I get to build a new shop!

[gabenheimer]

We just bought a house with enough room to build a shop. The lot size will allow a footprint of approximately 20' x 50'. The car entrance will need to be on the 20' end. I plan on installing a two-post lift along with assorted workbenches and tool boxes. I'm pretty stoked about the project. Does anybody have a resource for designing a good shop layout? For the past 25 years I felt lucky having one side of the garage. Now that I get some space I want to make the most of it!

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally posted by gabenheimer
For the past 25 years I felt lucky having one side of the garage.

Who had the other side?

[barney911rs]

Grassroots Motorsports had an article about setting up a home shop in the April issue.

[shbop]

Signing-up. I'm about to do the same. 24' x 40'.

[PKINGHAM]

For more garage/shop ideas and discussion check out the forum dedicated to that topic:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3

[URY914]

Originally posted by PKINGHAM
For more garage/shop ideas and discussion check out the forum dedicated to that topic:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3

I'll second that. Great place for info and the search function works.

Paul

[David]

Originally posted by PKINGHAM
For more garage/shop ideas and discussion check out the forum dedicated to that topic:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3

That's great! It's like the Pelican Parts of garage forums .

Wish that was around when I did my garage extension.

[lateapex911]

wow...50 x 20. Druel druel! I am dieing to add 10' to my 22 x22!

I think the design depends on what you'll be doing. If you're planning full restorations, or fabrications, or storage??

I'd consider having dedicated areas. Maybe build a small storage room at the back, with a door, just to put the bigger parts, the engine stands, lifts, etc.. And I'd also consider a tool room for the messier fabrication tools. Saws, drill presses, mills, any grinding or fibreglassing work could be done in there, and the dust will be controlled, along with the noise.

By all means don't waste the upper space above the ceiling. Dedicate one area up there to the compressor. It's a bit of a pain to get it up there, but it's out of the way, and you will hardly hear it running. And I'd try to make some shelving up there for smaller parts.

Also, either install or plan AC if you want to get work done in the summer!

[HawgRyder]

Whenever I start on something like this (have done several)...I draw the area on a large piece of paper (outline of shape) to scale.
Then cut out smaller (to scale) pieces to the shapes and sizes of you car, equipment, benches, etc.
With this method, you can move things around to see the effect of placement and be able to measure the distances in between benches and doors etc.
I have found that when incorrectly placed, sometimes you leave no room to move.
From a level standpoint the room looks good....the wall of benches is impressive....and the compressor is out of the way, but when you look at the same design from above...the problems are evident.
besides...you get to play with all the ideas in very short time...and the owner of the other half of the garage may have some ideas too.
Have fun.
Bob

[David]

If possible, you might want to make it a little wider than 20' so you have room for cabinets along the 50' wall with room to still work around two cars parked side by side. My garage is 22 x 43 with the entrance on the 22' side. I have 20" deep benchs along one 43' wall.

[lateapex911]

Yea, if you can design with a clean sheet of paper I agree. One thing I hate is how I can't get a jack handle to swing in a narrow garage. Sounds silly, but it can be a real problem.

[72doug2,2S]

Ah, the man room.

Elevate the TV, add a utility sink, don't forget a bathroom, and add a refrigerator. Think about your winters and how to heat the place. And, build this far enough away from the house so you can't hear your wife calling you. You should be golden.

If every married man in America did this we could cut the divorce rate in half.

[David]

Originally posted by 72doug2,2S
If every married man in America did this we could cut the divorce rate in half.

I agree and even spent some quality time away from the wife last night .

I've got cable TV, a good stereo, a fridge with beer, A/C, and of course a Porsche that always needs a little work.

[gabenheimer]

Originally posted by Danny_Ocean
Who had the other side?

The wife of course! I park outside and she parks inside.

[gabenheimer]

Thanks for all the feedback. I never thought of putting the compressor on the second level. I'd love to see any pictures of the Pelican shops out there for some inspiration.

[cstreit]

I'd go wider if possible. With 20' wide you'll be contrained if you put in a row of benches along the wall and cars side by side. Mine is 24x40 and I enter on the 24 side. Still gets narrow. I'd shoot for 26 x40 instead. Gives you plety of width, and two cars deep with room for equipment and tables.

I can shoot some pics of my shop if you want to see what I mean...

[M.D. Holloway]

I can get ya some good products - anti-sieze, penetrants, all sorts of lubes. Heck, I might be able to swing a deal on some equipment as well! Some will be free, others at cost. Let me know...

[obrut]

check out amazon.

lots of eye candy in books like "ultimate garages" etc and lots of practical ideas in how to books like the wonderfully titled "the garagenous zone"

[gabenheimer]

Originally posted by cstreit
I'd go wider if possible. With 20' wide you'll be contrained if you put in a row of benches along the wall and cars side by side. Mine is 24x40 and I enter on the 24 side. Still gets narrow. I'd shoot for 26 x40 instead. Gives you plety of width, and two cars deep with room for equipment and tables.

I can shoot some pics of my shop if you want to see what I mean...

I wish I could go wider. Unfortunately the way the house and lot are situated, 20x 50 is the best I can do. I'd like to see some pictures of your shop and get some ideas. Thanks!

Randy

[jim72911t]

Randy,
Sounds like a fun project. I'm in the process of expanding my 25' x 20' garage to 34' x 20.' Some have suggested drawing up some plans on paper. I might have gone a bit overboard:



Plans include a machine shop and office, with space for two cars. It might get a little tight, though.

Good luck,
Jim