The off grid mechanic shop

[thunderskunk]

Howdy gents,

A friend of mine is moving his garage from my place which has power to his place that does not have power. He’s the real deal: tire changes, oil changes, brake work, “why is it making that noise?” Classic mechanic stuff. He needs air, power, and heat.

Any suggestions on how to tackle an off-grid shop? It’s possible we can use a nearby water source to create air pressure with a Tromp compressor, but that’s probably too complicated/not worth it. I think he can eventually burn used motor oil for heat. Is there a particular brand of diesel air compressor to look out for? Think it’s more efficient to have separate units for air and power or power the air compressor with the diesel generator?

Y’all are great.

 

[finn]

God be with him.

That’s all I can say.

Even my grandfather’s farm shop had a light bulb, and they had a forge, Tires were done by hand, I’m sure, and the floor was either dirt or boards.

I always admired that stump vice, so I bought one at an auction fifteen years ago.

No need for a compressor. My grandfather’s farm shop probably used a hand pump, and a pipe extension on a ratchet takes the place of air or battery tools.

 

[kbuhagiar]

Howdy gents,

A friend of mine is moving his garage from my place which has power to his place that does not have power. He’s the real deal: tire changes, oil changes, brake work, “why is it making that noise?” Classic mechanic stuff. He needs air, power, and heat.

Real deal, as in it's his livelihood? Or real deal, as in he's very good at what he does?

If it's the former, I would seriously question any attempt at a full-time car repair business without the benefit of grid power.
If it's the latter, than anything's possible, assuming he has large enough generator and fuel supply (gasoline or propane) on hand.

 

[txvwnut]

Solar system for electrical with an engine driven generator for heavy use needs.

 

[thunderskunk]

God be with him.

That’s all I can say.

He needs it. I make a living buying CNC machines and getting jobs by telling folks I own a machine shop. Haven’t made parts in years. Been there done that with mechanic work, I have no desire to try at the business end. All the best to him though.

Real deal, as in it's his livelihood? Or real deal, as in he's very good at what he does?

Former, I guess? I just meant he’s not working on cars because he likes cars. He works a 40 hour job, then spends 35 fixing cars on the side. He’s incredibly good at making rust buckets continue to roll, which is the path to sainthood in these parts. He’s trying to concentrate on undercoatings and turn down the charity work.

 

[Jack_K]

Use cordless whenever possible and charge them with a small off grid solar system.

When air is required, use a petrol (or diesel) powered compressor that idles down. Using a generator to power an electric compressor requires using a generator with an engine three times the size and is inefficient.

When large AC loads are required, run a petrol (or diesel) generator.


That is what I do although only for a couple of weeks a year. In order to run it all off solar and batteries it will cost into the 100s of thousands of dollars if a lot of air is used.

 

[nadogail]

I have seen a lot of shops/Gas Stations/Cafes along the Alaska Highway that ran on Diesel Plants.

 

[mrhemi426]

Check if you have Amish or Mennonite communities near you. I have seen diesel powered (kick start) compressors in their work shops. Lister comes to mind as a manufacturer, but the communities may be able to recommend a source.

 

[75gmck25]

Knowing the specific location would help narrow down the discussion.

Why does he not have power at his shop? Is it too far to get connected for a reasonable price, or is there some other issue? What was this building used for in the past?

Also, if he does not have power, does that mean the shop has no wiring at all? Even if he gets generator power or buys some type of solar setup, you need to have wiring, receptacles, etc.

No power means no way to power a well pump. How does he plan to get well and septic for this building?

 

[thunderskunk]

Knowing the specific location would help narrow down the discussion.

Why does he not have power at his shop? Is it too far to get connected for a reasonable price, or is there some other issue? What was this building used for in the past?

Also, if he does not have power, does that mean the shop has no wiring at all? Even if he gets generator power or buys some type of solar setup, you need to have wiring, receptacles, etc.

No power means no way to power a well pump. How does he plan to get well and septic for this building?

Good questions. The old structure was a railway depot storage house. We’re building a new one. Nearest power line is a few miles away, the price doubles every few years. Last quote was for $300k or something crazy. He has a diesel generator for his home that he operates as needed, but it’s not enough for a garage operation. He wants to go full time on the mechanic work, so it’s a required upgrade.

 

[nadogail]

I recall there were many garages/ cafes and Gas Stations along the Alaska Highway that were powered by Witte or Lister Diesel Plants.

Witte plants are no longer available new but Lister copies are available from India.

 

[firebirdparts]

I have been around diesel air compressors overseas, and it seems like the plus is you have plenty of power, but the downsides are 2: I don't know how you'd ever find one wherever you are. It runs all the time whether you use air or not. I suppose it'll unload and probably doesn't really use much fuel when it's unloaded, but I don't really know. If you're building something that costs a billion dollars you don't worry too much about $15 a day in diesel. If you did that at home you'd have to carry it and that would be worse than the expense. The noise might get old.

 

[stonesfan68]

Where are you located? Is a solar panel array an option? You mentioned a water source- can he use the water to turn a turbine generator? I saw a video of a fellow in NZ who made one from a washing machine motor.

Washing machine generator

 

[thunderskunk]

Where are you located? Is a solar panel array an option? You mentioned a water source- can he use the water to turn a turbine generator? I saw a video of a fellow in NZ who made one from a washing machine motor.

Washing machine generator

Vermont. The creek freezes over, and is usually dammed by a beaver, and solar is only good for 6 months a year max.

Here’s a thought… locomotives run air compressors from their main engine. A governor turns it on and off as needed in a variety of ways, but it’s an interesting setup. Are there any generators out there with air compressors you can work the same way? Maybe something on a work truck?

 

[thunderskunk]

Well that prompted me to do some searching. Found some combo generator/compressor/welders that seemed hopeful, but none of them do more than 5k. A 4-post lift needs like 10k surge.

 

[OccupantRJ]

A lift could be converted to run the pump off an air motor. There are air limit switches available to activate stops.