Chompin' at the bit

Take heart Steve. The days are getting noticeably longer. I too am getting very anxious to get back to my “Workshop in the Woods” in the U.P., alas…...there is still 30” of snow on the ground.

Last Spring, I installed a 35,000 BTU Reznor propane heater. It’s fed by a 250 gal tank just behind my shop. This heater has the “separated combustion” feature, thus there is no open flame in the shop. Even on days well below freezing, it warms my shop completely in about twenty minutes. For those very few hot summer days I use two small Ace Hardware fans that sit on the window ledges. That’s all the A/C I need at 46 degrees North.

I also love Johnson’s Paste Wax – rust’s worse enemy.

ps: I’ll be very careful driving through Southern Illinois – wouldn’t want to meet you the wrong way.

-- "Heaven is North of the Bridge"

Last night I was out in the shop, simply trying to drill out a few pen blanks. It was about 14* after the wind chill, and at that temp my kero heater just couldn’t keep up. I’ve got a Lot to do this spring, and I too am waiting for the warmer weather to get here with a vengence. I’d settle for simply above freezing. I don’t even care if all of the snow is gone. In fact, once the snow is gone, the hip-waders will be required… my yard turns into a small pond once the snow pack melts.

-- Ned - 2B1ASK1 http://nedswoodshop.blogspot.com

How about installing a wood stove? Or something that’s not as expensive as gas or electric heat? Insullation would also keep it cool in hot weather. First, go buy a Lottery ticket . . .

-- "They who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night." ~ Edgar Allan Poe

I have a wood stove in it, and it’s a 32×24 pole barn that used to be a horse stable. It has a 12’ ceiling, so the wood burner will take the chill out of the air, but that’s about it. The cost to insulate this thing would mean that I have to stud out some walls (if I’m going to use the walls to hang cabinets or other things). I’d also have to drop the ceiling.

Ultimately, I’d like to put new tin on the outside of mine, and stud in the walls with insulation, 1/2 inch sheeting on the inside… new wiring… I’m probably looking around 5 grand.

It would almost be just as cost effective to build a new shop… LOL… (now, I’m REALLY stretching it… )

-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) †

I’m sure there’s a name for that disorder. You know, like when you go to the store only intending to buy the $149.00 power tool, but the next one up in features is ONLY $249…

-- Glenn, Arkansas

... yeah, then you decide to get the one that is $249, but then you see the one that is $425….

I’ve been there… LOL

I think the name of the disorder for my shop is “Coldfingeraphobia”
The disorder name when your shopping for tools is “Alwayssomethingbetteratosis”

-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) †

mmh… I got mine! lol

-- Ned - 2B1ASK1 http://nedswoodshop.blogspot.com

LOL… well, I guess I’m going to have to put that on my list of things to do today… hello lotto ticket.

-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17) †

Steve,
I commiserate with you and your loss for the shop. Every time it starts to get warm, another cold front comes through and the temps drop into the teens again. Last weekend I was in the shop with the kerosene heater burning and things were nice and toasty. Then the kerosene ran dry. Too late in the winter to fill it up again (I want it empty for the summer) so I just have to tough it out until it warms up. Too many things to do and no warmth to do it in.

-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.

Amen….................... just when you think it is getting warmer it turns cold again…..........I’m with you all. Come on Spring….........................please.

-- Jerry--A man can never have enough tools or clamps

I’m afraid that this is going to be one of those years when spring decides to wait until June and fall arrives in Sept.

-- RTB. stray animals are just looking for love

rtb—say it ain’t so!! !
spring around the corner… with just the odd day here and there of “winter”... fall? Don’t want to think about that!

-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)

Steve, you are looking forward to the warmer weather & I am looking forward to the cooler weather
Looks like that snowball of yours is melting. LOL

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python