we are hosting Friday and Saturday night showings of Star Trek!

Limited seating (no standing room), fresh popcorn, beer on tap, stocked up on theater style candy, and I even made up some tickets...

This will be our first REAL movie night since we completed the theater. Up until now, showings have been pretty informal, sporting events, or primarily Rock Band. This weekend, it is all about the movie. :D

Should be a good time!

Every once in a while a movie comes to DVD or Bluray that really warrants a special occasion viewing experience. That time is now! This weekend we are hosting Friday and Saturday night showings of Star Trek!

Limited seating (no standing room), fresh popcorn, beer on tap, stocked up on theater style candy, and I even made up some tickets...

This will be our first REAL movie night since we completed the theater. Up until now, showings have been pretty informal, sporting events, or primarily Rock Band. This weekend, it is all about the movie. :D

Should be a good time!

Sounds like fun! I'm jealous!

Jamis something must be wrong, I haven't received my ticket yet... Or will it be at will call?

Jamis something must be wrong, I haven't received my ticket yet... Or will it be at will call?

It's in the mail... though please note that ticketing policies will be strictly enforced and we can't be held responsible for any mishandling or delays incurred by the USPS. If you are nice, we might be able to issue a credit to your account...

So you know I have to ask, let's see a pic of the tickets!

So you know I have to ask, let's see a pic of the tickets!

I can do better...

http://www.timkrug.com/HomeTheater/tickets/PHPticketmaker/

Read your whole thread, very very nice- Though I don't have a Basement in the Hi-Rise House I do have a room on ground floor I want to use- have started a thread-- I have just one question how did you decided on a straight vs a curved screen. What is the advantage to using the curved over the straight.
Looks like the largest I could fit is 100" but 90 is probably more realistic.

Read your whole thread, very very nice- Though I don't have a Basement in the Hi-Rise House I do have a room on ground floor I want to use- have started a thread-- I have just one question how did you decided on a straight vs a curved screen. What is the advantage to using the curved over the straight.
Looks like the largest I could fit is 100" but 90 is probably more realistic.

The primary reasons I went for a straight screen vs. curved:

1. Price (a curved SMX screen ran about $1200 more than the straight version when I was pricing them out).

2. The purpose of a curved screen is primarily to correct distortion caused by an anamorphic lens. Depending on your lens type and throw distance you may or may not want to consider a curved screen to account for that distortion. Since I am not using a lens (zoom method), I didn't need the curve at all.

Jamis

I have about $600 in the shelving but they can be dismantled in about 5 minutes and moved. That was one of the reasons for not building them as I wanted to be able to move them if I ever needed to

Every once in a while a movie comes to DVD or Bluray that really warrants a special occasion viewing experience. That time is now! This weekend we are hosting Friday and Saturday night showings of Star Trek!

Limited seating (no standing room), fresh popcorn, beer on tap, stocked up on theater style candy, and I even made up some tickets...

This will be our first REAL movie night since we completed the theater. Up until now, showings have been pretty informal, sporting events, or primarily Rock Band. This weekend, it is all about the movie. :D

Should be a good time!

Well I did not get my ticket either. Must have been mishandled by the USPS.:rolleyes:

So since I missed it how was the "big premier"?

Regards,

RTROSE

Went well.. both nights. :)

I'm still in awe with the big picture and sound. We watch most of our TV in the theater... but there is something to be said for a full screen showing with the volume turned way up. It still puts a smile on my face to this day.

I know you said that your screen couldn't be bigger but have you ever felt your music and speakers needed to be upgraded. As have tried a lot of box speakers and find them well lacking in quality sound and very tiring to listen to.

I can do better...

http://www.timkrug.com/HomeTheater/tickets/PHPticketmaker/

Way cool! Thanks for posting the link. Will definitely use in the future.

Way cool! Thanks for posting the link. Will definitely use in the future.

Don't you love the web???? You can find anything! Those "tickets" are awesome and you could even put in "Free Beer Limit 2" on the tickets!

Regards,

RTROSE

I know you said that your screen couldn't be bigger but have you ever felt your music and speakers needed to be upgraded. As have tried a lot of box speakers and find them well lacking in quality sound and very tiring to listen to.

I'm still happy with them. I may upgade them eventually, but its pretty low on the list of things that I want to spend money on. :)

I had talked about it... but never did it.

It will be interesting to see how different the room sounds.

Hi Jamis, first off, beautiful theater! Just spent about an hour reading through the posts. I did not see a response to how your sound was affected by the addition of the acoustic panels behind the screen wall. Did you notice any difference?

Hi Jamis, first off, beautiful theater! Just spent about an hour reading through the posts. I did not see a response to how your sound was affected by the addition of the acoustic panels behind the screen wall. Did you notice any difference?

It was definitely a noticeable change (for the better, I think).

I think it effected the low end much more than the highs. I actually had to turn my sub down after I recalibrated the speakers. Things just got 'cleaner' overall.

Could you give me a sense of cost for that single wall? I have a similar size back wall.

Thanks!

It was definitely a noticeable change (for the better, I think).

I think it effected the low end much more than the highs. I actually had to turn my sub down after I recalibrated the speakers. Things just got 'cleaner' overall.

Ya, when I built my front wall, and after talking with a couple of different engineers, I put up an AT screen with 4" of acoustical panels covering the entire front wall. Made a huge difference in the acoustics of my room, and increased the localization of sound orgins for a much better overall sound experience.

It did require me to completely recalibrate my theater, though, but worth all the time.

Parts list:

16 - 2x4x8
12 - 2x4x10
8 - 2x4x12
6 - 4'x8' 1/2" OSB
1" screws for the shelving
2 1/2" framing nails
band-aids


All of the shelves in my basement are built in a similar way, with the exception that my shelves are not OSB, but rather left over rough cut lumber from my family's saw mill. They will last you a long time and you'll never have to worry about weight limitations.

Could you give me a sense of cost for that single wall? I have a similar size back wall.

Thanks!

It runs about $3.50-4 per sq/ft for the 2" thick material. That wall cost me about $225 + 42 shipping.

Could you give me a sense of cost for that single wall? I have a similar size back wall.

Thanks!

My front wall is 15' wide by 7' tall. I went with OC703 2" sheets, and I used 6 4'x8' sheets (One pack was this size, so it worked out). I then purchased enough black GOM material (the same you would use to cover the wall panels) and covered the entire works.

The OC cost me $300 for the pack of 6, 4'x8'x2" sheets.
The Gom cost me $7/yard, and I needed roughly 9 yards to cover the entire wall.

Back wall? I don't think you need to treat the entire back wall. I only treated my back wall from the ear height up, leaving space around the surround speakers. That seems to be enough and meets my needs. The bass traps in the rear corners handle the low frequencies that tend to get caught behind my chairs.

All of the shelves in my basement are built in a similar way, with the exception that my shelves are not OSB, but rather left over rough cut lumber from my family's saw mill. They will last you a long time and you'll never have to worry about weight limitations.

I've actually since scaled it down a bit. I decided that 10' was too tall, so I'm going 8' with only three shelves total.

This will knock the order down to about 24 2x4x8's and a few 2x4x12's.

Same basic design, though.

As for the current keg (Harp), it's got about 1/3 left. Probably by the end of the month I'll be placing my next order. We've been drinking more scotch (currently working on an Oban 14yr, Talisker 10yr, and that bottle of JW Blue we've had for a while) and martinis lately, so the beer consumption is down a bit.

I'm mostly a Whiskey Drinker myself, but one cannot steer away from JW Blue. That is the best. Ice cubes aren't even worthy of it. :) I've also been enjoying a bottle of Elija Criag 18yr single barrel. good stuff, indeed.

I've actually since scaled it down a bit. I decided that 10' was too tall, so I'm going 8' with only three shelves total.

This will knock the order down to about 24 2x4x8's and a few 2x4x12's.

Same basic design, though.

I have a 96" basement, so I built mine deep enough to put a normal sized plastic bin completely into the shelf, so mine are about 8' tall, 30" deep, and 16' long (well, one section, I have another 8' and I'm building another 10' section in a couple of weeks). My first shelf is about 2 1/2" off the floor to make sure it was level, and then I have two more shelves above that. Works very well. The cats use it as a playground :)

I'm mostly a Whiskey Drinker myself, but one cannot steer away from JW Blue. That is the best. Ice cubes aren't even worthy of it. :) I've also been enjoying a bottle of Elija Criag 18yr single barrel. good stuff, indeed.

I'm a big Islay person... I love the smokey peat.

Caol Ila 18yr, Lagavulin 16yr, and Laphroaig 10yr are my favorites.

I'm a big Islay person... I love the smokey peat.

Caol Ila 18yr, Lagavulin 16yr, and Laphroaig 10yr are my favorites.

In that case should you ever find a bottle of Port Ellen 24yr 1982 Connoisseurs Choice, splurge. The distillery closed a couple of decades ago, but you can still find the odd bottle. It's closer to a Bruchladdie than a Lagavulin, but still a wonderful Islay. My favorite scotch of all time (and I drink a lot of scotch, having purchased close to 200+ different bottles over the last ten years or so).

In that case should you ever find a bottle of Port Ellen 24yr 1982 Connoisseurs Choice, splurge. The distillery closed a couple of decades ago, but you can still find the odd bottle. It's closer to a Bruchladdie than a Lagavulin, but still a wonderful Islay. My favorite scotch of all time (and I drink a lot of it, having purchased close to 200+ different bottles over the last ten years or so).

Sounds pricey :)

Right now the bottle runs around $300. But when they are gone, they are gone for good. My wife gets me one every few years for a B-day or x-mas present. I then sit on the bottle for another year for it gets opened. I don't let opened bottles sit around for long.

Right now the bottle runs around $300. But when they are gone, they are gone for good. My wife gets me one every few years for a B-day or x-mas present. I then sit on the bottle for another year for it gets opened. I don't let opened bottles sit around for long.

Yeah... the JW Blue is a stretch and I usually only pick it up if I can get it duty free. My last bottle cost $125 and I probably wouldn't pay much more for it. My wife would choke if I came home with a $300 bottle of scotch even though she was actually the one who got ME into scotch.

Another expensive alcohol related hobby of mine is collecting vintage port. Most of my collection is from '94 and 2000 (still got another 10-15 years to go before I can drink it) but we'd always get a really nice bottle to drink (anywhere from '63-'77) with my wife's family at Christmas. Some really good stuff, but way to rich to do regularly. :)

Yeah... the JW Blue is a stretch and I usually only pick it up if I can get it duty free. My last bottle cost $125 and I probably wouldn't pay much more for it. My wife would choke if I came home with a $300 bottle of scotch even though she was actually the one who got ME into scotch.
I wouldn't choke THAT much. As long as I get my fair share, that is. Hell, as soon as I read this I started thinking about finding one for you for Christmas.

A very timely OT swing to my thread -

My company occasionally has beer:30 (informal happy hour) on Friday afternoons. So I head down to grab a brew and a few marketing/sales guys are already there drinking scotch.

Turns out it is one of my favorites (Laphroaig) but in the 30 year version (I usually drink the 10). So they offer me a glass which I gladly accept. Turns out, it was a more expensive scotch than I expected... $500+ per bottle (I was figuring $150-200). The best part - I had to drink it out of a coffee mug that I scrounged from the marketing area.

It was very good scotch, by the way. :D

big fan of JW Blue...but my fav is McCallan 30yr Single Malt:D
--Manny

Why is it that 90% of my recent posts are all about booze? I swear... I don't drink THAT much...

That said, and just for RTROSE: KEG UPDATE!

The 1/4 keg of Wachusett Country Ale kicked this weekend and a new keg of Harp will be arriving this week.

Harp has definitely become our everyday beer. It's light enough to drink regularly but it still has flavor. It's not too heavy or so specialized that we'd get sick of it (and the last thing you want is to be sick of a beer when you have 10+ gallons left). It is also very versatile in that you can make a "Half and Half" just by having some Guinness on hand. It has quickly become a favorite (this will be our third keg of it).

I just wish I could get Yuengling kegs locally. :(

Isn't denial the first sign???:rolleyes:

I just wish I could get Yuengling kegs locally. :(
Amen

big fan of JW Blue...but my fav is McCallan 30yr Single Malt:D
--Manny

You and I differ on this one. I've never understood why McCallan is as expensive as it is given that at best it's an "average" single malt. I've never had one that impressed me or was distinctive enough to warrant the hype.

You and I differ on this one. I've never understood why McCallan is as expensive as it is given that at best it's an "average" single malt. I've never had one that impressed me or was distinctive enough to warrant the hype.

I've been tempted to pick up a bottle of the McCallan 18yr due to all the rave reviews I hear for it... though I just don't know if its justifiable since I'm such a big fan of the Islay single malts. It would probably be very good... but it's just not going to be nearly smokey enough.

I should look into more special occasion Islay malts... :)

Apologies for going way back in your build ...

[QUOTE=jamis;14039914]Yet another busy weekend... :)

I finished the soffits in the theater (just need to finish the one in the kitchenette) and about half of the ceiling. The rest of the ceiling in the theater will be 1.5" lower than the front of the theater due to pipes and other obstacles .

QUOTE]

I have a smiliar situation to your ceiling where I need to furr down the height by 2x3 for a portion and then a little lower for the back of the room due to pipes. How did you frame or furr down the back half of your room. Look at the pics it looks like you blocked the joists then ran the 2x3, is that correct?

I have been considering running two layers of 2 x 3's perpendicular to each other, but looking for alternatives.

Just as an FYI, I pulled the quote from post 51.

Apologies for going way back in your build ...


I have a smiliar situation to your ceiling where I need to furr down the height by 2x3 for a portion and then a little lower for the back of the room due to pipes. How did you frame or furr down the back half of your room. Look at the pics it looks like you blocked the joists then ran the 2x3, is that correct?

I have been considering running two layers of 2 x 3's perpendicular to each other, but looking for alternatives.

Just as an FYI, I pulled the quote from post 51.



In the front of the theater I just ran the 2x3's perpendicular to the joists and nailed them directly to the joists.

In the back of the theater where I needed to lower the ceiling a bit more, I spanned the joists with 2x3 blocking and then ran the full length 2x3's over said blocking. In the pictures below, you can see both the higher and lower ceilings as well as the transition. I basically just spanned the gap with with the drywall to cover the sewage pipe.

http://www.mostlyharmless.org/theater/elec3.jpg

http://www.mostlyharmless.org/theater/frame4.jpg

... how it looks finished (excuse the bad picture):

http://www.mostlyharmless.org/theater/proj5.jpg

Thanks for the quick response and the pictures

I read through your thread tonight and then subscribed so I can reference as I start my room. You have a wonderful room, if mine turns out half as nice I will be thrilled.

For the next keg, you need to bootleg in a Yuengling from PA. Man I miss that stuff, ahh the memories of college, they have such a regional following it is a shame that their business model limits distribution.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING HT set up. I am simply blown away by the detailing you have done and shared as well. Hats off to you..... Let me tell you even I would be starting my HT setup somewhere in feb 2010, and your HT definitely is an inspiration for me. As the above poster said, if I am able to bring even half of the quality your HT has I will be more than satisfied. I hope when I start my HT I will have some precious advice from people down here.

Regards
Sammy

Great thread. Being a scotch drinker must be a prereq for building a HT. At home, I usually drink Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban or Lasanta. A nice 12+ yr single malt at a reasonable $58-62 a bottle. I prefered Glenmorangie prior to their new re-styled choices, especially the Burgundy wood finish but the QR and Lasanta are still excellent.

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING HT set up. I am simply blown away by the detailing you have done and shared as well. Hats off to you..... Let me tell you even I would be starting my HT setup somewhere in feb 2010, and your HT definitely is an inspiration for me. As the above poster said, if I am able to bring even half of the quality your HT has I will be more than satisfied. I hope when I start my HT I will have some precious advice from people down here.

Regards
Sammy

Thanks and be sure to post a thread of your progress. :)

Great thread. Being a scotch drinker must be a prereq for building a HT. At home, I usually drink Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban or Lasanta. A nice 12+ yr single malt at a reasonable $58-62 a bottle. I prefered Glenmorangie prior to their new re-styled choices, especially the Burgundy wood finish but the QR and Lasanta are still excellent.

I was looking at a bottle of the port wood finished Glenmorangie last night. I've been coveting the 21yr Balvenie portwood, but it's hard to swallow at $150-175 per bottle for something I've never tried.

It's okay to pass on the Balvenie Portwood. I just opened a bottle last weekend. Interesting, but not distinctive enough for me to be worth the price. Their Doublewood though scores well on my price to experience scale. We tend to get a bottle of it every year.

It's okay to pass on the Balvenie Portwood. I just opened a bottle last weekend. Interesting, but not distinctive enough for me to be worth the price. Their Doublewood though scores well on my price to experience scale. We tend to get a bottle of it every year.

Good to know.

Speaking of various barreling techniques, if you like Islay malts, I recommend the Laphroiag Quarter Cask. It's much like the Laphroiag 10year (very peaty and medicinal), but with a bit more sweetness and wood. I think I actually like it better than the 10 year.

Actual theater update!

We have finally gone for a standalone bluray player. The Sony BDP-N460.

https://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665968161

It has a decent startup time, seems to load disks at least as fast as the PS3, and supports a ton of streaming formats such as Netflix and Amazon On Demand.

It's hooked up, but I haven't played with it much yet. I'll post my impressions later.

We also picked up the custom shelf/faceplate from StayOnline.

Just gotta reprogram the Harmony now. :)

A couple of updated shots of the rack with the new Bluray player installed under the PS3. Thanks to those fantasic prisms, the IR works perfectly even all the way up at the top of the rack (you can barely see the IR emitter at the very bottom of the rack in front of the receiver.

Only about 5U of rack space left before I have to reorganize stuff!

http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/newrack1.jpg

A shot with the drawers open.

http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/newrack2.jpg


And my OT garage shelving project was completed yesterday. I finished cleaning the garage and loading the shelves today. My organizational skills leave something to be desired, but this is the cleanest the garage has been since we moved in.

I plan to eventually hang the bikes from the ceiling to free up the lower shelf space.

I just wish my wife would let me get rid of the damn orange FOOF chair. It takes up way too much space.

http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/shelves.jpg

Nice Rack...

Garage storage... Where is the before pic? I drive over that much stuff just to get my car in the garage. I have a 12x7 workshop in the back of my garage I can't even get to. On the rare occasion I absolutely need a tool and have to crawl over the pile to get it, I never put it back rather just stack it up.

I may have to start the cleaning as early as tomorrow as I have relatives that want to bring dogs over that I won't let in my house. If so, I will get a before pic of my little disaster and post it in my thread.

Well.. we could still get the cars in the garage prior to the new shelving... it was just annoying to get out of the vehicle. :)

It could have been worse, I suppose.

Good to know.

Speaking of various barreling techniques, if you like Islay malts, I recommend the Laphroiag Quarter Cask. It's much like the Laphroiag 10year (very peaty and medicinal), but with a bit more sweetness and wood. I think I actually like it better than the 10 year.

Funny you should mention it. My wife got it for me for Christmas. I haven't opened it yet. I'm sitting here with the little booklet that is attached to the bottle. It seems that the 1/4 cask refers to the size of the cask the scotches is double casked in. No clue how this effects the scotch. But it is cask filtered and as a result a higher proof than the standard 10 year old.

Funny you should mention it. My wife got it for me for Christmas. I haven't opened it yet. I'm sitting here with the little booklet that is attached to the bottle. It seems that the 1/4 cask refers to the size of the cask the scotches is double casked in. No clue how this effects the scotch. But it is cask filtered and as a result a higher proof than the standard 10 year old.

By using smaller casks, there is more wood contact by volume of scotch which imparts more of the wood flavors.

Because of the filtering method, it also gets a little cloudy if you add water or ice.

Another small update...

Still very happy with the Sony BDP-N460 bluray player. been watching mostly streaming Netflix, but the Blurays we have watched have been at least as good as the PS3 (but a MUCH quieter device). Haven't played with the upconversion yet though.

Also, the front row of Berkline 13175's was starting to show some wear due to the cats and being our primary row. Mostly, they are starting to show scratches on the arms and the cushions are getting less firm.... so we rotated the front and back row. I think this will be an annual thing.

Another small update...
Still very happy with the Sony BDP-N460 bluray player. been watching mostly streaming Netflix, but the Blurays we have watched have been at least as good as the PS3 (but a MUCH quieter device). Haven't played with the upconversion yet though.


The PS3 is quiter, or the BDP-N460 is quieter? Also, how is NetFlix streaming? I tried it awhile back on a PC, and picture quality was terrible compared to the same ripped DVD.

Also, are you referencing the upconversion on the PS3 or the BDP-N460?

Thanks!

The PS3 is quiter, or the BDP-N460 is quieter? Also, how is NetFlix streaming? I tried it awhile back on a PC, and picture quality was terrible compared to the same ripped DVD.

Also, are you referencing the upconversion on the PS3 or the BDP-N460?

Thanks!

Our 40GB PS3 is super loud. After about 5 minutes the fan goes to high no matter what we do. It's been bearable though noticeable on quiet scenes in the HT due to the glass door on the equipment rack. It was near unwatchable when out in the open and hooked to our old TV.

As for the netflix streaming, of the few movies we've watched, I would put them at better than DVD quality. The TV shows have tended to be slightly worse than DVD (too soft in general) but definitely acceptable. Better (and more convenient) than most non-HD torrents you could find out there.

An Ode to Beer and RTRose.

The keg of Harp is getting low
and RTRose will want to know
what brand brew
that I will I do
to again let the goodness flow.


Any suggetions? :)

It is quite the coincidence you should post, I was lurking late last night and the thought had crossed my mind to look you up and inquire on a keg update.

What do you know, voila, here you are! As for suggestions on the keg, as I am a relatively simple man when it comes to beers (I appreciate the finer, more expensive brews, but usually purchase more main steam beers) my suggestions would be rather plain. Not so plain as to suggest Bud, or Budlight, but more along the lines of say Killian's (most frequently bought and enjoyed), New Castle Brown Ale, Blue Moon, and my favorite "main stream" Guinness Draught but rarely enjoyed (but there is that whole nitrogen injection thing) and having had Guinness on tap and Gasp! out of a can there is just no one in their right mind who would drink Guinness out of a can. The bottles with the little cylinder in there is ok, but still not draft.

Sorry for all of the ramble, it is still early for a Sunday and I have not had an entire cup of coffee yet.

I may be back to edit later 8-)

Regards,

RTROSE

It is quite the coincidence you should post, I was lurking late last night and the thought had crossed my mind to look you up and inquire on a keg update.

What do you know, voila, here you are! As for suggestions on the keg, as I am a relatively simple man when it comes to beers (I appreciate the finer, more expensive brews, but usually purchase more main steam beers) my suggestions would be rather plain. Not so plain as to suggest Bud, or Budlight, but more along the lines of say Killian's (most frequently bought and enjoyed), New Castle Brown Ale, Blue Moon, and my favorite "main stream" Guinness Draught but rarely enjoyed (but there is that whole nitrogen injection thing) and having had Guinness on tap and Gasp! out of a can there is just no one in their right mind who would drink Guinness out of a can. The bottles with the little cylinder in there is ok, but still not draft.

Sorry for all of the ramble, it is still early for a Sunday and I have not had an entire cup of coffee yet.

I may be back to edit later 8-)

Regards,

RTROSE

Yeah... we've been leaning towards the easy drinkin' beers lately... especially for the kegs. That is why Harp has been our current fall back brew. It's light but interesting. We usually get Guinness in bottles/cans to go with the Harp for Black&Tan.

Newcastle is a good thought.... definitely a favorite of mine. I've been debating that one for a while, but would need a new coupler. Maybe now is the time.

This post is for owl1 who's PM box is currently full -


The bar itself wasn't very expensive... ~12 2x4's, some drywall, trim, rope light, a few electrical boxes and wiring, paint, etc... probably not more than $100 total here for the basic structure. More fancy trim or complicated woodwork would have increased the price.

The expensive part was the granite. The particular stone we chose ran us about $80 sq/ft fully installed. The cost here will vary widely based on material with wood, laminate, tile, or less expensive granite all being cheaper options.

The Littlites we added after the fact ran about $30-40 each.

Just to give you an idea of the simplicity of the bar:

http://www.mostlyharmless.org/theater/riser.jpg

Thanks Jamis

Did you cantilever the bar so it wouldn't topple by bolting any of it into the riser? What did you use for that if you did?

Also, I couldn't tell, but how wide is the granite slab that you ended up with?

TIA

Thanks Jamis

Did you cantilever the bar so it wouldn't topple by bolting any of it into the riser? What did you use for that if you did?

Also, I couldn't tell, but how wide is the granite slab that you ended up with?

TIA

I screwed the bar into the riser with 3.5" wood screws and also used some metal brackets like this (http://www.lowes.com/pd_108717-72913-A35Z_4294934399_4294937087?productId=3006426&pl=1&currentURL=/pl_Braces%2B_4294934399_4294937087_?rpp=15$No=30) to help secure the studs on the bar to the riser. You can also see how the bar is actually a U-shape which helps support the counter top as well as keeping the bar from possibly tipping.

The granite itself is about 17.5" deep overall of which 13.5" of that is supported by the bar structure (on the sides).

My new best friend... the Leak Frog:
http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/lf.jpg

It's been raining pretty hard here over the last couple of days and when I went down stairs this morning I heard one of my Leak Frog alarms. I have three of them in my utility room... one by my furnace (near the chimney where I have had water issues in the past), one next to my SaniFlo pump, and one in my equipment closet.

While I took out about 10 gallons of water from the chimney clean outs with the shop vac, the water the made it into the basement actually came from the top of the foundation. The sealant I used on the concrete blocks seems to be holding the water back very well.

After long steady rains, splash back and water from the wet outer foundation has occasionally seeped in at the pressure treated sill. I think the siding doesn't hang down quite enough past the sheathing. When it drys out a bit, I will hit the area on the inside with some expanding foam. On the outside, I will see what I can do with some z-flashing and silicone.

This is the top of the foundation in the corner where the chimney, sill, and foundation all meet. You can see the water seeping through a bit. It then trickles down the wall and puddles on the floor near the furnace.
http://mostlyharmless.org/basement/b2.jpg

Same corner, but from the outside.

http://mostlyharmless.org/basement/b7.jpg

You can see the sheathing is getting pretty wet.

http://mostlyharmless.org/basement/b9.jpg

Those alarms look pretty neat. After my water "incidents" all water problems, even those of other posters, make me shudder. It is amazing how little water it takes to create BIG problems. It is good that you had the alarm, who know what would have happened if you did not catch it when you did.

Regards,

RTROSE

A few updates:

1. Survived the rest of the rain without any more issues.

2. New keg has been tapped. Newcastle Brown Ale this time around. It's tasty!

3. Hard drive died on the HTPC so I installed a new 320GB drive and am installing Mythbuntu 10.04 beta2. I'm going to give Linux another go before a beak down for another OEM copy of Win7 Home Premium. I love that I was able to replace the drive without dismounting the HTPC case from the rack.

4. Replaced the last 500GB disk in my NAS with a new 1TB drive. I should be able to extend the storage array from 1.5TB of usable space to almost 3TB after the rebuild is complete. I've been very happy with the streaming performance over the new wireless-N network.

5. Got an Apple iPad last week and exploring options for home/theater automation with it. Loving this thing so far. Great for surfing and games while on the couch or on the can. :D

A few updates:

1. Survived the rest of the rain without any more issues.

Excellent news!

2. New keg has been tapped. Newcastle Brown Ale this time around. It's tasty!

Mmmmmmm Beeeeer!!!!!!! I think I even suggested this brew. How bout a tall one for the suggestion??????



3. Hard drive died on the HTPC so I installed a new 320GB drive and am installing Mythbuntu 10.04 beta2. I'm going to give Linux another go before a beak down for another OEM copy of Win7 Home Premium. I love that I was able to replace the drive without dismounting the HTPC case from the rack.

4. Replaced the last 500GB disk in my NAS with a new 1TB drive. I should be able to extend the storage array from 1.5TB of usable space to almost 3TB after the rebuild is complete. I've been very happy with the streaming performance over the new wireless-N network.

Bummer on the hard drive but it sounds as though you were able to take advantage of the situation to make some needed upgrades improving the performance of your system.


5. Got an Apple iPad last week and exploring options for home/theater automation with it. Loving this thing so far. Great for surfing and games while on the couch or on the can. :D

This is one of the few things Apple has put out that I actually have an interest in getting. My son has an iPod Touch and although I like it, I always commented that I thought it needed a bigger screen. Voila! The iPad arrives! I'm very interested in your thoughts about how well it integrates as a remote in to automated systems. I like you need something smaller than my laptop while I'm sitting in my "Throne Room" :D


Carry on brother!

Regards,

RTROSE

A few updates:

1. Survived the rest of the rain without any more issues.

2. New keg has been tapped. Newcastle Brown Ale this time around. It's tasty!

3. Hard drive died on the HTPC so I installed a new 320GB drive and am installing Mythbuntu 10.04 beta2. I'm going to give Linux another go before a beak down for another OEM copy of Win7 Home Premium. I love that I was able to replace the drive without dismounting the HTPC case from the rack.

4. Replaced the last 500GB disk in my NAS with a new 1TB drive. I should be able to extend the storage array from 1.5TB of usable space to almost 3TB after the rebuild is complete. I've been very happy with the streaming performance over the new wireless-N network.

5. Got an Apple iPad last week and exploring options for home/theater automation with it. Loving this thing so far. Great for surfing and games while on the couch or on the can. :D

I am holding off on the iPad for now. Will probably wait for a couple generations first. But what I love about it is that it will make for a great HT remote. From what I understand is that there are already a few home automation apps already available. Have fun with the new toy and let me know how it works out!

I am holding off on the iPad for now. Will probably wait for a couple generations first. But what I love about it is that it will make for a great HT remote. From what I understand is that there are already a few home automation apps already available. Have fun with the new toy and let me know how it works out!

I fully expect to sell this one on eBay when the 2nd gen version comes out. Why wait? :D

When it drys out a bit, I will hit the area on the inside with some expanding foam. On the outside, I will see what I can do with some z-flashing and silicone.

I think your solution here should be on the exterior. I wouldn't want to put anything on the inside that would block your view of moisture or prevent it from drying out if/when it does. Any water solutions on an interior surface means that the entire wall structure may be left wet. (Not good IMHO).

Drainage, slope, flashing, sealants all belong (again in my opioion) on the exterior. The only interior solution when still necessary is ventolation. I will amend that say that the solution where they break out 6 inches of your concrete closest to the walls and put in drain tile is "sort of" an internal solution but not really as it is "outside" the concrete box.

I wish I had a digital picture what I did in my last house to keep water away from it. It can get expensive in a hurry but it doesn't have to be. It is amzaing what slope and drain tile can do. What ever it takes to keep the pressure treated sill dry in the first place would be the best solution.

Lastly, what is a chimney clean out and how is 10 gallons of water getting in there???

I fully expect to sell this one on eBay when the 2nd gen version comes out. Why wait? :D

I thought the same thing and then I did my taxes today....Ouch. I probably won't wait, I'll get the itch and then scratch it.:D

I think your solution here should be on the exterior. I wouldn't want to put anything on the inside that would block your view of moisture or prevent it from drying out if/when it does. Any water solutions on an interior surface means that the entire wall structure may be left wet. (Not good IMHO).

Drainage, slope, flashing, sealants all belong (again in my opioion) on the exterior. The only interior solution when still necessary is ventolation. I will amend that say that the solution where they break out 6 inches of your concrete closest to the walls and put in drain tile is "sort of" an internal solution but not really as it is "outside" the concrete box.

I wish I had a digital picture what I did in my last house to keep water away from it. It can get expensive in a hurry but it doesn't have to be. It is amzaing what slope and drain tile can do. What ever it takes to keep the pressure treated sill dry in the first place would be the best solution.

Lastly, what is a chimney clean out and how is 10 gallons of water getting in there???


I've addressed most of the exterior issues (especially with the gutters and sloping and drainage). I think the big issue I've been having is that in really heavy and prolonged rains, the water eventually wicks up the concrete and soaks into the sheathing and eventually through to the basement in that one corner.

I added some flashing and caulking on the exterior with mixed results. Again, it only happens on prolonged heavy rains.

As for the clean outs, they are the little metal access doors into the base of the chimney that allow you to clean out any ashes or debris that collects there. Again, only during heavy rains does water collect down there. It was really bad (worse) before we put a chimney cap on. I think water is now seeping in through a crack or directly through the brick up above and dripping it's way down into the clean out area.

Here is a pic looking into the cleanout and another with me holding the camera inside and pointed upwards.

http://mostlyharmless.org/basement/b4.jpg

http://mostlyharmless.org/basement/b3.jpg

http://mostlyharmless.org/basement/b4a.jpg

Tisk, Tisk, Tisk......

Since you brought it up we need an update from you too. I had to check that special box for this post to even make it. Did you get the clean out issue resolved, and oh the most important thing a Keg Update.


Regards,

RTROSE

BTW no charge for the thread bump. :)

Currently on tap - Newcastle Brown Ale (still). The warmer weather has me drinking less beer and more margaritas and martinis.

As for the clean outs, I have a couple ideas but the issue is not fully resolved yet. I need to borrow a ladder to check the flashing on the roof and where the siding butts up against the chimney.

If that yields nothing, I will call a chimney or siding guy.

So I've started scoping out a new project. A pergola! This is completely OT, but I figure you guys will have some good ideas.

My deck and patio face west so they get full sun during the hottest parts of the day and into the evening (eventually with the sun setting behind the trees). To that end, I think a pergola might be the best option for the patio to make this space usable on warmer/sunnier days.

Here is the space:

http://www.mostlyharmless.org/theater/deck.jpg

A few options/things I've considered:

Sun sail shade - A triangle shaped sail would be the easiest and best looking option without adding a fourth post on the corner of the patio. Unfortunately, this would still leave most of the patio exposed with attach points on either side of the deck and one near the sliders.
Cantilevered umbrella - easy and somewhat inexpensive, though not particularly attractive (especially the base or when not in use).
Pergola/Pavilion kit (as found at Lowes/HD/costco, etc) - easy and cheap, though a less permanent/finished look. I'd rather this look like part of the house/property than an afterthought.
Perloga plan #1 - Free standing... would be the smallest to allow clearance on all sides with the house and deck (and stairs).
Pergola plan #2 - Attached at the deck with two posts anchored to the patio perpendicular to the house. I would have to leave a gap between the house the first rafter. Might look awkward. The main rafters would run parallel to the house.
Pergola plan #3- Attached at the deck and at a new ledger board on the house. One post anchored to the patio at the far corner. The most work, though I'd only have to do one post. The rafters would most likely run perpendicular to the house in this case.
Pergola plan #4 - A more unconventional approach such as a triangular shape or something else I'm not thinking of that could eliminate posts, ledger boards, surgery to the siding, etc.



Any thoughts or suggestions? Anyone built a pergola with good results?

Not a big fan of umbrellas as the wind always grabs them. Afternoon sun can be tricky as you not only need shade from above but at a significant angle. The ready made free standing from your local big box are not made that well. Small bars, relying on material to provide shade... material that will fade, rip, blow away like a sail...

My though would be treated wood of significant dimention (beafy), slanted roof down toward West (color to match deck). Think free standing away from the house. Against the house just adds complexity and shades the house rather than the patio in the late afternoon.

Other option is to just extend the deck and use the space under the deck. (That's what I did with a 32' Long deck.)

A few more pictures from different angles my help. Is your back yard only 4' beyond the deck steps (the fence)?

I pretty much agree with Drew (scary huh?) on his assessment except for the deck extension. I say this for two main points. Cost, (disregard if this is not a concern) as I think a deck extension would be more expensive than a pergola, and it would definitely take away some of the openness feeling out of the equation. It looks though that your deck height is tall enough to help eliminate this but the underneath of a deck is not pretty unless you finish it off and it does not give you much an option if you do want some sun in at some time ( like a umbrella or a sail shade).

Give us more pics of the area, so we can see just what your working with. Looks as though you have a very nice home in a equally great neighborhood.

Regards,

RTROSE

32' deck, who the heck stains that for you? I hate decks, just had to do mine this summer, first time ever since it came with the house. It was a PITA and nowhere near 32', thats just insane!

Not a big fan of umbrellas as the wind always grabs them. Afternoon sun can be tricky as you not only need shade from above but at a significant angle. The ready made free standing from your local big box are not made that well. Small bars, relying on material to provide shade... material that will fade, rip, blow away like a sail...

My though would be treated wood of significant dimention (beafy), slanted roof down toward West (color to match deck). Think free standing away from the house. Against the house just adds complexity and shades the house rather than the patio in the late afternoon.

Other option is to just extend the deck and use the space under the deck. (That's what I did with a 32' Long deck.)

A few more pictures from different angles my help. Is your back yard only 4' beyond the deck steps (the fence)?

I pretty much agree with Drew (scary huh?) on his assessment except for the deck extension. I say this for two main points. Cost, (disregard if this is not a concern) as I think a deck extension would be more expensive than a pergola, and it would definitely take away some of the openness feeling out of the equation. It looks though that your deck height is tall enough to help eliminate this but the underneath of a deck is not pretty unless you finish it off and it does not give you much an option if you do want some sun in at some time ( like a umbrella or a sail shade).

Give us more pics of the area, so we can see just what your working with. Looks as though you have a very nice home in a equally great neighborhood.

Regards,

RTROSE

The upper lawn ends at the fence, but the property line is further back to the woods. There is a drop off/basin after the fence and then another strip of lawn. Regardless, I would want whatever solution I come up with to stay confined to the patio area.

I was definitely planning on treated lumber. My biggest issues around around attach points and layout. Given that the back of the house faces west, I think having the main rafters parallel to the house would offer more shade/protection.

I was thinking something along these lines, but attached to the deck instead of the house:

http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/pergola1.jpg

I will take a few more pictures tonight.

A few measurements for reference:

The patio is 15'4" x 18"
The deck (from house to stairs) is just under 14'

Jamis,

I am going to be following this OT idea; because I have the same issue with afternoon sun. Mine will be easier to construct however; backyard is flat and we are on a simple slab patio. Have been thinking of something similar to your last photo...

32' deck, who the heck stains that for you? I hate decks, just had to do mine this summer, first time ever since it came with the house. It was a PITA and nowhere near 32', thats just insane!

Take another look at my deck. It is a material called Eon decking. No maintenance...

Have you considered free standing with 4 corner posts just a foot or two off the slider? You wouldn't have to mess with cutting into the house and I am not sure how tying into the deck would look. Free standing makes it's own statement and would be easy to construct.

Take another look at my deck. It is a material called Eon decking. No maintenance...

Have you considered free standing with 4 corner posts just a foot or two off the slider? You wouldn't have to mess with cutting into the house and I am not sure how tying into the deck would look. Free standing makes it's own statement and would be easy to construct.

I have thought about free standing... though I was hoping to avoid the extra posts (especially if I have to dig footings instead of driving some steel rods into the patio instead for anchors). Construction would also be a bit easier tying off the deck.

I mirror your uncertainty about how it wood look tied off the deck.. that's my biggest hangup about doing it that way (mostly the gap between the house and the side of the pergola.

As promised, some updated pics:

http://mostlyharmless.org/p1.jpg
http://mostlyharmless.org/p2.jpg
http://mostlyharmless.org/p3.jpg
http://mostlyharmless.org/p4.jpg
http://mostlyharmless.org/p5.jpg
http://mostlyharmless.org/p6.jpg

Of course, in those pictures, everything's in the shade already. Problem solved! :D

Jamis, I would consider to plan some hardy bamboos, they grow fast and tall,stay green year round, provide shade and privacy, of course, you need to put down 18" ~ 24" deep barrier to control them within the parameter. I always like bamboos, the problem is, I just can't seem to find them in local nurseries.

Take another look at my deck. It is a material called Eon decking. No maintenance...


sounds expensive

I looked at several of the composite types of decking when I built my deck and they were all much more expensive than the standard type of treated lumber.

The picture you posted of the pergola is what I pictured it would like, I too would wonder how it will all tie in together. I think the free standing is the better looking option, however tying into the deck might be the easiest option for you to build. I personally would build the free standing option even though it will be more work. I think it is mach harder to tie into an existing structure and make it look like it should be there vs. something that stands on its own. The bamboo is an interesting if maybe slightly impractical one, that is unless the bamboo grows faster than you can build the pergola.

Regards,

RTROSE

The other option is to build a simple pergola yourself and you can tie it down on the deck surface using some square metal brackets, like shown here: http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/pergola/3352816. Also, build a larger planter box so you can plan some vines, I always like grape plan, not only it provides shade, it grows grapes hanging under the pergola so you can just pick and eat while relaxing under the shade.

You got all the shade you need just inside that sliding door...

The other option is to build a simple pergola yourself and you can tie it down on the deck surface using some square metal brackets, like shown here: http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/pergola/3352816. Also, build a larger planter box so you can plan some vines, I always like grape plan, not only it provides shade, it grows grapes hanging under the pergola so you can just pick and eat while relaxing under the shade.

Unfortunately the square metal brackets wont work for me on the paver patio. I was thinking about another option in which you mark the post spots and drill a hole through paver at that spot. You then drive a long steel rod into the hole, leaving about 13" exposed. You then drill into the bottom of the post and slip it over the rod.

Kind of like this: http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-plan-for-a-pergola-and-put-up-columns/index.html


As for tying it into the deck, I would basically use the exposed joist of the deck and attach the pergola rafters to it with joist hangers OR a custom wood ledger board with a 2x4 along the bottom and notching the rafters to fit over and end up flush with the top of the ledger. I'd then secure it from the top using T-brackets and from the bottom with long screws.

I think having it attached would make it look more permanent/tied in with the house. The gap between the side of the pergola and the side of the house would be the only possibly strange looking part but I think I could make it look decent.

The main problems/issues I have with a freestanding pergola are;

Making sure the post near the stairs doesn't interfere with traffic. I want the post within the patio and preferably not right on the edge.
I would have to leave enough space around the pergola to allow for the 'overhang' on all sides. This might look odd on the house and deck sides.
Four posts within the patio would take up more space and possibly get in the way more than just two on the side of the patio.
To look right, I think the pergola would have to be smaller overall.

sounds expensive

mmm... correct.

You sound like your are leaning toward attaching to the deck but I will beat the dead horse here. If you separate it, it stands on its own visually.

I am worthless with photo editing but here is a paint version.

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/RPhDrew/pergola.jpg

This leaves room on the patio to walk around the funiture under the pergola rather than having to walk through it.

I would come 30-36" off the back of the house and the same off the deck. If necessary for size, expand the patio out slightly to the right.

I thought you were to find a way to cover the deck but actually you are talking about the patio. So I don't know what is your budget, for pre-made pergola kits from HD, it costs you anywhere from 2k to 3k+, so with that amount of money, why not just extend the deck to cover the patio area and then install water proof deck ceiling so even on a raining day, you can sit out there and you also gain a larger raise deck? Something like this:http://www.drysnap.com/

I thought you were to find a way to cover the deck but actually you are talking about the patio. So I don't know what is your budget, for pre-made pergola kits from HD, it costs you anywhere from 2k to 3k+, so with that amount of money, why not just extend the deck to cover the patio area and then install water proof deck ceiling so even on a raining day, you can sit out there and you also gain a larger raise deck? Something like this:http://www.drysnap.com/

I found a kit for under 2K (if I decided to go the kit route)... I'd also prefer partial sun and not a completely blocked view of the sky so I think that rules the deck out. I'd also have to dig real footers which I really don't want to do.

After looking at the space last night, and RPh Drew's mad photoshop skillz... the stand alone idea is definitely growing on me more... though expanding the patio isn't really an option. :)

I would consider putting some screening from deck level down to ground level so that from the patio you aren't looking under the deck at the A/C, etc. Maybe something solid with doors so that it end up appearing like part of the house? Would give you space for outdoor junk that's semi-protected from the weather.

I like it as a separate structure, but it would be important to have something green between the two spaces. Tall and skinny trees made for tight spaces would do the trick. To my eye without it it starts feeling a bit industrial with sooo much lumber and vinyl. On that note, I would consider removing a few feet of pavers against the house to allow for some green to break up that wall a bit.

I would consider putting some screening from deck level down to ground level so that from the patio you aren't looking under the deck at the A/C, etc. Maybe something solid with doors so that it end up appearing like part of the house? Would give you space for outdoor junk that's semi-protected from the weather.

I like it as a separate structure, but it would be important to have something green between the two spaces. Tall and skinny trees made for tight spaces would do the trick. To my eye without it it starts feeling a bit industrial with sooo much lumber and vinyl. On that note, I would consider removing a few feet of pavers against the house to allow for some green to break up that wall a bit.

That is actually a storage box, not an A/C unit. I can move that easy enough.

I had actually put up lattice and some climbing hydrangeas on the other side of the deck for privacy. I was actually thinking about adding some outdoor lighting and actually trying to make the under-deck space more finished/cozy rather than block it off... though some planters between the pergola and deck might be an idea...

My landscaping project is finally about to start. I was going to suggest trees for shade, but to be honest it looks like you have a ton beyond that fence anyways.

Since that isn't an AC unit, along the lines of your past post, why not go the other way, and expand your patio under the deck?

My landscaping project is finally about to start. I was going to suggest trees for shade, but to be honest it looks like you have a ton beyond that fence anyways.

Since that isn't an AC unit, along the lines of your past post, why not go the other way, and expand your patio under the deck?

I've given that idea some thought as well and my knees hurt just thinking about it. :) It is also a possibility, though I think I still want to try and come up with a shady solution for the existing patio first.

Another side project I was considering was a retaining wall along the side of the patio where the lawn slopes down so I may look into extending the patio when I get around to that project.

A few updates:

1. We had Rock Band night in the HT last night... over 20 people! Times like these make me glad I opted for a more open theater space. Still have no regrets on leaving the back of the room open to the kitchenette. The HVAC was even able to keep up (though it was running constantly).

2. I think we've settled on the pergola. I found a reasonably priced free standing pressure treated kit. It is very simple and almost exactly what I was looking for. It will be 10x12 and I will put it in the far corner of the patio. This is what it looks like:

http://www.mostlyharmless.org/alanspergola.png

We would then add some curtains (with rods between the headers) for additional shade and privacy, build up the bottom of the posts a bit with some PT trim/lumber for some added interest, and maybe add some christmas/rope lights and/or a chandelier with candles.

Great find on the kit! Very nice. If I would have had a truly clean slate I too would have opted for a more open type of space. I would be hard pressed to fit 20 people in my space and it is not even finished yet! A buddy of mine built a 2500-2600 sq. ft. ranch with a full basement with 9 or 10 ft ceilings. I kept thinking at the time about how I would use such a huge basement space. Oh well we work with what we got.

Regards,

RTROSE

ah... that looks much better than my "paint" version.

For added sun protection from straight above I have seen some weave strips of some type of fabric/material in the openings. It would be something that would go up in the Spring and probably come down in the Fall but this way you could get some variety from year to year if you wanted to swap them out.

ah... that looks much better than my "paint" version.

For added sun protection from straight above I have seen some weave strips of some type of fabric/material in the openings. It would be something that would go up in the Spring and probably come down in the Fall but this way you could get some variety from year to year if you wanted to swap them out.

Yeah... I had considered this as well. Another option is to install additional lattice on the top. We'll see how it goes if/when it arrives. :)

Another option is to install additional lattice on the top.

I only mention the fabric/material because in your sample picture the sun appears to be nearly straight up and it didn't seem to be blocking much sun at all. The lattice would probably not only work well but would be easy to install and would last much longer than fabric/material. I have seen some sweet fabric installs where they let the material hang down the sides. It looks very relaxing swaying in the breeze.

Welp... sad to say that we chickened out and ended up going for one of these instead of the pergola (10' Coolaroo Cantilevered umbrella):

http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/umbrella.jpg

It was on sale (late in the season) at Amazon and qualified for free shipping (it arrives Saturday). The wife was not convinced that the pergola would look right and didn't want to risk it given the price. This was cheap enough that I think we can risk it. It can also be moved much easier than a pergola if we don't need it.

The base is made to accept 4 large pavers for weighing the whole structure down. I'll pick a few up at Lowes or stack up some of the leftovers from the patio for a more matched look.

Holy crap did you cheap out. :D

I have two of those I bought on clearance and the slightest wind blows it all over the place.

Here is one in action keeping sun off my saw. Most of the time I attempt to hold it in place with 2 or more full cinder blocks and the wind will still occasionally blow it over.

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/RPhDrew/DSC_1163.jpg

I will bet you will end up with a different solution in the future. It isn't that relaxing to sit under something you think is going to fall on you any time the wind blows. Sorry I don't bring better news.

But really... with a name like "Coolaroo"... how could it go right??? :D

Holy crap did you cheap out. :D

I have two of those I bought on clearance and the slightest wind blows it all over the place.

Here is one in action keeping sun off my saw. Most of the time I attempt to hold it in place with 2 or more full cinder blocks and the wind will still occasionally blow it over.

http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll211/RPhDrew/DSC_1163.jpg

I will bet you will end up with a different solution in the future. It isn't that relaxing to sit under something you think is going to fall on you any time the wind blows. Sorry I don't bring better news.

But really... with a name like "Coolaroo"... how could it go right??? :D



I may also invest in a base weight (empty plastic box that you can fill with water or sand) if the pavers don't work out. This is about 10 times less expensive (literally) than the pergola kit would have been (with shipping)... and that was one of the cheapest kits we found.

It is definitely not as elegant as the pergola, but we'll see how it goes. :)

... and that was one of the cheapest kits we found.

Since when do we build with "kits" in here...:D... Come on... Grab a bar napkin and get to it...

I just had to run up to the attic to see if the price tag was still on the second one I bought (it wasn't by the way). It has never been opened. I only bought two as they were practically giving them away when I bought it. It was like 75% off then I got 25% off the remainder. When I realized I wouldn't be using them on my deck (due to the wind issues) isn't literally wasn't worth taking it back. My first one has hit the deck more than once and is getting a bit beat up. When it croaks, I will probably pull out the other.

.. but we'll see how it goes. :)

No, you'll see how it flies... :D

No, you'll see how it flies... :D

It is true entertainment to watch my neighbor wrestle with his any time the wind kicks up. No wind, no problems. But never forget and leave it up...;)

The umbrella has at least met my expectations for the price. I figure we'll get 2-3 years out of it before we decide what we really want to do back there. I also have some plans formulating for a small retaining wall, so we'll see.

A few bad pics... We have not yet settled on the final placement and this is just where I happened to set it up first:

Closed position.
http://www.mostlyharmless.org/theater/um1.jpg

Four concrete pavers... they are a decent match to the patio. Not bad for $5 each. They are more than adequate for keeping the umbrella stable. I should have no problems so long as I remember to keep in the closed position while not in use.
http://www.mostlyharmless.org/theater/um2.jpg

Open.
http://www.mostlyharmless.org/theater/um3.jpg

Good idea with the pavers.

Here's another idea that will prevent that umbrella from tipping over, even if you leave it open: Install some 1/4" plywood spanning each of the 4 corners underneath the pavers (screwed into the umbrella's 4 legs) so that if the umbrella starts to tip, it will have to lift the weight of at least 2 pavers in any given direction instead of just having the 1-inch wide flats on the umbrella legs slip out from underneath them.

That should make it much more stable and solid.

Good idea with the pavers.

Here's another idea that will prevent that umbrella from tipping over, even if you leave it open: Install some 1/4" plywood spanning each of the 4 corners underneath the pavers (screwed into the umbrella's 4 legs) so that if the umbrella starts to tip, it will have to lift the weight of at least 2 pavers in any given direction instead of just having the 1-inch wide flats on the umbrella legs slip out from underneath them.

That should make it much more stable and solid.

I actually thought about that. I'll see how it fares as is. If I did anything, I might buy a sheet of aluminum or something that will hold up better to the elements instead of ply. We shall see. :)

The umbrella instructions actually require the pavers (minimum 14x14 up to 20x20) or to screw the base down to the decking (if wood).

Yeah, some 25 gauge sheet metal would be a better idea. Either way, I think it's a fine solution for now.

Keg update - after nursing the Newcastle for near 7 months (it was still good at the end), we finally called it quits and replaced it with one from a local brewery that we enjoy. Wachusett Country Ale is now on tap.

We also have a big Rockband3 event tomorrow night. Expecting 20+ people. Times like this I really love the more open space of the HT. :)

Hey, Jamis lives! You fell off the face of the Earth my friend. Glad to hear that at least your updating KEG tappings.

Have fun with with Rock Band event. I (we) expect to see some photos of you in action! ;)

Regards,

RTROSE

Small HT update...

Our old Harmony 680 started getting flaky (some buttons no longer working) so we finally replaced it after 4 wonderful years of service.

We opted for the Harmony One, this time around. The conversion was fairly painless, though I did have to reconfigure all of the soft buttons. It seems to be working pretty well, though it isn't quite as powerful (signal-wise) as the old 680.

A memorial service will be held for the 680 on Sunday.

Sorry to hear about "old trusty" passing on. What about the pics of your RockBand event? How did it go?

Regards,

RTROSE

Mine's a 6xx something series and is on roughly it's 8th year! I may have to put it in a shadow box on the wall in the theater. :) It just wouldn't be right to drop it in a trash can. Sorry for your loss.

Sorry to hear about "old trusty" passing on. What about the pics of your RockBand event? How did it go?

Regards,

RTROSE

No pics from Rockband Night, but we did have around 20 people. It went well.

Mine's a 6xx something series and is on roughly it's 8th year! I may have to put it in a shadow box on the wall in the theater. :) It just wouldn't be right to drop it in a trash can. Sorry for your loss.

Or maybe I should have it bronzed... :)

A memorial service will be held for the 680 on Sunday.

Our thoughts will be with you during these dark hours.

Keg update? You still round these here parts? Anything new or noteworthy going on here?

Regards,

RTROSE

Keg update? You still round these here parts? Anything new or noteworthy going on here?

Regards,

RTROSE


I'm still lurking. Work has been crazy busy lately so no real updates of note on the HT.

The keg is another 1/6th of Wachusett Country Ale which is a local brew I've got in the past. I'm annoyed that the cost of sixtels are so expensive.... I realized after the fact that I could have bought 2 cases + a 6 pack of the same brew for about 50% less (same amount of beer). The full kegs are MUCH more cost efficient apparently (though I've been drinking alot less beer lately which makes full kegs less desirable). Unfortunately, very few (good) breweries do 1/4 kegs anymore.

Better than beer though.... I did make one fun purchase recently (though due to weather, hasn't got much use yet):

http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/car.jpg

It sure does look pretty in the garage.

As part of the negotiations with the wife, I have to mark my daily driver outside since the mustang takes my spot in the garage. The recent snow has me considering a few months of off-site storage for the 'stang. It's a pain digging my car out. :)

Have you tried this yet? http://uplandbeer.com/upland-brewery/everyday-beers/ If not consider it. I had it last weekend at a local restaurant here and have to say it is a VERY good brew. Also this is currently one of my favorite seasonals http://www.newbelgium.com/beer/detail.aspx?id=72e160e8-35a6-49d0-86ed-b2da350185ae It is from New Belgium who brought us Fat Tire Ale. Oh and nice ride

Haven't had either of those (or heard of them)... Though I have heard of Fat Tire.

I'm a fan of Belgian styles.... especially the wheat beers, though the wife doesn't prefer them (she like them... just not as an every day brew). We tend to go for the good every day beers in the keg and buy bottles of the more interesting stuff.

Haven't had either of those (or heard of them)... Though I have heard of Fat Tire.

I'm a fan of Belgian styles.... especially the wheat beers, though the wife doesn't prefer them (she like them... just not as an every day brew). We tend to go for the good every day beers in the keg and buy bottles of the more interesting stuff.

The upland wheat is a very smooth "everyday" brew. It is a "white" beer if you will and very smooth. The -2 below is a darker brew (not as dark as guiness or Newcastle) but very smooth. If you have had Fat Tire (and liked it) then you will certainly enjoy the -2 below. Maybe start with a 6 pack of each though it may be tough to get the Upland in Mass since its a local Indiana brew but the other shouldnt be a problem

Mass has some pretty draconian liquor import laws... so I'd be very surprised to find it. I'll keep an eye out though.. :)

Nice ride. You can tell right now it is a garage queen as it is so squeaky clean. Mrs. RTROSE and I talked about getting a convertible Mustang, but practicality issues took over and we ended up with a GMC Acadia. Hard to stuff a 6'4" teenager in those back seats, and at not quite 16 yet the thought of him driving such a temptation was not attractive either.

I enjoy a good beer over just about any other "adult beverage", but even though I would not consider myself a heavy drinker by any stretch in the winter months my beer drinking diminishes quite considerably. I bought a six pack about three or four weeks ago, well no it was actually before Christmas and I still have one left. Might have to take care of that tonight. 8-)

Regards,

RTROSE

Nice ride. You can tell right now it is a garage queen as it is so squeaky clean. Mrs. RTROSE and I talked about getting a convertible Mustang, but practicality issues took over and we ended up with a GMC Acadia. Hard to stuff a 6'4" teenager in those back seats, and at not quite 16 yet the thought of him driving such a temptation was not attractive either.

I enjoy a good beer over just about any other "adult beverage", but even though I would not consider myself a heavy drinker by any stretch in the winter months my beer drinking diminishes quite considerably. I bought a six pack about three or four weeks ago, well no it was actually before Christmas and I still have one left. Might have to take care of that tonight. 8-)

Regards,

RTROSE

I've been drinking mostly scotch and gin martinis lately. Much better for the waistline than beer. I've had probably 2 beers total in the last month.

As for the mustang... it's mostly a summer car. My daily is a very unglamorous '05 Honda Accord. The stang was surprisingly affordable compared to most of the other drop tops I was considering. Most of the others were pricey enough that I would have had to trade in the accord and drive the convertible year round (granted, some were hard tops verts)... even used.

Keg update!

Picked up a 1/4 barrel of Berkshire Brewing Company (BBC) - Steel Rail Pale Ale

http://www.berkshirebrewingcompany.com/steel_rail.html

First time we've got one sight un-tasted... and it paid off. :)

Mmmmm.... Fat Tire..... Yumm

I prefer Vodka martini's....up and extra dirty

Mmmmm.... Fat Tire..... Yumm

I prefer Vodka martini's....up and extra dirty

Yeah... I've been drinking very little (especially beer) lately. This is more for the wife, though I'll still enjoy a small glass on occasion.

More often, I'm a martini, scotch, and tequila drinker.

I thought I had stumbled across a beer enthusiast forum somehow.

I thought I had stumbled across a beer enthusiast forum somehow.

You know what that means, don't you? Your turn to buy. ;)

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr79/hanesian/GIFs/agalcohol2.gif

Keg update!

Picked up a 1/4 barrel of Berkshire Brewing Company (BBC) - Steel Rail Pale Ale

http://www.berkshirebrewingcompany.com/steel_rail.html

First time we've got one sight un-tasted... and it paid off. :)

Jamis,

Glad to hear that your still er ah chugging along and have not fallen off the face of the planet. Cheers!

Regards,

RTROSE

A few updates... one is even sort of HT related. :)

After 2+ years of having a useless living room due to the theater becoming our primary TV viewing spot and moving our old LCD RP TV up to the bedroom... I've finally purchased a 42" Vizio LED-LCD tv (with internet apps) and a fancy TV stand for the living room and hooked it up to the old Pioneer TX-1014, Cambridge Soundworks MC300 L/C/R speakers, and JBL subwoofer.

The TV: http://www.vizio.com/via-hdtvs/m421vt.html

The entertainment center: http://www.amazon.com/OmniMount-Echo-50FP-50-Inch-Espresso/dp/B001GVIM9I/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1304426819&sr=8-8

I'll snap a picture of the setup at some point. It is much more open than our last entertainment center and makes the room feel much larger. I plan to use this TV for my upcoming P90X/Insanity workouts as I never liked doing them in the HT.


Also... just installed a CAI and dual exhaust on the Mustang. :D

A few updates... one is even sort of HT related. :)

After 2+ years of having a useless living room due to the theater becoming our primary TV viewing spot and moving our old LCD RP TV up to the bedroom... I've finally purchased a 42" Vizio LED-LCD tv (with internet apps) and a fancy TV stand for the living room and hooked it up to the old Pioneer TX-1014, Cambridge Soundworks MC300 L/C/R speakers, and JBL subwoofer.

The TV: http://www.vizio.com/via-hdtvs/m421vt.html

The entertainment center: http://www.amazon.com/OmniMount-Echo-50FP-50-Inch-Espresso/dp/B001GVIM9I/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1304426819&sr=8-8

I'll snap a picture of the setup at some point. It is much more open than our last entertainment center and makes the room feel much larger. I plan to use this TV for my upcoming P90X/Insanity workouts as I never liked doing them in the HT.


Also... just installed a CAI and dual exhaust on the Mustang. :D

Yeah progress. Good luck with the P90X workouts. My buddy went through them a few months ago and it really kicked his er ah well you know. I considered him to be in very good shape BEFORE he started.

Good Luck!

Nice score on the TV. I curious to see or hear about your impressions regarding the LED. I tend to see the LED's in the stores and feel as though their image is a little cartoonish looking or overblown. I did have a chance the other day to lay my hands on a Samsung LED at BB the other day and fiddle with the settings but not any real time to see if I could be pleased with the image. Not too sure how long my beloved plasma's are going to be around so I have to start thinking of other options.

Glad to hear that your tweaking your ride as well.

Regards,

RTROSE

Interested as well to hear your impression of the LED as I just purchased (2 weeks or so back) a 46" LED that I have since returned and replaced with a 50" plasma as I was really bothered by two things with the LED. 1) the over saturation of primary colors. Reds, greens and blues were super bright which dimmed non primary ones. 2)motion blur. I watch a lot of sports and the blur proved to be too much and the tv I had had a 2rms which is about as good as LED's go without going super insane expensive. I figure I am just a plasma "fanboy" and thats all there is too it. Truthfully I wanted to "love" the LED for its low power consumption, its thin cabinet and lightweight build etc but I just could not watch tv without getting frustrated.

You guys are expecting critical viewing while he is doing p90x?

Its the CRT inky blacks on my 30" HD CRT that keeps me going into my basement gym.

Just kidding. But I am a bit sentimental about the old beast down there.

So far, I'm fairly impressed with the LED TV. I still enjoy the HT much much more, but it's nice to be able to watch sports or work out in a more causal (and sunny) environment every once in a while. This TV has a bunch of color modes and lots of customization options. I have no problems with the colors/saturation. Then again, I'm not being super picky either.

Not to mention the fact that my P90X DVDs are pretty scratched up and crappy so I'll be streaming rips through my iPad to the TV.... critical viewing this is not. :)

I did have to turn the 'cinema mode' (kind of like frame insertion) off due the unnatural feel it gave most shows though.

Where can I order acoustic material like this?




UPS dropped off the materials for my next project...


http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/cotton.jpg


2'x4'x2" acoustical cotton panels for behind my screen wall. More pics after installation including a few of how exactly I built my screen wall (I've been meaning to do that)...

I plan to use the spray adhesive method.

Where can I order acoustic material like this?

I got it here:

http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/echo_eliminator/bassbust.htm?d=0

Forget acoustical treatments.....what about a KEG UPDATE!

That is the really important stuff! ;-)


Regards,

RTROSE

Forget acoustical treatments.....what about a KEG UPDATE!

That is the really important stuff! ;-)


Regards,

RTROSE

Still working on the BBC Steel Rail Pale Ale. :)

What HVAC grills did you use? From the construction pictures the vent boxes look large. 16 x 16?

What HVAC grills did you use? From the construction pictures the vent boxes look large. 16 x 16?

The HVAC supply vents on the ceiling are 11.5" x 11.5" with the 'opening' measuring 9x9. I believe the boxes are 9x9 or 10x10 (I can't recall). I believe the return on the wall is 16x16.

Unfortunately I can't recall the brand/model of the supply grills. They are black plastic (they look like metal) and where the only black vents my HVAC guy could get at the time.

I just finished all 30 pages of this thread and took dubious notes added to the other build threads I have completed.

I am a few years away from my build because it will take 5 years to learn all that is on each big thread like yours.

Thanks for sharing.

You must have a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$ if you got a new mustange convertable as well. Nice car! :)

I like your idead of going into a "2 ft deeper basement" on your list of things because that is what I will do when I purchase a home.

So let me get this straight about your use of 16:9 sometimes.....You purchased an Anamorphic Lense Add On for your Projector to allow for the 16:9 usages rather than the 2:35:1? And that is why you want someday to get a curved SMX Screen? So that you can view in mode 16:9 without losing resolution? How often do you want in 16:9?

I noticed you did not need a fan to cool your projector or any fans to cool your component equipment behind the rack? Are things staying cool with regards to the projector and equipment?

I just got a Honda Fit....that's what only a little money gets you. :)

I just finished all 30 pages of this thread and took dubious notes added to the other build threads I have completed.

I am a few years away from my build because it will take 5 years to learn all that is on each big thread like yours.

Thanks for sharing.

You must have a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$ if you got a new mustange convertable as well. Nice car! :)

I like your idead of going into a "2 ft deeper basement" on your list of things because that is what I will do when I purchase a home.

So let me get this straight about your use of 16:9 sometimes.....You purchased an Anamorphic Lense Add On for your Projector to allow for the 16:9 usages rather than the 2:35:1? And that is why you want someday to get a curved SMX Screen? So that you can view in mode 16:9 without losing resolution? How often do you want in 16:9?

I noticed you did not need a fan to cool your projector or any fans to cool your component equipment behind the rack? Are things staying cool with regards to the projector and equipment?


Regarding the mustang... it's just the V6, I got it used, and I didn't pay cash for it. They aren't as expensive as you might think (plus we didn't have any other car payments). :)

I don't use an anamorphic lens. I use 'Poor Man's CIH' with my Panasonic AE3000's lens memory feature. You can zoom the projector in and out to fill the screen and the projector saves the zoom position and focus settings. I will probably never get a curved screen unless I do get a lens (which is very unlikely in this theater). I would say that 90-95% of our viewing is in 16:9 (HDTV). We use the theater as our primary TV.

The projector is out in the open and the room is air conditioned. The AV rack is open in the back to a rather large utility room with plenty of airflow. I've had no problems.

Hey...I paid cash for the Honda. Maybe I'm the one with alot of $$$$ ??? hahahaha

Sorry for continuing the sidetrack. It's such a humorous subject. The bigger subject I mean. Americans continue to like the "image" of money more than the real thing.

On subject, from what I understand, lenses are far less effective in modern projectors. With resolution being much better and brightness less of an issue, what would you really gain from a lens? I'm sure something, but it's harder to justify the cost.

I could have paid cash (I put a healthy down payment)... but the rates were low enough that I didn't want to dent my savings too much (plus I had just payed off our other two cars). :)

I am very happy with my Panny's zoom memory feature. Even sitting in the front row (10.5' from screen to eyes) I have no complaints. I get tons of complements on the picture quality.

Granted, some videophiles might not be as impressed, but for the price, I am in no rush to sink cash into a lens.

Jamis, I hear ya. I didn't at all mean that as a commentary towards you. :) It was donjuan's original comment, "you must have lot's of money", that sparked me. It's nobodies business and awkward to mention.

And even more awkward for me to continue rambling... :o

I'm using zoom as well, no plans to go to an anamorphic lens. To me there are tradeoffs either way, neither is "perfect" in every respect - you choose what's important to you and go with it. I don't buy the whole "its the right way" argument / holy war.

zoom:
- you have to live with or deal with the "bars"
- as you zoom for 2.35, you'll get less light (all of panel not used)
- no extra cost
- really need motorized zoom/shift; Panny memory even better
- no stretching means the pixels stay the same from the source

lens:
- you get more light at a given throw
- you may have to throw from further back for best results, thus losing some of the "more light" advantage
- stretching means no pixel perfect image; but may help fill for projectors with poor fill rate
- expensive
- can induce pincushion distortion (which can be addressed with curved screen for even more $$ - and the required curve is specific to the lens, so if you upgrade either, you might need to change the other)
- you don't get any more resolution (the source is the source)

To me, it came down to I didn't want (at this time) the additional cost and complexity; and felt more comfortable with the tradeoffs from zooming than those potentially associated with lens / VP / curved screen, etc.

Hey buddy. You still round there here parts? Surely you have polished off a keg or three during the summer, right?

Regards,

RTROSE

^ I think somebody blatantly ignored the "warning your digging up an old thread warning" here. You my friend are indeed a rebel.

^ I think somebody blatantly ignored the "warning your digging up an old thread warning" here. You my friend are indeed a rebel.


Yeah, well you know me........Rebel without a clue.......We don't need no stinkin old thread warning not for someone classic like jamis.

Regards,

RTROSE

Still around, mostly... Started a new job a little over a month ago and have been very busy since.

I've been mostly just hanging out in the projector forums. Thinking about picking up the new Panny 7000 or possibly the new JVC RS45.

Other than that... nothing new at all with the theater. We did get a new keg, but it's another of the same 'BBC Steel Rail Ale'. My beer consumption is still a fraction of what it used to be (too many carbs).

^^ Glad to see your still round these parts. Whats your personal preference and which way are you leaning with regards to your potential projector upgrade.....RS45 or Panny 7K? I have narrowed it down to those two and am on the pre-order (special pricing :) ) list here with AVS on the RS45 but still on the fence due to my concerns with the potential for lag issues with the JVC as I watch a ton of sports and online gaming as well. Your thoughts?

^^ Glad to see your still round these parts. Whats your personal preference and which way are you leaning with regards to your potential projector upgrade.....RS45 or Panny 7K? I have narrowed it down to those two and am on the pre-order (special pricing :) ) list here with AVS on the RS45 but still on the fence due to my concerns with the potential for lag issues with the JVC as I watch a ton of sports and online gaming as well. Your thoughts?

I'm leaning towards the Panny since it's a mostly known quantity and I've been happy with my AE3000 (even with the dust blobs and a stuck pixel).

I am most interested in seeing how the JVC handles the lens memory feature (a requirement for me). I wish the Panny had discrete IR codes for each lens memory setting (no menus), and didn't show the 'Processing' dialogue while changing... especially since the AE4000 and 7000 have the 'auto' aspect adjust feature.

I'm very tempted to try the JVC since they have had phenomenal picture quality over the last few years (especially in contrast). I do play video games (PS3), but rarely online so lag isn't much of an issue for me.

Hey Jamis hope all is well,

3D upgrade would be great in your theater.

I had dust blob issues with my Epson HC400 projector. I opened up the casing to see if I could try to resolve by blowing compressed air thru lens area to no avail.

Might think I'm crazy for even trying this, but I decided to try blowing the compressed air thru the intake, figured I had nothing to lose so long as I was careful with any moisture. Well what do you know, had a big dust plume come from the intake as I blew the air into it. Took care of about 99 percent of the blobs. Since then I did this one more time with similar results.

Since your planning on upgrading it may be worth a shot just to clear things up in the time being.

Good luck on the upgrade.

He lives! Ye Haw! Good to hear that you are still around and lurking anyway. Congrats on the new job, but I know that having a new job comes with some new stresses, but I hope all is well with that aspect of your life. Regarding your projector upgrade sounds like you are getting it narrowed down. I was disappointed though that you did not do your famous or is it infamous keg update even though it was the same. Tradition ya know.

Now don't go and be a stranger, especially in your own thread.

Regards,

RTROSE

The new job is going well... though being a start-up, the hours are a bit longer and unfortunately in this case, so is the commute. :rolleyes:

Quite the culture shock going from a 600+ person division of a 300,000+ person company to an 8 person early stage start-up. Thankfully that means more actual work and fewer meetings.

Given how little beer I've been drinking lately... the keg updates are kind of anticlimactic for me now. :)

The new job is going well... though being a start-up, the hours are a bit longer and unfortunately in this case, so is the commute. :rolleyes:

Quite the culture shock going from a 600+ person division of a 300,000+ person company to an 8 person early stage start-up. Thankfully that means more actual work and fewer meetings.

Given how little beer I've been drinking lately... the keg updates are kind of anticlimactic for me now. :)


More work less meetings, now that IS a new work concept. Someone there must be a visionary!

The last comment just makes me sad. I have to admit though, while I'm not a big drinker by any means I do usually consume the adult beverage frequently during the hot summer months and this year I have really been off as a 24 pack of Blue Moon has lasted me from about mid July till now (and I still have 2 left). :( Oh well so it goes.

Regards,

RTROSE

Actual HT update!

We had a small 'incident' that caused the glass door on the equipment rack to 'lose structural integrity' (i.e. break into 3 large pieces). This finally gave me the motivation to re-org my equipment rack a bit.

Mostly, this consisted of me dismantling everything so that I could mount the rack about an inch deeper within the space. It had always been a nagging disappointment on how close the glass door was to the equipment and I had to have the PS3 and receiver pushed back slightly on their shelves. This will no longer be a problem (when the glass store is done cutting me a new door).

I am also getting much closer to pulling the trigger on the Panny AE7000. I really want it, but I don't want to drop the cash. We'll see how long I can hold out. :rolleyes:

It's not so much the cost of the projector, but more than likely I will also want to upgrade the Bluray player and possibly the receiver.

Just out of curiosity, because I’m in the market, which Bluray’s are you considering?

Glad to hear that there was not complete disaster. Ah, the disease of upgradeitus had reared it's ugly head! The only cure is to give in to the disease.....resistance is futile!

http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb215/RTROSE_album/borg.jpg

Good luck.

Regards,

RTROSE

Just out of curiosity, because I’m in the market, which Bluray’s are you considering?

Honestly, I hadn't started looking yet.

If I don't want to upgrade my receiver, I will probably be looking at ones with dual HDMI outputs so I can do 3D (one HDMI to receiver for audio, one directly to projector... and some fancy programming for the harmony remote). My receiver doesn't support HDMI 1.4, unfortunately.

Another question for ya now that you have been in the theater for a while. Do you like the color of the rope lights? I believe you chose “clear”.

I’m trying to decide what to pick from the choices: clear (AKA warm white), cool white and pearl white at 1000bulbs.com . It’s difficult to choose without being able to see them.

I take it one can cut the incandescent?

Thanks.

Another question for ya now that you have been in the theater for a while. Do you like the color of the rope lights? I believe you chose “clear”.

I’m trying to decide what to pick from the choices: clear (AKA warm white), cool white and pearl white at 1000bulbs.com . It’s difficult to choose without being able to see them.

I take it one can cut the incandescent?

Thanks.

I like the 'clear' lights. They have a slightly warmer tone (yellowish) like standard light bulbs. I don't care for the blushish tone of some LEDs, but I'm sure the the cool/pearl whites will be OK too.

I've been thinking about going for a colored rope to mix things up... maybe blue or red eventually.

You can cut the incandescent rope. There is a mark every foot or so where it is OK to cut.

Actual HT update!

We had a small 'incident' that caused the glass door on the equipment rack to 'lose structural integrity' (i.e. break into 3 large pieces).

This will no longer be a problem (when the glass store is done cutting me a new door)
.

Jamis,

I hate when that happens! Curious if you original door (or new one) has/had tempered glass?

I about choked at the pricing when my glass guy put me into tempered glass... (Just wondering if the upgrade I paid for was worth it)

Jamis,

I hate when that happens! Curious if you original door (or new one) has/had tempered glass?

I about choked at the pricing when my glass guy put me into tempered glass... (Just wondering if the upgrade I paid for was worth it)

I am kind of glad we went for plate glass in a way. I'm sure it was probably a little more dangerous depending on how it fell with some nice long sharp edges, but it only broke into 2 large pieces and a few small pieces. The tempered glass would have shattered onto a million pieces and would have been annoying to clean up. :)

The price difference between tempered and plate glass was minimal from my glass shop (less than $5). My replacement door (custom cut grey tinted plate glass with smoothed edges) is running about $75.

Jamis,

I ended up with 3 smoked tempered glass panels, each was about 10" x 60".
I think my total was close to $400.

(Although I will say it has brought me some piece-of-mind, because my Eq rack faces a fairly high traffic area between my billiards and movie room)

Jamis,

I ended up with 3 smoked tempered glass panels, each was about 10" x 60".
I think my total was close to $400.

(Although I will say it has brought me some piece-of-mind, because my Eq rack faces a fairly high traffic area between my billiards and movie room)

My glass door is 1/4" thick, 50 3/8" x 18 3/4".

Its in a moderate traffic area, but usually stays closed. No flying billiards balls to worry about. :)

A few small updates:

1. New keg ordered. Sam Adams Boston Ale (not the lager). Yum.

2. New glass door installed for the equipment rack.

3. My neighbor was cleaning house and gave me this....

http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/fosters.jpg

It's Australian for AWESOME.

That Sam Adams Lager sounds delicious. I have not had the Lager yet but will have to try it. As for the sign that is GREAT. I really like Fosters, in fact I used to drink it 6-8 years ago quite a bit.

That sign is SWEET very cool. I too like Fosters. I was the only beer I actually like drinking from the can because of the size of the things. Their nick name (Oil cans) was very appropriate for sure.

I'm not a big Sam Adams fan, but I have only had their Boston Lager. I would be willing to try the Ale though.

Regards,

RTROSE

Sam Lager is OK in my book... it's a good standby beer if the only other brews available are the typical macro (Bug, BL, Coors, etc).

For some reason the wife and I rather like the Ale.

Jamis,
I constantly find myself coming back to this thread as I go through my own theater build...thanks for all the info.

Do you mind posting pics of the new rack door and how you pushed the rack rails further into the cavity? Also, photos/details of the hing attachment of the glass door would be appreciated....I'm trying to figure this out for my own install.

Jamis,
I constantly find myself coming back to this thread as I go through my own theater build...thanks for all the info.

Do you mind posting pics of the new rack door and how you pushed the rack rails further into the cavity? Also, photos/details of the hing attachment of the glass door would be appreciated....I'm trying to figure this out for my own install.


I can't believe how bad stuff looks with a camera flash. I swear, you can't see any of that crap in person. :)

I got all of the hardware at rockler.com

Finished:
http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/nrack1.JPG

http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/nrack7.JPG

Top hinge
http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/nrack2.JPG

Bottom hinge on the inside
http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/nrack3.JPG


Bottom hinge from the outside
http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/nrack4.JPG

Magnetic kick plate... keeps the door from swinging too far in or opening on it's own.
http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/nrack5.JPG

Handle
http://mostlyharmless.org/theater/nrack6.JPG