Building/equipping a workshop/garage.

[Steve]

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

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.

.

[78550GS]

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.

[Steve]

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.

.

[78550GS]

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.

[Wingsconsin]

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 --

[qisteve]

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.

[Steve]

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.

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.

Insulated walls and roof for heat during the colder months - the best work time months in order to avoid missing riding time.

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.)

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

Good idea, that is why I put this out there.

A guest bedroom for when I need more service on my GS850 --

What was wrong with the bedroom you had?

.

[Wingsconsin]

The bedroom I had was wonderful --
And I appreciate the generosity - I was simply acknowledging the fact that you area very gracious host

[Steve]

Thanks. I am now trying to get the bike similar accommodations.

.

[Kiwi Canuck]

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.

You can always plan for it and add it afterwards if you don't need it right away.

[cowboyup3371]

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.

[landshark]

running airlines for your compressor around the walls, save having hoses all over the floor when working.

[FLHGSRay]

Heated floors. Also, consider putting the air compressor outside. Much, much quieter.

[portdave]

Hey Steve,

Consider an I beam hoist with a sliding chain support or lift. Frees up floor space.

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

Small corner bathroom?

[FLHGSRay]

I've known a few guys use pvc for this. Lots cheaper.

running airlines for your compressor around the walls, save having hoses all over the floor when working.