Shop Questions

I

idahohiker

Joined
Apr 20, 2002
Messages
56
Hello All:


I'm getting my garage wired for my shop this Monday and I have a few questions for you guys.

1. What is a good height for a workbench?

2. Would you have outlets wired to be above the bench or below the bench?

3. What would be your ideal number of 240v outlets that you would have installed?

4. What size of exhaust fan should I look for?

My Garage that I'm using is 25' x 25'.

Thanks in advance for all the great input that I'm sure I'll be getting.

Bob Jensen
 
1. What is a good height for a workbench?

34" is industry standard.

2. Would you have outlets wired to be above the bench or below the bench?

Above and behind, on the back wall preferably.

3. What would be your ideal number of 240v outlets that you would have installed?

Only as many as you have equipment to run them on. I add/subtract outlets as I add/subtract machines, and each machine on 240v should have its own circuit.

4. What size of exhaust fan should I look for?

Depends on what size your shop is. My cold shop is 15 x 25 and I feel my 18" fan does a fine job. A 24" fan should do you well. fpr the size of your shop. If you mount it as a roof fan, even better.
 
Regarding home shop electrical set-up, I can only speak for myself, but I can speak from very recent experience.

I was writing the final check to my electrician almost seven days ago almost exactly (like to the minute).

My shop is only 12.5’x 14’. I went with 5 X 240V, 20 amp outlets around the perimeter accompanied by 4 X 110V outlets at each 240V location and a bunch of individually switched ceiling mounted 110V outlets to handle the shop’s lighting needs. I had the electrician bring a 70 amp sub panel for the shop from the 200 amp main service panel that was installed two years ago when we had air conditioning added to our house. The general outlet and switch height is 48” to allow clearance over 36” benches.

I settled on 5 X 240v outlets because I have a Bridgeport mill and a Hardinge lathe that both require 240 now, and I’m sure I’ll be getting a 240V surface grinder soon, so the other two 240v outlets are for future expansion.

I’m sure I underestimated the air handling as I only have a 110 CFM squirrel cage fan for exhaust on a 1400 Cubic Foot shop. The good news is that there’s already a hole cut in the ceiling of the shop and switched AC there, so I just have to upscale the fan and maybe the exhaust ducting.


I’m not sure if any of this helps you, but it’s what I settled on for my shop’s electrical. If I had a regret, it’s that I didn’t include a 50 amp 240v welder circuit. It’s becoming apparent to me that to do serious metal working, some welding will be required (mostly for fixtures) and old gas torches are no longer very relevant.

John
 
My advice, figure the maximum amount of 110 outlets that you think you would possibly ever need then double it. Then make each outlet a double gang box so there's four per box. You still won't have enough! ;) Mount them above the benches as Jeff said, best thing I ever did with my shop.
 
Bench height depends on how tall you are. I'm a little over 6'3" and find that my 36" bench just isn't quite tall enough. Anytime I need to lay a peice down to scribe a line or fit peices together I end up laying it on the platen of my 4X36 belt sander to get it up where I can see without leaning over it all the time.Leaning over the work bench makes your back sore and you won't want to spend as much time in the shop.
 
Hey Guys:

Thanks for all the great response. Your answers sure have helped me. I'll try to take some before and after pics and let you all see how my project is coming along.

I'm fairly new to knifemaking and have been getting some great coaching from Mastersmith Bruce Bump in Walla Walla, WA. He has helped me a great deal and I figured I might as well learn from one of the best.

Thanks again and I hope to be posting more in the future as I get going with something that I've wanted to do for a long time.

Bob Jensen
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top