Smuth's 32x40 Workshop Build (Planning Stage)

[smuth10]

I am new to GJ and have been reading posts pretty much non-stop for the past month or so. This is a great forum and seems like a great group.

I am finally moving off of my postage stamp lot on to a 1acre lot within the next couple of months and I am pre-planning my new workshop. I am a general contractor specializing in the woodworking industry and because my business has grown I really need a larger shop than my current 2 car garage. Here is a quick breakdown of my plans.

City ordinance limits the shop to 1290 sq ft based on my lot size, hence the 32x40 shop.

Troy, Mi has a 14ft height restriction on detached buildings so I am going to have to petition the zoning board as I want 8\12 pitch roof with attic trusses. I figure this will put me at 19' or so with 9' walls on the first level. Anyone run into this restriction? Any help would be much appreciated

I am planning a 2x6 stick frame construction. I will most likely hire out the footings and concrete work and do the rest myself. I am planning a full set of stairs 3' wide at one end of the garage to the attic storage. The attic storage will be half man cave and half woodworking supplies.

I am planning on two 9'w x 8'h insulated doors as I need as much usable wall space as possible for my machines. Just one 36" entry side door.

My plan is to insulate the slab with 1.5" rigid foam and vapor barrier. No in floor heat as I am not always in my shop and have a pretty good gas heater that was given to me. I know most would recommend the in floor heat but I don't think it is worth the cost\labor in my case. Open to suggestions here.

My plan is just OSB walls and ceiling on the interior with r19 bat insulation. I will probably paint the walls to help with lighting.

Items in the planning stages I am unsure about:

6" PVC for DC systems in the floor.
- I am worried about having the dust collection pipes under the concrete and getting clogs. I know most of you are car guys, but anyone that has a woodowkring shop please feel free to chime in. Also, I have read it is best to run a ground wire in the floor pipes to avoid static electricity in the underground pipe. Is this worth it? Also, I noticed the 6" pipe is really expensive. Any idea where I can get the best deal?

Lighting
I am leaning towards 4' T8 fixtures with LED bulbs. I know this will cost more up front, But I think the better light and energy saving over time will be worth it. Opinions?

Thanks in advance, Scott

 

[smuth10]

I see how it is, no love for the new guy!.

 

[VETTE FAN]

Scott,
I too am starting a shop building very much like your. 30 x 42, with 10' walls. 2x6 framing with 4" of spray foam insulation in the walls, and 12" of blown-in insulation in the ceiling. I live in Oklahoma, so no need to insulate under the slab, just a vapor barrier. I'm raising a section of the ceiling to 12' on center of one bay to allow for a 2-post lift. The other side is my wood shop. Same door configuration, with two windows facing the east, none on the west side, as the west setting sun in the summer is hard to overcome. I've toyed with the idea of a dedicated stairway to the attic, but am reluctant, as I'm afraid my wife will find it too easy to take it over for storage.
As for a ground wire in the de-dusting piping, it insurance. Cathodic protection is there to dissipate or prevent the buildup of static electricity.

Sounds like a killer shop you have planned. Best of luck, and post some pictures during the construction. I'm planning on breaking ground myself in the next month, hopefully!!!

Dave

 

[smuth10]

As for a ground wire in the de-dusting piping, it insurance. Cathodic protection is there to dissipate or prevent the buildup of static electricity.

Sounds like a killer shop you have planned. Best of luck, and post some pictures during the construction. I'm planning on breaking ground myself in the next month, hopefully!!!

Thanks Dave. I am pretty anxious to get started but dealing with the city is probably going to slow things down.

What gauge wire do you think would work for the dust collection pipes?

I have also been doing some research on lighting and I am leaning towards T8 fixtures with LED bulbs. It looks like I need to bi-pass the ballast in the fluorescent T8 fixtures to get the LED bulbs to work. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[VETTE FAN]

There is not definitive wire size that I've found. There are as many posts/thoughts/ideas on various forums as to whether or not its needed, and the proper way to install. Several installations I've read about us 16 gauge wire wrapped at one foot intervals.
Not very familiar with LED's. Wish I was because the are so much cheaper to use, and cooler in the summer.

Best of Luck,
Dave