My Garage/Shop Heater Install

[PILOON]

Ive seen this happen on the 100 gallon propane tanks when hooked onto generators. Problem went away with 250 gal plus tanks. Something to do with the way the propane vaporizes in the tank trying to feed large demand objects.

I was going to say FREEZE but you beat me to it.

The cause is basically the venturi effect.

 

[BukitCase]

Mark, 50F "away temp" looks like a good choice; it's a good idea to always have the shop above dew point if at all possible; your general area

Seattle, WA 1-Day Weather Forecast | Weather Underground

looks to be running no higher than 40. If any of your tool surfaces dip below dewpoint, that's where any vapor is gonna condense.

In my (mostly) unheated shop, a 1500 watt heater sits about 4 feet away from the table saw, aimed toward it - other tools get the 100 watt bulbs/clamp lamp fixtures under cast iron. That way, even parts of the shop that occasionally dip below dew point don't have a problem, 'cause the metal itself is ALWAYS warmer than surrounding air.

I also keep the table saw tented when not in use, just changed to one of these
Amazon.com: HTC TS-9112 Tool Saver 72-by-112-Inch Jumbo Machine Cover: Home Improvement

Previously I was using one of those elastic bordered ATV covers; not quite long enough, PITA to R&R...

The fabric is nice, it's big enough to cover the entire saw/extension table; the corner magnets are a bit wimpy, so I augment with extras. The overarm DC makes it real easy to "tent", with a few more magnets it keeps the entire cover NOT in contact with table surfaces. Actual surface temps stay above 60 with that setup.

Gotta admit, I'm officially jealous - I'd be even moreso if your shop was at least 36 x 48 ... Steve

 

[Big Barn]

Gotta admit, I'm officially jealous - I'd be even moreso if your shop was at least 36 x 48 ... Steve

Just a morsel hint of jealousy, right Steve?

 

[ovrszd]

Yes sir! I mentioned a sink and hot water install but to finish this project off, I will be blowing installation above... figuring about R38. Walls are 6in and also uninsulated. That task is not as easy/accessible so we will have to see if that is necessary. Thinking a well insulated ceiling will go a long ways.

And here a couple months ago I was thinking of building a two story stand alone shop for 6 figures. Looking at my 401K... good decision not to have plunged into that. I do want to retire to my shop sooner than later... it will just be a little smaller than I dreamed.

In regards to insulation. No insulation is necessary. Buildings were heated without it for centuries.

It's a pay me now or pay me later scenario. No money spent on insulation results in long term money spent on fuel. Good insulation has an immediate cost but you get it back every year you heat the building.

I'm not familiar with your temps?? In Northern Missouri I have R60 in the ceiling and R19 in the walls. If your walls are "draft" proof 90% of your heat loss will be out the ceiling.

 

[BukitCase]

Richard, check the weather link (for Mark's area) in my above post, shows the 10 day forecast for everything you could ask for :thumbsup: ... Steve

 

[dragoneggs]

In regards to insulation. No insulation is necessary. Buildings were heated without it for centuries.

It's a pay me now or pay me later scenario. No money spent on insulation results in long term money spent on fuel. Good insulation has an immediate cost but you get it back every year you heat the building.

I'm not familiar with your temps?? In Northern Missouri I have R60 in the ceiling and R19 in the walls. If your walls are "draft" proof 90% of your heat loss will be out the ceiling.

Yes, the walls are 'wrapped'. I think I buy enough to get a contractor pricing and add the remaining to 'top off' my house which has blown in cellulose that has settled and been smashed down over the years of running wiring, etc.

 

[ovrszd]

Richard, check the weather link (for Mark's area) in my above post, shows the 10 day forecast for everything you could ask for :thumbsup: ... Steve

Yeah, I figured he was a little more moderate than me. Was primarily concerned about the coldest month and what lows he could expect. That's when your insulation dollar pays big dividends.

 

[BukitCase]

Yeah Richard; Puget Sound is a big enough body of water to smooth out some of the peaks/dips... Steve

 

[dragoneggs]

Ive seen this happen on the 100 gallon propane tanks when hooked onto generators. Problem went away with 250 gal plus tanks. Something to do with the way the propane vaporizes in the tank trying to feed large demand objects.

Well you might be on to something. My problem of the flame extinguishing once igniter shuts down is BACK. :mur:

I can't get it going again today after shut down for the night. Tank is a vertical 120gal and is full. Wondering if the tank regulator is okay. I have it set near 13. The range printed on the regulator says 9 to 13.

 

[ovrszd]

Bummer.

Steve can address this better than I. Furnaces now have different levels they operate at depending on demand. So,,, if it's cool/cold in your shop and you crank up the system it may try to run on a higher output level than it would maintaining a temp. In higher end systems that would include increased fan speed. Maybe,,,, if that's what's going on,,,,, the demand might cause problems within the tank??

Curious to hear the outcome. Very frustrating....