Building a garage/workshop. What would YOU do?

Ahh that's right.. Sweden = 220 I think.. forget that part about 220 in my post. I wish we were 220 as standard.
 
Ohh my..Thanks alot, guys.

So many good ideas, very fun reading them.

In Sweden we do have 220V as normal standard, called 1 phase.......sort of:shrug: If you´re about using a weld for example we have what we call 3 phase (400V).

Everything will go in white but I´m not sure about the concrete floor. Maybe light blue och light grey. Don´t you just hate it when you drop something small on the floor and can´t find it:banghead:

Most of the interior will be made out of wood.......carpenter, you know...but of course I´ll get myself a good welding bench made out of steel. Would that bench be so big that you can put a whole bike (frame) on it?? Even bigger??

I really like the idea of having a storage for the cars and bikes that you are using, sealed of from the workshop. That forces me to re-think some of the ideas I already have been making up, but I´ll figure that out:thumbsup:

As it is there´s this small basement in the building. When everything is done it´ll be a "hole" in the floor with a stair down to it and I´m thinking of just putting a sterdy net on top of it.
If you had a cellar in your workshop, what would you do with it?


For now/BigBoreSwede
 

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Oh I forgot, plenty of shelving and cupboard space to hide stuff, a can of dust to sprinkle around to take that "new" look away.

The other day she walked in (unnoticed..)and asked about the new bench grinder I was using "Is that new she asked"..."no had it for ages" I responded as quick as a flash..
"ages" being two days
she who must be obeyed was happy..so was I


It would appear that marriage down under isn't very different that here in the US-- the women still rule. No wonder I could never keep a wife. :bike:
 
I would start giving valueable body parts up if I could have a space like that for a work shop BigBore
 
Overhead hose and electric reels, two of each with enough cable/hose to comfortably reach anywhere in the building.

Put the air compressor in the overhead storage and run the drain down the wall with a shutoff so you can easily drain the compressor with each use.

As mentioned, paint the inside walls and ceiling white. Even better, use semi gloss (easy to wipe clean) and use a LOT of lights. In my 26x26, I have 9 4 foot fluorescent fixtures and sometimes I want a few more.

Run a LOT of wall outlets, I did mine at 48" and they are close enough I can touch two at the same time. Trust me on this, you can't have too many!

A solid workbench 28-30" deep. I used 3/4" plywood in 2 layers. It doesn't budge.
 
Definitely a sound system, and lots and lots of shelf and storage (think parts department), power outlets and air EVERYWHERE.

Dig this, went a bud's house the other day (first time) and behind his "garage refrigerator (sp) he had a urinal. :thumbsup:
 
That is a great building. So much character. Find a corner that's away from the welder/grinder/etc. and put a couch in with a coffee table. Always great to be able to put your feet up and admire the results of a hard day's work.
 
Since I keep on moving I'm in the same boat as you are. Here is what I've learned. You didn't tell us what other hobbies you have which will go a long way towards the garage design.

1) Run "proper"power all over the shop.
2) Retractable air lines and electrical lines help cleans things up fast.
3) I have a metal table with vise etc. for doing the heavy work but the next shop will have a large sand blasting cabinet that is vented. This will be used for sand blasting, painting and possibly welding in since it's vented.
4) An old oven and fridge for heating, cooling and some home powder coating.
5) Lights, Lights and more lights on different switches so that you can control the setting.
6) One section of the shop that is separated by walls or a heavy curtain for pressure washing your stuff and then any grinding or painting that needs to be done. Do not mix this work with your other work, it creates a huge mess.
7) If you are tearing up the floors add some drains and possible T the drains into some vent fans.
8) Storage and shelving, I have a small tool box for every tool that is labeled and includes all of the tools and fittings required to use that tool. If I need a grinder or router etc. I just need to grab down one box.
9) Somewhere to wash up, clean and dry small parts + a large sink to cleanup yourself.
10) Washroom to save you some trips.
11) Small corner or overhead storage for all of your scrap metal and wood.
12) Paint the floors for easy cleanup
 
The biggest improvement I ever made it mine was a working bathroom. Whenever I stop to figure something out I always have to take a crap. Computer with internet,42" plasma TV,digital cable,poker table,full fridge. Well that's some of the important stuff in my shop.
 
This is fun!!!!

Never tought I would get so many great ideas by putting this thread out!

I really like the idea of putting the air compressor in the overhead storage room. It´s big and nosiey and that space is just the right place for that one. I´ll also put the vent engine (air out) up in that storage........or maybe that´s stupid. Is it better to let the air out at floor level??
Guess it´s impossible to make a perfect "all-purpose" vent. system but in general?


The whole building will at first become a big shell with the same floor an roof all over. Innner walls will be placed out later.

Reason why I throw out this thread now is because I need get an image in my head at this moment......it´ll come at hand when I start to plan where to put doors and windows. Guess I´ll spend some time at the drawing-table:thumbsup:

/BigBoreSwede
 
That's a great looking building. Think you could make a second floor in there for parts storage? Then have a hole in the ceiling/floor with a hoist for big stuff?
 
I had to check out this thread because I'm getting married soon, we both own small houses and we plan on selling those and buying a bigger house. Her wish list included things like an office, a fenced in are for the dogs. Then I added a Family Room or finished basement for the kids, thier friends and video games. Then she added, "And you need a proper workshop", then I remebered once again how awesome she is and why I'm marrieing her.

As for this list, all are great ideas. One thing that was a must for me and I didn't see it till the end is a big sink for washing and such. Also I might add some sort of work area for doing electronics, soldering and such, plus access to the Internet (laptop, PC, or Pad) so that I can google stuff when I get stuck.
The urinal was a good idea, but if there is sufficient privacy a shrub or tree will do just fine.
 
Something to think about when placing a compressor: if not on solid surface/ground, it might buzz the structure to the point of distraction. Sets up a bunch of potential harmonics in the building that might be annoying..... I know this because a friend just did that in his engine machine shop. Seems to magnify the sound when the compressor is running. Granted, it is out of the way and not taking up floor space but he's now talking about placing his compressor outside the shop on a concrete pad in an enclosure then plumb from there. With a basement available, it might be a viable location to consider......................Wesley
 
I recessed my bike lift into my floor so that I can drop it down when not in use (rarely) and I can drive straight onto it...

Run lots of air line (don't use PVC)

If you chose to paint the floor ONLY use the proper Epoxy-based product designed for that purpose. If you use anything else, you will have a MESS (ask me how I know - or just use your imagination)

Send pictures of those Sweedish women!
 
Check out this site. I've cruised around there for a couple years and the folks there are really friendly and there are some AMAZING shops and garages. Its great for ideas too. garagejournal.com

+ 1! That is a great site. LOTS od cool ideas, plans and suggestions. And, some seriously cool toys.
 
I´m thinking of just putting a sterdy net on top of it.
If you had a cellar in your workshop, what would you do with it?

Escape hatch - disappear into garage, reappear in downtown Stockholm. Or maybe a pit that lets you work under your car while standing up?
 
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