11-24-2010, 11:18 PM
I just checked out this thread and I certainly like what you are doing. Brackets and benchwork look great.
On the lighting, you could us toggle bolts in the sheetrock. As for finding the joists, one method is to use an icepick to start punching holes every 1.4 inches where the fixture will be. Once you find a couple, you can figure out the spacing and pretty much locate all the rest with a tape measure. When you do find the joists and mount the fixtures, the fixture will cover the ice pick holes, and you could put a little caulk in the holes if that bothers you. Now, before you start poking holes, do you know which way the joists run? That makes a difference. Another possibility is to use those drywall anchors that screw into the sheetrock - have you seen those? Very neat, and if you put two at each end of the fixture, would be plenty enough to hold them up. I'm an electrician and wouldn't hesitate to use them to hang a 1 foot by 4 foot fixture - assuming that is what you have. Same with the toggle bolts. Of course, I prefer finding the joists and using deck screws, but sometimes you just can't.
Keep up the good work, and photos!
Oh... one thing I learned from Andrew (MasonJar) - an alternative to the dimensional lumber for benchwork is to get a sheet of 3/4" plywood and rip the planks with a table saw. Stable and less prone to future warping.
On the lighting, you could us toggle bolts in the sheetrock. As for finding the joists, one method is to use an icepick to start punching holes every 1.4 inches where the fixture will be. Once you find a couple, you can figure out the spacing and pretty much locate all the rest with a tape measure. When you do find the joists and mount the fixtures, the fixture will cover the ice pick holes, and you could put a little caulk in the holes if that bothers you. Now, before you start poking holes, do you know which way the joists run? That makes a difference. Another possibility is to use those drywall anchors that screw into the sheetrock - have you seen those? Very neat, and if you put two at each end of the fixture, would be plenty enough to hold them up. I'm an electrician and wouldn't hesitate to use them to hang a 1 foot by 4 foot fixture - assuming that is what you have. Same with the toggle bolts. Of course, I prefer finding the joists and using deck screws, but sometimes you just can't.
Keep up the good work, and photos!
Oh... one thing I learned from Andrew (MasonJar) - an alternative to the dimensional lumber for benchwork is to get a sheet of 3/4" plywood and rip the planks with a table saw. Stable and less prone to future warping.
Three Foot Rule In Effect At All Times