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Building/equipping a workshop/garage.

Steve

Steve

GS Whisperer
It has been a dream since moving to this house, and it's finally happening. :dancing:

I am in the design phase of building a garage 'out back'. I know what I plan on putting in there, but would like to have some input from others that have done this before.

General specs are:

- 24'x30' floor plan, city zoning has somewhat limited size and shape
- an overhead door a bit off-center on one of the long sides
- a walk-through door near a corner on one of the short sides
- several windows for ventilation
- some limited storage upstairs in the attic (limited height)
- will have water, electric, gas and sewer connections, how much of each will be determined later
- concrete floor, will likely have a drain near the middle


Some of the equipment that I already have or am planning to have in there:
- bike lift
- larger air compressor
- welder
- media blasting cabinet
- grinder/polisher (probably more than one)
- table saw
- band saw
- belt/disc sander
- a better-than-average selection of hand tools

What I would like in the way of suggestions would be general layout of the shop, as in what to keep near what or what not to put near what; size and type of storage (shelves/drawers/bins, etc.). Would also appreciate brand/model recommendations on larger things like lift, compressor and welder.

I will try to get some drawings posted, and can probably send some drawings if someone wants to do some playing with the layout.

More later, for sure. :)

.
 
If you decide to add more than one bench grinder, with one set up as a polisher, try to keep it separated from all the dirty work tools. Keeping a polisher area clean is better for the pads and parts to not get other metal shavings in them. Just my .02.
 
Good point, thanks.

I currently have just one machine, and have to change the wheels.
The polishing wheels are kept away from the sparks and crud, so I had not thought of that.

.
 
I will also suggest that you don't skimp on the big tools. A good 220V welder will be cleaner and last quite a bit longer than any 110V welder that I have ever seen.


I have an IR 220V twin stage compressor that has NEVER labored to keep up even with 2 or 3 tools being used at once.


If you feel the need to go industrial on the tools and can drive a bit, PM me, I will give you a priceless resource.
 
Insulated walls and roof for heat during the colder months - the best work time months in order to avoid missing riding time.

A way to hang curtains to partition off areas - keep the clean bikes separated from the works in progress...

A guest bedroom for when I need more service on my GS850 -- :rolleyes:
 
You can get electric automotive lifts for around $1500 these days. If this is an option for the future, make sure the concrete floor is deep enough and of the proper strength to support such a lift. Also, check code on that flood drain. Might be an environmental no no... they are allowed here on Long Island only in kitchens and the like.
 
qisteve said:
You can get electric automotive lifts for around $1500 these days. If this is an option for the future, make sure the concrete floor is deep enough and of the proper strength to support such a lift. Also, check code on that flood drain. Might be an environmental no no... they are allowed here on Long Island only in kitchens and the like.
Click to expand...

Trust me, everything on this project is going to have to be "by the book". I have to give them archetectual drawings for the whole project to even apply for a permit.

With 8-foot ceilings (don't think I could stretch that even to 8 1/2), any kind of auto lift is out of the question. Any cars or trucks that need work will be on the ground or with a floor jack.


Wingsconsin said:
Insulated walls and roof for heat during the colder months - the best work time months in order to avoid missing riding time.
Click to expand...
There will be more insulation out there than there is in my current garage, and you already know how that feels.
(Shirt-sleeve weather in the garage when it's about 20 degrees F outside.)




Wingsconsin said:
A way to hang curtains to partition off areas - keep the clean bikes separated from the works in progress...
Click to expand...
Good idea, that is why I put this out there.




Wingsconsin said:
A guest bedroom for when I need more service on my GS850 -- :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
What was wrong with the bedroom you had? :-k

.
 
The bedroom I had was wonderful --
And I appreciate the generosity - I was simply acknowledging the fact that you area very gracious host
 
See if you can add a lean-to on the side of the garage, a covered outdoor area that is good for a parts washer station and dealing with smelly stuff, so you don't contaminate the inside with toxic fumes, maybe it could double as an outdoor area for spray painting small parts etc.

I had one with a work bench and a vice and I used it all the time, maybe I should add one to my new garage.:-k

You can always plan for it and add it afterwards if you don't need it right away.
 
Do you intend to do anything other than bike work in it? If so, section that off and make it a clean/dirty sort of environment; it's something Kris and I are wanting to do but haven't gotten the electrical and insulation started yet due to funds on both of our parts. Old kitchen cabinets work well for storage; I wish ours had actual drawer runners though. Build or buy workbenches in multiple areas of the garage not just one or two to help when working on different issues at the same time.
 
running airlines for your compressor around the walls, save having hoses all over the floor when working.
 
Heated floors. Also, consider putting the air compressor outside. Much, much quieter.
 
Sound control for the compressor in some way is useful. Mine is quite noisy and it bugs me to subject the neighborhood to the racket.

The prevailing breeze in my area brings a lot of dirt inside the shop. Doors at 90* to the breeze would help in this regard but that may not be controllable. .
 
Hey Steve, good for you. I know this is not tools but how about a place to hang all your riding gear..shelves to put boots to keep them off the floor..glove area..and shelving or hooks for helmet.:)
 
landshark said:
running airlines for your compressor around the walls, save having hoses all over the floor when working.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I was thinking of doing that, just forgot to mention it.

I also already have a retractable extension cord that hangs from the ceiling.
That might stay in the current garage, and I'll get more for the shop.



portdave said:
Consider an I beam hoist with a sliding chain support or lift. Frees up floor space.
Click to expand...
I was considering a beam down the middle, anyway. Wasn't sure whether to make it a steel beam or wood, I think you just made up my mind.


portdave said:
Also you might want to get one or two of these kits. I just built a workbench from it. Very impressed and easy to make any size you want up to 4' x 8'. 1000 pounds per shelf.

http://www.amazon.com/2x4basics-90164-Workbench-Shelving-Storage/dp/B0030T1BRE
Click to expand...
Not bad, but definitely not cheap.


portdave said:
Small corner bathroom?
Click to expand...
Already in the plans, but it's not in the corner.




trevor said:
Hey Steve, good for you. I know this is not tools but how about a place to hang all your riding gear..shelves to put boots to keep them off the floor..glove area..and shelving or hooks for helmet.:)
Click to expand...
All that stuff will be in the garage, where the rideable bikes are kept. The new area will be primarily workshop area.

.
 
A dirty and a clean bench. Clean bench can double as the electric bench. As an electrician I over wire and over illuminate. 20am quadplexes every 6 feet, 4 feet on a bench - long cords are a hazard. Hard lined air distribution - with drops. Electric drops don't hurt either- mind your door. T5 HO with 6500k lamps, many people find them too "blue". But when the garage door is open and I can't tell the difference between the sunlight and the fluorescents it get marked as a serious win... Especially when the days are short. Saws? Definitely some sort of extractor , even if just a shop vac with fittings for your equipment. Cheap covers for the bikes in the shop, keeps the dust down and make things appear more complete, they often conceal the gong show beneath.
 
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