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Alright, you've fooled around long enough...go build something! - Page 3

post #61 of 415
3/18/09 at 9:35am
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Here are a couple of pics to better illustrate my point about the proximity of my dimmable outlets to my pj outlet. The pj box will be 10"x24"x24". I think I'll use labels of some sort. I don't think it is a big deal. I can always change to something else if the risk of plugging the pj into a dimmed outlet becomes a big deal.



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post #62 of 415
3/18/09 at 9:46am
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I'm currently gathering estimates for drywall finishing (I don't want it to look like I did it - unless the quotes are ridiculous) so we're nailing down our room colors.

These are samples for our current finalist for carpet. The top swatch is the seating, the next two are paints colors I like, while the two below that are colors my wife likes the most. The bottom swatch is a rough approximation of the natural/maple type stain we will use on the trim. Its actually a paint chip, but close enough at this point.
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post #63 of 415
3/18/09 at 9:18pm
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Bought some extra tubes of green glue from a local. He had four tubes left over and I needed four more tubes for my soffits - nice. Back on track.

Now, I'm waiting for estimates to come back for the mud & tape job. Is there any reason why I can't/shouldn't start laying down the dricore while I wait? I guess there could be a lot of mud spilled?
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post #64 of 415
3/18/09 at 11:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kjlewie View Post

Bought some extra tubes of green glue from a local. He had four tubes left over and I needed four more tubes for my soffits - nice. Back on track.

Now, I'm waiting for estimates to come back for the mud & tape job. Is there any reason why I can't/shouldn't start laying down the dricore while I wait? I guess there could be a lot of mud spilled?

I would say go for it, but there will be a LOT of dust from sanding down the mud, which may be easier to get up w/o the dricore down.
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post #65 of 415
3/19/09 at 4:37am
I like the carpet on the right.
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post #66 of 415
3/19/09 at 4:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamis View Post

I like the carpet on the right.

That carpet was our runner up. Very nearly installed it in our theater.

You're making great progress. Keep up the good work. If I could ever take a break from watching movies, I'd attempt to make some progress in my room.
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post #67 of 415
3/19/09 at 4:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kjlewie View Post

Here are a couple of pics to better illustrate my point about the proximity of my dimmable outlets to my pj outlet. The pj box will be 10"x24"x24". I think I'll use labels of some sort. I don't think it is a big deal. I can always change to something else if the risk of plugging the pj into a dimmed outlet becomes a big deal.

I would just label it. Just print up a small label on a label maker and stick it right on the outlet cover. One for each and there should be no confusion. Besides, why would you ever want to sell once your theater is done
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post #68 of 415
3/19/09 at 8:04am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Naarmraifo View Post

I would say go for it, but there will be a LOT of dust from sanding down the mud, which may be easier to get up w/o the dricore down.

Thanks Naarmraifo. Good point about the dust. I would like to clean up as much dust as possible before putting the floor in. Although, I will make a ton more dust building the riser and stage area. Drywall dust is much worse than saw dust from a cleaning standpoint, imo. I guess I don't have to be in a hurry to put the floor in.
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post #69 of 415
3/19/09 at 8:24am
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jamis and guam,

Thanks.

Yeah, we're both pretty much sold on the carpet on the right, too - have been since I found your thread jamis. The burgeoning issue is the wall color. Nothing has really hit me yet as my clear cut favorite and I even find myself being drawn to different hues on different days. Most of the time something in the dark red, burgundy, merlot area draws my eye. But other times, the browns and tans and greens and blues look good. I keep telling myself it will become clearer as the decision draws nearer.

My wife is set on purple. I admire the decisiveness. She is probably right as she is much better at picking colors than I and every room we paint looks really good after the fact.
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post #70 of 415
3/19/09 at 8:38am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by guamguam View Post

You're making great progress. Keep up the good work. If I could ever take a break from watching movies, I'd attempt to make some progress in my room.

Thanks for the encouragement. Your room is sweet - after all that work, you should be watching movies - frequently.

On the other hand, and selfishly, I am quite interested in updates on your DIY screen project (nudge) as I plan to eventually replace my current screen with an AT scope screen.
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post #71 of 415
3/19/09 at 12:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kjlewie View Post

Thanks for the encouragement. Your room is sweet - after all that work, you should be watching movies - frequently.

On the other hand, and selfishly, I am quite interested in updates on your DIY screen project (nudge) as I plan to eventually replace my current screen with an AT scope screen.

If you have a table saw that I could come cut some lumber on, that would help me make progress
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post #72 of 415
3/19/09 at 1:53pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by guamguam View Post

If you have a table saw that I could come cut some lumber on, that would help me make progress

I do and you can. We're leaving for a spring break mini vacation tomorrow but will return on Monday.

What happened to your saw?

Are you doing something different from the extruded aluminum screen?
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post #73 of 415
3/19/09 at 5:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kjlewie View Post

I do and you can. We're leaving for a spring break mini vacation tomorrow but will return on Monday.

What happened to your saw?

Are you doing something different from the extruded aluminum screen?

I don't have a working table saw, the only saw I used for my basement was a miter saw.

I'm actually doing a hybrid screen. I'm using the aluminum for support, but attaching the fabric to a wooden frame. Or at least that is the plan.
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post #74 of 415
3/19/09 at 5:55pm
future owner may plug the projector into the wrong outlet. Any suggestions

use ungrounded outlets for lighting -- at least some may stop to think 1st
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post #75 of 415
3/20/09 at 5:30am
Re drywall dust. Sounds like some guys on line have used a product that creates a "hea vy dust" ie sinks to the floor-I bit pricier than regular mud but sound like those that have used it like it

RT
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post #76 of 415
3/23/09 at 4:19pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by guamguam View Post

If you have a table saw that I could come cut some lumber on, that would help me make progress

We're back in town. Give me a call or PM.
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post #77 of 415
3/23/09 at 4:24pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lawrence99 View Post

future owner may plug the projector into the wrong outlet. Any suggestions

use ungrounded outlets for lighting -- at least some may stop to think 1st

Thanks for the suggestion. I will check it out. What about ungrounded outlets would make someone stop to think?
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post #78 of 415
3/23/09 at 4:25pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rthompson10 View Post

Re drywall dust. Sounds like some guys on line have used a product that creates a "hea vy dust" ie sinks to the floor-I bit pricier than regular mud but sound like those that have used it like it

RT

Thanks. I saw that product in Bud's (Chinadog's) thread. Interesting.
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post #79 of 415
3/23/09 at 4:55pm
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We just got our first quote for the mud, tape and texture for the drywall. Looks like I will be learning a new skill. The first contractor wants $1417.00 plus we have to supply the corner bead.

He left the quote with my wife. I called him back to discuss. After informing him that the quote was inconsistent with our expectations, I told him not to worry because I'm sure he's busy with many other jobs and it won't hurt to loose this one. He asked if we've gotten another quote. I told him not yet, but I'd do it myself before I paid anyone that amount to do such a small area.

He started to backpedal like a cornerback in a 2 deep zone. Gave me some stuff about how he prices jobs using a blue book for materials in my area (he's a full 15 miles away) and sometimes the book is off. He offered to rework the numbers and give me a call back tomorrow. I told him his quote wasn't off by 10-15%, but that it was off by nearly 3X my expectations and now intentions. I also mentioned that I know guys sometimes price jobs high because there small or the buyer doesn't know any better or something like that. Also, that people deserve to be paid fairly for their work. We will not be hiring this guy. If I can DIY the rest, I can DIY this, too, maybe, I think...

Well equipped from many months on AVS as well as basic common sense, I left only one stone unturned...what was the $17 in his $1417 quote for!
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post #80 of 415
3/23/09 at 7:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kjlewie View Post

We just got our first quote for the mud, tape and texture for the drywall. Looks like I will be learning a new skill. The first contractor wants $1417.00 plus we have to supply the corner bead.

Just to give you a frame of reference, I paid about $2450 for the entire drywall installation in my approx 1000 sq ft of basement. That included all of the hanging, texturing and all of their supplies. We had rounded corners, orange peel on the walls and knockdown ceilings.
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post #81 of 415
3/23/09 at 7:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kjlewie View Post

We're back in town. Give me a call or PM.

I figured out a way around my needing a table saw. I was able to route the edge off my mdf instead, but thanks for the offer. I'm waiting on my velvet to arrive before I can go much further with my screen.
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post #82 of 415
3/25/09 at 3:29pm
Thread Starter 
I put up some drywall corner bead and took some time to tidy up a bit. Not a lot of progress but every bit helps.





Still working on the mud and tapping...had a another "pro" stop by Monday night, but he hasn't called back. What a waste of time for all. I'm this close (fingers about an inch apart) to deciding to do it myself. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

In a bit of good news, my sconces came today and the QS is due next week.
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post #83 of 415
3/25/09 at 6:33pm
Looking Good! Man I must be losing it this is the first time I visited . Nice work man!

Jeff
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post #84 of 415
3/25/09 at 7:24pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks.
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post #85 of 415
3/25/09 at 7:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kjlewie View Post

Still working on the mud and tapping...had a another "pro" stop by Monday night, but he hasn't called back. What a waste of time for all. I'm this close (fingers about an inch apart) to deciding to do it myself. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
.

I would recommend hiring a pro. It will take you 6 times as long and the end result will be 70% as good. You will notice every flaw and it will eat at you whenever you walk into the room. My dad is a carpenter and I worked with him for 8 years during high school and college. I've spent ~100 hours taping, but I still plan to hire someone to do my basement.
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post #86 of 415
3/26/09 at 7:03am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chrobins View Post

I would recommend hiring a pro. It will take you 6 times as long and the end result will be 70% as good. You will notice every flaw and it will eat at you whenever you walk into the room.

Agreed. It has been my plan since the beginning to hire a pro for this portion of my build, exactly for the reasons you state. The temptation to do it myself is born out of frustration with the few "pros" that I've dealt with so far. But, it is only a modest temptation.

I think the antics bug me the most. If a job is too small, what's wrong with saying its too small - shake hands, and be done with it? To come out, take a look, say you will call back - then never follow up, is wasteful and takes the "pro" out of professional, imo. Mr. $1417 from earlier posts was just a crook without a gun.
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post #87 of 415
3/26/09 at 7:20am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kjlewie View Post

He started to backpedal like a cornerback in a 2 deep zone.

Oops. Should be a 3 deep zone, huh? In most 2 deep, non-blitz coverages, the safeties split the field and take the deep stuff, with the LBs and CBs covering the shorter stuff and the flats. But, if the TE is faster than the LBs and gets a clean release....

Even during March Madness, I miss football

I need to get this mud and tape going.
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post #88 of 415
3/26/09 at 7:31am
Go for it man, plenty of how to's on line. Take a small portion of the money you would spend with a contractor and get yourself one of these sanders for a nice and smooth finish.

http://www.kingdrywall.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=41

Don't go crazy trying to fill the seams and voids in your first pass. Multiple thin layers is the way to go, as it will result in less sanding needed. In fact I typically only have to sand my final layer to feather off the edges.
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post #89 of 415
3/26/09 at 11:22am
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oman321 View Post

Go for it man, plenty of how to's on line.

Yeah, I know, and they make it look so easy, too. My DIY interest in this part of the build has grown considerably since last November, but...in all honesty...I'm worried that I'll screw it up. Then, all of my psycho OCD issues will bug the heck out of me every time I walk in the room (actually, all of the time whether, I'm in the room or not).

I can just image. "Honey, are you sure the walls look okay?" "Yes, for the millionth time, they look fine!" "Well, can't you see that bad spot right here, or there, or over there, or...where did she go?"

I am getting close to choosing this path. I haven't been pushed to the level of frustration to make that decision yet, though. A few more encounters with contractors like I've had so far will likely do it.

If I did it myself, what are the basic necessary tools?
-A 4", 10" and 12" knife?
-An inside corner knife?
-A pole sander or the link you provided above?
-Joint tape...read something about self-adhesive tape?
-Joint compound - are there two different types needed depending on which layer?
-Anything else?

Thanks
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post #90 of 415
3/26/09 at 11:52am
You would likely want an 8" 12" and a 16" knife/trowel, using consecutively wider trowels as you add layers of compound. You want to widen the seams and joints so that they blend in and their wouldn't be obvious lines.

Inside corner knifes are ok. Actually all the knifes have a certain technique that you will develop as you get more comfortable with doing mudwork. I tend to hold the various knives handles with my thumb, pinky and ring finger. Then with my index and middle finger I will apply pressure across the sufarce of the blade. This will help you have good control of the knife and help develop a consistent pattern of applying the mud.

If you don't go with one of the units that I linked too at least get yourself one of these.

http://www.thehardwarecity.com/?sku=4438024
OR
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...a%3DN%26um%3D1
I had gotten one like in the second link years ago when options were minimal and added a pole to it with a swivel attachment and duct tape.

You can see that it is an accessory which attaches to a shopvac with a bag which will tremendously cut down on the dust which will get airborne and infiltrate your home.

I like fiberglass mesh tape which is typically self adhesive.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...%3Den%26um%3D1

Only one type of joint compound for you to use. There is 2 different types, one which lighter and seems to be more airy. Another which seems to more dense and wet. Which ever you start with would be the one to continue with.

The light weight one

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...%3Den%26um%3D1

The more dense one
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...%3Den%26um%3D1

I would say to go with the lightweight stuff. Good luck if you decide to go for it, and I highly recommend one of the sanders I linked to above, it will make sanding 100 times easier.
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