You read correctly - as diverse and strong as they may be at times, I'm looking for opinions.
About 1.5 years ago I moved my workshop out of my basement and into our 1.5 car detached garage. The reasons for doing this were (a) I could work in the evenings after our kids go to bed, and (b) more space…in that order of importance.
After 1.5 years in the garage, I'm becoming increasingly passionate about this hobby that I have, and I've learned some hard lessons along the way:
1. My garage is not insulated and therefore I can only work out there about 5-6 months during the year as I live in a cold northern climate.
2. My entire garage runs on one 15amp fuse (yes, I said fuse), which is nowhere near adequate. I can run the tablesaw and lights at the same time, but not the shop-vac/dust collection, and not the heater. This makes it a pain for me.
3. Sharing the garage with a large amount of yard equipment and kids toys is frustrating at best as I try not to get everything covered in dust, but it's next to impossible.
So I'm now facing a decision, and have no idea which way to go. I've been thinking about it for a while and can't come up with an answer, so I'm turning to Lumberjocks for advice.
Option #1 - Move everything except my table saw back into the basement workshop (a 15×15 space). This allows me to work year round, and with a focus on handtools (my latest passion), I should be able to do most of what I need even in the evenings. I could dedicate a block of time in the garage when needed for cutting stock to size on the tablesaw when needed. I would have ample heating/cooling, and plenty of power for dust collection, TV/radio, miter saw, etc.
Option #2 - Insulate the garage, and have an electrician out to run a new service to the house and garage so I have enough power. This gives me the most room, and could probably get me through the winters with a good heater. Biggest problem here is cost (at least $2,000) given that we won't be in this hose forever, as we're hoping to move in maybe 5 years or so.
I'm sure i'm leaving out needed details or thoughts, but hopefully everyone's opinions will help. Thanks!
About 1.5 years ago I moved my workshop out of my basement and into our 1.5 car detached garage. The reasons for doing this were (a) I could work in the evenings after our kids go to bed, and (b) more space…in that order of importance.
After 1.5 years in the garage, I'm becoming increasingly passionate about this hobby that I have, and I've learned some hard lessons along the way:
1. My garage is not insulated and therefore I can only work out there about 5-6 months during the year as I live in a cold northern climate.
2. My entire garage runs on one 15amp fuse (yes, I said fuse), which is nowhere near adequate. I can run the tablesaw and lights at the same time, but not the shop-vac/dust collection, and not the heater. This makes it a pain for me.
3. Sharing the garage with a large amount of yard equipment and kids toys is frustrating at best as I try not to get everything covered in dust, but it's next to impossible.
So I'm now facing a decision, and have no idea which way to go. I've been thinking about it for a while and can't come up with an answer, so I'm turning to Lumberjocks for advice.
Option #1 - Move everything except my table saw back into the basement workshop (a 15×15 space). This allows me to work year round, and with a focus on handtools (my latest passion), I should be able to do most of what I need even in the evenings. I could dedicate a block of time in the garage when needed for cutting stock to size on the tablesaw when needed. I would have ample heating/cooling, and plenty of power for dust collection, TV/radio, miter saw, etc.
Option #2 - Insulate the garage, and have an electrician out to run a new service to the house and garage so I have enough power. This gives me the most room, and could probably get me through the winters with a good heater. Biggest problem here is cost (at least $2,000) given that we won't be in this hose forever, as we're hoping to move in maybe 5 years or so.
I'm sure i'm leaving out needed details or thoughts, but hopefully everyone's opinions will help. Thanks!