Shop Suggestions

[lowcountrygamecock]

This site has already been a huge help making decisions on the shop we're about to build. Here's what I'm looking at. Overall sixe 50 x 36 with 11 feet of it being open shed on the left side and the rest being closed in. We're going to be using it for boat storage, yard tools/mower and small wood working projects. I'm not a car guy so no lifts or anything like that. Here's my question and yes it's vague but I'm sure I'll get some ideas I haven't thought off yet. What kind of things do I need in the shop that I will regret if I don't?
I'm looking at putting an air compressor outside under the covered shed in a closet with lines running inside to various points around the shop with valves. I definitely need some suggestions and how to so I can make that happen.
Outside of that I'm open to any and all ideas. Right now I have a 10x12 and it's not big enough for any of this fun stuff.

Thanks everybody

 

[HookWorse]

So...when you say open shed, do you mean open to the elements, like no door? Depending on where you live, an air compressor in an unheated area might be a problem in the winter.

 

[lowcountrygamecock]

I'm in the south so I don't think that would be too much of a problem. How cold is too cold? It rarely gets In the teens here and when it does its not for long.

 

[bazzateer]

Lots of power sockets and more light than you think you'll need. You can always turn some lights off but you can't turn on a light that's not there!

 

[HookWorse]

I'm in the south so I don't think that would be too much of a problem. How cold is too cold? It rarely gets In the teens here and when it does its not for long.

A friend of mine has his compressor in the unheated protion of his building. When it gets much below freezing, the oil in the compressor is thick enough it won't start.

You could run air line around the walls of the shop on the outside of the sheetrock/plywood/steel...whatever you use, and put couplers periodically. There are threads concerning the best ways to do that. Do a little searching.

 

[wssix99]

Are you going to service your boat(s) in the shop? If so, I'd suggest making sure you have a floor drain and provisions to run water lines to the engine for winterizing, etc. You also may want to put in a crane/hoist to lift heavy items up in to the boat safely while its on the trailer.

Also, if you haven't done concrete yet you may want to put tie-downs in the slab so you can lock the trailer to your slab and discourage someone from towing your boat away. I plan to install some of these used for aircraft: http://www.pacificmarine.net/airtiedown.htm

 

[tatra]

since you mention wood, what do you plan for dust control?.............

 

[Steve in Mi]

How cold is too cold?

My IR manual states that below 32 degrees is a no no.

 

[larry_g]

If you look at my building linked below youcan see I'm not a fan of to many doors. If you are goingto have a wood working area consider that you may not need a OH door to that area. I do metal work and so I wanted a clean area to do it in and made a room for that. For you the idea may be the same but to control the sawdust and keep it from the other items in the building.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[DanCo]

Make it a point to have some 220v outlets in various location for a nice welder, this way you are not isolated to weld in one particular spot. And think about what security you are going to incorporate into your build for your vechicles, and your tools.

 

[jdaallen]

A friend of mine has his compressor in the unheated protion of his building. When it gets much below freezing, the oil in the compressor is thick enough it won't start. You could run air line around the walls of the shop on the outside of the sheetrock/plywood/steel...whatever you use, and put couplers periodically. There are threads concerning the best ways to do that. Do a little searching.

Change the oil in the compressor. We've had a 5HP compressor out side for 15 years now with no troubles yet. We see below zero temps regularly in Denver.

 

[jdaallen]

Put some electrical outlets in the ceiling also. At least one for each bay. You'll be suprised how handy they will be.

 

[lowcountrygamecock]

I love all the ideas here. That's exactly what I was asking for. Here's my preliminary floor plan. Nothing set in stone yet so fire away with ideas or criticism. We're planning on putting in trusses that will allow for a small room upstairs so I'll need some stairs. Probably go along the north east corner and turn so they land at the middle of the east side of the room.
The garage door on the south side will be a 12 high x 14 wide. The garage door on the right side will be a 9 x 9.
Any thoughts?

 

[larry_g]

Couple question on the trusses and upstairs; do you plan to have a room run the length of the enclosed shop area and will the bottom cords of the trusses clear the door heights you are stating? You may have this figured but it is something you need to know. I like the way you have the layout as it seems to fit your stated needs.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[David79z28]

I have 4 electrical outlets every 10' and it has been the best thing I did!!! I had a 220 outlet put in even though I didn't need it at the time.

I wish I had put a drain in the center of the building.

Also, build it bigger than you think you will need!! I when 300 sq over what I thought I needed. That is the only free space I have now!!!