Looking to the Future...

18 years ago

First off, let me say it isn't like I don't have a lot of tools because as one knows, you begin to acquire tools as a result of needing them to do a job.

Better yet, I have a friend who owns every tool known to mankind and is a workhorse and only charges 10 bucks an hour. I call him a little monster because he works so darn hard and fast. He built a log home for himself (it's huge!) by himself in two weeks for example... I just had my kitchen remodeled, it's stunning. The bathroom is next, then a fresh coat of paint on the inside and I have a home with a brand new roof and brand new windows all having been done withing the last two years.

I'm selling and moving to the country. My family friend and handyman told me, don't buy any greenhouse kits, "I can build you anything for half the price or less." My main purpose as is now with my Harbor Freight, is to graft Maples and Conifers and grow my own understock and also to root cuttings...which is probably not-needed information for you guys, but I'll mention it anyway.

I'm not going "gangbusters" but I'm going to have him build something probably 10 or 12 feet long by 8 feet wide by 10 feet tall or so at it's peak with side panels being 8 feet tall most-likely.

What would you guys recommend for paneling, how many vents, any other thoughts?

This may sound funny but I want this thing to "run" itself. Here in the midwest, at least with this Harbor Freight and I suppose other "sunny" winter climates having colder winters, even if the temperature is 0 F outside but sunny...I have my door wide open, my 50% density shade cloth on, fans running, exhaust fans, the whole nine yards...a mister providing continuous cool water misting...and the temperature still reaches 55 (F). Ideally, I need my temperatures at 45-50 degrees. 55 is ok though.

What are your guysis thoughts. My dimesions are negotiable as well as really I don't need the headroom as my work is mainly done at floor level or at bench level and that's it. I'm 5' 7" tall with shoes...

Thanks for your help,

Dax

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Comments (10)

conifers
Original Author
18 years ago
I won't be using misters. Everyting water-related I'll do by hand.

I forgot to mention that.

Dax
milwdave
18 years ago
WOW!!!...Look what the 'Lab' dragged in....LOL
How've ya been Dax? Did you order the 10x12?

Dave
Milwaukee
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agardenstateof_mind
18 years ago
I'm not one of the guys, actually, but my first thought (after being happy to see you're back) is to offer your friend with the Border Collie energy a summer "vacation" at the shore: We're seven minutes from the ocean beaches and an inlet from which deep-sea fishing boats depart and if I put out my oldest son (temporarily, of course), I'll have a first-floor guest room with private bath ... and I could have my project wish list complete well before Memorial Day.

Seriously, it's wonderful that you have an opportunity to move out to the country AND have a custom-built greenhouse! Don't have any practical advice to give, but it seems you did a great job in researching and adapting your HFGH - I'm sure you'll do as well with the next one. Best of luck in your new endeavor.

Diane
conifers
Original Author
18 years ago
I'm kickin' it Dave!

Co-coolin' & chillin'!!! lol

Ya know, really the new HF is all I need but I may go with some extra bells and whistles to make life easy. I have no idea what means though!

I've got this idea that I can purchase glass that changes color like the new sunglasses out nowadays. Wild, unrealistic ideas as such. Then, an automated system that opens and closes vents. I'm dreaming here of course yet still somewhat quite serious actually.

I thought I'd post this and see what suggestions spring up.

I'm glad to be back. I had a thought the other day concerning these forums and realized that there's more to this website than the conifers, shrubs, and trees forum and the greenhouse and garden structures forum. I'm expanding the horizons!

Off to find some new stuff...

Diane,

That guy deserves a vacation! Then again that's what the acreage is for and I have to tell you, I'm so glad he's not going to allow any hunting. If there's one thing other than having to view repeated clips of athletes twisting ankles and things of this nature, it's to see a furry animal shot, ran over by a car, etc; These things all disturb me immensely.

Ok.......see ya guys! And by the way, Dave, you're infamous in my Dad's dry humor...he says stuff like 'That Milwaukee Dave, if he only knew!' LOL

Later on ya'all,

Dax
milwdave
18 years ago
uh oh...what'd I start now?...LOL
conifers
Original Author
18 years ago
I think the word 'Milwaukee' gets him excited. When we're building stuff, etc. The old man says, "God Damn, If that Milwaukee Dave could see us now!" ...It cracks me up!

He's full of one liners, Dave, and a perfectionist at everything he does. He came over to my house yesterday to see the kitchen all cleaned up and noticed immediately that the screws on the electrical outlet plates weren't straight up and down, so his one liner was, 'I'll bet Bud (my next door neighbor who painted his garage chicago bears orange and blue and put rolled roofing of several different colors above and kicked in a hole for a doggy door)...'I'll bet Bud has every screw in his house perfectly up and down, what do you think, Dax?' "huh?", he quickly interjected.
Stuff like this.

Alright off topic, I apolgize guys. But truly, the man is funny.

Dax

As soon as the sun comes up, I'll post a photo of this guys garage and the doggy door. You won't believe this...and keep in mind I'm going to be selling my house!
conifers
Original Author
18 years ago
My new kitchen and the nook overlooking "Bud's" Yard and Garage. LOL ...The hole is difficult to see I now realize because he partially covered it with the street sign.

Thank god the Rhododendron is getting up there.

{{gwi:288900}}

The Nook and Window View!
{{gwi:288901}}

Bud's Artistry!
{{gwi:288902}}

And da' roof!
{{gwi:288903}}

Bud's a "scrapper." Every Spring/Summer his entire space gets loaded with scrap metal, refrigerators, aluminum doors, you name it...

His own junkyard!

Lol,

Dax
weebus
18 years ago
Hi Dax! I am so glad to see you drop by. Sounds as though you are doing GREAT!
milwdave
18 years ago
hehe.great photos, Dax. Do I see a greenhouse on 'Bud's' Place? As far as marketing, I'd...um....wait for things to 'leaf out' a bit...LOL. But the privacy fence helps..:)

The Kitchen looks great. I did the same, myself, 2 years ago...it was a mess but well worth it. But I didn't have anyone as proficient to work with. So it took me a while longer to finish.

keep in touch, buddy.

Dave
Milwaukee
conifers
Original Author
18 years ago
Hi Weebus,

Couldn't be better. A lot of excitement in the air!

Dave,

I'll be around. The old standstill GardenWeb and I are sticking together!

I'll figure this next greenhouse out. I'm going up instead of down knowledge-wise or at least I think I am (lol); Learning as I go of course...

Take care guys!

Dax

Looking to the Future...

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