What are the must haves for you're shop?

[rockfla]

Fixing to get a shop built (Strictly a shop) and was wondering what you're must have equipment is for you're shop. I have a twin cyl compressor, 50amp Lincoln Mig, Logan Lathe, Drill press, bench grinder, parts cleaner, all the air tools. Am looking to have a lift installed, media blast cabinet, hydraulic press..... SO what else???

[38bill]

Milling machine is really handy. I use mine more than my lathe. You will find the blast cabinet is really great to have. Makes old rusty parts look like new.

[51 MERC-CT]

The only "must have" thing for my shop is a 'project', after that any thing to do the project is acquired as needed.

[34PKUP]

Originally Posted by rockfla

Fixing to get a shop built (Strictly a shop) and was wondering what you're must have equipment is for you're shop. I have a twin cyl compressor, 50amp Lincoln Mig, Logan Lathe, Drill press, bench grinder, parts cleaner, all the air tools. Am looking to have a lift installed, media blast cabinet, hydraulic press..... SO what else???

Only a 50 amp MIG? really

[Hoop]

What a coincidence! I just now got off the phone with a guy who wants me to set up his '32 helmet distributor.

If you had a Sun machine in your shop, you could pick up a few bucks from this guy. (I'll pass your name on to him if you want.)

[rockfla]

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Originally Posted by Hoop

What a coincidence! I just now got off the phone with a guy who wants me to set up his '32 helmet distributor.

If you had a Sun machine in your shop, you could pick up a few bucks from this guy. (I'll pass your name on to him if you want.)

Hoop
I wouldn't have anything to do with that guy!!!! Why do you think I'm setting up my own shop?? Lol. I guess I am gonna have to start looking for a machine like yours.....BUT then I'll have to pester you to show me how to use it!!!!

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by 51 MERC-CT

The only "must have" thing for my shop is a 'project', after that any thing to do the project is acquired as needed.

I have NO shortage of those @ 51 Merc. I have 6 major ones in waiting and at least 3 semi-major ones and one or two I'm not sure if they are worth the effort. And one that's a more "modern" project!!!

[A bones]

Some years back a member posted a pic of his project. in the corner was a urinal.

[50droptop]

If I had to re-plan my shop over again, I think I would include some means/provisions for a paint booth. Maybe not a permanent booth or even a full size booth, but at least somewhere to be able to spray moderate sized items (wheels, engine blocks, etc) without having to worry about over spray or the weather outside. I will say (and you've included it on your list) that the item I am MOST thankful for is the 2 post lift. This has made life so much easier from everything as simple as changing tires to as cumbersome as removing bodies. It's a definite must have!

[TonyM]

My shop needs this:

[JSeery]

A lift, the older I get the more I like it! But then MIG & TIG & Gas, lath, and on and on, LOL.

[Brian]

The must have in my shop is an overhead monorail with trolley carrying a chain block

[petehoovie]

Privacy....

[skidmarks]

Beer and a fire extinguisher first aid kit

[Seth Swoboda]

Assuming you have a huge budget, I'll give this a try:

1. two post lift
2. 250 amp Mig Welder
3. TIG welder
4. Overhead chain hoist
5. Cherry picker
6. All hand tools of course wrenches/ratchets/sockets included
7. Two stage air compressor
8. refrigerated air dryer
9. large bench vice
10. Oxy/Acetylene torch outfit.
11. 3.5 inch angle grinder
12. air impact
13. air ratchet
14. large media blast cabinet
15. Parts washer
16. Professional spray wash cabinet
17. really good lighting
18. heat
19. dozens of miscellaneous small tools & power tools
20. orbital sander
21. air file/sander
22. body hammers and tools
23. Plasma Cutter
24. Stud gun/welder and puller

[Hoop]

On summer days like today in Florida, an air-conditioned shop sounds mighty good. But, in reality, very few guys go that far.

Good ventilation IS a must ... good fans ... better yet a roll-around, evaporative "swamp cooler" can make a huge difference.

[95476]

Beverly Shears. Ellis Saw, plasma cutter, mini fridge, internet access, wide screen,nice lounge chair (for contemplation)

[40 Deluxe]

Good insulation and real A/C. Swamp coolers put out a lot of humidity, plus don't work well when the air is humid to begin with. Build it bigger than you think you need!

[Don W/Norfolk]

Looks like Seth has done his homework. I'd add 4-5 angle grinders with an assortment of cutoff, flap and wire brush wheels. Saves time having to change things out between uses.
Just my 2¢. dw

[40 Deluxe]

Has anyone read about the latest in Loonyville (California)? Sacramento County is trying to outlaw anyone working on their own car in their own garage anywhere in the county! Minor things like change oil and brake pads will OK, but not much else.

[philipswanson]

At least $10k in the bank for parts. That's the minimum.

[Hoop]

"Swamp coolers put out a lot of humidity, plus don't work well when the air is humid to begin with."

Great! A swamp cooler dispute.

[philipswanson]

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

Has anyone read about the latest in Loonyville (California)? Sacramento County is trying to outlaw anyone working on their own car in their own garage anywhere in the county! Minor things like change oil and brake pads will OK, but not much else.

Currently, you are not allowed to dismantle a car anywhere in California unless you have a dismantler's license as in an auto wrecker. That law is already in force and is a DMV statute. Not just in Sacramento but anywhere in the state.

[cmbrucew]

My fork lift comes in handy, and good lighting. Shed, or storage container outside for shelves. Good solid work/welding bench.


Bruce

[skidmarks]

Originally Posted by philipswanson

Currently, you are not allowed to dismantle a car anywhere in California unless you have a dismantler's license as in an auto wrecker. That law is already in force and is a DMV statute. Not just in Sacramento but anywhere in the state.

Ha, another reason to stay out of California.

[1ton]

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Less clutter. Keep it clean and you wont lose things like I do in my shop. Time for a major cleanup.

[adileo]

Originally Posted by JSeery

A lift, the older I get the more I like it! But then MIG & TIG & Gas, lath, and on and on, LOL.

You guys can tell by my questions I’m at best an apprentice. But lucky enough to have have bought a house with a three car garage with 14’ ceiling.

I’m with Jerry - aside from air tools and good hand tools, a lift is worth it’s weight in gold and in my zip code heat is also money well spent, helps keep me off the couch and away from TV.

[oldford2]

I have a small shop (18x 26) insulated, but good for an engine rebuild every year. I have a pellet stove, window a/c, engine hoist, grinder, and a valve grinder (yes, I still butt grind valves, no adjustable lifters), air compressor. I have my drill press and metal cutting/forming equipment in my house basement shop. So good exercise up and down for some projects.
I have to jack up and use stands for pulling engines and usual work (brakes, pulling engines, etc.). More exercise. I have a buddy that does welding for me.
The only thing I could use is someone to cleanup and put tools away at the end of the day Because when I use a tool I lay it on the nearest flat surface. At 80 I never remember where I put it
john

[swedishsteel]

A couple things I didn't see mentioned: a rotisserie and an adjustable height stool on wheels. Having a car on a rotisserie enables you to do all the work at a comfortable height. I have a couple old office chairs that adjust up and down and roll to where I need them--they also work good for "contemplation" with a cold drink as was mentioned above. I built a 11' tall gantry with chain hoist with a 10' x 6 inch I beam with 6 inch castors under it, and have a 19' x 6" I beam with electric chain hoist with one end on a swivel anchored on one of the vertical 5x6's in the wall and the other end supported with a10' x 4" pipe on a 4'x 6" I beam on 6" casters, so it swings in an arch. Being able to lift and roll everything is essential--because the way you lay your shop out now will change as you acquire more/better equipment and tools, even as you change projects. Have fun. Rod

[TJ]

delete

[TJ]

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe

Has anyone read about the latest in Loonyville (California)? Sacramento County is trying to outlaw anyone working on their own car in their own garage anywhere in the county! Minor things like change oil and brake pads will OK, but not much else.

Nothing surprises me about this state, but I have not heard of this in Sacramento. After all this is the land of fruits, nuts, and libiots, If they pass this law there will be a mass exodus of car guys(taxpayers).
Anyway for a good shop you need a refrigerator for beer and a nice big strong workbench with a big vise on the end.

[Shu47]

In addition to the many good suggestions I would put in a toilet and sink if you can.

[39portlander]

A Yeti to guard your swamp cooler of course On a serious note, must have for me was a TP blasting media cabinet and parts washer.

My garage is 20 feet from the kitchen fridge, beer is not a problem

[Zeke3]

Don't forget the stereo to play your AC/DC albums like 39Portlander, to keep the Yeti happy.

[deuce_roadster]

In addition to already listed....A hot water heater. Then you can have a stackable washer/dryer like in an apartment sized one for washing rags, polishing cloths etc. Nice for washing hands too in your bathroom. A welding table with spark shield. I have a very nice one a friend helped me build. An air operated tire machine. One other have thing, everything on wheels. My tire machine all welders, welding table, plasma cutter, blast cabinet, table saw all are on wheels to store and then move where you want to use.
Since you are planning a lift you will need a high ceiling. My shop is only 32 x 60 with 18' high walls but I have a large bay with lift and at each end I have built mezzanines for part storage. My heated room is heavily insulated so I can work through the winter.
Oh, 1 more thing, CD player with speakers.

[tubman]

"deuce_roadster" mentioned a mezzanine. If you have high ceilings, (14' or more), you really should have one. I have a 40 X 30 shop and put in a 30 X 8 mezzanine across the back with an 8 X 8 "office" area between the main mezzanine and the stairs. I wish I had made it twice as large. I have pallet racking across the back wall of the mezzanine area for parts storage; it would have been nice to have had the pallet racking on both sides. You really only need the high ceilings for clearance on a lift. Unless you have a sailboat or an RV, most of the space between 7' and 14' is just wasted.

[RalphM]

I’d be happy just to have a roll up door for getting cars in and out of it easier. Opening and closing the two 8’ x 12’ insulated doors gets old fast.

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by Hoop

"Swamp coolers put out a lot of humidity, plus don't work well when the air is humid to begin with."

Great! A swamp cooler dispute.

... barrel blower fans kick out some air. We just sweated it out when I lived there. Lots of drinking water or whatever.

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by 39portlander

A Yeti to guard your swamp cooler of course On a serious note, must have for me was a TP blasting media cabinet and parts washer.

My garage is 20 feet from the kitchen fridge, beer is not a problem

They have one of those outside a fountain shop near me. They put football jerseys on it. Thought about doing some cutouts with plywood in the woods to confuse passerby's.


Seriously though. As many tools as you can get. A lift is nice as well as comfortable environment. Sounds like you have a pretty good start, better then most.

[Vics Stuff]

A real must is a slop sink to keep things cleaned as well as a toilet.
I have everything mentioned above and still find myself wanting some other cool tools.
Vic

[rockfla]

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions. @HOOP the last 24hrs have been a discussion of A/C (either a mini split OR a appropriate window unit for the size) for sure SO once "said" shop is built A/C is first, then a lift. I cannot do a toilet Unfortunaetly but a utility sink is a for sure thing. Right now I'm planing a 24 X 36 shop "ONLY" for one project at a time BUT it's not concrete yet!!! NO pun intended!!!!

[deuce5wndw]

If I was designing my shop now I would want a "dirty" room for bead blast cabinet, belt sander with buffer, mig welder and grinders. All of the above make it hard to keep clean for engine assembly or?

[19Fordy]

Storage area.

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Storage area.

I'm planning on doing a Conex carport to. Two conex's on each side with a carport between them so I can park the enclosed car trailers and or our dually under it and have both conex's for parts storage!!!

[Seth Swoboda]

Originally Posted by deuce5wndw

If I was designing my shop now I would want a "dirty" room for bead blast cabinet, belt sander with buffer, mig welder and grinders. All of the above make it hard to keep clean for engine assembly or?

Excellent advice.

I have my two stage air compressor outside of my shop. It's in its own room that I built on to the rear of the shop to keep noise down.

If your building a shop have an area for all the dirty work and a separate area for final assembly.

[Seth Swoboda]

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Originally Posted by Don W/Norfolk

Looks like Seth has done his homework. I'd add 4-5 angle grinders with an assortment of cutoff, flap and wire brush wheels. Saves time having to change things out between uses.
Just my 2¢. dw

I have about 90% of what is on my list.

I'll even add that our compact track loader has come in handy for lifting heavy parts or loading and unloading pallets of engines.

[rockfla]

Storage like this

[philipswanson]

Originally Posted by RalphM

I’d be happy just to have a roll up door for getting cars in and out of it easier. Opening and closing the two 8’ x 12’ insulated doors gets old fast.

Yes, that's why you left them open when we were up there visiting. Phil

[Mart]

Two things spring to mind. A good set of taps and dies, with tapping drills, for the threads you expect to encounter. I prefer good quality used rather than new cheapies.

One thing that I find useful is a small compressor, not one for spraying, just one that can be fired up when needed. Mine kicks in when I turn on the lights over my lathe and mill. In my modest shop, by the door I have a retractable air hose reel. I can reach any car inside the shop, and any car parked outside. I can air up the tyres, or use it to blow stuff away when machining, or for instance a little blast around the plug holes before removing the plugs. I can plug further hoses into it to reach the front of the house. It's really a very handy thing to have and being small, airs up quickly and saves running a big one when all you want is a little puff of air.

Mart.

[Hoop]

Aside from hand tools, the first "shop equipment" I bought was a small floor jack from Montgomery Wards and a small Sears air compressor with a tank. As Mart says, that compressor was the handiest ... and the jack was "big time."

I still have the jack and use it. Also have two bigger ones that are indispensable.

BUT ... how many of us have bought shop equipment that we rarely or never use. Like my plasma cutter. Somehow I really thought I had to have one.

Instead of a list of "must haves", how about a list of "didn't have to's?"

[39portlander]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Storage area.

You can never build it big enough it seems, with the two vehicles and equipment I'm maxed out

[Hal Beatty]

Originally Posted by 39portlander

You can never build it big enough it seems, with the two vehicles and equipment I'm maxed out

Yeah... More Square Footage!

[skidmarks]

As for the air compressor, a main shut off valve keeps the tank full and the building is plumb all the way around with drain loops for moisture

[cas3]

tools have been covered, so i'll move on to the building. some small tasks are still done in the driveway by me, so face east for warm sun on cool mornings, and shade in the afternoon. doors on gable end so no gutter needed. no such thing as too much insulation even in florida. the earth under the building stays cool and the insulated shop above it will be at least cooler than outside temps, and a small window AC unit will take out the humidity and keep the place comfortable for cheap. best insulation is spray foam for several reasons. one, it is air tight so no drafts or bugs will be in the shop. mice do not like it, so no nests or other destruction like fiberglass. and it actually gives a building more strength for high winds. 30 x 40 is a good moderate size, not too big to heat or cool, and enough room for some machines and a couple projects. thats a shop size, not mass storage, thats another building. 6" concrete will never give you any trouble cracking. high ceiling if you want a hoist. i have several large eyelets mounted in the ceiling to lift motors and things out of the back of a pickup, and hang stuff for painting. a large rack for the hardware division, i like to have the hardware store at home. enough thoughts for now

[35fordtn]

I work in my shop in early v-8 stuff daily and I have about 85% of what was on Seth’s list. My most used items are a parts washer cabinet (automatic) and my two blast cabinets one has fine and the other coarse, I also use my Sun Machine daily. I’d highly highly recommend a refrigerated air dryer, best investment I’ve made in terms of air lines. Also highly recommend LED lighting and lots of it.

I use my blast cabinets a LOT, and have a 2300 CFM dust collector rigged up to two dust deputy’s, and vented outside. That was a major improvement

[Tinker]

Skip I have a 30x35. They quoted me 14k to sprayfoam it. I know it's the way to go in the north.


I always buy a box of bolts/nuts/washer/screws instead of a handful or what I need. It's cheaper for me to spend the money then on a box (and have it), then drive into town.


Isolating loud equipment is nice.
You guys visited here?
https://www.garagejournal.com/


As far as don'ts. I think the only thing I had was a scissor lift for a bit. Could only really do wheels and brakes. My father-in-law had a driveup ramp he made with concrete. Maybe 3 ft of space under. Very useful. Tools are a different story really. Having a good hub puller is super nice. Don't use it much but when needed it's nice.

[30-9]

Access to Ford Barn and Youtube

[VeryTangled]

I know it's not politically correct these days, but I love a garage with a pit to work under the car. A lift and a pit is what I'd do if I was building a place. Some folks have their pit built into a slope like a bank barn would be, that stops the "danger" from heavier than air explosive gasses collecting in it. With either device, I love standing up while working under a vehicle.

[Terranova]

Originally Posted by 35fordtn

I also use my Sun Machine daily.

Not to hijack the tread, but do you have any pics or video of you using your machine?

[Mart]

If you look for my recent thread with the finding a squeak video you can see me using the taps and dies and the air. It was while doing that job that I thought of this thread. I just used the air a few minutes ago to blow the dust out of a second hand electric motor.

Mart.

[deuce5wndw]

Originally Posted by rockfla

Storage like this

I like that! Are those trusses factory made for that application or are they made on sight?

[rockfla]

Originally Posted by deuce5wndw

I like that! Are those trusses factory made for that application or are they made on sight?

I haven't investigated that far yet!!!! As soon as I do I will let you know!!! I've seen some guy's make them out of wood.

[50fordcoupeman]

Lots of lighting. When you think you have enough, add more. Put the lighting on different circuits so you can have on only the ones you need. I have separate switches for different areas of the shop but wish I had more.

[qickkenny]

I put Mitsubishi air conditioning in my shop last year, it was the best thing I have done.
I keep it at 79 degrees and everything stays dry, never worry about condensation any more, also have radiant in the floor. Build it big enough to be able to park two cars back to back, that was my only mistake.

[marko39]

My shop is 45'x42'x16' with an old Globe single post lift. I built a large loft for parts which attracted my wife's and 3 kids junk. Have most of tools needed and spent more time working on kids cars than my 39tudor.You can become very popular with a nice shop.( son and friends and beer guzzling brother) I wish I had it built larger. A floor drain is a must and at least 100amp service .Heat is a wood boiler with a fancoil unit. Most of winter is spent in basement shop where I keep the Sun machines.(have a spare Dist. Tester if anyone interested) The next improvement in main shop will be LED lighting.Hard to move the 14' wood stepladder to change 4' tubes.

[tubman]

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+1 on LED lighting. I convert my fixtures over when a fluorescent tube goes.

[50droptop]

Agree on the lighting, you can never have too much. Just when you think you’ve planned enough light, add more. You can see how many fixtures I have in my shop from the reflection in the photo. There are 42 fixtures (fluorescent) on two circuits.

[Tinker]

Now that LEDs are up to "100w" and way cheaper. I go that way. Plus there is no ballast noise or flicker when they go bad, minimum heat created, low energy draw, and the bulb only needs to be changed ever 5-10yrs.

[Ron Pilger]

swim-suit girl calendar from the fifties.

[hope]

Yep

[VeryTangled]

Originally Posted by Ron Pilger

swim-suit girl calendar from the fifties.

Thread Winner!!!

[rockfla]

Marko39

I messaged you about you're spare distributor machine....Interested!!!

[jms50f5coe]

The best door locks you can afford!

[Fairlane500]

I'd like to see photos of some of these shops if comfortable with sharing. I like the garagejournal but they never have anything in their shops that interest a Flathead guy...

[Brian]

I'd like to see photos of some of these shops if comfortable with sharing. I like the garagejournal but they never have anything in their shops that interest a Flathead guy...



I also participate in garagejournal, and my shop is definitely flathead friendly, but you don't wanna see photos of that mess!!

[Old Redneck]

I need a bigger garage at least 200 by 400 lots of lighting, air condition, heat in the winter. That about it.

[tubman]

I could live with your existing shop (as long as the cars are included)!

[Frank Miller]

It was kind of mentioned but a fan built into the wall for spraying paint or just removing fumes from whatever you're welding and heating with a torch is nice. You could build a little tep spray booth around this area.

[Old Redneck]

Maybe we all are lucky for what we do have. I have no reason to wine.

[corvette8n]

I'd settle for a 1 car garage, I have to rent a storage unit for the winter.

[dean from bozeman]

Very interesting thread.

Sometimes I do forget to put tools back in a timely manner. So I could use a real life '50s calendar swim suit girl to help me with that, hand me a wrench when needed, laugh at my jokes, massage my shoulders and generally just give me a hand when needed. That's my perfect shop.

[mhsprecher]

Our garage dreams.



I'd like a 6 or 8 car garage with a lift and most of what others have suggested. Paint booth would be nice and a separate room for woodworking tools. Radiant heat floor for the winter and if not a/c then a dehumidifier. And someone to make me clean up after I am finished working.

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by mhsprecher

Our garage dreams.



I'd like a 6 or 8 car garage with a lift and most of what others have suggested. Paint booth would be nice and a separate room for woodworking tools. Radiant heat floor for the winter and if not a/c then a dehumidifier. And someone to make me clean up after I am finished working.

I'll add a welding room. if we be dreaming.

[39portlander]

Originally Posted by Tinker

I'll add a welding room. if we be dreaming.

If we be dreaming, when done working in our "must haves shop" we just gotta have a NAP room

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by 39portlander

If we be dreaming, when done working in our "must haves shop" we just gotta have a NAP room

A little room with a frig, hot plate, couch and tv! What... wait... why would you leave the shop??? hahaha

[tubman]

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To visit he ole' lady once a week?

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by tubman

To visit he ole' lady once a week?

Just once a week?

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Tinker

Just once a week?

You don't know my ole' lady.

[Craig CT]

Hi rockfla; A good geologist to check for a possible sink hole. A spot welder. You guys must all be rich. The first engine I pulled, I was sixteen and I used a block and tackle attached to a stout branch of an apple tree at the edge of our driveway. I have a good two car garage with a ten foot ceiling and enough tools for me, so I don't have the experience with the high end stuff so many here do. Humidity control is very important. You've gotten plenty of great suggestions here, good luck, Craig PS That tree produced really good apples.

[swoopNZ]

Originally Posted by rockfla

Fixing to get a shop built (Strictly a shop) and was wondering what you're must have equipment is for you're shop. I have a twin cyl compressor, 50amp Lincoln Mig, Logan Lathe, Drill press, bench grinder, parts cleaner, all the air tools. Am looking to have a lift installed, media blast cabinet, hydraulic press..... SO what else???

Customers.

[aussie merc]

similar laws came into effect here over twenty years ago and can say that it was for the better as it forced anyone who wasnt trained out of the repair industry and stopped the dodgy fly by nights from shutting down only to open up again across the road .At no time did it stop you working on your car but it did make you responsible for what you did if any thing went wrong . Done and monitored wisely a good thing!

[aussie merc]

on second thoughts all you need is your partner in life to have a sense of humor and a bucket load of patience otherwise its all a waste of time

[DavidG]

Robert,


A cabinet with every K.R. Wilson tool for the years of your cars and the cabinet itself one of those that KRW offered with all of the brackets on the doors, etc. just for keeping everything in its proper place.

[Fred A]

A nice bench vice is the busiest tool in my shop. I have a wood vice at the big door, a multi axis vice at the bench, and a big Wilton. As a kid, a sears starter tool box, a bench grinder with a brush, a cheap vice, a strong bench. a tiny compressor from an antique refrigerator, and a floor jack did far more car work than my current setup. Energy of youth makes all the difference. Good Luck: Fred A

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Fred A

A nice bench vice is the busiest tool in my shop. I have a wood vice at the big door, a multi axis vice at the bench, and a big Wilton. As a kid, a sears starter tool box, a bench grinder with a brush, a cheap vice, a strong bench. a tiny compressor from an antique refrigerator, and a floor jack did far more car work than my current setup. Energy of youth makes all the difference. Good Luck: Fred A

Boy, ain't that the truth!

[cas3]

in my old shop, lost in a fire, i had an office area about 10x14 that i really miss in my new, smaller building. it was nice to have a "clean" room for manuals, computer, expensive parts, etc, to keep them away from grinder snot and paint dust

[1937sedandelivery]

Maybe already mentioned in previous posts.
#1: girlie calendar
#2: beer fridge
#3: potty
#4: paper towels and 409
#5: 6V battery charger
#6: 110V AC outlet every 8 feet
#7: stereo system
#8: lock system so no one can come in and bother you...

[Tinker]

We all like to joke around and we do get off topic.


But serious. Another thing that every shop needs is more square footage and shelves. Other then space, light, and a comfortable environment, tools are the best. I'll take great tools over most of the earlier.

[Brian]

After reading cas3's post above, it is apparent that all shops should be equipped with fire extinguishing gear, something I, and probably many of us, are all too blasé about....

[Tinker]

Originally Posted by Brian

After reading cas3's post above, it is apparent that all shops should be equipped with fire extinguishing gear, something I, and probably many of us, are all too blasé about....

Good one. I have a few scattered around buildings. Sometimes even carry in my truck because.



Very overlooked. Very important.


.

[30yr32]

A good metal cutting band saw with a large throat. Interchangeable blades for wood, steel etc.

[DavidG]

Robert,


If you're building from scratch, consider a sprinkler system. Fire extinguishers are great if you're present when the fire starts, but I can safely assume that you're not planning being in the building 24/7.

[50droptop]

Originally Posted by Fairlane500

I'd like to see photos of some of these shops if comfortable with sharing. I like the garagejournal but they never have anything in their shops that interest a Flathead guy...

Here’s a shot I took yesterday. Rolled the coupe out after polishing the original, yes original, paint. 12’6” ceilings, 2 post lift and open space upstairs. Originally I was going to finish the upstairs as a hang out area but it’s all full of car parts now!

[tubman]

Color me impressed with the original paint on that coupe. What do the fenders and hood look like?

Oh yeah, nice looking shop too. On my mezzanine, the parts area grows and the "hang-out area" keeps shrinking. (I hate the term "Man Cave" for some reason.)

[cas3]

wow! nice garage, and nice coupe!

[50droptop]

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Originally Posted by tubman

Color me impressed with the original paint on that coupe. What do the fenders and hood look like?

Oh yeah, nice looking shop too. On my mezzanine, the parts area grows and the "hang-out area" keeps shrinking. (I hate the term "Man Cave" for some reason.)

Hood is in great shape like the body. Fenders show a little more wear. Here’s a quick 2 minute polish I did just to show a little shine. Also got the new weatherstripping installed, you can see the original paint on the door tops as well. As far as the garage, I only wish it was twice as big!!