Workshop from scratch

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I am moving into a new place that doesn't have a garage, so unfortunately I am going to have to design and build a small workshop for myself. I am asking for ideas.Currently I am thinking of a shop the size of 2 car garage, with a 3rd room in back that is as wide as the 2-car garage.The 2-car garage with be divided, separate rooms, each with a garage door:1. One side for wood and sawdust with a dust collection system2. The other side will be a metal and welding shopI want to have a covered concrete slab in front of the garage doors so that I can open the garage doors and work outdoors, even in the rain.The 3rd room in back will be a clean work space with heating and cooling , and a large sink. A toilet would be nice, but I won't be able to tie into the home's sewer system.110/220 v outlets, of course. And lots of overhead lights.The property has 200 amps, what circuit breakers should I have in the breaker box?No windows, for security.Any other ideas?Last edited by Harry Marinakis; 10-18-2019 at 07:38 PM.
Reply:What state are you in, Harry?
Reply:

Originally Posted by Bob

What state are you in, Harry?
Reply:Burgalar bars over windows can add security so you can open windows for cross breeze and less noise pollution in the shop from loud exhaust fans etc.What types of projects will you be working on or how big will they be.  Any need for taller doors and ceiling?Last edited by N2 Welding; 10-18-2019 at 11:48 PM.Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal Dynamics, Victor, Miller, Dewalt, Makita, Kalamzoo.  Hand tools, power tools, welding and cutting tools.
Reply:

Originally Posted by Harry Marinakis

West-by-God-VirginiaWhere couples can still remain brother and sister, even after they divorce each other
Reply:You've got a great start.  Make it as big as you can afford, and then a bit more.  I don't know that you need to fully wall off both front stalls, but it isn't crazy.  Sometimes it is nice to have the open space.  I put a bench in between my 2 garage doors. very handy - you would have a wall there.  All depends what you want and need.Insulate below the slab and put thick poly down to reduce moisture migration.  I recommend radiant heat tubing in the floor.  Can't put it in later and you never have to connect it if you don't want and all for only a couple hundred $-DaveXMT304 with: 22A Feeder, or HF251 Hi Freq DC TIG air cooled
Reply:

Originally Posted by N2 Welding

Burgalar bars over windows can add security so you can open windows for cross breeze and less noise pollution in the shop from loud exhaust fans etc.What types of projects will you be working on or how big will they be.  Any need for taller doors and ceiling?
Reply:Make your doors wider than normal.Miller Dynasty 280 DX, Lincoln 210 MP
Reply:Harry,  I did something like what you are describing.   I prepped the slab in the machine shop side so it would be 7" thick where a 2-post hoist was installed.  It has paid for itself many times. Consider you need 12'-1" ceiling height.  I don't have covered area in front, but a shed roof on each side.  My welders are near the garage entry and and I only installed one 220v  50 amp welder circuit so need to switch plugs between machines.  Not the end of the world, but would be nice to have at least one more outlet.  Another mistake was only running 10ga. wire to where the compressor is located which limits me to less than a true 5hp motor. two other other 220v 20 amp circuits cover lathe and  milling machine.   I ran several 220v. circuits in the wood shop but still end up sharing a plug in with a band saw and wide belt sander.A floor drain was installed so the parking area immediately inside the OHD drains to the center and not to the corners or up against the door. Probably not a concern in your location but much appreciated where snow and ice is the norm.  Enjoy the journey.
Reply:Harry, if your new shop will be a steel building with regular roof, not rounded, sky lights make a real savings on electricity during daylight.  Also as stated above, pouring a 7 to 8 inch floor on one side for a lift down the road will pay dividends later.  Just some thoughts.  Bob
Reply:Great ideas everyone. I am writing all of this down.
Reply:UpdateWell, the pandemic really quashed construction progress, but my custom-built shop is about 95% complete after about 18 months of slow construction.The pandemic also drove up construction, labor, and material costs.1200 square feetRadiant floor heatingAir conditioningHumidity controlledThree separate rooms200 A serviceAbout 25 electrical outlets, 20A, 30A, and 50ALights on circuits separate from toolsR19 insulated garage doorsHeavy steel side door (it's a fortress)Covered outdoor work areas in front and along the sideFrench drains all the way aroundI have yet to build the four 2' x 8' x 8' storage cabinets, and the sink areaI'm installing the dust collection system now.

Two 15' x 25' rooms up front

A 15' x 30' room in the back

Lots of juice and outlets

Night lights

Last edited by Harry Marinakis; 8 Hours Ago at 07:49 PM.
Reply:Looks a little different but is the prettiest shop I think I've ever seen.
Reply:That is pretty.www.urkafarms.com