[CMC#5]

Now that things are starting to settle down here in our new home, we broke ground on the GarageMahal.

Any suggestions/tips from those that know much more than I ever will about electricity and other shop essentials? Keep it simple, essential and wonderland arent the same (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

Specifically I'm looking for advice on # of circuits and size, as well as floor and wall paint/coating/covering options.

(IMG:http://www.camaromustangchallenge.com/images/Other/GarageDay1.jpg)

[Blainefab]

Al - Some random thoughts:

Bench space - I've got 14' of stainless benchtop - the stuff is about indestructable and cleans up easy. Look for a restaraunt or food service salvage. New is crazy expensive.

15" deep shelving about 18" above the benches - just below eye level. They are filled with stuff that gets used often, helps to relieve clutter on the benchtop. I've extended the shelving past the benches and around the corner where my welding table sits. The table is "in the round" and power tools just a step away.

Power - 4plex on the ceiling above the welding table, a 8outlet power strip on the shelf support near the welding table, and a duplex every 4' on the bench wall. NOT ENOUGH OUTLETS! duplex should be 4plex, and every 3' along the benches. Outlet height is just under the shelf, so about shoulder level - this is the ideal height - above the bench clutter, no stooping to reach.

Air - I'm leasing, so just use 1/2" rubber air hose for the main line with a couple of T's with disconnects to make the drops. For permanent I'd use 3/4" black pipe. I have 3 drops in the shop - a 50' at one end, a 25' at the welding table (short so it isn't underfoot all the time), and another 50' at the other end of the shop, hung on a lift post. Reels on all of them would be nice, but I just hang them in long loops off a hook.

Lighting - in a roughly 30'x30' space with 8' ceiling I have 3 rows of T8 fixtures - 34 4' bulbs, and it is pretty good. I have a small halogen under the shelf at the bench nearest the drill press, and the drill press has a light that is on most of the time.
Walls/ceilings are white. The low ceiling helps the lighting, and there is a loft overhead for storage.
In the 18x35' lift bay there are about 16 4' T8 bulbs about 12' up under a 16' ceiling, and it is enough to find the cars but not
enough to work on them without spot lighting. No natural light gets in the shop and that is kind of oppressive - I'd like at least a small window or skylight to give a clue if it is day or night outside.

Sink - I've got a utility sink in the shop, next to the parts washer. I use it a dozen times a day. Bathroom is around the corner thru a door - I like having the sink separate fom the bathroom so I don't get doors filthy on the way to the sink.

Ditto on the epoxy floor coating - use the good industrial stuff, and do it before you get too settled. I did the coating in my last shop - big job but worthwhile. I did not take the time to do it in this shop and now regret it.

This post has been edited by Blainefab: May 11 2007, 10:20 PM