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Garage heat - drying purposes (Read 1,011 times)
 
Andrew Abercrombie
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Garage heat - drying purposes
Nov 16th, 2017 at 10:56am
 
Hello All,

I have a one car garage that is my shop. It is not heated nor insulated so as you can imagine it gets cold with the MN winters I have to endure.

My question is this, can I use a heat lamp such as in a bathroom to give my project some warmth to aid drying?

I know there is a safety concern with wood and heat but if it works how far away should the light be from the project?

Thanks!
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Ed Weber
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Re: Garage heat - drying purposes
Reply #1 - Nov 16th, 2017 at 12:15pm
 
Andrew Abercrombie wrote on Nov 16th, 2017 at 10:56am:
I have a one car garage that is my shop. It is not heated nor insulated so as you can imagine it gets cold with the MN winters


While I hate to disagree with you, I would consider that a large walk-in freezer.

I would use some type of small enclosure, like a cooler of ice chest. This will help contain the heat and provide a measure of safety. What precise temperature to aim for I couldn't say. All species of wood are going to dry differently.
Maybe someone here with a wood kiln or drying box can help with temperatures. I would however use a fan to keep an even circulation of the warmer dry air.
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Andrew Abercrombie
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Re: Garage heat - drying purposes
Reply #2 - Nov 16th, 2017 at 12:26pm
 
Ed, I think I have not been as clear as I should’ve been. Not looking to dry wood itself but wood with stain, poly, etc finishes.
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Ralph Fahringer
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Re: Garage heat - drying purposes
Reply #3 - Nov 16th, 2017 at 12:42pm
 
I would still consider some sort of large  box or fridge that you can install a small fan for air circulation and then even something as simple as an incandescent lite bulb for warmth.
Not sure of the max wattage when you enclose it like that..someone else might know from having already done this.
An old fridge or freezer already has the insulation in the walls.


Agree.. freezing temps will mess with your finishes.


Also agree, it's a large walk - in freezer!! Shocked

Do you heat it while you are in there working?
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Ed Weber
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Re: Garage heat - drying purposes
Reply #4 - Nov 16th, 2017 at 6:26pm
 
Much of my answer still applies.
Finish needs to be just about as comfortable as you. (in the can and during application) If you need a sweatshirt, it's probably too cold. If you're sweating your ___ off, it's probably too hot.
The finish, the wood and the surrounding air need to maintain a reasonably stable temperature for the entire curing time.
Sounds like you're going to have make some type of insulated finishing booth.
There really are no short cuts when it comes to finishing
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Andrew Abercrombie
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Re: Garage heat - drying purposes
Reply #5 - Nov 16th, 2017 at 9:39pm
 
Gotcha, thanks guys. No I have no heat when I am working. I bundle up or just don’t work if it’s too cold. I’m usually a warm person so a thermal shirt and a hoodie usually are what I’m good with.
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Ron Sardo
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Re: Garage heat - drying purposes
Reply #6 - Nov 17th, 2017 at 7:16am
 
I've used a regular 75w light bulb to speed drying when needed in my basement workshop. It doesn't get as cold down there as your garage, mid 60s at worst.

I would test on scrap to see what works for you. Also keep in mind that finishes don't freeze well while still in the can.
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Donald Jordan
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Re: Garage heat - drying purposes
Reply #7 - Nov 17th, 2017 at 8:23am
 
Andrew,
As a contractor my company occasionally installs flexible cable in working Freezer warehouses.. (-20 F) We have successfully used the portable cooler with an incandescent light bulb Thumbs Up I would suggest adding a timer on the circuit, so you can leave it without any issues.
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George Stratton
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Re: Garage heat - drying purposes
Reply #8 - Nov 17th, 2017 at 10:03am
 
Maybe this should be under the finishing forum but it has to do with my cold garage shop. Do finishes like CA or other friction finishes work well under cold conditions? I usually have been using WOP but it gives me problems with drying in the cold weather such as now.
Geo.
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Al Wasser
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Re: Garage heat - drying purposes
Reply #9 - Nov 17th, 2017 at 11:40am
 
You can help yourself somewhat.  Take your finish and item to be finished into the house.  Wait for an acceptable day and then take them to the garage and go your finishing. Favor a finish that dries quickly.  Maybe lacquer. WOP and other finishes like Danish oil take too long to dry.
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Bill Godber
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Re: Garage heat - drying purposes
Reply #10 - Nov 17th, 2017 at 12:54pm
 
Have a look at this radiant heater from Lee Valley.

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I have one in my shop, they heat the objects they are pointed at, not the whole room.
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