What would you do differently if you built a new shop

[ovrszd]

When Morton built my 36X53X14 pole barn, they talked me out of a lower ceiling. They argued it's inexpensive to add a foot or two of height and if you do, it will be tall enough to drive the cement truck inside the barn when they pour the floor. They said it saves some labor and the need to water down the cement for a longer pour. And with the taller doors and trusses, I can pull the backhoe in with no clearance worries.

As far as solar power, The state of Indiana xxxx dominated legislature is in the process of repealing the net metering law to the extent that the utility only needs to pay you 3.5 cents per kwatt-hr. A big difference in economically justifying an expensive system. We seem unduly influenced here in Indiana by deep pocketed special interests. Coal, electric, industrial livestock, canned hunting... Some of these initiatives seem to run thru like-minded legislatures in other states.

I don't have any equipment that won't fit in my current building due to height. If I owned something that required a 14ft building that's definitely what I would build. I'm OCD about heating my shop so I built the shortest building that would fit my needs.

 

[ovrszd]

The coolest part is the hand cranked "turbo". My hat is off to whoever made the gearbox for it back than.

Those fascinate me as well. Man that thing puts out some air!!!!

 

[ovrszd]

For my next shop, I have decided to build it in sections that I can build one at a time. It's broken down into four units. In the middle will be my hay barn. It will be tall with a massive door, or at least an opening that I might put a door on later on. Then off to the right I will have my workshop with two big doors in the front, and one big door in the back so I can pull right through it, or just let the air flow through. It will have a half bathroom too. Off to the left will be a parking area with doors on both sides so I can either pull through, or enter from either side. Finally off to the back, behind the hay barn, will be my livestock barn. If I ever do this, it will be massive. Doing it one section at a time should allow me to keep moving forward on it at a pace that I can pay for it with cash as I save it up. The final dimensions are not set in stone yet, but basically each section is in the 48x48 foot range. I'm still removing trees and moving dirt without any rush or time table to actually start. I have too many other priorities to finish first.

Nice plan Eddie. It avoids the issue that always causes a builder to cut corners, money. I built my current shop with the futuristic plan of an addition on one side. So the location and position took that into account.

 

[ovrszd]

I've been thinking about a sprinkler system too. Something that I can do myself. I buy my hay from out in the field and it's been sitting there for awhile, but when I have a place to store it, I'm wondering if I might be risking a hay fire at some point. Especially if I get it right after it's been bailed. Currently I weld in my garage, which means if there is a stray spark that sets it on fire, the house is gone. Either way, I need to pay attention at all times when welding.

I work metal a LOT. I never Weld, Cut or grind and then leave the shop. I always plan to stay around for at least 30 minutes.

30 years ago my Brother-in-Law and I had a small hay crew. We would pick up and pile small round/square bales of hay for hire. Guy asked us to pile green baled Oats in the alleyway of a huge old barn that we had just filled with 6000 square bales of wheat straw. I said better leave the sliding doors open on the alleyway for a while until that oats hay dries. He said nope close it up. Week later it burned to the ground..... If the hay is properly cured before baling there's no risk.

 

[CADplans]

High enough so I could put a lift inside it sucks changing oil laying on the floor.

If you have a basketball hoop,, with a BIG backboard,,,
it is high enough,, and just about big enough,,, especially,, if you can shoot "3's"!

Be sure to position the lights away from the basketball hoop!! :confused2:

:laughing:

 

[ovrszd]

As is obvious in your picture, the problem with having a basketball hoop is cleaning an area on the floor big enough to use it!!!!!

 

[pmsmechanic]

For my next shop, I have decided to build it in sections that I can build one at a time. It's broken down into four units. In the middle will be my hay barn. It will be tall with a massive door, or at least an opening that I might put a door on later on. Then off to the right I will have my workshop with two big doors in the front, and one big door in the back so I can pull right through it, or just let the air flow through. It will have a half bathroom too. Off to the left will be a parking area with doors on both sides so I can either pull through, or enter from either side. Finally off to the back, behind the hay barn, will be my livestock barn. If I ever do this, it will be massive. Doing it one section at a time should allow me to keep moving forward on it at a pace that I can pay for it with cash as I save it up. The final dimensions are not set in stone yet, but basically each section is in the 48x48 foot range. I'm still removing trees and moving dirt without any rush or time table to actually start. I have too many other priorities to finish first.

Just my thoughts. I would be tempted to build the hay storage and the barn separate from the shop and storage areas. At least if one burns down you still have the other.

 

[EddieWalker]

I don't have any equipment that won't fit in my current building due to height. If I owned something that required a 14ft building that's definitely what I would build. I'm OCD about heating my shop so I built the shortest building that would fit my needs.

My backhoe is just over 13 feet tall at its highest point and I put a Universal Quick Attach onto the loader so I can have a bucket, grapple, pallet forks and a hay spear. For me, I need a 14 foot tall opening if I'm going to use it to store hay under a roof.

 

[ovrszd]

Eddie, if/when you start this project be sure to post a thread.

 

[Budweiser John]

Eddie, if/when you start this project be sure to post a thread.

Still looking for completed pictures of that fancy,smanchy chicken coop. Judy sayen.
B. John

 

[Budweiser John]

Followed this thread since inception, great ideas.
Two things I would love to have in a shop would be a truck well/loading dock and a
Decent sound system. Classical, jazz, or hard rock, your choice but since re lamping my existing shop with T-8 fixtures radio reception has gone has gone to the dogs. Anyone out there experiencing the same problem?
B. John

 

[Dadnatron]

Not in a shop, but I just put the first LED into my tractor. It immediately shut down my reception.

I did some research and found that in cheaper LEDs they don't use shielded electronics and it causes significant RFI issues.

I took that light out and sent it back. Purchased some better 'ie more expensive' with CREE LEDs and installed them in the exact same location without a blip in reception. Radio works perfectly. I tried Ferrite clamps on the wire first, but they didn't do a thing. But a better light did the trick.

 

[EddieWalker]

Still looking for completed pictures of that fancy,smanchy chicken coop. Judy sayen.
B. John

I have the flu right now, which is why I'm posting so much right now. I walked out there earlier and it wore me out, but it is bothering me just sitting there with nothing happening.

 

[ovrszd]

Followed this thread since inception, great ideas.
Two things I would love to have in a shop would be a truck well/loading dock and a
Decent sound system. Classical, jazz, or hard rock, your choice but since re lamping my existing shop with T-8 fixtures radio reception has gone has gone to the dogs. Anyone out there experiencing the same problem?
B. John

I pay $10 per month for XM. Music is playing 24/7. Happens to be on Classic Rewind right now. Listening to Peter Gabriel's "Big Time".

 

[murph1]

I pay $10 per month for XM. Music is playing 24/7. Happens to be on Classic Rewind right now. Listening to Peter Gabriel's "Big Time".

I did not know xm was that cheap.. I love that song!!

 

[ovrszd]

I did not know xm was that cheap.. I love that song!!

I use a portable unit with a docking station in the shop. Also have a docking station in my Jeep, and a docking station in the road grader. Terry has it in her GC Jeep using the onboard system. I think we pay $20 p/month total.

Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Tightrope" is on now.

 

[CADplans]

I did not know xm was that cheap.. I love that song!!

If you are close enough to the house,,,
how about Pandora music for free from the internet?

 

[Pixguy]

I'm actually paying SiriusXM $5.00 per month.

Regarding windows. When I built, I put in windows about 18"X48", but put them up high so I'd get plenty of light but high enough that prying eyes couldn't do so easily and climbing up wouldn't be fun.

 

[MossRoad]

Said the Moderator who continued the political path.

You forgot to call me biased again.

 

[MossRoad]

I have the flu right now, which is why I'm posting so much right now. I walked out there earlier and it wore me out, but it is bothering me just sitting there with nothing happening.

That's no fun. Get well soon. :thumbsup: