Installing exhaust fan in the shop question.

[Roguehk]

How do you keep the rain,heat and cold out? I have a small work shop about 10x12 and I have machine tools in it. I need to keep the humidity,rain,snow,cold,heat out.

I also need to be able to vent nasty fumes coming off my lathe or mill

thanks!

 

[Gotcha640]

Attic gable fans go behind louvers that are hinged at the top, so they swing open when the fan comes on (thermostat).

The shop I worked in had exhaust fans that opened on to a covered yard, so no worries there. If you have steep or long enough louvers, or put a roof over the opening, you'd keep the rain out.

Not sure on the climate control. I imagine you have to size the system to account for an opening, if you don't plan to keep it covered when not in use.

 

[Stuart in MN]

You can get insulated and motorized dampers for exhaust fans, any decent HVAC supply house should be able to help you there. Remember that you also need a source of intake air to go with an exhaust fan, so it's typical to have a second air intake damper interlocked with the exhaust fan.

 

[icenfire01]

Ive been thinking about doing this as well. Cant you just exhaust into the attic. Its not gonna be high humidly so moisture shouldn't be an issue like in a bath room.

 

[fourjeepin]

I have an HVAC blower that I plan to do this with for my shop. The last couple of weeks I've been using two fans (both about 30" away) and it's still warm. I plan to stick a filter in front of it so that I don't **** dust and such I into the attic.

 

[Steroblan]

High capacity roof mounted exhaust fans have an aluminum dome that covers the fan to prevent rain, debris and such from entering. The louvre type are generally wall mounts that exhaust either into a high zone or protected area.Depending on where you live, they can be an entry point for thieves.

 

[matt_i]

I also need to be able to vent nasty fumes coming off my lathe or mill

I would eliminate whatever you are putting on the workpieces to cause the nasty fumes. Metal turning & milling by itself doesn't put nasty stuff (dust?) into the air...just metal chips & strings which are way heavier than the air. Now if you slather the workpiece up with coolant or oil and then generate enough heat to make it boil or offgas, then I would switch or eliminate this product. Keep speeds low and you can machine dry and preserve your expensive edge tooling.

 

[Cyberbear]

Years ago I purchased a 36" exhaust fan from Graingers, installed it in the roof and built a wooden cupola around it to keep out the weather. The cupola had wooden fixed louvers and worked well to remove any unwanted fumes or dust. I used the fan in my small woodworking business and it really cleared out the dust in seconds when needed.

 

[KCarGuy]

I installed screw-in studs on all 4 corners of one of the Garage windows.
(the type that have a wood screw thread on one end and a Machine thread on the other)

Then install a Plywood Board that fits over that.
There is a cutout where the sliding window is (right side)
and a Squirrel Cage Fan is mounted to the that
I extended the top and sides of the Fan exhaust...To keep rain out.
A Plywood Box surrounds the entire Fan (with clearance of course)
And I can "slide" a Filter over the front, or "slide" a Plywood Door in place to close it off.
(No Heat loss or cold coming in during its Idle stage.

This entire unit can be unplugged and remove 4 wingnuts (and washers), to remove when not needed.
Simple, Clean, and Works Great.

 

[Keel]

depending what type of shop, you'll want an explosion proof fan