Editing Building a new shop
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
− | + | {{youcanedit}} | |
If you ever thought about building a new shop, this article will help guide you through some of the thought process that goes into planning and building a new shop. | If you ever thought about building a new shop, this article will help guide you through some of the thought process that goes into planning and building a new shop. | ||
Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
An outer perimeter of rebar is a must to tie all corners of the slab together. When any openings are encountered, you should double the rebar and thicken the width and depth of the concrete and pour a grade beam to help bear the weight and anchor the side posts of opening to the slab. Wire mesh for re-enforcing the slab should be tied to the perimeter rebar and rebar 'chairs' should lift the rebar to float in the middle of the concrete slab. Do not rely on someone lifting the wire mesh as you are pouring. | An outer perimeter of rebar is a must to tie all corners of the slab together. When any openings are encountered, you should double the rebar and thicken the width and depth of the concrete and pour a grade beam to help bear the weight and anchor the side posts of opening to the slab. Wire mesh for re-enforcing the slab should be tied to the perimeter rebar and rebar 'chairs' should lift the rebar to float in the middle of the concrete slab. Do not rely on someone lifting the wire mesh as you are pouring. | ||
− | Any electrical conduit should be under the mesh, and conduits should be tied to vertical staking to maintain proper heights. In-floor heating lines should be laid in work zones and above the wire mesh. Header pipes should be staked as stated above and all joints in lines should be ABOVE the concrete | + | Any electrical conduit should be under the mesh, and conduits should be tied to vertical staking to maintain proper heights. In-floor heating lines should be laid in work zones and above the wire mesh. Header pipes should be staked as stated above and all joints in lines should be ABOVE the concrete. |
Some people prefer a curb around the perimeter of the building, rather than a slab. The reason for the curb is that it will keep out moisture, insects, etc. When pouring floors, always have a rotating laser level on hand and double check levels as the pour and leveling goes on. Grade floor from corners to middle, and center of space to outdoor openings. Put a sump pit in large buildings to collect runoff water and use a gravity drain or pump out system to remove it. Increase floor thickness in areas where you are using a lift or have heavy shop equipment. | Some people prefer a curb around the perimeter of the building, rather than a slab. The reason for the curb is that it will keep out moisture, insects, etc. When pouring floors, always have a rotating laser level on hand and double check levels as the pour and leveling goes on. Grade floor from corners to middle, and center of space to outdoor openings. Put a sump pit in large buildings to collect runoff water and use a gravity drain or pump out system to remove it. Increase floor thickness in areas where you are using a lift or have heavy shop equipment. | ||
Line 42: | Line 42: | ||
==Insulation== | ==Insulation== | ||
− | It really doesn't matter if you live in the colder or hotter part of the country, insulation will benefit either way. Keeping out the heat from a Texas sun or keeping in the heat during a Canadian winter, insulation will do its part in your construction of your building. Insulation will also deaden the noise that you produce in your shop. Remember the last time you used an air chisel to remove that rusted body panel at 11:30 pm? Or the sound of the last thunderstorm that | + | It really doesn't matter if you live in the colder or hotter part of the country, insulation will benefit either way. Keeping out the heat from a Texas sun or keeping in the heat during a Canadian winter, insulation will do its part in your construction of your building. Insulation will also deaden the noise that you produce in your shop. Remember the last time you used an air chisel to remove that rusted body panel at 11:30 pm? Or the sound of the last thunderstorm that pasted over your steel roofed shed! Try using as much insulation as you can afford. It will pay you back double or triple over the original cost you invested. Don't forget the vapor barrier, at least 6 mil plastic. Seal the electrical outlet boxes on the outside wall to prevent moisture infiltration into the insulation and wall section. |
==Doors and windows== | ==Doors and windows== | ||
Line 58: | Line 58: | ||
==Electrical== | ==Electrical== | ||
− | + | Most electrical and plumbing decisions come down to personal preference and needs. You need at least a 100 amp service. Sit down with a clean sheet of paper and divide it in two, put the electrical tools that you own now on one side and then put the tools that you want on the other side. Write down the amps or max draw of each of the tools. Yes, a welder (mig or arc) is a tool! Add up and total your needs and multiply by TWO (because we know you're going to get more), and that's what service you'll need. Allow at least five outlets per 15 amp circuit. Don't forget that outlets in a garage need to be protected by either GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) breakers or GFCI outlets. If you protect the first of the outlet boxes in a circuit with a GFCI outlet, all the rest of the outlets will be protected too. A compressor or 220V mig will eat up 30 - 40 amps. "Brown outs", lack of correct power will fry a motor over time. If that shop of yours is getting a regular workout, maybe you should go with a new 'drop' instead of drawing off the house circuit. | |
− | + | Consider running all your wires in metal conduit surface mounted on the interior walls. If you get your shop all wired up and the wires are buried in the walls, it will be a big deal to change anything later. You can use OSB (oriented strand board) for the walls in your shop, so you can attach electrical boxes anywhere without worrying where the studs are. Bending metal conduit is simple once you get the hang of it. | |
− | + | Don't forget though that electricity is very dangerous, and it is highly recommended that a qualified electrician does the work. It might seem costly now, but a life is worth much more. Remember that 120 volts will kill, as it only takes .06 amps of current through your heart to stop it. | |
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | Consider running all your wires in metal conduit | + | |
− | + | Don't forget about lighting, you never can have enough lights. Don't skimp in this area. | |
==Plumbing== | ==Plumbing== | ||
− | Plumbing is a welcome addition to any shop. No more running to the house for a pail of water to fill the radiator or wash off body filler dust | + | Plumbing is a welcome addition to any shop. No more running to the house for a pail of water to fill the radiator or wash off body filler dust. Getting water to the shop is easy -- getting sewage and gunk away is the problem. Limiting factors effecting effluent disposal are climatic conditions, topography, municipal concerns, and about twenty other things. |
It's nice to have a shower in the shop, especially after [[sanding]] [[Fiberglassing|fiberglass]] filler (this also prevents complaints from your spouse about the oil slick you leave in the bathroom after showering). If your budget warrants it and you have the room, a 800 to 1200 gallon holding tank is a great investment to hold the sewage and grunge that comes out of a garage. You can also put in a floor drain connected to a dry well to take gray water from washing your vehicles. Check your local building codes to see if they are allowed in your area, and don't be tempted to use the floor drain to get rid of anything else. | It's nice to have a shower in the shop, especially after [[sanding]] [[Fiberglassing|fiberglass]] filler (this also prevents complaints from your spouse about the oil slick you leave in the bathroom after showering). If your budget warrants it and you have the room, a 800 to 1200 gallon holding tank is a great investment to hold the sewage and grunge that comes out of a garage. You can also put in a floor drain connected to a dry well to take gray water from washing your vehicles. Check your local building codes to see if they are allowed in your area, and don't be tempted to use the floor drain to get rid of anything else. |