New shop under construction

[bob cohen]

Foundation poured! This will be my fourth shop having moved into our new home almost exactly one-year ago. It will be 25 X 42, with a 10' vaulted ceiling. No plumbing allowed, but will have 200 AM service with 10 HP rotary phase converter. Dust collector and air compressor will lie in shed outside of shop. I know this configuration will add to heating and cooling costs, but at this stage of my life I care much more about floor space, clean air, and noise than a few extra dollars a month. By biggest concern moving forward is access--there is no path to the shop from my street. I will keep you posted as progress continues

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[Jim Becker]

That's going to be a really nice space! (About the size I'd like if I got to build another shop someday)

[Jack Llewyllson]

My shop isn't even finished yet, and I'm already jealous of all the elbow room in your space. :Df

[Malcolm Schweizer]

Watching closely! I have plans to build a shop and am always looking for ideas. Ideas for already built shops are easy to find, but I am interested in from-scratch ideas, like putting troughs in the foundation, or other things related to the build itself. Also, if you aren’t shy about sharing costs, that helps see what to expect.

Best of luck with your adventure!

[Ron Selzer]

"here" insulation on inside of block an under the floor would be important, maybe not where you are at.
Both to keep floor warmer also keeps floor and any items on it from sweating with temp swings.
Sure looks like it will be a nice shop
good luck
Ron

[Kris Cook]

Good luck on your shop build.

[Bob Riefer]

No plumbing allowed? Perhaps you just need a variance - might be worth a call to your code enforcement officer to see if there would be any opportunity to get a utility sink at a minimum. I've been using an off-grid water tank/utility sink setup with success, but am greatly looking forward to our upcoming renovation which will bring public water and sewer to my barn shop.

In any case, that's going to be a nice shop! Looking forward to the build.

[Jim Becker]

Bob, there are a lot of jurisdictions that will not allow plumbing in a building like this and will not issue a variance, either. There any number of reasons from the "technical mundane" of things like septic capacity, to the "ever popular", "we don't want anything that could be turned into an apartment". The latter is a huge thing here in my township and was what precluded plumbing in my own shop building where I wanted to have a half-bath with a toilet and sink for convenience. The septic was sized large enough, but concerns about illegal apartments abound.

[Bob Riefer]

I hear you and that’s true. But I would definitely call and find out for sure.

(formerly worked in construction sales and project management so I totally get that township rules run a wide range)

[Ron Selzer]

All depends on who you know.
Rite connections get what you want. Old money, went to school with the right people and know too much, etc.
No connections then you spend lots of money and time with lawyers, architects, etc and get turned down
Ron

[Jim Becker]

Here in SE PA, plumbing is probably the hardest bar when it comes to any kind of building and remodeling. I know some folks who tried to grease the wheel via relationships, but didn't get far. At least the townships no longer use their own employees for inspections...that was a total nightmare. (we experienced that in 2008 when we put on our major addition) They all use third party services which has made things a lot more consistent. Hopefully, things are reasonable for the OP.

That said, I hope the OP will comment on the why around the no plumbing thing for his specific property/jurisdiction. It would be good to know and understand that.

[bob cohen]

Shop update: I just got approval for a sink. No toilet as the city has a strict ordinance against a second dwelling on my property. Once there is a toilet they are afraid someone will start living there! if not me, then perhaps the next owner.

Since you asked, the estimate for the shop is $105K. I had two other estimates that were closer to $150K. It will be finished with vinyl siding and a shingled roof, all to match the house. It will have a vaulterd ceiling, which will be dry walled and contain a single beam across the short axis, which I will use for lifting heaving equipment.

I will have central dust collection powered by the Oneida 5HP single phase cyclone, with nordfab ducting. All runs should be relatively short and I’m hoping that this shop will be my cleanest yet.

The slab will be 5” thick and reinforced with rebar. I told the builder I might pick up some old heavy machinery (1000 plus pounds) in the future and he said I’ll be ok. I would like to pick up an Northfield #4 with the standard roller top some day!.

I will finish the walls myself, probably with tongue and groove wood panels.

[Daniel O'Neill]

Bob, Looks like a great shop!! If you can swing foam under the concrete that would help if you're in a cold climate. Very cool shop I'm excited to see how it progresses. Congratulations on the sink that's a huge win. Cleaning brushes washing hands etc.

[bob cohen]

Thanks, Dan. I will ask my builder about it. This is his first wood shop build, but he has been planning one for himself and is pretty knowledgeable and also open minded.

[Steve Mountcastle]

445532445533445534445535I just went thru the same process. I just added a detached 24’x36’ shop with 9’ walls and vaulted ceilings. Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but expect to pay more than expected and for it to take longer. I signed contract on 01/29/2019 and just got the final inspection a couple of weeks ago. I live in the mountains and on a sloping lot. And access was a challenge. I was also not allowed to have a toilet unless I installed a separate septic system. I could not justify that expense, the house is close by. I was able to get a outdoor hose bib at the garage door. Now that it is finished I will have shop to keep me busy during the winter months. Attached are some pics of the progress.

[Ron Selzer]

real nice Steve
should keep you busy all winter
Ron

[David Takes]

Maybe your first build could be an outhouse. :D The place looks great. What a beautiful setting.

[bob cohen]

The foundation has been poured and framing will start this week. I'm still on the fence about which DC unit to go with. This will be my fourth DC system and I am determined to get it right this time. It was be housed in an attached 6'X10' sound-insulated side room (footers just poured, picture below) where I will also have my air compressor. I keep switching my mind between the 5HP High Vac Oneida cyclone and the Felder RL160. I like Felder's dust bin design, but their filters can be a mess to clean (at least that's what I've read). I've own two Oneida cyclones, but none more that 3HP. I have a 26 Woodmaster drum sander on order, hence the desire to up the power. I also have a pair of ceiling air cleaners to install. Having a clean and quite shop are two of my highest priorities and lucky a lot of my work is none with hand tools. Room to work is another big priority. Other tools are fairly standard (15” planer, 8” jointer, cabinet saw, 19” bandsaw. I also have a lathe, chop saw, drill press, and router table, but I will use dedicated shop vacs with HEPA filters for those, so I can maximize collection at the other tools and minimize piping costs. A 60-gal single stage air compressor will meet my needs but it’s tempting to go with a 80-gal two stage compressor and add an air-powered sander. I do a fair about of sculpture in my work and am always looking for ways to make the sanding parts more efficient. Maybe a spray gun, too, but I certainly don’t need that. I use a wipe on/wipe off Waterlox finish for virtually all of my pieces. In my dreams, I’ll add a CNC down the road, which I would use to make router templates for furniture parts. The biggest remaining decision is access to the shop. As you can see in the photo, I don’t have any. I could trade my car for a truck, but I love my car, and trucks are ridiculously expensive. I’m thinking instead of putting in a paved walk so I can unload to a pallet jack in the driveway and wheel to the shop. It’s slightly uphill most of the way and I worry about pulling heavy items up it. Thanks for all of the feedback and encouragement so far. Hmm not letting me upload picture. I will try later

[David Publicover]

It sounds like wonderful space! What about a little garden tractor and trailer to haul things in and out of your shop?

[bob cohen]

Thanks for the suggestion Dave. I need to look into that. Any idea how much I would need to spend for loads up to 1000 pounds?

[David Publicover]

Hi Bob,
I would think the slope of your pathway would be a factor. If it’s not steep, it probably wouldn’t take much. After all, I push 600# tools around on a mobile base easily. A quick chat at a lawn equipment dealer would probably tell you all you need to know. OTOH, a pallet jack and large cart with big casters may be enough and a lot cheaper. Many years ago a jack and a cart were all we used in the warehouse where I worked in high school. Good luck!

[Jim Becker]

I keep switching my mind between the 5HP High Vac Oneida cyclone and the Felder RL160.

There's been previous discussion here and elsewhere about the latter, especially about the cleaning out fun. No question I'd choose the Oneida and the Hi Vac version is really versatile as it will work well with both conventional tools and equipment like CNC machines very well.

[bob cohen]

There's been previous discussion here and elsewhere about the latter, especially about the cleaning out fun. No question I'd choose the Oneida and the Hi Vac version is really versatile as it will work well with both conventional tools and equipment like CNC machines very well.

Thanks, Jim. That's how I'm leaning, especially now that it will housed outside the main shop where noise won't be as big as an issue--not that I want to disturb my neighbors either.....

[Justin Rapp]

following...

[Charlie Jones]

I have a trailer that I pull with a Kubota side by side. It works well. I think that would for you to. Do you get all your lumber delivered? I couldn’t do without my truck.

[Pat Rice]

A couple of years ago I upgrade from my original 20 yr old Oneida 1.5hp cyclone to their 5hp single phase Gorilla Pro w/Smart Boost and have been totally pleased with it and pleasantly surprised at the big difference in performance compared to my older unit.

[Tom Bender]

Trailer
I picked up a beat 2 sled snowmobile trailer and built a 4' x 6' deck, with removable 12" high sides. It is easily good for 1000 pounds and has outlasted 4 vehicles with hitches. You could start with most any boat trailer or just buy a finished trailer. Very handy and can be moved by hand or lawn tractor.

[Tom Bain]

Thanks, Jim. That's how I'm leaning, especially now that it will housed outside the main shop where noise won't be as big as an issue--not that I want to disturb my neighbors either.....

Bob — I have the Oneida 5HP cyclone in my shop (not the Hi-Vac version as it was too tall for my space). It handles the 38” wood master with no issues, so you won’t have any problems.

[Kevin Jenness]

Bob, it sounds like you have enough space to use bag or tube filters rather than a cartridge, They are far easier to clean if clogged and work as well if properly sized.

[Alex Zeller]

I would think being in SC you have options that we up north don't have. What do you do with your wood ships/ sawdust? Do you have a place to dump them or do you have to bring them somewhere to get rid of them? I've always thought using a DC to blow them into trailer of some sort would work well. With a little work you could have a dumping feature. If having to take it to a dump then being able to just hook it up to a vehicle and driving there without dealing with bags or barrels.

[Jim Becker]

I've always thought using a DC to blow them into trailer of some sort would work well.

Keith Outten uses this method for his shop in mid-VA.

[bob cohen]

Electric: 200 amp panel installed, and wiring roughed in for ceiling lights (American green led), and receptacles. Ran conduit under slab for major equipment items. Opted out of 3 phase rotary converter at this time to try to save some money.

Heating: 30,000 btu mitizubishi mini split roughed in (at just over $5k much more than I was planning).

Walls and ceiling will be dry walled (60 4x12 sheets) and painted this week. I was originally thinking wood panels, but decided on drywall for price, and lighting. I have backing boards at 54 and 86” from floor so I can easily hang shelving without hunting for studs. Also have backing boards in the vaulted ceiling to hang two air filters and a hose reel for air compressor.

Air Compressor. Went for overkill here. 5 HP 2-stage polar air (Eaton) arrives next week. American made and not cheap! I will run air around the shop perimeter with 3 wall outlets and 1 ceiling outlet over assembly table. I will use a combination of 1/2 inch max line and 3/4 fastpipe.

Dust collector: just ordered the Oneida 5 hp high vac system. Luckily I had a quote from late last year that Oneida honored. Price went up over $500 last month. Will wait to to after I move in equipment before ordering suction (I will go with nordfab).

Also have 5 hp drum sander on order from Woodmaster.

The floors will be finished with Armour epoxy product I will lay down rubber floor mats at key places. I would like to find ones that vacuum easily!

Yard is a muddy mess!!

[glenn bradley]

The foundation has been poured and framing will start this week. I'm still on the fence about which DC unit to go with.

I also only have a slab with the pre-fab (Tuff-Shed) coming mid next month. My DC will live in a lean-to that I will add-on after the bulk of the building is in place. I scaled this for a 5HP unit but, will try to milk my 2HP unit to see if that will cut it. I opted for mini splits over a new DC. Time will tell if I have to bite the bullet for a larger DC unit down the road. The important thing is that I have built for it. Like all insurance, you spend in the hopes of not needing ;)

I am lucky enough to have fairly flat access but, the tractor idea has merit with your land (from the pics). However, if you are anywhere close to a rental outfit I would rent when needed. As you say, at this point in our lives, priorities change. Owning a tractor is not nearly as important to me as having access to one when I want one. Even an expensive rental is a trifle compared to owning, maintaining and storing. I can also rent a much nicer RV and boat than I can afford and I don't have to store them . . . see how priorities shift? :D I am also contemplating an outhouse if the stroll between house and shop becomes annoying.

[Steve Jenkins]

When it’s time to look at rubber floor mats check out horse stall mats. The ones I have are 4x6’. I think 3/4-1” thick and only about $45. Only downside is they are HEAVY.