Any problems with shop? (ie.. garage)

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cowchaser

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Bartlesville, Oklahoma, USA.
I am about to purchase the things I need to start turning pens on my own. I however do not have a shop. My space will be limited to 1/2 of a 2 car garage. Besides the heat and cold on my body is there any problems I may run into? Like CA drying to fast on pens or anything that would keep me from turning in the colder and hotter months. Remember I live in Oklahoma so the weather here is not something even the weather man gets right on a daily basis.

Thanks
 
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Garage here as well, though I'm making progress on training folks to refer to it as the "Shop"..... helps that I've got the full space, instead of half. I've found with our milder weather you can turn comfortably through the winter with the aid of one of the propane heaters. Address the dust issue early!! I've got the 3 speed Jet ceiling mount air filtration system, and it does wonders- picked it up refurbed with full facotry warranty off e-bay for $189. It's mounted right over top of the lathe I use most frequently, and it's underside makes a great place to hang two of the magnetic base adjustable arm lights from harbor freight- so great lighting, and quick removal of both dust and fumes when using CA right at my fingertips.
 
A one car garage is about what I have. You can do a lot with limited space. Careful planning is required. You can get help with the Grizzly planner, great free service. http://www.grizzly.com/workshopplanner.aspx
 
BTW, except for very cold days, I love having the big door open to give me a bit of 'outdoors' feel. Heat in summer isn't a problem. I sweat, but so what? A fan, drink plenty of water and take breaks occasionally.
 
My shop is also in the garage and my lathe is by the garage door which I too open whenever I'm in the shop summer or winter. Of course my winters only get down to the 40's, but hey I can take it.[}:)][:D]
 
My shop also houses my wife's car. I like having the garage door open too. The neighbors or their kids stop by to see what I am working on. Texas winters are nice enough that I don't worry about heat. Summer I run a fan. Organization is one of the keys. The tools I use the most are on one wall.

Also remember to move the car....No dear, I don't know what dented your BMW...What? it's the same size as the bowl pieces in the scrap bin...OK but I wasn't hurt..Oh, you can see that....
 
My garage is just outside of Dallas, Texas.

I second the comments on dust control!!

Heat is a personal issue. I have installed a ceiling fan over my work area and salvaged the big fan from the condensing unit of an old air conditioning. I built a little box to hold the fan and it pushes a lot of air. I don't like it blowing on me directly so it sits in the open doorway and acts as an exhaust fan. I also have one of those Wal-Mart $11 specials...window box fan... that I keep pointed direct;y at me. Can you guess that i don't care for hot weather/

In cold weather you may have trouble with your adhesives and finishes being slow to set up or not set up at all......anything below about 60° and you may see some effects.

Your biggest issue may be the electrical service. Most garages..... especially in older homes.....aren't wired for a very big load. I had to run an extra circuit for my air compressor(just a little pancake unit) and dust collector because I kept blowing circuit breakers.
 
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