Looking for a new shop space.

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 15:35:32 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for Looking for a new shop space.

Just like the title states, I'm looking for a bigger shop space, but I don't think I have the option of building a steel building. I'm looking at buying a large shed to put on a piece of land that I have access to. I wanted to know what you guys think and if anyone else uses a large shed as their main shop space. The space I have now is a 10x10 area in my dads garage and I'm looking to expand my space, so I can get more tools and equipment that I need to start a small side business. I was checking out something like a 16x30 garage shed, maybe a bit bigger if the price is right. Any thoughts, opinions, or concerns are welcome.
Reply:If you are talking about a steel building, they are fine. A weld shop up the street worked out of one for 30 years until the recesion killed them off.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:The size you are looking at might be OK for a sideline business, but if you go full time you will have to expand. I have a 25x50 and it's way to small for me.The building will have to be cheap enough, if you have to take it down, move it, then put it back up. Hopefully nothing gets damaged or you will have to replace it at an extra cost.Someone here could buy a 40 x70 building for a buck, he turned it down because it was to much work to dismantle it.All the best in your searchMiller 252Miller Bobcat 225Lincoln MigPak 1801959 Hyster forkliftHarris OA torch
Reply:man I would kill for a 25x50 shop but your right no matter how big it is a person will always want or need biggerMILLERMATIC 212 AUTOSETMILLER BOBCAT 250MILLER DIALARC HFMILLER 15A SPOOLGUNMILLER S32P WIRE FEEDERTHERMAL ARC 186 AC/DCPAKMASTER 100XL PLUS
Reply:My shop is roughly 12 feet by 27.   For small work, it does pretty well.   When I start working on something larger is when I notice that my shop is small.    You will need to put everything on wheels to make a small shop work, I think.    Also invest in lots of drawer cabinets, which are the most efficient space utilization.An example is what I keep my mini-lathe in the 10 x 10 shed out back.  I don't have a mill.  I keep an extra welder in the shed as well.  Neither of these things get used even once a month.  Most of my sandpaper inventory is also in the shed.   But most of the things in the shed are not metalworking.You will have to be ruthless about getting rid of anything that you are not using; when the project is over, throw the remnants in the trash.I used to really want a larger shop, but I have learned to work in the shop that I have.   Junk, and tools, expand to fill the space available.   Better to only get what you really need.I sometimes contract out pieces of a project, to make up for the machines which I do not have.But this is a one man shop, I rarely have visitors, and clients do not visit.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:Originally Posted by DanRT I was checking out something like a 16x30 garage shed, maybe a bit bigger if the price is right. Any thoughts, opinions, or concerns are welcome.
Reply:Something to think about: physical security. Is your site isolated? Is there a problem with thievery in your area? Thieves may see a small outbuilding as an easy target, and knowing that there's gear and equipment stored in it could make it a target.I hate hearing about thieves making off with tools and equipment, guy trying to make a check gets robbed and his whole family feels it.
Reply:My shop is 26x32 and way too small....but I'm sure everyone's shop is too small no matter what the sizeDave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Thank you all for your input! The land that the shop will be on is my dad's land. I tried to get him to build at least a 30x40 steel building, but he keeps saying how he doesn't want to go through city hall to deal with all the crap involved in putting a building on his property. Because of that I figured I could just get a large wooden shed as a starter work space. I would MUCH rather have a steel building for the space, concrete floor, and security, as someone mentioned before. I work full time as a welder right now and since we are busy I have been working 13 to 15 hours or overtime. The money is OK, but I desire a secondary income to more effectively save for a house to get out of my parents place. I was looking to move out of state in order to find a better job, but if I can establish a small welding business where I live now I will just stay for a while.
Replyan,Don't let anyone tell you you need a big building to be worth while. Build what you a) can afford and b) have room for. I started in my single car garage in the middle of town. I had my new shop built using stick frame. Where I am, the "steel buildings" were quite a bit more expensive (30% there abouts if I recall) and the quansit(?sp) hut design wasted space. Since good ol' papa is letting you use his land, and doesn't want to hassle with the municipality ( can you blame him?!?! har har), find out what constitutes a "building" that would fall under the local codes. It's usually over a certain sq. footage, or if it have a permanent poured foundation that it's attached to, etc. You may be able to build a "shed" and sit it on pier blocks. 2x10 and 3/4 t&g ply floor would work fine. Roll is with a garage floor coating if your paranoid about sparks (don't be, just be aware). Or put down concrete patio stones for the floor. Build it on a camper frame with wheels. You can move it around as needed. A shipping container is ready made and really secure. Hell, 2x4's and tin siding will get the job done. And if you can tuck it out of public site on Dad lot, don't worry about the city. Phuk'um! But yeah, what ever space you can afford is better than nothing and it will make you more efficient.  Originally Posted by DanRTThank you all for your input! The land that the shop will be on is my dad's land. I tried to get him to build at least a 30x40 steel building, but he keeps saying how he doesn't want to go through city hall to deal with all the crap involved in putting a building on his property. Because of that I figured I could just get a large wooden shed as a starter work space. I would MUCH rather have a steel building for the space, concrete floor, and security, as someone mentioned before. I work full time as a welder right now and since we are busy I have been working 13 to 15 hours or overtime. The money is OK, but I desire a secondary income to more effectively save for a house to get out of my parents place. I was looking to move out of state in order to find a better job, but if I can establish a small welding business where I live now I will just stay for a while.
Reply:I decided not to go with a shed and keep trying to get him to build some kind of building, even if I have to put up some money. A building with a real concrete floor will just be a lot better for me and him. He farms the land with his 3 antique John Deere tractors so I said that he should build a building to store them in instead of leaving them out in the weather all the time. Of course they are all from the 40's and 50's, so they have seen quite a bit of weather in their day, but that will help my argument. He deserves a large, dry and heated building to work in, just like I do.
Reply:I have seen a few houses with what look like a large steel shed, but with 2 rolliup garage doors. It reminds me of a fully enclosed carport with garage doors. I have no idea where to get something like that. I was looking around on Google at different companies that may have that type of thing, but they all want tons of personal info just for a price and that irritates me. Does anyone know what I'm talking about and does anyone know who sells something like that at a reasonable price?