Help Me design the ultimate shop

[danmcph]

My wife gave me the green light to build my shop since we just finished building her quilting studio. I don't lack for space, we live on 10 acres. Realistically I wouldn't like to go bigger than 30X60. I don't have to worry about storing non-shop related **** like Christmas decorations in it so it is dedicated to shop only.

I don't like woodworking (you can't weld the board back together if you screw it up) and I do some automotive. I weld/fab in my shop and maybe, and its a big maybe, I would do some machining in the future. I am a hobbyist and this isn't for my lively hood.

I can't get 3 phase at my shop, limited to single phase only. I could use converters if needed. I currently have a MM211, 110/220 plasma/ Ellis 9400 drill press, Ellis bandsaw, Ellis belt grinder and Quincy 22 CFM air compressor. Those are the tools I have currently. I do need to be able to park 2 vehicles in it so I was thinking of having either the shop fab area towards the back and vehicles by the door or doors on both ends. I live in Idaho so it will be insulated. No preference on framed, steel etc so I would love your input on that.

I like to do stuff right when I do it and not cheap out if possible.

I have thought of installing an overhead crane, having air routed around the shop etc. What you you include, plan for, do if you were starting from scratch, had a pretty healthy budget (for me it seems healthy) and wanted to have the ideal set up with flexibility to add additional capability in the future?

I am young (37) and plan to live in this house until I die so I want to do it right but not spend money I don't have too.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Modern Jess]

For flexibility of electric, I really like the Wiremold4000 series conduit on the wall. I am afraid to commit to the permanent placement of anything, and the wiremold system gives me the freedom to rewire without ripping open the walls. You can see some examples in my workshop thread.

 

[Modern Jess]

The very best crane system I've seen is a bridge crane, with the supports against either wall. It lets you pick up and set down just about anything in any spot in the shop.

Example: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=24751&postcount=37

 

[Modern Jess]

Do you have any height restrictions? High ceilings are nice (up to a point) but attic or loft storage is even nicer. I know you don't need to store household stuff, but can you see yourself needing to store parts associated with various projects?

I happen to think you can never have enough storage.

 

[ZRX61]

Well first of, you need to stop with this 30x60 nonsense & go 60x90..

 

[sberry]

I agree about the size, even 40x60 is so much better.

 

[roofster]

I would say read allot here and especially the Garage Gallery. Would you like a lift in the future? Other possibilities are urinal/rest room or office space. Could you decide to restore a vehicle in 10 years or get new hobbies? I have found hobbies change over time.

Ask yourself what type of floor ( tile, epoxy, racedeck etc) and heat you want and if it all needs to be heated. Do you want Wi-fi or ethernet, security system, 100 amps or more, drains and other plumbing. Those are easiest to do when you build vs. update later.

If you ever see yourself getting an RV or boat, then build big enough now, if not then not a concern. If you want a pool table, bar and entertainment area, then figure that in too.

A final thought is you could always build now for what you see ahead and if plans change use more of the 10 acres. I often see multiple buildings on the farms around here.

 

[danmcph]

So here is an update.

I will build 40X60X16 instead of 30X60X16. The extra 10 feet of width makes more sense on my lot.

All garage doors will be on the 60' side
I will have a 12'X14' garage door on each side to set up a drive through bay. I will put a 2 post lift in that area.

The next area over will have a 20'X14' garage door and this will be my for my welding/fabication/large farm equipment bay.

The next area will be a 15' wide mezzanine that runs the entire 40' width of the shop. The upper level will be built out as an apartment for guests etc. The lower area will be for workbenches, toolboxes etc.

What things do I want to make sure I am including in the layout/construction etc?

I ruled out a bridge crane ($$$)
Radiant heat???
Etc.

Thanks

 

[BeachBoy]

I will build 40X60X16 instead of 40X60X16.

Hum?

 

[danmcph]

The first measurement was in feet the second was in meters

Kidding. I fixed it. It should have said 40X60X16 then 30X60X16