My wife has finally given her blessings on converting a shed we have into a workshop!  smilies=bowdown So my son and I have been busy cleaning it out and getting it ready for construction. Here are some pics---if I can get them to work.

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The shed is 24'x16' open at both ends with about a 10 foot ceiling.  Overall the structure is in pretty good shape, but there's still a lot of work to do in order to make it a suitable workshop.  With the exception of the shell, I’m pretty much starting from scratch.

I’ve never built a real workshop before and have been brain storming a bit.  Here’s what’s on the plans so far.  Any advice is greatly appreciated. 

Electrical: 
120V outlets at 4 foot centers all the way around, a couple in the ceiling and couple outside.
220V outlets at the lathe station, table saw, air compressor and maybe a couple more in key locations.
Eight 2x4 foot ceiling lights, may take it to six.  But I like lots of light.
Flood lights at the front and back.

Structural:
Put a 32” door at the front and a double 6 foot door at the rear.
Pour a new pad on top of the existing.  (The existing is sloped to the open areas and done rather roughly.) 
Add a couple of lean-to/closets on either end to house dust collector and air compressor.
Put electric conduit to table saw and dust collector duct under new slab
Add about 12 feet of work counter space with storage below and overhead cabinets.
Add pull down stairs and attic storage
Insulate and sheet rock.
Run air compressor pipe to a couple locations inside the shop.

HVAC:
Add a mini-split system heat pump.
Put a filtered return between the dust collector closet and shop

Again, any advice is appreciated.
smiley=dankk2.gif
Thanks!

I have to agree with Wizzy on that. (Scary, isn't it?)  Run the overhead with drop downs.  Clogs are easier to clear, and it won't cause a weak strip along the slab.

Jim's idea is about the best if you want it out of the way, up high along the wall with drops to each machines with shut offs. Jim loves me, he just hates to admit it.         

If that was me doing it I would have a detail plan on how to set it up. Grizzly had a free shop planner but I couldn't find it anymore. I guess they got rid of it. Once you know exactly where you want the machines then you can plan for DC & elect & ???


If you can afford it the sprayable expandable foam insulation if not then go for the blown in cellulose. It will help a lot to keep you warm & cool.

Chuck Beland wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2012 at 4:37am:


smiley=thumbsup.gif Chuck, I'm already there!  Here's the link.  They hid it down on the left hand side.  Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

If you're going to be pouring a slab over what you have, consider putting down foil bubble wrap and PEX tubing.  Even if you don't use it right away, its there.  I have a friend who hooked up a solar panel to the PEX.  It didn't bring the shop up to full temp but helped a lot.

Richard,
I tried to use their shop planner myself. It said the space was to small to plan. 

Have you considered making a small room for finishing.  Everyone who has one says it the best, keeps all the dust off your wet finishes.

  I would put every other outlet on one breaker and the rest on another.  Same with the lights.  That way, if you need to work on the outlets or lights you only lose half at a time. 

Totally agree with not burying the duct in the floor.

Get some white masonite from the box store to put over the plywood behind and above your lathe.  Makes cleaning up wet wood spray easier and gives you plenty of white board space for notes.

You're a lucky man, keep this post up to date so we can follow your progress.