The Wolverine Den

[DubyadDubya14]

I've been following the site for a few weeks now, and I finally have some tax money to play with. Then my furnace went out last week and my mancave budget was slashed deeply. I am mostly looking for some advice on how I should set the main items up. The finished product will hopefully make a Buckeye fan run away in horror.
I've got some picks that I can post, but I was wondering where you guys go to draw up the 3-d layouts so I can get a better idea of the space available?

Thanks, a head of time.

[Scuba_Dave]

How big is the area ?
What do you want in there ?
I have software that I bought...I've also used floorplanner.com
Also just used tape on the floor/cardboard to get an actual idea of the layout

[Quads]

You and I are going to be good friends.
Where in the mitten do you hail from?

[DubyadDubya14]

Scuba: The basement was finished before we moved in so we have an "L shape. I'll break it into 2 quadrants for explaining purposes. The long way measures 32' x 12'. Then off the end of that is a space measuring 14' x 9'. I have an 8' pool table, a large sectional, a regular sized couch, and I plan to build a bar. The TV will be the last purchase so I can buy the largest that my budget will allow. I also plan to get some computer screens so I can put up an online scoreboard during football season. I had much higher hopes, but like everyone continues to inform me, the joy of homeownership. You think you are going to make something nice, but then all of a sudden something else breaks and drains your budget. I'll try to use floorplanner.com tonight to build a mock up of the space. Thanks.

Quads: I live just south of Flint, in the nicer burbs. I am going to try and get the basement up and running by July so I can have a stock-the-bar party for my birthday. The big unveiling will be September 3, for my first annual kick-off party for the UofM / Western game. After the game I plan on following up with the first annual kick-off cornhole tournament. From what I have read you guys seem like a good bunch to invite.

All: One of the most important pieces for my wolverine den seems to be escaping my grasp. I need to find bulk cases of OSU toilet paper. Anyone know where I could find some? I could try applying online for OSU degrees, but I think that would be too time consuming.

[2_hotty]

Download google sketch. It's free, easy to learn, and you can make some pretty awesome models with it.

[DubyadDubya14]

Alright, I had some internet problems last night so I couldn't finish the floorplan. I have created one on floorplanner.com, but I do not know how to load it. Can anyone help?

[Quads]

Take a screen shot (http://www.wikihow.com/Take-a-Screenshot-in-Microsoft-Windows) of the floor plan, crop out everything else, and post it with photobucket, or imagageshack if you have an account at either, or tinypic if you don't want an account.

[DubyadDubya14]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff510/dubyadubya14/mancave.jpg

Alright, I am still a rookie at this picture upload stuff. I am working on getting some pictures of the basement now. This is the floor plan that I am working with. The pool table and couches are required items, and I would like to add a bar. The walls are pretty permanent as well, since my budget is very low. All ideas are welcome.

[Quads]

Add your bar / poker table in the area below the white couch.

[DubyadDubya14]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff510/dubyadubya14/DSC00729.jpg
http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff510/dubyadubya14/DSC00731.jpg
http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff510/dubyadubya14/DSC00732.jpg
http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff510/dubyadubya14/DSC00735.jpg
http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff510/dubyadubya14/DSC00733.jpg

Here are the pictures of what I am currently working with. No, I am not going to paint 1, 2, and 3 on the doors and put prizes behind them. Any other ideas of how I can setup my basement would be appreciated. The water problem in the bottom of the one closet has been solved. That is one of the reasons I needed a new furnace.
Thanks

[Scuba_Dave]

I almost like the 3 doors :mrgreen:
I have a long storage area I need to redo
But think I will go with sliding doors

Are you staying with that TV ?
Take a look at some of the projector setups people have done here with 10-12' screens :eek:

[DubyadDubya14]

I almost like the 3 doors :mrgreen:
I have a long storage area I need to redo
But think I will go with sliding doors

Are you staying with that TV ?
Take a look at some of the projector setups people have done here with 10-12' screens :eek:

This basement was finished by the previous owners. I think the guy liked collecting doors, and then one day his wife told him to get rid of them. Instead of getting rid of them him he decided to use them all!

As for the TV, both of the tv's are just spares. I plan on buying the TV last so I can buy the biggest one possible. A huge projector would be nice, but I don't know if I can pull that off with the ceiling being drywalled, and no means to feed cable through it.

[Crawland]

I would knock out those three doors and bulk around the ducts. Seems like a waste of space when you already have about half the basement available for storage.

On second thought, If you're open to knocking down some walls, I would open up that huge storage area and that small work room as much as possible.

[DubyadDubya14]

I would knock out those three doors and bulk around the ducts. Seems like a waste of space when you already have about half the basement available for storage.

On second thought, If you're open to knocking down some walls, I would open up that huge storage area and that small work room as much as possible.

I would be open to knocking down walls if I had a larger budget. The bottom of two of the three doors have some water damage, so I was planning on taking them out and still trying to figure out how I can make it look less like a game show. The other walls can not come down.

[IFLOPPEDITSUCKER]

Were the previous owners Crockett & Tubbs? Those colors look straight outta Miami Vice. Nice setup though, highly recommend the projector. Well worth the $$$ to feed the cable and have your whole wall as a screen. I'm about to post some more pics of mine now.

[DubyadDubya14]

I need some suggestions for good projectors and a guesstimate of the price they are going to cost me. Also, how much is the paint for the wall? Working on budget and I might have to make room for a projector.

[Wedge Rock]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff510/dubyadubya14/DSC00731.jpg

I'll take what's behind Door #3...

http://davebunnell.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/lets-make-a-deal-doors.jpg

[DubyadDubya14]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff510/dubyadubya14/DSC00733.jpg



Should have taken door number one with the golf clubs. You win some handmade Michigan Fleece blankets instead.

[IFLOPPEDITSUCKER]

I need some suggestions for good projectors and a guesstimate of the price they are going to cost me. Also, how much is the paint for the wall? Working on budget and I might have to make room for a projector.

Not sure what your budget is but search Epson 8350 on this forum. Highly recommend

[Wedge Rock]

Should have taken door number one with the golf clubs. You win some handmade Michigan Fleece blankets instead.

I really had my eye on the stolen pallet behind door #2.

[DubyadDubya14]

Door number 3 had a pallet behind it, but it was removed when I first noticed the water problem.

[DubyadDubya14]

Not sure what your budget is but search Epson 8350 on this forum. Highly recommend

Pre furnace replacement that would have been perfect. Post furnace replacement, that is out of my budget by about $500. Is there something around $700 that someone could recommend?

[IFLOPPEDITSUCKER]

Pre furnace replacement that would have been perfect. Post furnace replacement, that is out of my budget by about $500. Is there something around $700 that someone could recommend?

you'd be limited to the 720P projectors. There's a couple for under a thousand new. Otherwise you can try the Craigslist or just save up. I can go from 50" to 150" on my wall.
Finally man cave time... Updates pics and Epson 8350 screen shot. - The Perfect Man Cave (http://perfectmancave.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25306&highlight=basement)
What has 2 thumbs and 140of mangasm? Non-T pics updated post #23 - The Perfect Man Cave (http://perfectmancave.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27153&highlight=basement)

[DubyadDubya14]

Okay, newegg has an Epson 705HD on sale for $600, so my question is there a huge difference between 1080p and 720p when you go with a projector? I know that the naked eye can barely tell on 40" tv's, but I would imagine it has a much larger effect on a much larger screen. Your thoughts?

[IFLOPPEDITSUCKER]

The big difference will be in blu-rays and video games. Broadcast TV isn't sent in 1080P, but 1080i. I'd save up a bit, and get a 1080P

[Quads]

Okay, newegg has an Epson 705HD on sale for $600, so my question is there a huge difference between 1080p and 720p when you go with a projector? I know that the naked eye can barely tell on 40" tv's, but I would imagine it has a much larger effect on a much larger screen. Your thoughts?

While I don't own a projector, I do feel that I understand technology enough in saying yes. With a projector, properly set up, you will see a noticeable difference in 720p to 1080p

You'll notice it at 47". You're be sure to see it at 80 or 90 or however big you project the image.

[DubyadDubya14]

Alright, I broke down and bought a projector. While the Epson was very enticing, the price was scaring the shit out of me because I would have to trade the kegerator in for it. I broke down and bought the following projector from newegg:

Newegg.com - OPTOMA GT700 WXGA 1280x800 2300 ANSI Lumens 3D Compatible Game Time DLP Projector (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824219089)

I got DirecTV coming Friday to install the new FREE HD DVR in the basement. Thanks for the heads up Charlutz about the free upgrades.

Now I have to figure out how to wire my shit without completely destroying the basement with holes. I plan on getting a receiver to run everything into, then running HDMI up to the projector. Other than Electricity and HDMI is there anything else I would need directly next to the projector? BTW, all cables and wall plates will be bought from monoprice. I have already discovered the glory that is 10% the price of cables at the Big Boxes!

I am trying to figure out the speaker situation, in wall is preferred but then I would have to run more wires. This may result in wireless.

Once again, any thoughts are appreciated.

[Dennis]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff510/dubyadubya14/DSC00731.jpg

I would tear out that entire three door wall and frame in the back bar in that closet area. Closing in the ductwork would be a minor concern...

[DubyadDubya14]

I would tear out that entire three door wall and frame in the back bar in that closet area. Closing in the ductwork would be a minor concern...

Probably what I am going to do for the most part. I think I am leaving the last door on the right so I have access to the furnace from the other side. Then I will leave a small hallway so I can get to plumbing and possibly future audio video behind the bar. I was also thinking that I would place a full size fridge into the wall on the far left side since the duct work moves up a little at that point.

[IFLOPPEDITSUCKER]

To run your electrical, you don't actually need to install a new outlet, you can run a slave outlet. Monoprice has them here: For only $43.69 each when QTY 50+ purchased - Recessed Pro Power Kit w/Straight Blade Inlet White | Recessed Low Voltage Cable Wall Plates (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=105&cp_id=10425&cs_id=1042505&p_id=4652&seq=1&format=2)

[Scuba_Dave]

To run your electrical, you don't actually need to install a new outlet, you can run a slave outlet. Monoprice has them here: For only $43.69 each when QTY 50+ purchased - Recessed Pro Power Kit w/Straight Blade Inlet White | Recessed Low Voltage Cable Wall Plates (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=105&cp_id=10425&cs_id=1042505&p_id=4652&seq=1&format=2)


If the wire is going to be inside the wall you need to run reg electric wire to meet code
You can't run an extension cord or that plug wire thru the wall
Not a huge problem, but if your work is going to be inspected they might make you redo that
Low voltage is OK thru the wall, 120v+ is not

[IFLOPPEDITSUCKER]

If the wire is going to be inside the wall you need to run reg electric wire to meet code
You can't run an extension cord or that plug wire thru the wall
Not a huge problem, but if your work is going to be inspected they might make you redo that
Low voltage is OK thru the wall, 120v+ is not

If it's rated cord, you can. This isn't just running an extension cord.

[Quads]

Through the wall is one thing. Through drop ceiling is another.

[Wedge Rock]

What is this "inspection" of which you speak?

[DubyadDubya14]

What is this "inspection" of which you speak?

I agree, you are starting to sound like my buddy. Inspections equal permits, permits equal money, more money for permits equals less money for kegerator, no kegerator equals warm beer, and warm beer leads to the dark side!

We tore up the old glue on tile floor as well as the baseboards today. I was hoping to not have to replace the baseboards until I found out they SCREWED the damn things in! I still got quite a mess, but I'll try to get a picture or two. My new projector comes tomorrow, so I am going to fiddle with that on a few walls to try and see where I am going to put that. It all depends on where I have room for seating. I then plan on grinding the floor down later this week, so we can get the enamel floor down. I am kinda running on my buddy's schedule for that since he puts that stuff down for a living.
My wife is starting to push me to get it all done before our annual Kentucky Derby party. It might be close. Did anyone else have trouble sleeping when they started their mancave? I have so many damn ideas running through my head that I can't get to sleep. I guess I am off to stare at the ceiling for an hour or so.

[Wedge Rock]

Kentucky Derby party you say?

[Slev]

I agree, you are starting to sound like my buddy. Inspections equal permits, permits equal money, more money for permits equals less money for kegerator, no kegerator equals warm beer, and warm beer leads to the dark side!

Permits are the city's way to increase taxes and give fucktards a reason to come in and "inspect" your home. As long as you don't have douche's for neighbors who will report you, do everything yourself (correctly of course).

[BrianBradford]

fucktards

^^^^ This.

[DubyadDubya14]

Wedge: Yes, our second annual Kentucky Derby party. My wife likes horses and I like to gamble. It's a perfect match. Mix up some mint Julips, make some friendly wagers with my buddy's, and watch some horses destined to be in the glue factory by this time next week. It's a pretty good time.

Slev: My buddy works in construction so he knows how to do stuff right, and if he doesn't he knows who to call.

Update: All the ugly green tiles are up! Got half the floor grinded down and ready for the epoxy coat. The projector is in, but too busy working on the floor to hook it up. I hope to have pictures later tonight. I am still fighting about plans with my bar. I pose a question to all that have built a nice big bar that people can sit at. How often does anyone sit at that bar? If my guests can watch the game on the bigscreen by sitting on the couch, then I don't see the bar getting much use. Therefor a smaller bar that just holds everything and gives a platfrom for mixing seems to be the best idea. What are your guys thoughts?

[BrianBradford]

I myself like a small bar with just a couple seats so that if your playing bartender, and a friend or 2 walks up, they can sit temporarily until you finish making the drink. Then, they can go sit down on the couch or chairs. So my answer is small bar just for mixing drinks with a couple temp seats.

[Tizzel]

Looks like it's gonna be a sweet setup. Very similar to my basement which I am currently gutting out.
How high are the ceilings? Drop ceiling could be an option for wires (more $$$ though)

[DubyadDubya14]

http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff510/dubyadubya14/DSC00736.jpg
Basement is cleaned out and the floor is done! The bastards before me screwed the damn trim down, so now I have more drywall work than I expected.
http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff510/dubyadubya14/DSC00737.jpg
New block windows with airvents so it doesn't get too uncomfortable on chili nights.
http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff510/dubyadubya14/DSC00738.jpg
The gameshow wall is gone. The opening will be a closed in a bar that I can reach through the remaining closet door.
http://i1239.photobucket.com/albums/ff510/dubyadubya14/DSC00739.jpg
Floor turned out great! I would have liked to tint the base white into a yellow, but in our trials we just couldn't get the mix from looking like ivory. Now it's time to run some cables and a new circuit for all the electronics. I was starting up the projector and my buddy tried hitting the lights and DARKNESS. We popped the breaker. hopefully I can get that finished by next weekend, so we can start painting. The Derby is fast approaching.

[Wedge Rock]

Nice start.