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What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday.

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JohnDeere2Cylinder

10-19-2002 18:24:59




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A good workshop. How should I start? A concrete slab with 2 x 6 stud walls? Or a pole building finished inside? I saw a workshop that had short chains inbedded in the concrete near the front of the workshop so that a hoist could be hooked to the chains for dragging in a dead tractor or machine or used to straighten a frame or anchoring something. What other features should I consider? What kind of heat? I don't want too high a sidewalls so that I can't fix a big combine or tractor with a cab and I don't want to heat extra cubic footage. Is a 9 foot sidewall enough?
Would kitchen cabinets from a cheap store work to support a workbench to hide special tools? Is it better to hand tools on the wall or place them in a fancy red Snap-On toolbox? Thanks in advance for all of your ideas.

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G-MAN

10-21-2002 10:37:26




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
The one thing I would absolutely recommend is some type of overhead hoist, preferrably electric.
Whether it be a swinging jib hoist, rolling A-frame or full-on overhead bridge hoist on rails supported by the rafters, a good hoist is a life and back saver. Obviously some types are going to be way more expensive than others, but you should be able to build a good, strong A-frame type for a relatively small amount of money. You could also use a regular chain hoist until funds are sufficient for an electric unit, but an electric unit is a definite bonus when you need to guide someting with one hand and lower with the other, and also for avoiding having the chain everywhere but where you need it.

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T. Taylor

10-21-2002 12:56:56




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 Re: Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to G-MAN, 10-21-2002 10:37:26  
I agree totally with G-MAN on the need for a hoist. I have a jib crane with a 25' boom and 1 ton electric hoist in the area where we weld and work on tractors. Invaluable. I also have a 36' crane that pivots on a post, the free arm rolls on forklift tires for heavy work. The down side of cranes is the additional overhead space needed for them to operate.
Some other features that I would recommend, Lots of insulation. WHITE steel siding on the inside: we roll our tools outside and wash ours each fall, it is amazing how much brighter it is afterwards. Floor tie-downs: I made ours from a piece of 4" square tubing with a disk axle welded on each axis for additional strength. A 3 1/2" cap is at the floor level,welded to the chain that is anchored from the bottom. Heavy welding table: We have a table made from a piece of 2" steel 4'X6' with a section of 1X2 bar grates for cutting. It seem to be indestructable.
Work table: We found a RR bagage cart and added a 4X8 sheet of 1/4" steel at work level. It is handy to roll to the work area. Air conditioned parts room: Keeps parts clean and fresh longer.

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G-MAN

10-21-2002 13:34:00




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 Re: Re: Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to T. Taylor, 10-21-2002 12:56:56  
The air-conditioned parts area is a good idea. My dream shop would also contain an air-conditioned and heated "clean room" with double doors wide enought to roll in engine stands, transmissions and the like for final assembly. If a guy knew he were going to spend the entire day assembling an engine, transmission and so on, it would be much more economical to heat or cool a small, separate area of the shop than the whole thing. It would also prevent a lot of dirt and contamination of parts you want to keep clean.

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Ty

10-21-2002 06:27:54




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
My shop is 20x20x50. 14x14 roll up door. Nice size heated w/ wood furnace. Ribbed steel inside and out w/ insulation for a clean look. Smooth concrete floor that looks like marble. Old kitchen cabinets and counters for stuff. Surround sound with AM/FM radio and 5 disc CD player, a fridge.(beer soda etc. and swimsuit calanders.) Bright lights I have holagen but there yellowish. I've been thinking of using white mercury vapor yard lights. I think I would need to many flourescent lights for my picky needs. White bright light by far is the way to go. Also I was going to put indus. ceiling fans to bring down hot furnace air from the ceiling to the floor. Floor heat would also be great. Then the fans will also help in the summer. Lockable service door or house door and have no windows or good insulated windows that lock. Lots of bench space and I use nails for wrenches lable them and put all in order and all the sockets I have a board with them hang on nails and label them in order. That is handy for me. To much to list lots of ideas from everyone.

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cheg

10-20-2002 18:26:44




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
My shop has a sloped floor and a good drain. Every couple weeks, I scrub the concrete floor with a push broom and soap. The cleaner my shop floor, the cleaner the kids shoes and carpeting in our house. I also don't worry about snow and ice melting off vehicles in the winter.



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Stuart in ON

10-20-2002 17:14:00




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
My Dad built a shop 10 years ago that incorporated a passive Solar Wall in the south facing side. This wall keeps the shop warm enough to work in comfortably even on January Days. He also put in a Franklin Stove for evenings and cloudy days. The solar wall also keeps the shop dry.

It consists of 2x8 insulated wall with flat black corrugated steel on the outside and vapour barrier and drywall on the inside. Above the base plate, there is a 16" gap and at the top of the wall there is a 12 inch gap with just the studs showing. Outside of the wall we strapped 2x2s over the corrugated steel and then topped the strapping with translucent fibreglass. Natural convection caused by the hot black steel causes cool air to be sucked in the bottom gap and expelled through the top gap. In order to prevent this process from reversing at night a piece of plastic sheet (Fairly heavy) is stapled at the top of the top gap. In the daytime, the warm air blows the bottom of the sheet out and at night when the convection process tries to reverse, the plastic is sucked in preventing reverse air flow.

Also, we put 2" of blue styrofoam under the concrete floor to keep it warm.

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Lary

10-20-2002 14:29:34




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
If you plan to fabricate stuff, be sure to leave room for a large welding table. Ours is 4ft by8ft and one half ihch thick, we ground thr welder to it as well as weld clamps and braces to it, when a job is done just hand grind the table smooth, real handy



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Lary

10-20-2002 14:28:44




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
If you plan to fabricate stuff, be sure to leave room for a large welding table. Ours is 4ft by8ft and one half ihch thick, we ground thr welder to it as well as weld clamps and braces to it, when a job is done just hand grind the table smooth, real handy



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OCB

10-20-2002 11:07:05




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
I drove the area looking at different types. One thing I observed was items setting out side under a tarp. Campers were often setting out, even through I do not have camper, my pole barn has a 14 foot door. This tall door really helps with cross ventalation. I also build within the barn a air conditioned (Heat & Cooled) area with 10 foot door. This keeps tools from rusting here in Mid-West and allows comfort whether working little items or a car while watching the race or news. DO DOUBLE THE SIZE.

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John Ne.

10-20-2002 08:51:07




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
A lot is gonna depnd on what you plan to work on, and what you might find yourself working on the future. Cars and trucks, big trucks, tractors, or combines and other big stuff. You're right to think about building big enough but then its gotta be heated. Heat in the floor is wonderful, if you're gonna be working in there eight ten hours a day, but it takes a bit for it to warm up and if you want instant heat for an evenings work, then a hanging gas furnace might do you better. Have also seen 4x4 angle iron set in the floor, flat side flush with the concrete, so when fabricating, things can be tack welded to it to hold them square. The guys have put in some good stuff, I'd start keeping a notebook and as you go look at buildings jot down the things you like a lot. When you're ready you'll have 150 ideas that will make your shop better and more workable. John in Nebr.

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Jim in UK

10-20-2002 07:51:14




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
One of the things that I think will be useful, is to have one stall in the shop with doors on both side of it. This way when you can tow the equipment straight in rather than trying to push or back it in. I hope to someday build a shop myself and this will be one of the things that I will want if/when I can afford it.



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Leroy

10-20-2002 06:22:15




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
One thing I would want is a work pit that could be driven over with the car, tractor combine so that I could stand up and work on the bottom side, also with a cover to make a flat floor when not in use, Like the garages used to have before the hydrolic hoists.



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Wayne in Tn.

10-20-2002 06:19:06




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
I built my shop 30 years ago, to work on muscle cars and 4x4 trucks. Two things I did that I am proud of in my old age now: One: is that I put concrete blocks, 3 high, on my slab, then used standard 2x4 studs,on top of the blocks, for the sidewalls, this gives a 10 ft. ceiling and no worry about wood rot next to the floor. Two: I put a 4 inch I-beam, next to the ceiling, down the center of the building and extending up to the front roll-up door. This has been of great value, after I have got too old to lift heavy stuff. I have 2 trolleys that roll the length of the beam. One has a come-a-long hanging on it, the other has a small electric winch on it. I can lift engines, final drives, trans. or the whole front of a tractor with this. Also this is the perfect way to break the Dubuques in half and roll them apart. I can break a 40 thru. 430 in half,install new clutch, ect. and have it back running in less than one day.

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BMeyer

10-20-2002 08:30:56




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 Re: Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to Wayne in Tn., 10-20-2002 06:19:06  
Wayne....The 4" I-Beam running down the middle of your shop to the roll up door. How long is the I-Beam? Do you have a support from the beam down to the floor?

I've drawn up plans for a 24X36' garage with three 9(W)X8'(H) doors. I want to put an I-Beam across the 24' span to be centered over one of the garage doors. Is that to long a span for a 4" beam?

Thanks Wayne,
BMeyer



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Wayne in Tn. To Mr. Meyer

10-20-2002 09:51:02




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 Re: Re: Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to BMeyer, 10-20-2002 08:30:56  
My shop is 24ft. wide and 30ft. long or deep. The beam runs the 30ft. length with no supports to the floor. I built the shop with 6 inch ceiling joists and 6 inch rafters with LOTS of bracing. The joists are on 16 inch centers. I welded a 1/4 thick plate, every 16 inches on top of the I-beam. Standing vertical, with a hole drilled in them. Then bolted the I-beam through every joist. That way, it is supported every 16 inches. It's been up there 30 years and I have picked up the whole back end of cars,while pulling out rear ends, pulled big block Chevy engines, tractors, everything, and no problems.

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BMeyer

10-20-2002 17:37:30




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to Wayne in Tn. To Mr. Meyer, 10-20-2002 09:51:02  
My trusses will run the 24' depth which is the same direction I wanted to put the I-Beam. I'm thinking that's a long way for a beam to support itself without help in the middle.

Not sure what my best route will be, but I sure appreciate your comeback Wayne and FIT.



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Wayne- to Mr Meyer

10-20-2002 18:40:42




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to BMeyer, 10-20-2002 17:37:30  
Yes, a 4inch I-beam 24ft. long would need more than just support at each end, maybe you could design the shop to where the joists run crosswise from the way you want the beam. Or you could use an 8 inch industrial type beam (heavy) and it would stand 24 ft. without support in the center.



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F-I-T

10-20-2002 08:57:20




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 Re: Re: Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to BMeyer, 10-20-2002 08:30:56  
BMeyer:

One thing I saw in a shop years ago, was a beam that ran a long span (the length of a shop). The beam would not support much load in the center by itself, so in order to allow the beam to have greater capacity, this fella had two tripod-like frames built that he would roll down the beam to within about 15 feet or so either side of the load (depending on the load size. These jack posts would hold the beam up, and allow the beam to carry a whole lot more. If the load was near one wall end he would use just one support. By locking the wheels and putting a post or beam between the stands, you could use them as a free-standing hoist arrangement elsewhere in the shop.

I always thought I would incorporate something like that, I'm just not sure how much weight rating I'd have to build it for. But it would let you get by with a lot lighter beam than one built to span 30'-40' and still carry 5 ton or so in the center.


Frank-in-Tallahassee
70D // 855

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HMan

10-20-2002 06:10:05




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
My $.02. Start with a good compressor. Plumb around around your walls with rigid pipe and lots of quick airline couplings, then you can use short hoses at the work area. Lots of electrical plugs, you don't want to trip over extension cords. You can,t have too much light. White walls, use pegboard if you can get it. Lots of shelving. I'm lucky, I'm a machinist/tool and die maker for a company that makes store fixtures,we punch our own pegboard and make many different styles of shelving. If you have the room, have a different area for welding,grinding, sandblasting cabinet and other dusty jobs. I use one of those double wide roll around tool cabinets,with no top box. With no top box you have a table and toolbox,just roll it where you need it,saves lots of steps. I like the one leg,jib type hoist. If you go with the jib type, you can mount the large pipe in your concrete when you pour. Make sure it's where you want it 'cause that's where it will stay. I live in "The Heart of Dixie" so heat is not a big deal with me. I use one of those kerosene,forced air heaters when I need to "knock the chill off". I have the use of a well equiped machine shop, however I would still like to have my own Bridgeport mill and lathe in my shop. At this stage, the best advise is what you're already doing, plan ahead! Good luck, HMan

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Gene Davis

10-19-2002 20:12:42




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
I set a 4"pipe in the concrete to mount my welding/vise table on and used 1/2" plate to make the top and put a piece of 1/4"x3x4" angle down to the floor with a foot pad on it,anchored with 1/2" concrete anchor bolts into the floor, and you can hammer away,pull or what ever and you don't have to chase the table or vise around to work with it!! Used 1/2" plywood to cover the walls painted white to reflect more light for better visibility also keeps from tearing up the very important insulation. Gene

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Gene Davis

10-19-2002 20:00:30




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
I set a 4"pipe in the concrete to mount my welding/vise table on and used 1/2" plate to make the top and put a piece of 1/4"x3x4" angle down to the floor with a foot pad on it,anchored with 1/2" concrete anchor bolts into the floor, and you can hammer away,pull or what ever and you don't have to chase the table or vise around to work with it!! Used 1/2" plywood to cover the walls painted white to reflect more light for better visibility also keeps from tearing up the very important insulation. Gene

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CJDAve

10-19-2002 19:54:53




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
Funny that you should ask.....we are in the process of converting a building into a shop. We have a 14 X 32 lean-to type of shed that is very tight, has 9' sliding doors on the ends and a concrete floor. We will have sort of an offset cathedral-type ceiling and we plan to insulate the walls to 6" and the ceiling even more. The building is attached to a double-crib and we are sawing out an opening to gain access to the row of grain storage rooms. THIS TIME I am taking a little different approach, and we are restricting the 14 X 32 working floor to just working. No tool storage or parts storage in there except a 12' workbench, the floor drill press, pedestal grinders, that sort of thing, and a tool box of "expendable" tools on the workbench for easy access. THE REST of the good stuff will be rolled into a tool room, including the wire welder and torch. We will have a 6 X 8 room for the compressor and the hydronic heater, an 8 X 8 room just for parts, and an 8 X 10 tool and fixtures room. The building already has a concrete floor which is unsuitable, but the foundation is about ten inches higher than the floor so we are going to pour a new floor on top of what is there now and it will be an additional 6" thick with hot water piping in it. We cannot work on a combine since the doorways are only about 7" high, only autos and tractors. The 14' width is nice for fabrication, and that's the main thing.

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Center floor drain

10-19-2002 19:07:11




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 Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to JohnDeere2Cylinder, 10-19-2002 18:24:59  
And the very best heat in the world: radiant hydronic floor heat.



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jd730

10-20-2002 06:52:04




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 Re: Re: What unique features should a good workshop have? I am going to build one someday. in reply to Center floor drain, 10-19-2002 19:07:11  
Make it twice as big as you think you need.



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