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Thread: New Workshop

  1. #1
    SEC Member Steve C's Avatar
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    New Workshop

    Now that I have cleared 2 feet of cow poo out of my old barn I am ready to get it converted into my Stratos build workshop. Having seen Mel's garage/workshop I realise that there are many pitfalls to designing a new workshop from scratch, as well as loads of advantages! Basically I will have a 15m by 5m concrete floor with breeze block walls and a steel roof (wriggly tin). I am trying to buy a steel roller door that has been sitting on the floor at work minus its electric motor for £250.
    What I am after is the words of wisdom from those who have built kits on what facilities to fit and what to avoid. I cannot build a pit as the ground is not suitable (nor are my pockets deep enough).
    All suggestions welcome.

    Steve

  2. #2
    SEC Life Member The Slug's Avatar
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    Re: New Workshop

    Plenty of lights, plenty of power, and lots of insulation....brrreezzzz

    Whose Kit are you building that will make a differance!

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    SEC Member Bernard's Avatar
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    Re: New Workshop

    Hi Steve

    Have you thought of installing one of those electric car lifts.............. think the retail is about £1600 / £1800 and they come to you in kit form and they just bolt to the floor.................. I am sure someone will have seen them advertised

    they are generally advertised in the car mags.................... might save lots of back ache and crawling on your hands and knees (my knees are goosed !)

    Cheers

    Phil

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    Free user turbonutter's Avatar
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    Re: New Workshop

    It really Depends on your budget & on what skills you have, Given the budget & the space you have - I would partition off a section for metal work, with a small lathe and mill + grinder & mig welding - if you think that will be needed.
    The lift is a good idea - I would have one if i had space.
    Insulation, lots of light, lots of power sockets are a must
    A good level Painted floor also makes things easy.

    Some decent work benches & a good amount of shelving..

  5. #5
    Free user catswhiskers's Avatar
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    Re: New Workshop

    A lift would definitely be a useful addition. These guys do some great workshop kit and the prices are very competitive too. http://www.cjautos.site90.net/lifts.html

    Other than the other suggestions already made, I have a separate room area (separate attatched garage actually) for fibreglass preparation. You just wouldn't believe where the dust can get into.
    Good luck with the project.

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    Re: New Workshop

    Try to keep the lighting as diffuse as possible to avoid casting hard shadows.
    Peter

  7. #7
    Free user Sando's Avatar
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    Re: New Workshop

    Carpet and a heater, good insulation, lighting, plenty of Leccy sockets, extractor fan, good bench, big vice, hoist? flat floor or patch, loads of shelves and storage. Good idea about a welding/machine area......oooo and a few good hammers

  8. #8
    SEC Member ChrisCar6's Avatar
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    Re: New Workshop

    Radio / stereo a must.

    I've an old laptop that I use for cardisc and wiring diagram pictures. I'm considering running a broadband cable to my new man-shed when I build it in the next few months.

    Water supply / power washer - early cleaning more likely to happen after muddy / salty drives.

    I run a dehumidifier 24/7 in my current garage - get the gel type, Rubydry or something like that - not the condenser type, which only work effectively above 15 degrees.

    Beer fridge, TV, sofa......

  9. #9
    Senior Member Jeff's Avatar
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    Re: New Workshop

    Quote Originally Posted by Steve
    Basically I will have a 15m by 5m concrete floor with breeze block walls and a steel roof (wriggly tin).
    ...
    Steve
    Good grief, I am amature (well, that's no surprise then), I've only a quarter of that space to build mine in. Now seriously green with envy.

    My advice: get floor really flat, level and smooth. Treat the surface with something that'll make keeping it clean easy. Do this as soon as it's weather tight.

    2p .. Just about what my advice is worth

  10. #10
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    Re: New Workshop

    If you need a workshop heater an old gas bottle is a cheap way, waste oil or any old wood
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Gas bottle stove.jpg   Oil burner.jpg   Oil burner  2.jpg  

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