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Re: New shop layout

That's good advice... We don't have to worry about dangerous bugs or snakes up here in AK. Whatever will hurt/kill you around here is big enough you can see it coming.

Re: New shop layout

Originally Posted by treeshade

Put wheels on everything from the git go. Then it will be easier to move when in the way.

Good idea. Wheels on everything is a major "I should have...."

This discussion comes up from time to time here. Another piece of advice is to NOT put stuff up against the wall. Leave enough space behind everything to push a broom. If you don't, the space behind each machine will very quickly turn into a nightmare of black widow spiders, brown recluses, cobwebs, lint, and other unidentifiable filth. Get some spray expanding foam and close every visible hole into the building. Keep a pump sprayer full of residual insecticide and spray the perimeters once a month.

Re: New shop layout

Put wheels on everything from the git go. Then it will be easier to move when in the way.

Re: New shop layout

My plan is to build shed roofs on both sides for basic storage. I don't plan on having any vehicles parked in it regularly. Hopefully I can keep most of the floor space for active projects.

Re: New shop layout

It will fill up quick. With the office you are down to 40x50. Mine is 36x48 and with just a couple vehicles, a trailer and bunch of tools and stuff, I don't have a large work area like I wanted. Would like to install a car lift some day.

This means I need a second shed that is just a cheap pole building with concrete floor to store the trailer, vehicle, tractor, mowers, etc.. If I want the large open work area, then I need to store stuff elsewhere, or get rid of some of it. Space management is not something I have mastered.

New shop layout

So, I just signed papers on my 40x60 steel building that I will be erecting in N/W Arkansas this fall. The plan is to run my small welding business out of this new shop when I retire from my "real" job here in AK the summer of '18 and move south. The building will have 17' walls and three overhead doors in one 40' end (2 - 10'x10, 1 - 12'x14'). Along the back 40' wall, I'm planning a full width, 10' deep office, bathroom, and clean storage room and will use the flat top for storage as well.

I'm not planning on any car lifts at this point. I'm just now starting to think about layout for work areas and wiring. I will probably have two different welding tables. I'm thinking a 5'x10' stationary, and a 4'x8' on casters. For you guys who have set up shops like this, are there any pointers that help save space or traps to avoid? Multiple 220v outlets around the shop are a must, hard plumbed shop air, retractable cords strategically placed, etc... A gantry crane is on my list of tools to build as well.

Thanks in advance!